Chapter 6

Aria

My feet feel heavy as I walk away from the only home I've ever known, leaving behind everything and everyone I once held dear. The forest is quiet except for the sound of snapping twigs beneath my feet, twigs that seem to mimic the cracking of my heart.

I have no idea where I'm going or what the future holds for me now. The life I thought I would have has crumbled around me, destroyed by Callum's betrayal. All I know is that I have to get as far away from here as possible, even though each step fills me with pain.

As I walk, tears streaming down my cheeks, I pull out my phone with a shaky hand. There's only one person I can think to call, one friend I've known since childhood who might help me in my hour of need - Leah from the Silverfang Pack.

She answers after two rings, concern evident in her voice. I break down as I explain everything that's happened between Callum and me. Through broken sobs, I tell her how he shattered my heart and destroyed our bond.

"Aria, I am so sorry," Leah says, her voice gentle but firm. "I can't believe Callum would do this to you. But listen, you can come stay with me for as long as you need to get back on your feet."

I hesitate, unsure if I can impose on her like this. But I have nowhere else to go, no one else who will understand the depth of my pain.

"Are...are you sure?" I ask softly, my voice catching in my throat.

"Absolutely," Leah replies without hesitation. "I'm leaving now to come get you. Just stay where you are."

I sit beneath an old oak tree, its branches sheltering me as I await Leah's arrival. The bark digs into my back, a reminder that this is real, that my entire world has irrevocably changed. I close my eyes, tears still slipping down my cheeks, and I pray to the Moon Goddess for the resilience to survive this.

The sound of tires on gravel rouses me. I look up to see Leah's familiar car approaching. She gets out, sorrow etched across her face as she takes in my disheveled, tear-stained appearance.

Without a word, she rushes over and pulls me into a fierce embrace. I cling to her, fresh sobs wracking my body, as she whispers words of comfort in my ear. In her arms, I feel the first small sense of solace.

I slide into the passenger seat of Leah's car, the leather cool against my skin. As she pulls back onto the road, a heavy silence settles between us. The rumble of the engine underscores the thoughts swirling relentlessly in my mind.

Leah reaches over and gives my hand a gentle, reassuring squeeze. "We've got a bit of a drive ahead to Silverfang territory," she says, her voice kind. "Try to get some rest if you can."

I nod mutely, leaning my head against the window as the darkened forest streams past. But despite my exhaustion, I can't turn my mind off.

After several miles of silence, Leah speaks up again, her words hesitant. "Aria, before you can stay with the Silverfangs, we'll need permission from the Alpha."

I stiffen, panic rising in my chest. The thought of facing another Alpha, of explaining my situation and my severed bond, feels unbearable.

Sensing my anxiety, Leah continues quickly. "But don't worry. I'm sure Alpha Elijah will understand. He's known for his kindness and wisdom. And I'll be by your side the whole time."

Her reassurance soothes me slightly, but apprehension still gnaws at my frayed nerves.

As the miles disappear beneath us, I stare out into the darkness, searching for answers I know I won't find. With each passing minute, the towering pines of Silverfang territory draw closer.

Closing my eyes, I whisper a prayer, my words floating out into the night. "Goddess, give me the strength to tell my story once more. Help Elijah's heart understand so I may find refuge."

I cling to the fragile hope that here, amongst the Silverfangs, I will finally find the solace and safety that have been so cruelly ripped away from me. Here, perhaps, I may begin to heal.

The Silverfang packhouse comes into view, its majestic brick exterior rising imposingly amongst the trees. I stare in awe at the sprawling mansion, its grandeur far surpassing anything in Moonshadow territory.

As Leah parks the car, my nerves flare up again. I smooth my clothes and take a few deep breaths in a vain attempt to steel myself before stepping out.

We're immediately met by two guards, their expressions stern. Leah greets them politely. "Rowan, Cedar. This is my friend, Aria. She would like permission to speak with Alpha Elijah."

The guards’ eyes flick to me, their brows furrowing at the unfamiliar Moonshadow scent clinging to my skin.

"What's a Moonshadow doing here?" one named Cedar growls suspiciously. I shrink back, panic rising.

Sensing my fear, Leah steps forward, standing tall. "She is my guest seeking refuge. You will show her respect." Though her voice remains even, the command in it is clear.

The guards bristle, baring their fangs aggressively. "Watch yourself, Leah," Rowan warns. "You don't give orders here."

Leah stands her ground, emerald eyes flashing. The air grows thick with tension as wolf and wolf stare each other down. I hold my breath, fearing violence will erupt at any second over my presence here.

Suddenly, a deep yet gentle voice breaks the standoff. "That's enough." I turn to see a tall man with kind eyes standing in the doorway. The guards immediately drop their aggressive stances.

Heart pounding, I realize this must be the Alpha - Elijah.

His voice is full of compassion as he addresses me. "Welcome, Aria. Please, come inside."

Relief courses through me at his warm reception. With cautious optimism, I follow him into the magnificent packhouse, praying his benevolence will extend to granting me sanctuary from the agony I’ve fled.

"Leah, it's good to see you back safely," Elijah says warmly as he approaches us.

Leah bows her head respectfully. "Alpha Elijah, thank you. May I present my friend, Aria Santiago."

Elijah's eyes settle on me, and I drop my gaze instinctively. His presence fills the large entryway. As Alpha of the Silverfangs, power and command flow through his veins.

"Welcome, Aria," he says gently. "Forgive my guards for their rudeness. We seldom receive visitors from the Moonshadow Pack."

At the mention of my former pack, sorrow pierces my heart. I struggle to meet his gaze. "I..I apologize for the intrusion," I say shakily.

Elijah looks at me intently, and I know he's picking up the lingering Moonshadow scent on my skin, recognizing the rival pack. But instead of suspicion, his eyes reflect only kindness and concern.

"There is no need to apologize," he reassures. "Any friend of Leah's is welcome here."

As he steps nearer, his penetrating gaze seems to see right through me. I shiver under the intensity of his stare. For a moment, his stoic expression changes, a flicker of longing in his dark eyes as he takes in my face, my trembling lips.

Clearing his throat, he composes himself once more. "Come, you must be weary from your travels. We'll talk more after you've had a chance to settle in."

I murmur gratitude as he turns to lead us inside. But my heart continues to pound in my chest. I know an Alpha's interest can be a dangerous thing, yet something in Elijah's gentle strength makes me feel that perhaps, here in this unfamiliar place, I may yet find a light to guide me out of the dark.

Elijah leads me to a lavish study, the dark wood and leather furnishings exuding masculinity and authority. My unease grows as he gestures for me to sit across from him at the massive desk.

Settling into the plush leather chair, I clasp my hands tightly in my lap to hide their trembling. Elijah's presence is intimidating, yet his voice remains gentle.

"I understand you seek refuge here, but to stay in the Silverfang Pack requires breaking all prior bonds and pledging loyalty to me as your new Alpha."

His words send a pang through my heart. To cut my last ties to Moonshadow would make my self-exile complete. But I know Elijah speaks truth - a wolf cannot serve two packs.

"Tomorrow evening, we will hold the acceptance ceremony to formalize your place among us," he continues. "For now, I welcome you to stay in our packhouse for as long as needed."

At the mention of staying here, tears prick my eyes. As kind as Elijah seems, the thought of being under the watchful gaze of an unfamiliar Alpha fills me with unease.

"Thank you, Alpha...but if it pleases you, I would prefer to stay with Leah for now," I say tentatively, bracing for his reaction.

Elijah's eyes flash with an emotion I can't quite place. Disappointment? Frustration? But his voice remains steady. "As you wish. Leah's home then."

I bow my head gratefully, relief washing over me. Yet as I rise to take my leave, I can sense Elijah's gaze following me, a strange energy humming in the air between us. It is clear the Alpha has taken an interest in me. The thing is I’m not sure what interest it is. While part of me is flattered, I worry what this could mean for me, a lone she-wolf still shattered from her last Alpha's betrayal.

I let out a shaky breath as I leave the imposing study, my nerves still rattled from the conversation with Alpha Elijah. Leah is waiting for me just outside, her face lined with concern.

"Are you alright? What did Elijah say?" she asks gently as we fall into step walking down the long hallway.

"He said I can stay, but I have to completely sever my bonds to Moonshadow and pledge loyalty to him in a ceremony," I reply, my voice tinged with sadness at the thought of cutting those final ties.

Leah nods in understanding. "I know it's hard, but Elijah is a fair and compassionate Alpha. You can trust him."

I hesitate before voicing my other lingering unease. "Leah, does Elijah...have a mate?"

Leah looks at me directly. "No, he has never taken a Luna."

My heartbeat quickens at this information. An unmated Alpha is rare, yet it explains the brooding intensity I sensed lurking beneath Elijah's calm surface.

Sensing my anxiety, Leah gives my arm a reassuring squeeze. "Elijah is an honorable wolf. He may take an interest in you, but he will never force unwanted advances."

Though comforted by her words, I still feel unsettled by the charged energy that passed between myself and the powerful, solitary Alpha. But I know Leah speaks the truth - Elijah's actions so far have shown nothing but benevolence.

As we walk out into the cool night air, I lift my face to the moon, shining brightly as if in welcome. In its silvery light, I make a silent vow to reserve judgment on Elijah until I see his true nature reveal itself. For better or worse, our fates are intertwined now. I can only hope that fate leads us both to peace.

My hand is on the car door handle when I hear rapid footsteps behind me.

"Aria, wait!"

I turn to see Elijah striding towards us, an unreadable expression on his face. Confused, I look questioningly at Leah, but she seems just as surprised by the Alpha's sudden appearance.