21: Seven White Wolves

Aurora wakes in her childhood cave, burning with fever and weakness from two days without using the Starmaker’s magic. Disoriented, she recalls the Sun overrunning her at the glacier and the Starmaker collapsing. Farren appears, revealing he moved her there after witnessing the incident.

Desperate to return to the palace and resume magic before it harms her further, Aurora clashes with Farren. He blocks her path, insisting the Starmaker hurt her and that he is protecting her, while Aurora asserts her autonomy and duty as Starmaker Rising.

Pressed, Farren admits his motive: his readership is shrinking due to anti-Aurora headlines, his father is furious, their crops are failing, and he wants a glare line between their homes. Aurora rejects him, explaining she cannot create glare lines and condemning his coercion and abduction.

As growls ring out, seven white wolves encircle them. The Starmaker arrives, orders Farren to release Aurora, and threatens dire consequences if he approaches her again. He lifts Aurora, noting her hunger and cold, and prepares to take her home.

Held in the Starmaker’s arms, Aurora softens, asking to be taken home and, half-asleep, wonders “What if I said forever?” He remains steady and protective, escorting her to the sleigh while the wolves lead. A brief Starmaker viewpoint reveals adrenaline, relief, and the danger of how alive he feels with her.