Alpha's Regret After His Pushover Luna Left (Short)

Chapter 4

Chapter 4

Sunrise and sunset passed, and the seventh day I had been waiting for finally arrived.

When I opened my eyes that morning, a luxurious ceremonial dress had been laid out in the room. Silver thread embroidered laurel leaves and wolf totems across its fabric.

Adrian said, "Elara, once the ritual is complete, we'll perform the marking ceremony immediately."

He hesitated for a second. "From now on, I'll be loyal to only you."

I looked at him and said, "Whatever you want."

He frowned slightly, looking a little uncomfortable. "You'll be my Luna after this. If you don't like something I do, just say it, or refuse me."

After a moment, he asked, "That day, I heard you mention your parents and brother… where are they? Are they coming to witness the ceremony?"

I froze for a moment, then smiled, remembering the task from the Moon Goddess was nearly done. "No need. Once today is over, I'll go see them myself."

Adrian looked at my face in a daze. "You're that happy to be my mate? I've never seen you smile like that before."

I didn't respond. I simply followed him to the western courtyard where the ritual would take place.

I entered the room with the pack's Healer. Adrian waited outside with a woman dressed as a witch.

The late-spring air inside was chilly. I lay quietly on the bed, feeling the last of my life force being drained into the obsidian. I heard faint streams of energy swirling, but I wasn't afraid—only calm and light.

It was good. Soon, I would see my family again.

…

A heavy rain had fallen the night before, knocking all the laurel blossoms from the courtyard trees. Since last night, Adrian had felt something ominous, pacing the muddy yard, his once-clean boots now spattered in dirt. But he didn't care.

The witch beside him grew impatient. "Why are you pacing? It's not like your Luna is giving birth."

Adrian shot her a glare. "Why not? Once this is over, I'll make her my Luna with the grandest ceremony. Every werewolf will witness it!"

The witch looked at him in disbelief. "You—you're making her Luna? And you still had her do the blood sacrifice ritual?!"

Adrian looked embarrassed. "I thought she would refuse… but it's fine. I'll make it up to her. I'll treat her well for the rest of her life, repay her for all the pain."

The witch replied, "But after the ritual ends, her soul will be devoured by the curse. She won't live through the night—"

Adrian's face went pale just as a loud crash sounded from inside.

A sharp scream tore through the night. "She's dead—Elara is dead!"

The Healer's shriek shattered the silence. Adrian, standing outside, went ghost-white.

He stumbled and burst through the door. "What happened?!"

As the door swung open, a wave of chilling death swept out. Adrian shuddered as his eyes landed on the bed.

Elara lay there in a plain white dress, motionless. On her chest, where her heart was, a dark mark slowly faded. But her chest still rose and fell.

Adrian roared, "She's still breathing! Why aren't you saving her?!"

He rushed forward—but when he got close, his knees gave out and he collapsed to the ground.

What he mistook for breath was the curse, devouring the last remnants of her wolf soul—black energy flickering just beneath her skin.

Adrian stared at Elara's pale face, crawling closer on hands and knees. He gently shook her.

"Elara? Elara? Say something! Weren't you always the one who listened to me the most? I command you, as your Alpha, open your eyes and look at me!"

But this time, the woman on the bed gave no reply. Her eyes remained closed. Her expression was peaceful, her lips even curled in a faint smile.

Adrian sat there, lost and confused.

Elara had completed the ritual. Her soul had been consumed by the curse. She should have died in agony. Why did she look… at peace? Why that hint of release?

Was it because this was what he had asked of her?

But they were just about to perform the mate ceremony. He was going to make her Luna. He still wanted to tell her family that he would cherish her forever!

Footsteps echoed nearby. Adrian snapped back to reality, clutching the witch's robe in desperation.

"Please, save her! I'm begging you—save her!"

The witch sighed and shook her head, her expression filled with pity. "There's no medicine for regret. When a wolf dies and her soul vanishes, there's no way to bring her back."

Adrian's eyes reddened. "But when you gave me the cursed stone, you didn't tell me she'd die!"

The witch looked startled. "Don't you dare accuse me—I told Beta Sylvia clearly!"

Adrian's eyes widened instantly.