Crowned By Betrayal

Chapter 5

I woke up as early as possible, just before the sun could grace the sky with its light.

My heart thudded loudly in my chest as I slipped quietly from my bed, careful not to make a sound. Today was the day. The day I, Aria, would finally break free—or die trying.

I didn’t waste time. I grabbed my duffel bag and crept out of the pack house like a shadow. The forest was still cloaked in early morning mist, cool air brushing against my skin. I moved quickly and silently through the familiar trees until I reached the outskirts of the pack’s territory. There, beneath a thick bush covered in bramble and leaves, I stashed the clothes I would need for my escape.

It wasn’t just about running. No. I had one more thing to do before I left.

A surprise.

A message.

For Kael.

It was a small act of revenge, but to me, it felt like reclaiming something—my dignity, my voice. I planned to break the pendant his mother gave him, the one thing he seemed to truly care about. The perfect moment would be during the final send-off speech when everyone, including Alpha Lucas, the other warriors, and visitor, —would be gathered in the meeting house. While they were distracted with goodbyes and ceremonies, I would make my move.

Once the clothes were hidden, I headed back to the pack house, knowing I had to play my role one last time. If I aroused suspicion now, everything would fall apart. So I slipped through the kitchen doors and got to work. Setting up the meeting house, arranging the seating, and preparing food—everything had to look perfect. No one could notice the fire brewing beneath my skin.

The pack expected finger foods, platters of fruit, meat, and baked goods, along with herbal teas and wine for the celebration. I chopped, stirred, baked, and arranged, my hands moving on autopilot while my mind raced with thoughts of escape. My back ached, and my muscles screamed, but I kept going. I couldn’t afford to draw attention.

When I was finally done, I stepped away to prepare myself for the day. I changed into a plain gray dress that made me blend in easily. I brushed my long, dark hair into a neat braid and looked at myself in the cracked mirror above the old washbasin. My golden-brown eyes stared back, filled with something new.

Determination.

This was it.

As I stepped out into the hallway, I froze.

Voices.

From the Alpha’s office.

I moved silently, my ears sharpened by instinct and years of eavesdropping. The door was slightly open, just enough for me to hear their conversation. I recognized the deep voice of Alpha Lucas, Kael’s father.

“She’s going nowhere,” he said, his tone sharp and final. “Once the others leave, she’ll be put in the holding cell.”

“For how long?” Kael asked casually from the background, his voice laced with arrogance.

“Until she sires your pups,” the Alpha replied. “The bond between you and Lisa isn’t sanctioned by the Moon Goddess. That omega girl may be weak, but the bond was real. She carries the blessing, even if it’s broken.”

I felt my entire body go numb.

They planned to breed me.

Trap me.

Use me.

A low chuckle rumbled from Kael. “Fine by me. Let her serve her purpose. At least she’ll finally be useful.”

My vision blurred with fury and disgust. I clenched my fists tightly, fighting the scream rising in my throat. My feet moved before my mind could catch up, and I bolted from the hallway, heart racing. I didn’t stop until I reached the clearing where most of the pack was gathered.

Parents stood with their children, some crying as they said goodbye. Others smiled with pride, sending their sons and daughters off to join their mates in far-off packs. There was so much love in the air, so many warm embraces and whispered promises—and I stood right in the middle of it, a silent observer who had never known any of it.

I scanned the crowd desperately until I saw her.

Liora.

She stood under the elm tree near the edge of the crowd, her fingers intertwined with those of a tall, dark-haired man. I approached quickly, and the moment her eyes met mine, she broke away from her mate and hugged me tight. The tears came instantly.

Even though I had seen her just last night, this goodbye felt real, permanent. My chest heaved with sobs as I clung to her, unable to stop the flood of emotions.

“It’s okay, Aria,” she whispered, stroking my back. “You’ll be okay. We’ll see each other again. I know it.”

I pulled back, wiping my tears with the back of my hand as I nodded.

Liora turned to her mate and smiled. “Aria, this is Justin. Justin Banks, my mate.”

I looked up at him through glassy eyes. “Nice to meet you,” I said softly.

He extended his hand, and I shook it.

“You’re lucky, Justin,” I added,my voice a bit steadier. “Liora is one of the kindest souls I’ve ever known. Take care of her. And if you don’t…” I gave him a half-smile, “I’ll come for you.”

Justin laughed lightly. “Duly noted.”

Just then, a hush fell over the crowd as the doors to the pack house opened. Alpha Theron stepped out, followed by Kael and Lisa.

Kael looked smug as ever, and Lisa held his arm like she owned him. Her nose turned up as her eyes swept over the crowd, pausing when they landed on me.

The Alpha raised his voice. “Everyone, please make your way to the meeting house. It’s time.”

People began to move in groups, walking toward the meeting hall at the edge of the clearing. The mood was bittersweet, filled with pride, joy, and a trace of sorrow. Mates held each other tighter, families exchanged last words, and I walked quietly behind them all, blending in like I always did.

But unlike before, I wasn’t walking toward more chains.

No.

I was walking toward my freedom.

And I still had one final act to carry out. One last message for Kael.

I tightened my grip around the small black pouch in my dress pocket. Inside, it was the pendant. Kael’s most treasured possession. The one thing that meant something to him. It had once belonged to his mother, and he wore it every day until recently. He had thrown it into my room during one of his tantrums after our bond broke. Maybe he meant to hurt me by discarding something sacred.

But I had picked it up.

I had held onto it.

And now, I was going to shatter it into pieces.

Right after the speech, while everyone was distracted.

I would sneak away from the back entrance, grab my hidden bag from the outskirts, and run.

Far.

Fast.

Forever.

Today was the beginning of my story.

Not as a weak omega.

Not as Kael’s rejected mate.

But as Aria, a girl who had been broken too many times and finally chose herself.