THE LUNA HE LEFT BEHIND

Soraya’s POV “I reject you, Soraya, as my Luna.” Darien's words sliced through me like a sword. I stood still, barefoot in our shared bedroom, clutching my folded dress in my hands. “What?” I whispered, not because I didn’t hear him, but because I couldn’t believe what he just said. Darien didn’t look at me. He just kept staring out of the window into the dark, jaw clenched, his voice detached. “You heard me, Soraya. I stepped forward. “Say it to my face.” Darien turned, but his eyes were void of any emotion. No softness, no guilt. Just cold as ice. “I said I reject you. I never wanted any of this marriage. You were forced on me, Soraya. I was never supposed to be yours, and you know that.” I flinched but forced myself to stay upright. “We’ve been married for four years, Darien, four years.” “And I've been pretending for four years,” he snapped. But I can’t keep lying to myself. “So, what was all this for?” I asked quietly. “All those nights you came to my bed? The marking, the vows?” “It was all duty.” His words landed like punches. “Nothing more.” I blinked slowly, summoning the courage, and I forced the words out. “Fine, I accept your rejection.” Darien couldn’t hide his shock. ” You accept just like that?” “Of course, do you want me to beg?” My voice cracked. “You never loved me. “I get it now.” Then hit me. Real soul pain. My knees buckled involuntarily; I had to hold on to the bed frame to keep me from collapsing as the mate bond tore inside me, ripping itself apart. My wolf whimpered, then went quiet in my mind. Darien watched me with an unreadable expression, then turned and walked away. The cold wind slapped my face as I stepped into the hall, but I felt numb. Our wedding night flashed before my eyes. I had waited for him for hours after the ceremony, sitting on our bed in a white silk gown, heart racing with excitement and fear. I lit scented candles to make the mood romantic. I even braided my hair the way he once said he liked it. When the door finally opened, Darien was still in his ceremonial clothes; he looked pissed and tired. His hair was damp, and his shirt was unbuttoned. He looked in a way a groom shouldn’t look on his wedding night. Darien didn’t say a word; he just looked at me.” Why are you still awake?” He muttered quietly. “I wanted to wait for you.” Darien nodded and unbuttoned his shirt. I swallowed hard, looking at him. Still nothing. He undressed quickly as if this wasn’t our first night, then walked towards me. No kisses, no sweet words. Darien pushed me back and climbed on top of me without ceremony. His grip was too firm as he gripped my waist and tugged down my gown. My heart raced. It was supposed to be sweet and romantic, passionate. But his touch felt robotic. He didn't meet my gaze. He didn’t whisper my name. He rubbed my c**t and positioned himself between my thighs; he pressed into me in one harsh, unfeeling thrust. I cried out in pain. My fingers clutched the sheets, biting down on my lip to keep me from crying further. He moved fast without caring, like he just wanted to end it. I turned my face away, staring at the wall, tears slipping down my cheeks. I had waited for this night, even dreamed of it, that it would feel special being claimed by my mate. I felt like I was used He let out a loud growl, dumping his load on me. After that, Darien stood and went to the bathroom. That night, I curled up in the corner of the bed crying into my pillow till dawn, while Darien slept peacefully like none of it mattered to him. Back in my room, I grabbed my hoodie and jeans, then stuffed some money and an old dagger into my bag. My chest hurt as I moved on instinct now. I didn't belong here; I didn't belong to Alpha Darien anymore. I sprayed some herbs on myself that Mira, my best friend, gave me to mask my scent, just in case. I walked past the East corridor near Darien’s quarters and heard some sounds. A moan I tiptoed towards the half-opened door and peeked through the c***k. Darien and Vespera were in our bed. Her nails were on his back as Darien claimed her. Darien continued f*****g her, whispering her name like He couldn’t get enough of her. He s*****d Vespera's ass as he savaged her, making her moan loudly. Darien had never touched me like that, not even once. I didn't cry; I didn't scream. I just walked away like I hadn’t just seen them, but something inside me broke. I crept outside quietly avoiding the guards and slipped through the shadows like a ghost. I should have taken my car, but that would only attract attention to me. Before leaving for good, I made a detour towards Mira’s house; it was a few houses away from my ex-house. The window above the kitchen was open, like always. I scribbled a quick note. “Mira don't look for me, I need peace; I’ll be okay. Stay safe. S. I folded it and tossed it through the window. Then I turned and walked into the forest without looking back. The night was cold and quiet when I walked into the woods. I headed towards the eastern border, away from the pack patrols. The wind carried the scent of moss and decay. I didn't hear them until it was too late. Growls. Five, maybe six I spun around in time to see glowing eyes in the darkness. Rogue wolves I tried to run, but they were too fast; one tackled me to the ground. I kicked and screamed, fighting back with my dagger catching one in the leg. But then Crack My head slammed against a jagged stone on the forest floor.