Chapter 5

ALISHA’S POV

As Lucien and I locked eyes, the tension between us reached its breaking point. His question cut through the air like a blade, filled with challenge and defiance. "Do you also want to resist me and my rule, Alisha?"

I sneered in response, my voice dripping with disdain. "I despise you, Lucien, but there's nothing left for me to resist. I have never truly obeyed you."

His fury ignited like a wildfire, consuming him in its flames. He called for someone to detain me, his Alpha authority ringing through the room. "Guards! Come and get her out of here! Take her away now!"

As the guards entered in and pulled me all the way to the prison, I held my head high, refusing to let the weight of his dominance break my spirit.

When I stepped into the dimly lit confines of the prison, my heart sank as I caught sight of my brother, Calum. Guilt washed over me, and I rushed to his side, a torrent of apologies tumbling from my lips. "I'm sorry, Calum. I haven't been a good Luna neither have I been a good sister."

Calum's eyes met mine, filled with warmth and understanding. "Alisha, you have nothing to apologize for. You've done more than enough. It's not your fault. It's the fault of an ungrateful Alpha like Lucien."

I nodded, the weight of his words settling upon me. There was solace in the knowledge that my brother saw through the facade and recognized the truth that lay hidden beneath Lucien's reign.

I turned my gaze to the other warriors imprisoned alongside Calum, their eyes filled with both frustration and determination. A lump formed in my throat as I approached them, my voice filled with remorse. "I'm sorry for not protecting everyone well."

  

The warriors' voices rose in unison, their words echoing with unwavering support. "It's not your fault, Alisha. It's Lucien's."

I couldn't help but notice the undercurrent of dissatisfaction that permeated their words. The warriors had reached their breaking point, their loyalty to Lucien waning with each passing day. In the past, I might have been quick to defend him, to beg on his behalf, but now I no longer had the desire to paint him in a favorable light. I had seen the darkness that resided within him, and I was determined to break free from its grasp.

Turning back to my brother, I found a newfound strength within me. "Calum, I have finally made my decision. I can no longer be the Luna. I am leaving."

His eyes held a mix of pride and concern, his respect for my choices unwavering. I could sense his hesitation as he pondered the weight of his loyalty to our father's dying wish. Our father had instructed Calum to be a good Beta, to assist Lucien. But now, faced with the reality of Lucien's true nature, I posed a question that challenged the foundation of our beliefs. "Is Lucien truly worth striving for?"

A bittersweet smile tugged at my lips as I awaited his response. Instead of answering my question directly, he countered with one of his own, his voice laced with uncertainty. "Are you truly willing to leave Lucien?"

I met his gaze, a steely determination burning within my eyes. "Yes, Calum. I am willing to leave, to forge my own path away from the darkness that consumes him. Lucien doesn't deserve to have an excellent Beta like you by his side."

Calum's hesitation slowly gave way to resolve, his voice filled with conviction. "Then, sister, I will stand by your side. Together, we will find a new pack, a new purpose. We will find a home once more."

A surge of hope welled up within me, mingled with a twinge of sadness for what we were leaving behind. But the bonds that tied us to Lucien had shattered, and in their wake, a new chapter beckoned—a chapter filled with freedom, resilience, and the chance to create a better future.

Silence hung heavy in the air as we stood there in the dimly lit prison, uncertainty swirling around us like a haunting mist. It was then that a quiet creak echoed through the hallway, and my eyes snapped to the source of the sound. The cell doors of the other warriors had been opened. Hope flickered within me as I cautiously called out to the figure emerging from the shadows. 

"Who's there?" I asked, my voice laced with both caution and curiosity.

The figure looked up, and a rush of joy flooded through me as I recognized the face before me—it was Arthur! Years of friendship surged to the surface, and without hesitation, my brother and I ran towards him, wrapping our arms around him in a tight embrace. The weight of our shared past and the unspoken bond we held carried us through this moment.

"Arthur, how... how did you find us?" I asked, my voice filled with gratitude and surprise.

His gaze met mine, and I saw a glimmer of determination in his eyes. The sunny disposition he had once possessed had given way to a gloominess that mirrored our own struggles. Instead of answering my initial question, he spoke of his purpose, his voice filled with conviction.

"I quietly left the border when I learned that you and Calum had been arrested," Arthur began, his words tinged with righteous anger. "I came to rescue you both because I have my own scores to settle with Lucien. He is not worthy of being our Alpha. He's not worthy of that title if he cannot serve his own people."

Surprise mingled with grief within me as I absorbed his words. He spoke further, and the revelation that his mate had perished due to a lack of provisions under Lucien's rule pierced my heart. I felt a surge of anger and sadness, a torrent of emotions that threatened to overwhelm me. 

My brother remained silent, the weight of our collective experiences etched upon his face. It was in that moment that a distant voice carried through the corridors, rousing us from our reverie. Arthur swiftly signaled for us to leave the alley, and we followed him, our steps quick and determined.

As we made our way to safety, guilt weighed heavily upon me, burdening my soul. I turned to Arthur, my voice trembling with remorse. "I'm sorry, Arthur, for all that Lucien has done. It was never my intention to cause you or anyone such pain."

A small, understanding smile curved upon his lips, and he gently placed a hand on my shoulder. "Alisha, what happened had nothing to do with you. You've worked tirelessly, and I see it. You have my support. Always."

Those words, filled with compassion and validation, shattered the dam I had built to contain my emotions. Tears streamed down my face, mingling with the remnants of sorrow and frustration that had accumulated over time. I sobbed openly, releasing the pent-up anguish that had been festering within.

Through my tears, I shared my resolve with Arthur, my voice steady despite the cracks of vulnerability. "I can't stay in this pack anymore, Arthur. I want to leave."

He nodded, his gaze unwavering. "You have my full support, Alisha. We're all in this together."

With renewed determination, we successfully escaped the clutches of the pack house, the weight of our decision gradually lifting from our shoulders. We walked further away from the pack house, emerging into the cool night and just as we were about to approach the pack’s border, I realized the clock had struck midnight.

It was my birthday and instead of celebrating it happily, I was at the border of my pack, contemplating leaving it forever

Calum's voice broke the silence, bringing me back to the present. "Happy birthday, Alisha," he said, a soft smile gracing his lips.

Arthur added his birthday wishes, his support unwavering. But amidst the well wishes, my brother reminded me of the choice I had made.

"If you truly want to leave now, Alisha, you must accept Lucien's rejection and sever the ties completely," Calum said, his voice tinged with a mix of caution and concern.

I took a deep breath, the weight of my decision heavy upon my chest. In that moment, I summoned every ounce of courage within me and spoke the words that would forever change the course of my life.

"I reject you, Lucien," I said, my voice clear and resolute. "I reject you as my Alpha and as my mate."