Chapter 260

Chapter 260
Iris's POV

My announcement caused a far greater reaction than I'd expected. The crowd erupted in a chaos of exclamations—disbelief, amazement, incredulity.

Elder Magnhild was the first to step forward, her eyes sharp as blades. "Can you prove this? Aurora has a mark, a mark only the true Aurora would know."

I smiled slightly, my heart beating faster. I reached inside my collar and pulled out a hidden pendant—a silver star with a blue gemstone set in its center. I had designed this pendant years ago, and only a select few knew its significance. It had rested against my skin like a secret guardian all this time.

"Northern star, never dimming," I said quietly, feeling the power of these words. "Guiding lost wolves home."

Elder Magnhild's eyes widened instantly. She reached out with a trembling hand to touch the pendant, then turned to her people. "She speaks the truth. She is Aurora." There was awe in the elder's voice, making me slightly uncomfortable.

The elder's confirmation swept through the square like lightning, causing even greater commotion. I could feel many gazes shift from suspicion to respect, even reverence, especially from the younger generation. Their eyes held something close to worship, which both moved and unsettled me—I'd never imagined my identity would provoke such a strong response.

"So what?" Beta Erik angrily interrupted the moment, his voice filled with fury. "A mark and a password prove nothing! Aurora is just a fairy tale used to deceive the weak who want to escape the pack!"

"Not a fairy tale, Erik," another elder spoke up, his voice carrying reproach. "Aurora is our beacon of hope in modern society. For years, we have waited for her appearance, waited for her to show us the way."

I was stunned by these words. Aurora apparently held a much more significant position in the Northern European pack than I had realized. I knew the name 'Aurora' carried weight in legends, but I never imagined it would bear the real hopes of so many. This sense of responsibility was far heavier than I had anticipated.

The mood in the square had completely transformed. The pack members had clearly divided into two camps: the younger generation and some open-minded elders stood with me, their eyes full of hope and respect; while others, the more conservative faction, stood behind Beta, their gazes filled with wariness and resistance.

A young female werewolf boldly approached me, her voice slightly trembling: "Aurora, for years I've dreamed of leaving here, exploring the human world, but I feared losing my identity. Can you... can you tell me if it's really possible?"

I saw the yearning and uncertainty in her eyes, and it reminded me of my younger self. I gently took her hand. "Not only possible, but it will make you stronger. Knowing who you are while daring to explore the unknown—that's true courage." I paused, feeling the weight of my words. "But the path isn't easy. You'll need firm conviction and the ability to remember your roots when you feel lost."

Tears glistened in her eyes, but determination shone through. "I want to try. If you could do it, so can I."

More young pack members approached, their eyes shining with new hope. Some asked about education, others about controlling shifting urges during full moons, and still others about finding belonging in human society. Each question touched me, because these were the same questions I had once struggled with.

"This is why we need to build a bridge," I raised my voice so everyone could hear, "a bridge connecting tradition with modernity, connecting the pack with the human world. We don't have to completely abandon one for the other; we can be ambassadors of both worlds."

"Enough!" Beta suddenly roared, his voice carrying unprecedented anger. "This is rebellion! She's inciting you to betray the pack!"

"Not betrayal, Erik," I replied calmly, though his fury made me tense inside. "It's evolution, growth. The pack needs to adapt to the new era or it will decline. Look around you—how many young people are yearning for change? Can you silence their voices forever?"

Beta's gaze swept over those standing by me, his eyes burning with increasing rage. "Traitors! All of you! Seduced by an outsider's pretty words! The honor of the Northern European pack is built on pure bloodlines and steadfast tradition, and anyone who betrays tradition is an enemy!"

"We're not betraying tradition," a young man stepped forward to argue, his voice shaky but determined. "We're hoping to let tradition survive in new ways. Beta, you're too stubborn to see the world is changing!"

His words triggered more voices of agreement, and support for me grew louder. I saw Beta's face turn ashen, his body beginning to tremble slightly—a sign of impending rage. I felt a chill crawl up my spine, my instincts sensing danger approaching.

Elder Magnhild tried to ease the tension: "Erik, calm yourself. Let's discuss this rationally. Aurora's appearance is an important sign we cannot ignore."

But Beta was beyond listening to any advice. He looked around, seeing more and more people standing with me, and the last trace of rationality vanished from his eyes.

"I've had enough!" Beta suddenly bellowed, his voice carrying a wolf's howl that shook the square. "The Northern European pack doesn't need change or an outsider's guidance! We have our own path!" He turned to his loyal followers standing behind him, his eyes flashing dangerously. "Brothers, it's time to clean house!"

As his words died away, a piercing whistle cut through the night air. About fifteen men around Beta immediately sprang into action, quickly forming a circle that trapped me and my supporters in the middle. Their movements were coordinated and swift, clearly trained warriors.

My heart rate suddenly accelerated, and my palms began to sweat. This wasn't the development I had expected—I had hoped to reach understanding through peaceful dialogue, not trigger violent conflict. But now, danger was imminent.

"Erik! What are you doing?" Elder Magnhild cried out in horror, her voice filled with disbelief. "You can't do this! This violates our traditions! Aurora's identity is protected by ancient law!"

Beta laughed coldly, his eyes flashing with terrible resolve. "Traditions? When traitors and outsiders threaten our existence, protecting the pack becomes the highest tradition!" He turned to his followers, his voice low and dangerous. "Begin!"

A shocking scene unfolded—Beta's followers began to transform, their human appearance gradually giving way to wolf features. Sharp claws and fangs emerged, their eyes turning the golden yellow of beasts, muscles expanding and distorting. It was a partial transformation, more dangerous than becoming a full wolf because they retained human intelligence and judgment while possessing a wolf's strength and ferocity.

Chaos erupted in the square, screams rising. My supporters instinctively gathered around me, forming a protective circle. But I could see that most of them weren't prepared for battle, especially the young ones, whose eyes were filled with terror. I felt a pang of guilt—my appearance and words had triggered this conflict.

I quickly scanned our surroundings, looking for possible escape routes or support. But we were completely surrounded, and Beta's followers appeared well-trained, ready to attack at any moment. My mind raced, considering various response strategies. Instinctively, I reached for my earring—the hidden communicator inside was my only link to the outside world. But using it now might be too late.

"This is just the beginning," I thought grimly, bracing myself for what was coming.