Chapter23:

Chapter 23 “Aurora? What's wrong?” I moved closer to Xander and spoke quietly. “Someone's outside. An intruder.” As if on cue, the festive atmosphere around the bonfire shifted. Pack members picked up on our unease, conversations dying down as alert eyes turned towards the forest's edge. Xander didn't hesitate. With a quick nod to Jaxon and Marcus, he set our defenses in motion. I experienced the usual sensation of strength in my hands, with a gentle silver light coming from my skin. Concentrating on this feeling, I attempted to identify the cause of my discomfort. The forest appeared to be holding its breath, creating an unusual quietness that had spread across our area. A twig snapped in the darkness beyond the bonfire's light. Several pack members growled low in their throats, the sound primal and warning. Xander's voice broke the silence, telling the younger and non-fighters to go back to the pack house for safety. I took a deep breath and moved ahead. I could sense the strange lig