CHAPTER1
761 Words
Chapter One: The Weight of Guilt.
Aria’s POV
The forest was silent, save for the gentle rustle of leaves and the distant call of a mourning dove. Aria stood at the edge of the river, the same river that had haunted her dreams for the past ten years. The water flowed calmly now, betraying no hint of the tragedy it once concealed.
She clutched a worn ribbon in her hand, its once vibrant color faded to a dull gray. It was all she had left of her sister.
"Why did she die but not you?"
Mr Moonridge said
His words echoed in her mind, as they had every day since her father's drunken accusation. She had been eight years old, a child seeking adventure, unaware of the consequences that awaited her.
Aria's fingers tightened around the ribbon as she turned away from the river. The forest had been her refuge and her prison, a place where she could escape the judgmental eyes of the pack but also a constant reminder of her isolation.
She had lived as a rogue for a decade, surviving on scraps and the occasional kindness of strangers. Her once bright eyes had dulled, and her spirit had been worn thin by years of solitude and self-imposed exile.
But today was different. Today marked her eighteenth birthday, the day she would come of age and, according to werewolf tradition, discover her fated mate. She had long given up hope of such a bond, believing herself unworthy of love or connection.
She turned her face to the wind and closed her eyes. For the first time in years, she felt peace, not the kind that came from silence, but the kind born from surviving everything that tried to break her.
The river that once took everything had become quiet, too. Not a threat now, but a memory one that no longer drowned her.
Her bright eyes had dulled, and her spirit had been worn thin by years of solitude and self-imposed exile.
But today was different. Today marked her eighteenth birthday, the day she would come of age and, according to werewolf tradition, discover her fated mate. She had long given up hope of such a bond, believing herself unworthy of love or connection.
Yet, as the moon shines, a strange warmth spreads through her chest, followed by an undeniable pull in a specific direction. Her heart raced as she realized what it meant.
Her mate was nearby.
Compelled by the bond, Aria followed the sensation, weaving through the forest with a newfound purpose. The pull led her to the outskirts of a grand estate, its towering gates and manicured lawns a stark contrast to the wildness she had known.
Guards stationed at the entrance eyed her warily, their hands resting on their weapons.
"State your business," one demanded.
Aria hesitated, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm here to see the Alpha."
The guards exchanged glances before one of them nodded. "Wait here."
Moments later, the gates creaked open, and Aria was escorted through the estate's room. She felt out of place amidst her tattered clothes and unkempt appearance, drawing curious stares from the pack members she passed.
Finally, she was led to a grand chamber where a tall, imposing figure stood with his back to her. He turned slowly, revealing a chiseled face and piercing eyes that seemed to look right through her.
"Aria,"
He said, his voice devoid of emotion.
She nodded, her throat dry.
"You're my mate."
Dominic studied her for a moment before responding.
I am Alpha Dominic Blackthorn. It appears fate has bound us together.
Aria's heart sank at his cold demeanor. She had imagined this moment countless times, hoping for warmth and acceptance. Instead, she was met with indifference.
"You will resume the role of Luna,"
Dominic continued.
"But do not expect affection or special treatment. This is a matter of duty, nothing more."
Aria looked confused and hurt by his statement.
Tears rolled down from Aria's eyes, but she blinked them away, nodding silently.
Over the following weeks, Aria tried to adapt to her new life. She performed her duties diligently, enduring the whispers and judgmental glances from the pack. Despite her efforts, Dominic remained distant, never offering a kind word or touch.
One evening, as she prepared for a pack gathering, a commotion erupted at the estate's entrance. Curious, Aria made her way to the foyer, where Dominic stood with a woman cradled in his arms.
The woman's face was obscured, but something about her minded Aria Of her sister.
- Writer
