THE REJECTED WHITE LUNA

CHAPTER FOUR: MANIPULATED

Alpha Magnus’ voice echoed through the great hall. “Aria.” Lina stopped walking. Aria did the same.

Slowly, she turned around. The whispers that had filled the hall moments ago faded into silence.

Every eye was on her once again. Magnus rose from his seat, his expression as unreadable as ever.

“No one leaves.” His command carried effortlessly through the hall. “The events of tonight concern not only Silver Moon Pack, but every guest gathered beneath this roof.”Everyone remained where they were.

Magnus descended the steps of the platform until he stood in the center of the hall. His gaze settled on Kael.

“Alpha Kael, you have rejected the mate chosen for you by the Moon Goddess. I ask you now, before the witnesses gathered here… Do you regret your decision?” The hall grew deathly quiet. Kael stood without hesitation.

“No.”His answer came without the slightest pause. “I came to Silver Moon seeking an alliance. My duty is to Nightfang. A Luna must be able to stand beside her Alpha. Lead and fight beside him, but Aria cannot.”

Murmurs spread through the crowd.

Some nodded in agreement. Others looked away uncomfortably. Elder Aldric slowly rose.

“The Moon Goddess does not make mistakes, Alpha Kael.” Kael met his gaze evenly.

“I respect the Moon Goddess. But I will not allow sympathy to rule my pack.” Before Elder Aldric could respond, Magnus raised a hand.

“The deed has being done, there is no value in arguing what cannot be undone.” He turned toward the gathered wolves. “My concern is the future of Silver Moon.” His voice hardened. “My daughter has no wolf. She can no longer remain as a member of the Alpha’s household.” Aria lowered her eyes.

She had expected those words. Yet hearing them spoken before the entire pack still hurt.

Then…

A soft voice broke the silence. “Father…” Selene stepped forward.

Her face was full of concern. She looked toward Aria, her expression gentle.“If I may…” Magnus gave a small nod. Selene clasped her hands together.

“I know tonight has been painful.”Her eyes rested on Aria. “I cannot imagine how much you’re hurting.” Several wolves exchanged sympathetic glances. Selene continued softly. “If Aria remains here, everything will remind her of tonight.” The hall remained silent.“I don’t want that for her.”

She looked toward Kael. “Alpha Kael came here seeking an alliance. “If… if he is willing…” Her voice faltered just enough to sound sincere. “I would gladly take Aria’s place.” A ripple of surprise spread through the crowd.

Selene lowered her gaze modestly. “My mother and Alpha Magnus are to be united. It would honor me to strengthen that bond further by becoming Nightfang’s future Luna.” Gasps echoed through the hall.

“What a sacrifice…”

“She’s willing to leave her own home.” Luna Lydia smiled proudly but remained silent.

Selene looked back at Aria.

“As for Aria…“I’ve heard Nightfang’s healers are unmatched. A new beginning, away from tonight’s pain, may be exactly what she needs. I only want what’s best for her.” The whispers grew louder.

“She’s so kind.”

“Lady Selene is thinking of her before herself.” Kael studied Selene for a long moment.

Then he spoke. “If Lady Selene accepts…”I have no objection.” Another wave of murmurs swept through the hall.

Selene bowed her head gracefully. “Thank you, Alpha Kael.” Then, slowly, she turned to face Aria.

“But… If Aria is to begin again, I believe she should come to Nightfang as well.” The hall fell silent once more. Every eye turned toward Aria.

Aria stared at Selene in disbelief.“You expect me to go with him?”Her voice was barely above a whisper.“The same man who rejected me in front of everyone?”

Selene lowered her eyes, her expression filled with what appeared to be sympathy.

“I know you’re hurting. But staying here will only make it worse. I only want you to have a chance to heal.” The wolves around them nodded.

Aria felt sick. Not because of Selene’s words… But because everyone believed them. She looked toward her father.

Surely…

Surely he could see through it. Instead, Alpha Magnus stepped forward.

“Enough.”His deep voice silenced the hall “Selene is willing to leave her own home, her family, and the life she has always known.” He fixed Aria with a hard stare.“She is making that sacrifice for your sake. And yet… you ain’t even appreciating her effort.” Aria felt as though the air had been stolen from her lungs. Magnus didn’t wait for an answer.

“This matter is settled. You will accompany Alpha Kael to Nightfang.” His words rang through the hall like a sentence being passed. The hall fell into a suffocating silence.

Aria lowered her gaze, her hands trembled at her sides. She wanted to protest, scream and refuse but she knows very well that no one can help her out if this.

Every pair of eyes in the hall was watching her. Some where waiting to see her reaction, she can’t even tell what was on their mind.

Then—

A warm hand quietly slipped into hers. Lina gave her fingers a reassuring squeeze. Leaning close enough that only Aria could hear, she whispered,

“Don’t say anything…”I have an idea.” Aria’s eyes widened.

The great hall slowly emptied. Groups of wolves gathered as they made their way toward the exits, their voices filling the air with excited whispers.

"I knew Lady Selene would do something."

"She's far too kind."

"She's sacrificing her own future for that girl."

"And she's even convinced Alpha Kael to take Aria with them."

"I would've left Aria here."

"Lady Selene has such a good heart."

Aria heard every word. Each compliment directed at Selene felt like another knife twisting in her chest. She couldn't understand it. How could they all believe her? How could they not see the satisfaction hidden behind that gentle smile?

"Lina." Her voice was barely audible. "I..."

Lina tightened her grip on Aria's hand.

"Don't listen to them." Together, they walked through the crowd. No one even spared her any kind words.

Some stared openly, others looked away as though she had become an embarrassment to the pack.

Near the entrance...

Selene stood surrounded by several young she wolves.

"Oh, Lady Selene..."

"You truly are wonderful."

"I don't know if I could ever do what you're doing." Selene smiled modestly.

"Please don't praise me. I'm only doing what anyone should. If Aria stays here..."she'll relive tonight every single day. I couldn't bear that." Several of the women sighed.

"She's too kind."

"No wonder Alpha Magnus loves her." Luna Lydia placed a proud hand on her daughter's shoulder.

"You've always had a generous heart." Selene lowered her head shyly.

"I only hope Aria finds happiness." Aria stopped walking. For a brief moment... She simply stared. Lina gently pulled her arm.

"Come on." Without another word, Aria turned away. The cold evening air greeted them as they stepped outside the pack house.

The celebration continued behind them. Music floated through the open windows.

Laughter echoed across the courtyard.

It sounded as though nothing terrible had happened. As though her world hadn't just fallen apart.

They walked in silence until they reached the narrow path leading toward the Alpha family's residence. Only then did Lina stop.

She looked around carefully. The courtyard was empty. No guards or servants. No one close enough to overhear them.

"Lina..."Aria finally whispered. What was it?"

"What?"

"The idea." Lina took a slow breath.

Before answering, she glanced over her shoulder one last time. Only when she was certain they were alone did she turn back.

"You're not going to like what I'm about to say."

Aria frowned. "Just say it."

Lina hesitated. "I think..."you should go to Nightfang." Aria stared at her in disbelief.

For a moment, she wondered if she'd heard wrong.

"What?"

"You heard me."

"You've lost your mind." Aria pulled her hand away. Did you not see what happened in there? He rejected me, in front of everyone. You want me to follow him?" Lina remained calm.

"I'm not asking you to follow him. I'm asking you to leave this place." Aria laughed bitterly.

“This is my home." Lina's expression softened.

"No. It stopped being your home a long time ago." Those words hit harder than anything else that had happened that night. Aria looked away.

Tears burned her eyes once more. "My father..."

"Your father chose the pack." Lina interrupted gently. “He chose Selene. He chose appearances. But he didn't choose you." Silence settled between them.

Aria couldn't argue. Because deep down...

She knew Lina was right.

"I'm not saying Nightfang will be easy. I'm saying Silver Moon will be worse." Aria looked away.

"The moment I step into Nightfang... I'll be nothing more than the rejected mate."

"Maybe." Lina admitted. "But here?"She took a step closer. "You'll be the wolfless daughter the Alpha never wanted. The girl the entire pack laughs at. The girl your own father threw away." Aria's heart clenched.

Lina continued gently. "Think about tomorrow. Anytime you wake up and walk through this pack. Every face will remind you of tonight. And Damien..." Lina sighed. "He'll never let you forget." Aria didn't argue.

Because she knew Lina was right. Silver Moon had never truly been her home. Not since everyone realized she had no wolf.

Not since her father stopped looking at her

as his daughter.

A tear slipped down her cheek. "I don't belong here." Lina smiled sadly.

"No. You don't." She reached for Aria's hands. "But that doesn't mean you don't belong somewhere." The two girls stood in silence.

Finally...

Aria drew in a deep breath. "...Alright."

Lina blinked.

"What?"

"I'll go." The words were barely louder than a whisper. "But..." She lifted her head. "I'm not going alone." Lina frowned.

"What do you mean?" Aria managed the faintest smile.

"If I'm leaving this pack..." you're coming with me." Lina's eyes widened.

"Ria..."

"I mean it. You're the only person who's ever stood beside me. I can't do this without you." Emotion flickered across Lina's face.

"I..." Before she could answer, footsteps echoed behind them. A palace servant hurried toward them and bowed.

"Lady Aria. “The Alpha requests your presence." Aria exchanged a glance with Lina.

Without another word, they followed the servant back toward the Alpha's residence.

Magnus was waiting inside his study. Luna Lydia stood near the window. Selene remained quietly at her mother's side.

The moment Aria entered, Magnus looked up.

"So. You've accepted reality." Aria nodded once.

"I'll go to Nightfang." A satisfied look crossed Magnus's face.

"A wise decision."

"But..." Aria's voice stopped him. "I have one condition." The room fell silent. Magnus's expression hardened.

"You are in no position to make demands."

"I'm not asking for much." She reached for Lina's hand. “I want Lina to come with me." Shock spread across the room. Lina stared at Aria.

"Ria..." Selene's smile faltered for the first time that evening. Magnus frowned.

"Why?” Aria met his gaze.

"She's the only person in this pack who has ever treated me like family."

For the briefest moment...

Something unreadable crossed Magnus's face. Before he could answer….

A knock echoed through the study. The door opened. Alpha Kael stepped inside.

"I was told you wished to see me." Magnus slowly looked toward him.

"Perfect timing. There has been... a slight change to our arrangement."