Chapter Four: Hidden Fates

Aria lay still on the cold stone floor of Caden’s chamber, every part of her body throbbing with pain. The sharp sting between her thighs reminded her of what had just happened, a cruel, painful reminder that she couldn’t escape. Her breath came in shallow gasps, her chest tight with a mixture of fear, shame, and anger.

"Get up," she told herself, her mind racing. "Just get up… move."

She forced her body to obey, pushing herself up with trembling arms. Her legs felt weak, barely able to support her weight, but she managed to stand. Her clothes were torn, her hair a tangled mess. She brushed a strand away from her tear-stained face, wincing at the sharp pain that flared with the movement. She had to get out of here, away from this chamber, away from him.

Her eyes darted to the door. She stumbled towards it, every step a painful reminder of the violence she had just endured. She opened the door, stepping out into the corridor, where several pack members loitered. They turned to look at her, their eyes widening with cruel amusement.

A low murmur of laughter rippled through the group. "Look at her," one of them snickered. "The little omega thinks she’s special now."

"Maybe she enjoyed it," another one added, a smirk on his face. "Maybe she wanted it."

Aria kept her eyes down, tears blurring her vision, her cheeks burning with humiliation. She bit her lip to keep from crying out, her heart pounding in her chest. "Don’t let them see you break," she whispered to herself. "Don’t give them the satisfaction."

She pushed past them, her head held as high as she could manage, each step agonizing, until she finally made it out of the Alpha’s residence and into the fresh air. Her body ached, but she felt a small measure of relief to be out of that place.

Aria made her way back to the healer’s chamber, her steps slow and painful. She paused outside the door, taking deep breaths to steady herself. "Mama," she thought, trying to focus on her mother instead of the pain coursing through her. "I need to be strong… for her."

Before entering, she ran a hand over her hair, trying to smooth it, and wiped at her face, willing the redness in her eyes to fade. She couldn’t let anyone know what had happened—she had to pretend that everything was normal. She pushed open the door and stepped inside, finding her mother lying on the cot, asleep, her breathing shallow but steady.

She sat down beside her, her hands still trembling as she reached out to gently touch her mother’s hand. "Mama," she whispered, her voice breaking, even though she knew her mother couldn’t hear her. "I don’t know what to do anymore… Everything is falling apart. I’m scared."

She closed her eyes, tears slipping down her cheeks. "I wish you were awake," she continued, her voice barely audible. "I need you… I need you to tell me it’s going to be okay." She squeezed her mother’s hand tighter, feeling the weight of the world pressing down on her shoulders.

But her mother lay still, the soft rise and fall of her chest the only sign of life. The healer’s medicine had put her into a deep sleep. Aria bit back a sob, knowing her mother wouldn’t wake to comfort her, wouldn’t hold her and tell her she was safe.

Meanwhile, in the Alpha’s quarters, Caden stood before his parents, his face still twisted with anger from the events of the day. His mother, a stern woman with a gaze as sharp as a blade, sat across from him, her lips pressed into a thin line. His father paced back and forth, clearly frustrated.

"I’ve made my choice," Caden said firmly, his hands clenched at his sides. "Lila is the one I want as my mate. She’s strong, she’s from a good family—"

His father cut him off. "Lila is impulsive and reckless," he snapped, turning to face Caden. "She does not have the qualities of a Luna, Caden. She lacks grace, wisdom, and patience."

Caden’s mother nodded in agreement, her expression stern. "She’s not fit to lead by your side," she added. "The pack needs a Luna who can unite, not divide."

Caden’s frustration flared. "You just don’t like her because she’s not who you wanted," he argued. "I’m the Alpha—I should get to choose my own mate."

Before his parents could respond, the door opened, and the pack’s priest, Elder Thorne, entered. He was an old man, his white beard flowing, his eyes deep and wise.

"Elder Thorne," Caden greeted, trying to mask his irritation. "What brings you here?"

The priest’s face was grave as he approached. "I have received a vision," he began, his voice calm but authoritative. "A vision of the Alpha’s true mate."

Caden frowned, crossing his arms. "I’ve already chosen—"

"The Moon Goddess has chosen for you," Elder Thorne interrupted, his voice ringing with conviction. "And it is not Lila."

Caden’s parents exchanged glances, their interest piqued. "Then who?" Caden’s father asked.

Elder Thorne’s gaze was steady as he answered. "Aria."

A stunned silence fell over the room. Caden’s mouth dropped open, disbelief flashing across his face. "No," he finally managed, his voice a harsh whisper. "That can’t be right. She’s… she’s just an omega."

His mother’s eyes widened in shock, and his father’s face darkened with confusion. "An omega?" his father repeated, clearly baffled.

Elder Thorne nodded solemnly. "Yes, an omega, but chosen by the Moon Goddess herself. It is not for us to question."

Caden shook his head, anger bubbling to the surface. "This is madness," he muttered. "She’s not fit to be my mate. She’s… she’s weak."

The elder raised a hand. "The Goddess's choice is final, Alpha Caden. You must accept it or risk the wrath of the Moon herself."

Caden’s mind raced, anger mixing with confusion. "Aria… my mate?" he thought, unable to believe it. "How could this be? How could she, of all people, be my destined mate?"

Back at the healer's chamber, Aria sat quietly, feeling a strange chill creeping over her body. She shivered, rubbing her arms, trying to shake off the cold, but it was no use. She glanced at her hands, noticing that they were trembling, her skin pale. "Why am I so cold?" she thought, her breath becoming visible in the cool air.

Her heart began to race as she felt a familiar warmth building inside her, a heat that seemed to spread from her core, radiating outwards. "No, not again," she murmured, fear gripping her. She quickly stood up, her body feeling weak and strange, her vision beginning to blur.

The healer, Elda, noticed the change immediately, her old eyes narrowing with concern. "Aria?" she called softly. "Are you alright?"

Aria forced a smile, her hands trembling as she moved toward the door. "I… I’m fine," she managed to say, though her voice was shaky. "I just need some air."

But as she stepped outside, the cold intensified, and her eyes began to turn dark blue again, just like before. She felt dizzy, her heart pounding erratically in her chest. She pressed a hand against the wall, trying to steady herself, her breath coming in shallow gasps.

"What is happening to me?" she thought, panic flooding her senses. "Why do I feel like this… like I’m… changing?"

She hurried away, desperate to be alone, her mind racing with fear and confusion. Behind her, the healer watched, her expression thoughtful and wary.

"Something is not right," Elda murmured, her eyes following Aria’s retreating form. "The signs… the signs are all there."

And somewhere in the distance, the Moon seemed to glow a little brighter, its light casting long, mysterious shadows on the ground.