The Blackwood Pack was leaving.This dark forest could no longer sustain us. Only me,Elara Vega,was forgotten. Felix Sable,our Alpha.He used to brush leaves from my hair and call me"Little Elara,don’t be afraid."Ever since he claimed the wolfhead crest,ever since I was mauled by a giant bear at sixteen while protecting him…everything changed.The blow fractured my wolf soul.My memory faded,my sense of direction vanished,and I became weaker than the frailest Omega.Worst of all,I could no longer feel the wolf within me,unable to shift.Felix’s gaze lost its warmth,replaced by cold assessment and silent sighs.He never yelled,but his gentle excuses—"You’re too weak,""You need rest"—pushed me away with icy precision.No hatred,just disappointed distance that hurt more than scorn. That evening,I went to his study to ask if the new territory had space for my herb garden.The heavy oak door stood ajar,and Felix’s low voice mingled with the butler’s. "…Patrols near Sterling Pass report suspicious tracks.The migration route must be rerouted!No time to waste!"Felix’s Alpha tone brooked no argument. "Yes,my lord.Supplies and maps will be ready by nightfall."The butler hesitated."And…Miss Vega’s arrangements?The elders’proposal?"A pause."Migration is too dangerous.Her health…she won’t survive.The elders believe a Luna who can’t shift or protect herself would be a liability in the new territory—even a weakness to exploit.They suggest…considering a stronger,more suitable mate to solidify our position." My heart lurched,nails biting my palm. Felix was silent—a silence that crushed me.When he spoke,his voice was steady,icy. "Elara’s limitations are clear,butler."He stated it as fact."A broken wolf soul,unable to shift—lethal flaws.Migration isn’t a picnic;it’s a fight for survival.One mistake—wild beasts,a blizzard,even falling behind—would kill her.She needs a safe haven,not a death march with the pack." Another pause,as if acknowledging the elders’suggestion."For now,survival comes first.The new territory is unsecure.I can’t afford distractions—extra guards,constant worry.It endangers the entire pack.Staying in the ancestral manor,where she’s familiar and cared for,is best."He didn’t endorse replacing me,but his words did."Constant worry”,“endangers"—those words shattered my last hope. Anger,shame,and the fury of being labeled a liability surged.Again!Exile masked as"safety,"abandonment justified as"duty."Was this empty manor to be my grave?The elders’proposal,his silence…a blade hovering over our bond. No.This time,I refused to be discarded.I’d prove that even with a broken soul,frail body,and faulty memory,I wasn’t just a burden to be pitied.I’d reach the new territory on my own! I raced to my cold tower room,a single thought burning.I’ll beat him there.Let Felix Sable see his"fragile liability"walk the path he deemed impossible. I yanked open the drawer,grabbing my faded wildflower-patterned linen bundle.Inside went thick wool dresses,a pouch of dried herbs(rosemary for calm,thyme for cold),a small biscuit mold,honey-oat cakes wrapped in parchment—my meager tools for survival.And a heavy pouch of silver coins—my lifeline. At dawn,the manor still slept.I slipped out like a shadow.The market was quiet,coachmen shouting destinations. "Where to,miss?"A bearded driver eyed me sideways. I froze.Where?The new territory’s name…Sterling…Sterling…it swam in my fractured memory,slippery as an eel. "Hurry up!Blackwood Vale?Silverflow Town?Broken Tooth Pass?"The driver waved impatiently. I feared that disdainful look—the look of being deemed a fool.In panic,I shoved coins into his hand."St…Sterling!Take me near Sterling Pack!"I clung to the name I’d overheard—Sterling,the powerful pack bordering our new home. The carriage jolted over rough roads.I huddled in the corner,clutching my bundle like a lifeline.Only when the manor’s spire vanished did I dare breathe,tears stinging my eyes—fear,defiance,and the ache of abandonment. Inside,laborers chatted around a charcoal stove. "Hey,heard about Alpha Alaric Argent—tough as nails!But still single…" "Idiot!"an older man spat."He’s had a betrothed since childhood!Noble blood,perfect match!Wedding’s imminent!" I leaned against the cold carriage wall,lips parched.Betrothed.Perfect match.The words struck like ice.Felix and I had been"promised,"once.Now,to the elders,to him,my"white wolf bloodline"meant nothing next to my inability to shift. Flashbacks:he picking bluebells for me,comforting me after nightmares. So when the dark magic-twisted bear charged at Felix,my"white wolf bloodline"instincts overrode fear.I shoved him aside…then darkness,and the agony of a shattered soul.I woke to pack Doctor Aelwyn’s grave sigh:"Little one…too deep a wound.Your wolf soul…the ability to shift…memory,direction…"He didn’t finish,but his silence was a death sentence. I was sixteen,newly aware of my bloodline’s political weight and my arranged fate with Felix.The Sables compensated,reaffirming:At adulthood,Felix will make me Luna. By my bed,the budding Alpha clasped my hand,eyes conflicted:"Elara,don’t worry.When I become Alpha,I will make you my Luna.Blackwood needs your blood.I’ll…take care of you." I believed him.Or chose to.Year after year,I watched the old apple tree bloom and fall. At eighteen,on another apple harvest day,I baked herb biscuits with trembling hands and approached his study. "Felix!I’m…I’m an adult now!"I held out the warm tray,voice shaking. He was with a distinguished visitor—later,I learned it was Alaric Sterling.Felix turned,frowned at the sight of me,irritation and embarrassment flashing in his eyes.He glanced at servants,voice clipped:"Your memory’s playing tricks on you,Elara.The betrothal requires you to be‘fully recovered,’fit to lead as Luna.You’re nowhere close.Rest,and stop fantasizing." As Alaric approached,Felix’s irritation vanished,replaced by a polished smile."Lord Alaric!Congratulations.Your fiancée is noble,brilliant,and composed—a perfect partner,no doubt your greatest asset."He didn’t look back. I stood there,holding the now-cold,bitter-smelling biscuits,retreating to the icy courtyard steps.His praise for Alaric’s"greatest asset"vs.his dismissal of me—cruel contrast.The elders’whispers,his cold logic—chains tightening. I wanted to scream:It’s your memory that’s playing tricks on you,Felix! But it didn’t matter.I,the baker,the herb girl,would never be an"asset." Being left behind didn’t matter. I…would go alone. Just as you always called me a burden on your journeys. This time…I’ll go first.To the place you’re abandoning me for. Will you finally see…that your"weakness"is stronger than you think?
The carriage jolted to a halt,and the curtain was yanked aside."Inspection for Sterling Territory!Out!"a cold voice barked. I was hauled down,staring up at the imposing Sterling Keep.A guard announced,"Single young individual found!Suspicious identity!" The captain leading the patrol scanned me."Take her.Fits the conscription profile.Send her to the Pack Healer’s lodge." Two Warrior Attendants seized me,ignoring my struggles,and dragged me toward the stone cottage flanking the keep. Pack Healer Lyra rushed to meet us,speaking rapidly."Hurry!Wash her up and change her clothes!The ceremony must start!"She smelled of herbs and antiseptic. I was forced into a chair by Omega Caretakers.They scrubbed me down and stuffed me into an oversized white dress emblazoned with the Sterling wolf crest.Finally,a rough,heavy dark wooden mask lined with wolf fangs and bone shards was clamped over my face,blocking my vision. "Escort the Luna to the ceremony hall!"Lyra sighed in relief. Trapped in the mask’s darkness,I was half-carried through stone corridors,ears filled with hushed whispers and distant trumpets—the signal for the wedding to begin. "Poor thing,she’s shaking nonstop..." "Shh!Orders are the ceremony must proceed..." "Did the scheduled noble bride run off?Is this a replacement?" "Captain Edmund’s situation is also problematic..." My heart raced.Replacement?Like me?Had the crying bride fled,and I’d been grabbed to take her place?The sobbing girl... In a corner near the entrance to the bustling hall,I heard muffled,terrified sobs. "Sister?"I turned my head,voice muffled by the mask."Why are you crying?" The sobs intensified."...Forced to replace Lord Edmund’s fated mate...He’ll definitely notice...I’m in love with a warrior..." Memories flashed!The laborers had said Alaric’s marriage was a political union!I was substituting the political bride,while she was impersonating a bonded fated mate!This could never stay hidden! "If you’re replacing a fated mate,you’ll be exposed!"I hissed,voice sharpening."Run!Now!I’m here as a stand-in for Alaric’s political match—maybe I can fool them!Go to your lover!I’ll explain to Lord Alaric and keep them from blaming you!" Her voice trembled with desperate hope."...Thank you!May the Moon Goddess bless you!"Fabric rustled,and her footsteps faded quickly. "Hurry!The ceremony’s starting!"Lyra’s voice approached.I was seized again and shoved toward the door radiating overwhelming Alpha power—still wearing the ill-fitting white dress embroidered with the Sterling wolf crest. In the mask’s darkness,at the altar stood a figure as massive as a mountain—Alaric Argent.His Alpha presence made my knees weak,yet a strange sense of calm washed over me,overriding my fear. Ancient vows echoed.A Warrior Attendant thrust a heavy silver ceremonial cup into my hands.Alaric’s palm closed over mine,steady and strong,as we raised the cup together.The vows were completed. After the ceremony,I was escorted to Alaric’s chambers.I sat on the stone bed draped in furs,clutching the oversized dress,awaiting my strange husband. Steady footsteps approached the door.It swung open,and he entered,carrying the scent of night dew and faint blood.He picked up the silver ritual dagger on the table and advanced toward me—to remove the mask. "Lord Alaric!"An urgent report came from outside the door,"The tenant dispute in the southern border has escalated.Representatives from Oak Hollow and Grayborne are already waiting in the council chamber for your personal ruling!" Alaric’s hand froze.His Alpha aura carried a flicker of impatience,but he only paused briefly before saying coldly,"Understood."The dagger was carefully set aside.He turned toward the door,then halted at the threshold,tilting his head slightly.His voice filtered through the mask,"Rest,Luna.No need to wait up.Pack matters take precedence." "Go ahead,the pack’s affairs are crucial...I’ll stay here,"I replied instinctively,my voice trembling slightly. His footsteps vanished quickly. I removed the heavy headdress and mask.An Omega Caretaker entered,"Luna,please forgive—" "No need,"I murmured."The front lines need him." Deep into the night,Alaric hadn’t returned.His Warrior Attendant knocked softly."Luna,Lord Alaric may be out all night.He left his personal wolfhead insignia—it’s dusty and...stained with blood.I dare not clean it without permission." On the table,wrapped in soft leather,was a heavy silver badge:a majestic wolf head,edges worn,a speck of dark red blood on its fangs. I took the soft deer hide wrapping the badge,dampened it,and gently wiped away the dirt and blood.The badge gleamed in the firelight.With a charcoal pencil,I lightly sketched two overlapping tiny pine needle outlines on the smooth back surface of the badge. After cleaning,I wrapped the badge again.As dawn broke,I leaned against the fireplace,clutching it,and drifted into a light sleep. In my half-dream,a familiar scent surrounded me.A large hand gently brushed hair from my face and tucked the blanket securely around my shoulders.His thumb restrainedly stroked the top of my head. The door closed softly. Outside,Alaric whispered to the Omega Brigid,"Grandma Isolde will meet her soon.You know her...strict demands.Ensure...She doesn’t make things difficult for the Luna."
Felix’s POV "Miss Vega’s missing." When the butler rushed to inform me,my quill hesitated mid-air over the document,but I quickly resumed reviewing the papers,not bothering to look up as I interrupted, "What is it this time?Does the herb garden need moonflowers replanted,or has the kitchen run out of honey again?Tell her such trivial matters don't require special reporting.I don't have time for her to fuss over these things." I've truly been overwhelmed lately. The Blackwood Pack is about to embark on its migration,and as Alpha,I need to personally confirm every preparation.From supply stockpiles to migration routes,from the accommodation of the elderly,weak,sick,and disabled to potential threats along the way,every link cannot be overlooked.What's more troublesome is that the pack elders have been frequently pressuring me to reassess the candidate for Luna. By the time I finished the last supply list,it was already dark outside the window. At dinner,Elara's usual seat at the long table was empty.Servants carefully placed the cutlery,afraid to make a sound. I put down my knife and fork,my voice cold and hard,"Since she doesn't dine on time,there's no need to save her food tonight." The hall fell silent immediately,with only the occasional soft crackling of firewood in the fireplace. The night wind carried the breath of early snow through the window gap.When I got up to close the window,my gaze involuntarily swept over the training ground.In the moonlight,those claw marks of varying depths were still clearly visible,like marks engraved in time. I suddenly remembered when we were young,Elara was still a skinny cub,yet she dared to confront a group of Alpha cubs for me.At that time,I accidentally failed in training and was almost backlashed by a out-of-control barrier spell.It was Elara who unhesitatingly rushed forward,shielding me with her body and taking a heavy blow directly. She was obviously weaker than me,yet she always tried to be brave. When did my distress for her turn into impatience? It was later,I suppose,after her wolf soul was shattered,and she couldn't even keep up with basic combat training,yet stubbornly insisted on studying herbs.Those failed attempts that blew up the herb garden,those cloyingly sweet honey teas,those strangely scented but highly effective potions...each one made me both irritable and helpless. I should have been the one who knew best how stubborn she was. "...Forget it,"my tone softened involuntarily,"tell the kitchen to prepare some meat soup and send it to her." Suddenly,the captain of the guard knelt on one knee,his voice trembling,"Alpha,forgive my sin!Miss Vega...has been missing since yesterday..." The air instantly froze. The butler stepped forward in a timely manner,respectfully handing me a scroll,"My lord,the migration supplies have been inventoried.However..."He cautiously lowered his voice,"Regarding Miss Vega's placement,the council hopes to finalize the plan before departure.Considering the harsh migration environment,they suggest..." My fingertips tapped lightly on the table.Although my voice was not loud,it made everyone unconsciously straighten their backs.I slowly stood up,and the moonlight stretched my shadow very long. "Send my order,"my voice was calm,"all patrols immediately launch a search,focusing on investigating the herb market and the southern honey workshop." A self-proclaimed clever guard whispered in persuasion,"Lord Alpha,Blackwood isn't the only one with a white wolf.Why do you have to..." When my gaze swept over the young guard who made the proposal,he immediately lowered his head,and the fur on his neck involuntarily stood up.Although there was no furious rebuke,the oppressive feeling from a top-tier Alpha made everyone understand the seriousness of the matter. "Search,"my voice was as cold as ice,"turn every inch of land upside down." The firelight in the fireplace flickered on and off,casting light on an unremarkable glass jar in the corner—inside lay a bunch of dried moonflowers and several strands of silver-white wolf hair stained with dark red spots.
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