CHAPTER THREE: THE WEIGHT OF REJECTION
1121 Words
Aria's POV
I couldn't shake the feelings that this wasn't over, even though I had been rejected by Damon. I never pictured that as my fate although the bond we shared was still there, lingering in the air like a heavy cloud.
“What am I supposed to do now?” I wondered, feeling lost, doubting a good future.
When the night approached with its cool and silent atmosphere, a lot of questions raced through my mind.
Why did the moon goddess pair me with someone who hated me? Was there a reason behind this, or was it truly a mistake? And most importantly, what would happen to me now that I had been rejected?
There were a lot of questions with no answers. Life became unbearable. Nothing was favoring me.
I strode back to my small cabin on the edge of the pack’s territory, as my thoughts swirled in confusion.
The cabin was emptier than it used to be. I wondered what had happened as I stood by, with observation and then loneliness settled in my bones once again.
I sat down at the bed staring at the window, and suddenly I was startled by a soft knock on the door.
My heart raced as I quickly wiped the tears that had finally fallen.
“Who is that?” I called out with a shaky voice.
“It's Lena." A familiar voice replied.
Lena was my best friend, the only one who had an idea about my mate's bond with Damon.
I opened the door and she stepped inside, her eyes filled with concern.
“Aria, what happened? I felt something was wrong,” Lena said, with a soft and comforting voice.
I had no idea of where to start. The pain of rejection was still fresh in my head, and saying it out loud would remind me of the past.
“Damon rejected me" I mustered the courage to voice out my worries through a whisper as the words tasted bitter on my tongue.
Lena's eyes widened in shock. “What? Why did he do that? Did you offend him?"
I shook my head. “Why should I do such a thing? You know me to be the gentle type."
"So what happened then? Why the rejection?" She curiously inquired.
“He said I’m not what he expected. He doesn't want me to be his mate."
“Just like that? Was he mad or drunk? How could he reject such a beautiful girl like you?"
“That's not all he did. He went ahead to call me an ugly beast."
Lena reached out and pulled me into a tight hug. “I’m so sorry, Aria. You don't deserve to be treated this way."
I clung to her, finally letting the tears flow freely. “I thought he was the one, Lena. I thought we were meant to be, but now I've been dumped like a trash can."
“You're not a trash can, Aria. You're more beautiful than the ugly beast he called you. If he doesn't wajt you, someone else definitely would."
"But when? Why is everyone turning their back on me? Why is my case always different from everyone else's? Does it mean the moon goddess really made the mistake of pairing us together?”
“You're never alone, and if everyone turns their back on you, I will always be here for you."
“Thank you so much Lena," I appreciated, pulling her into a tight hug. Yet, I didn't feel comfortable. “But Lena, does the moon goddess make a mistake in giving someone a mate?”
There was a moment of silence before letting out an answer.
“Not really”. She said softly, running her fingers through my hair, "but maybe... maybe there is a reason for this. Maybe the moon goddess has a special plan for you."
Her words were meant to comfort me, but they only left me with more questions. What kind of plan would involve such pain and rejection?
I was held by Lena as I couldn't help but wonder with a lot of questions what would happen next.
Would I ever find someone who truly loves me? Was I destined to be alone forever? Only time will tell when I finally meet the right person.
Few minutes later, a different thought crept into my mind, sending shivers down my spine.
Suddenly Lena interrupted with a twisted question. “What if Damon wasn't done with you yet?”
Her words made sense, but they still didn't take the sting of Damon rejection away from my chest.
It was as if the more thought I had on issues like this, the more I got inflicted with sadness.
I wanted to believe that there was a reason for all of this, but it was hard to see past the pain.
“Maybe there should be a way out, maybe you're right,” I quietly murmured but didn't make it easier.
“I know,” Lena replied, squeezing my hand. “Come on. You're stronger than you think, Aria. You’ll get through this."
We stayed together for a little longer, and the only sound that caught our attention was the sound of wind outside.
But even though I have been comforted by Lena, I wasn't yet satisfied with the advice. Something deep inside of me was demanding for more.
“What if we confront the moon goddess to cast a spell on him? Maybe he could accept me back?" I questioned, suddenly voicing the thought that had been nagging at me.
Lena frowned. “Do you believe in such a thing? Never force love on someone when it isn't genuine. Let love find its own expression."
“I don't know," I admitted. “But I can't help but believe that there is not more to this; like he is done with me."
“Then don't wish for his return because if he can treat you this way, it will be worse when he returns," Lena said firmly. “You owe him nothing, if he didn't want you when the bond was first formed, he doesn't deserve you now."
“But what if he forces me to be with him?” I asked with fear creeping in my voice, "you know he is the future Alpha, he could do anything."
Lena's expression hardened. “If he tries to force you, then we will fight him, You're not alone, Aria. I will stand by you, no matter what."
Her voice triggered my confidence, but the fear still lingered at the back of my mind.
Damon is powerful and if he forced himself on me, I was very certain that he would win me.
- Writer
