They say a shadow follows every person. Mine was made of whispers and disgust.

"Look at her. How can someone like her even show their face?"

"Her family was traitors. Why does she think she’s still part of this pack?"

I kept my head down, pushing through the pain. I tried to ignore their words, but it wasn’t easy. They were everywhere, in every corner and every glance. People didn’t look at me with sympathy. They looked at me with contempt, like I was poison they couldn’t get rid of.

I remembered my family, once proud and full of life. My father and my mother had once held a place of respect in this pack. That was before they were framed for treason. They were executed in front of me, my father’s death especially still haunted me. The accusation was false, but no one cared. I was left to pick up the pieces of a shattered life.

I had learned early on that the pack would never see me as anything more than my family's legacy. It was hard to walk through these grounds without the sting of their words following me. But there was one thing that kept me going. One person who made it bearable: Damon.

The Alpha-to-be. My mate.

Damon was different. He had always been there for me even when the pack turned their backs. I’d never known a love like his. We have been secretly mating for months now. It wasn’t ideal hiding what we had, but Damon promised that once the right time came, we would be free to show the world our bond. I held onto that hope that one day he would make it official. One day, he would stand by me and claim me as his. I believed in him.

I reached the door to his quarters and hesitated. I should knock. But Damon always told me not to. “Come in when you’re ready,” he’d said with a smile that made me flutter.

I opened the door expecting to see him standing there, maybe even smiling or waiting to hold me.

But the scene that greeted me was not what I expected.

Damon was in bed, but he wasn’t alone. Celia, my best friend, the one I’d trusted with everything was there too. Their bodies were tangled in the sheets, and the sight of them together, of them mating stole the breath from my lungs.

My heart shattered into a thousand pieces. It was as if the world around me froze, and in that moment, I felt every ounce of pain and betrayal slam into me all at once.

Celia looked at me with wide eyes, but Damon didn’t even glance my way. He just kept kissing her, his hands were on her as if I didn’t exist.

“Damon…” I whispered, But he didn’t hear me or maybe he didn’t care.

My body trembled as I tried to process what I was seeing. I took a step forward, and still Damon didn’t look at me.

“Damon!” I said louder this time. Finally, he pulled away from Celia, but his expression was all wrong. Instead of looking guilty, his eyes held irritation like I was the inconvenience.

“What do you want, Aria?” he snapped coldly. “I’m busy.”

I staggered back. “Busy? You’re busy cheating on me? After everything?”

Damon smiled cruelly and his eyes narrowed into me. “You were never worthy of me. You were a burden from the start. I should have never been tied to you.”

My heart broke into a million pieces. The man I had loved, the one I had thought was my mate had just torn me apart with his words. I turned to Celia, desperate for some explanation or some remorse from her, but there was none. She stood there, smirking, her arms crossed over her chest as if she was proud of what she’d done.

“I honestly didn’t want to hurt you, but you were never good enough for him. You were clinging onto some fantasy while the rest of us moved on.”

“You were my best friend, Celia. How could you even think of doing this?”

“Because I could. And because he deserves better than a broken little traitor’s daughter.” She shrugged.

“You’re worse than I thought, Celia.”

She stepped closer until her face inches from mine. “And you’re weaker than I thought. No wonder your family fell so easily.”

My whole body shook. I wanted to scream, to claw at her, to do something to make this nightmare end. But I turned back to Damon. “Then why didn't you rejected me then? Why drag this out?”

“I didn’t reject you because I didn’t have to. You were never anything to me. Just a way to pass the time,” he spat.

“You’re a monster,”I whispered.“You’re nothing but a monster, Damon.”

He stepped closer. “You think I care about your opinion? You’re pathetic. You always have been.”

His words cut deeper than I could ever imagine. My heart felt like it was being crushed, slowly and painfully. I was nothing to him, just someone who had outlived her use. He took a step back and straightened his shoulders.

“I, Alpha Damon, reject you, Aria Jared, as my mate and future Luna.”

The moment the words left his mouth, It felt as though a part of me had been ripped away leaving a gaping and well bleeding wound behind. My wolf howled in agony and I held my stomach, gasping for air.

I could barely see through the pain, but I had to end this nightmare so I forced the words out. “ I… I, Aria Jared accept your rejection,” I choked out.

It was as though the pain multiplied, it felt so intense I thought I would die.

“Aria?” I could hear Celia voice but I couldn't focus on it.

I tried to hold on, but it was too much. My vision went black, and the last thing I saw was Damon and Celia confused faces. Then there was nothing, only darkness.

I let it.

The sharp scent of antiseptic filled my nose, which dragged me back to consciousness. My eyelids opened reluctantly, and I blinked hard to clear the blurriness. The first thing I noticed was the white ceiling above me, the faint light. My gaze dropped to the IV in my hand, the tube finding its way to a bag hanging beside the bed.

Hospital.

What!!!. I shifted and tried to sit up, but a sharp pain shot through my body, which forced a groan out of me. I fell back on the pillows and the pain radiating from deep within, as if my very soul had been torn apart.

The room was too quiet. the silence was disturbing. My mind felt clouded, unable to grasp the events that had led me here. Before I could piece anything together, the door opened which broke the disturbing silence .

A man in a white coat stepped inside, I looked up and met his gaze I recognised him instantly to be Healer Marcus, the pack’s trusted medical doctor.

“Aria, you’re awake,” How do you feel? He asked in concern and relief.

I opened my mouth to reply, but my voice refused to cooperate with me. My throat felt raw as if I’d been screaming. I Swallowed hard and managed to rasp out, “What happened? Where am I?”

“You’re in the pack’s hospital,” Marcus explained and stepped closer. His gentle gaze studied me as though assessing the damage. “You collapsed. It seems your body couldn’t handle the physical and emotional strain of... the rejection.”

His words sent the memories rushing back all at once . Their naked bodies together, Damon’s cold eyes, Celia’s smirk, the words of his rejection.

I closed my eyes, wishing I could retreat into the darkness once more, wishing I could fade away entirely. The shame was suffocating, wrapping around me like chains. If the whispers and laughter had been cruel before, they would be unbearable now. I was no longer just a traitor’s daughter, I was the rejected mate of the Alpha-to-be.

Marcus’s voice cut through my thoughts. “I know it’s difficult, Aria, but you need to rest. Your body has been through severe trauma.”

Rest? As if resting would erase the betrayal and the humiliation. Resting wouldn’t change anything.

I forced my eyes open and shook my head. “No,” I whispered. “I can’t stay here.”

Ignoring the pain, I swung my legs over the edge of the bed, determined to leave. But Marcus’s hand landed gently on my shoulder, stopping me.

“Aria, please. Be careful. You’re not just taking care of yourself anymore.”

“What do you mean?” I asked and blinked up at him in confusion.

He hesitated, looking away for a moment before meeting my eyes compassionately. “You’re pregnant, Aria.”

Pregnant.

The word echoed in my mind, but it didn’t make sense. It couldn’t be true.

“No,” I said, shaking my head. “You must be joking. I... I can’t be pregnant.”

“It’s true,” Marcus he said gently. “You’re about eight weeks pregnant. The stress from the rejection could have caused complications, but the baby is fine. For now. Thank the Moon Goddess you were brought here in time.”

My trembling hand moved to my stomach. Damon’s baby.

“Does he knows?” I asked in a whisper.

“No,” Marcus replied. “And considering the circumstances, I thought it is best not to tell him.”

I sighed in relief. “Good. He doesn’t deserve to know.”

“Are you sure you want to keep this a secret?” Marcus asked carefully. “He’s the father, and—”

“He rejected me,” I interrupted, my voice firmer this time. “I was nothing to him, just a burden. He doesn’t get to claim this part of me now.”

Marcus looked at me for a moment before nodding. “I understand. But you’ll need protection. Rejection takes a toll on a werewolf, and it could affect the pregnancy.”

“I don’t want anything from him,” I replied.

“It’s not about him,” Marcus said, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a small pouch of herbs. “This charm will shield the baby from any negative effects of the rejection. It’s your choice, but I strongly recommend it.”

I hesitated, staring at the pouch. Memories of Damon flooded my mind his cruel words, his betrayal but then another thought pushed through. This baby, his baby, was mine too. It was the last piece of my family and the one thing Damon hadn’t destroyed.

I reached out and took the charm, holding it tightly. “Thank you,” I murmured.

“You’re strong, Aria. Stronger than you know,” Marcus said softly.

I nodded, though the weight of the situation felt so heavy on my chest. “I need to leave,” I said. “I can’t stay here, not when everyone knows.”

Marcus hesitated but eventually sighed. “I won’t stop you. But promise me you’ll take it easy. Your body is healing.”

“I promise,” I lied.

I stood as the pain forced through me, but I didn’t stop. Resting wasn’t a luxury I could afford. Before I left, I turned to Marcus. “Don’t tell anyone. Especially not Damon.”

“You have my word,” he assured me.

The night was mercifully dark as I slipped out of the hospital. My heart pounded fast with every step as I made my way to the small house that had been my prison for years. Inside, I packed my belongings quickly, my hands shaking.

Damon’s voice echoed in my mind, both the words of love he’d once whispered and the cruel dismissal he’d delivered.

I couldn’t stay. The pack, the whispers, the betrayal it was too much. Even the fear of rogues couldn’t outweigh the need to leave this place.

Checking my surroundings one last time, I darted into the woods, holding my bag close. I didn’t know where I was going, but I knew one thing for sure: I couldn’t stay.

The wind blew my hair as I ran. My legs burned with every step but I couldn't stop. I was almost free and close to getting away. The forest went on and on, and shadows came from everywhere. I couldn’t see them, but I could feel them. Were they rogues? Or had Damon sent someone to drag me back? Either way, I knew one thing. If they caught me, I wouldn’t survive the night

“Faster,” I muttered to myself, clutching my stomach. “You have to go faster.”

But my body was failing me. My wolf, weakened by the rejection whimpered softly in my mind. Shifting wasn’t an option, I knew that. Pregnant wolves couldn’t shift without risking their pups, and I was already too weak to fight the pull of exhaustion.

I pressed a trembling hand to my stomach and sobbed, but I swallowed it down. There was no time for tears, I had to protect the last piece of my shattered life.

Then I heard a growl behind me, they're here.

The growl was followed by the sound of footsteps and I panicked loudly. I broke into a faster sprint, branches met my face but I didn’t care.

Suddenly, pain exploded through my shoulder as something sharp grazed me. I cried out and stumbled back.

“No!” I gasped in tears. My legs gave out and I fell to the ground once more dirt filling my mouth and nose.

Rough hands grabbed my arms as it yanked me up. I struggled as I kicked, but it was useless. I was too weak.

“Let me go!” I screamed desperately.

They were strong, their grip like iron. I looked up, my vision blurring with tears and exhaustion, and saw them clearly for the first time. They weren’t from my pack. Their scent was foreign, harsh, unlike the familiar scents of home. Fear, cold and sharp, pierced through the haze of pain.

““Who are you?!” I choked out, my voice hoarse. “What do you want?”

They didn't answer, only tightened their grip on my arms, dragging me deeper into the woods.

“I’m not a rogue!” I cried, desperately . “I swear, I’m not! I’m from the Jared Pack!”

One of the warriors finally grunted, a sound laced with disdain. “Jared Pack? That fallen pack? What are you doing out here alone?”

“I… I left,” I stammered, my voice trembling. I couldn’t tell them the truth. I couldn’t tell them about Damon, about the rejection, about the baby.

They exchanged glances, a silent conversation passing between them. One of them stepped closer, sniffing the air around me.

“She doesn’t smell like a rogue,” he muttered, confusion evident in his voice. “But why run?”

“We need to take her in,” another warrior said, his voice firm. “We’ll figure it out later.”

They continued dragging me, their grip unforgiving. I was exhausted, my body screaming in protest, but I knew I couldn't give up. I had to protect my baby.

“Please,” I begged, my voice cracking. “I’m not dangerous. I won’t cause any trouble. Just let me go.”

They ignored me, their faces hard and unyielding. One of them scoffed.

“Look at her,” he said, his voice dripping with contempt. “She’s weak, just a female. She is of no use to anyone.”

“She’ll be sent to the pens,” another replied . “No use wasting time on her.”

Pens? What did they mean by pens? Fear coiled in my stomach, tighter and colder than before.

“Please, what are you going to do to me?” I whispered, my voice barely audible.

One of them finally looked at me, a cruel smile twisting his lips. “Tomorrow is the execution,” he said, his voice low and menacing. “All rogues will be dealt with.”

Execution? My blood ran cold. They thought I was a rogue.

“No! I’m not a rogue!” I screamed, pulling against their grip with renewed desperation. “You have to believe me!”llllllll

“Save your breath,” one of them said. “It won’t change anything.”

I struggled, kicking and biting, but it was useless. They were too strong. My vision started to blur, and a wave of dizziness washed over me. I was so weak.

Suddenly, a sharp pain pierced my neck, and the world went black.

************************

I woke up to screaming. "Execute her! Execute her!" The chants were deafening. A deep wail pierced through the noise and then everything went silent that scared me even more. My head was pounding as I tried to move but cold metal bit into my wrists,Chains. I was chained.

Looking around, I saw other wolves huddled in the darkness and Some were crying others just stared blankly ahead. My heart raced as panic set in.

“What's happening?" I whispered. "Where are we?"

No one answered at first then a female rogue with matted hair looked at me with empty eyes. "You must be new here," she whispered. Her voice was rough like she hadn't used it in days.

"Please, tell me what's going on," I begged.

"Today is the day they cleanse their lands."

"Cleanse? What do you mean?" My voice trembled.

"It's execution day little wolf. When they rid their territory of vermin like us." She laughed bitterly.

"But I'm not a rogue!" I protested my chains rattling as I moved. "This is all a mistake!"

"Mistake or not, we're all the same to them now" she said quietly. "Once you're here, there's no going back."

A booming voice cut through the air. "Next!"

Before I could react guards burst in and grabbed me roughly I struggled against their grip as they dragged me outside. The sudden brightness blinded me and angry shouts filled my ears.

They threw me into a metal cage and hoisted it high above the crowd. That's when I saw it, a severed wolf's head on a pike, blood still dripping. "No, no, no," I whimpered as I held my stomach protectively. My baby. We were going to die here.

A warrior stepped forward, his voice carrying across the clearing. "Another rogue, caught trying to infiltrate our lands!"

"Please!"I'm from the Jared Pack! I'm not a rogue please!" I cried to the crowd.

The shout only grew louder. A tall figure the Master raised his hand for silence.

"Why are you here, girl?" he demanded.

I opened my mouth but no words came. How could I explain? That I was running from rejection? From betrayal?

" Your silence condemns you the sentence is death” the master declared.

"Please," I am begging you I sobbed thinking of my unborn baby.

The warrior raised his sword and I closed my eyes. At least my baby and I would be together in death.

Suddenly, a powerful growl stopped everything. A new scent filled the air - strong, intoxicating, unlike anything I'd ever smelled before. The crowd parted, and a tall figure stepped forward. My wolf stirred for the first time since the rejection.

Our eyes met, and something powerful clicked into place.

"Mate," we both whispered at the same time.