Rejected Then Desired: The Alpha’s Regret

Chapter 3: The Return in Black

In the northern realm, the cold moon hung high as the stars dimmed to silence. Beneath its pale glow, the ancient Soulbond Ring spun slowly, casting silver light upon the sacred altar stone—like a tide of restless spirits rising in anticipation.

Lucian Stormfang stood at the very center, draped in robes of black and gold, his expression as sharp and cold as a blade. Beside him, Vivienne Nightveil clutched his arm, her smile poised and serene. Dressed in a shimmering gown of silver-white, she looked every bit the moon goddess she had always dreamed of becoming.

The moment had finally arrived.

Encircling the altar were the clan’s Alphas and Elders, their eyes solemn as they bore witness.

An Oathkeeper stepped forward, his ceremonial cloak adorned with feathers that rippled in the night wind. His voice was deep and ancient, echoing like a storm about to break.

"Under the gaze of the Moon Goddess and the spirits of all living beings, we gather tonight to witness the binding of fates."

Vivienne held her breath, her hand tightening imperceptibly around Lucian’s. Just one final vow stood between her and the crown she had fought so hard to seize—the title of Lady Stormfang. Soon, she would erase the shadow of that girl… the joke fate once favored and then discarded.

“Lucian Stormfang,” the Oathkeeper turned toward him, his voice grave and unshakable, “do you accept Vivienne Nightveil as your soulbonded mate? To share your fate, your bloodline, and your honor—until death parts you?”

Lucian lifted his eyes slightly, his lips parted:

“I—”

But in that very instant—

Boom.

The ancient doors of the ceremonial hall burst open, slammed by an unseen force. A blast of frigid wind swept through, laced with a presence so powerful, so oppressive, that even the wolves’ spirits stirred and whimpered.

Every head turned toward the entrance. Time seemed to freeze.

Flame-red hair. A dress as dark as the night.

She stepped into the light on razor heels, each click of her stride pounding like war drums in the silent hall. She walked with the elegance of arrogance, the poise of a queen reclaiming a realm lost to betrayal.

Selene was back.

Six years ago, she had been cast out—abandoned by the clan, forsaken by fate, rejected by her Alpha. But now, she stood outside the Soulbond Ring, crimson eyes cold, a cruel smile playing on her lips.

Silence reigned, broken only by her voice.

“Sorry to interrupt,” she said softly.

She raised her hand.

Resting in her palm was the fragment of an ancient soulbond seal—its silver glow still pulsing, fresh blood staining its edges.

Her gaze swept the hall before settling on the Oathkeeper.

“The bond between Lucian Stormfang and I was never severed. I,” she said, her voice like frost, “am his true fated mate.”

Chaos.

The crowd erupted like lightning splitting the sky.

Vivienne’s face drained of all color, then flushed with rage. “She’s lying! That’s impossible—she’s just a Beta, she—”

Selene chuckled, her eyes glinting. “You stole what was mine six years ago. Tonight, I’m simply here to take it back.”

Lucian stood frozen.

His lips still lingered on the word I—the vow he would never complete.

His wolf stirred violently within him, a soul howling with recognition, fury, and longing. That scent—of fire, of midnight, of retribution—was unmistakable.

It was her.

Selene.

He couldn’t even bring himself to meet her gaze. He had left her under the moonlit spring, cast her out with his own hands… And now, she had returned with the fury of a queen, shattering the path he had laid for another.

Selene didn’t waste breath on theatrics.

She tossed the broken seal into the air.

The moment it cracked, silver light exploded outward. In the air, ancient runes formed a single, thunderous phrase:

“The bond remains. Destiny endures.”

Lucian’s expression twisted. He felt the bond flare to life inside him—like claws ripping into his heart.

Vivienne screamed, “No! That can’t be true! She’s not—she’s not your mate anymore!”

Selene’s gaze turned to her, ice-cold and cutting.

“You were nothing but a scavenger picking up what I discarded.”

“You laughed when my wolf soul shattered. Now, I wonder how long that smile will last.”

With that, she turned to leave.

Her crimson hair swept behind her in a sharp arc of defiance.

Lucian instinctively reached out—but the moment he touched her aura, the backlash from his own wolf soul sent him staggering backward, as if struck by lightning.

He clutched his chest, gasping, the proud Alpha’s eyes filled for the first time… with terror. And regret.

Behind him, the Oathkeeper collapsed to his knees. The Book of Vows in his hand combusted into ash—burned by divine rejection.

The Moon Goddess no longer recognized the bond they sought to forge.

Vivienne stood frozen, tears finally spilling down her cheeks. But no one looked at her anymore.

And beyond the doors, Selene walked away without a backward glance.

A smirk danced at the corner of her lips.

This was only the beginning.