***

A week after marrying Alaric...

I was hunting in the forest when Alaric approached me.

"Zara," he said flatly, almost without emotion.

I turned, my heart sinking when I heard him say my name so coldly.

"I want you to know that I can no longer accept you as my partner."

I was stunned, staring at him in disbelief. “What do you mean, Alaric? We’re meant to be together.”

He sighed, averting his gaze for a moment before looking back at me. “Do you know what it means to be a Luna? I need a partner who can stand by my side as a Beta—strong, resilient, and capable of supporting me in protecting this pack. You don’t have that strength, Zara.”

My heart seemed to stop beating. “So… you’re rejecting me because I’m an Omega?”

He nodded without hesitation. “I’ve decided to choose a Beta wolf as my companion,” he replied. “She’s a strong Beta who knows how to support my role as Alpha.”

“What about our contract marriage?” I whispered, my voice beginning to tremble.

Alaric’s cold gaze remained unchanged. “Don’t worry, I’ll handle everything. Our contract marriage will be finalised soon. For me, strength is the most important thing. You may feel hurt now, but this is best for all of us. You know what’s expected of an Alpha.”

I bit my lip, trying to hold back the tears. “So you truly chose Luna just because of her strength? Do you think I’m weak just because I’m an Omega?”

“This is for the pack. You’ll never be strong enough to stand by my side. And Gralind is the right choice for an Alpha like me!”

I fell silent, feeling my heart shatter into pieces. His words felt like a dagger stabbing me over and over. I wanted to cry, but I held back the tears so they wouldn’t fall in front of the man I once considered my partner.

“If that’s what you want, then I’ll leave. I won’t be a burden to you, Alaric. But remember this—destiny can’t be rejected so easily,” I finally said, my voice barely audible.

Alaric nodded slowly, then turned away without saying another word, leaving me alone.

***

A few days after the rejection, I tried to gather the courage to leave. However, something strange was happening to my body. I often felt nauseous, and sudden waves of weakness frequently arose. Anxiety began to haunt my thoughts. Unconsciously, the possibility of a shocking truth began to surface in my mind.

As I touched my still-flat stomach, I whispered, “Could I be pregnant?” My thoughts were a mix of fear and hope. I knew I had to confirm this reality before leaving the pack for good.

After confirming my condition, I stood at the edge of the forest with a determined gaze. Now I knew I was carrying Alaric’s child, the child of the man who had rejected me.

With mixed feelings, I decided not to return to the Gabring Pack. I would live my life without their control.

As I stepped away from the pack’s territory, someone suddenly emerged from behind a tree’s shadow, stopping me in my tracks.

“Zara,” the voice was low and slightly threatening.

I was startled and turned quickly. The figure who had been watching me all along was Gralind, the woman Alaric had chosen as his companion.

“So you’ve decided to leave?” Gralind smiled sarcastically. “Good. You don’t deserve to be by Alaric’s side.”

I glared at her. “I don’t care what you think. I just want to leave and live in peace.”

Gralind stepped closer, her tone filled with contempt. “Peacefully? Do you think you can take the Alpha’s blood away from this pack? You know, that child is the heir. If Alaric finds out you’re pregnant, he won’t let you leave so easily.”

“I don’t need Alaric’s pity. If he doesn’t want me, then he has no right to control my life,” I replied, my voice trembling with anger.

Gralind leaned closer, his voice low and sharp. "If you dare show your face here again, I will make sure that you and that child will never see tomorrow."

I clenched my fists tightly, trying to suppress the fear creeping over me. With unwavering resolve, I locked eyes with him. “I won’t come back. And I won’t let anyone, including you, touch my child.”

Gralind smirked. “We’ll see, Omega. You’re just a weak wolf in front of us. Sooner or later, fate will bring us together again. And when it does, you’ll regret it.”

I swallowed hard, feeling the real threat before me. But with all my strength, I turned around and walked away, leaving Gralind with unresolved tension.

I ran away from the pack’s territory, carrying the secret of my pregnancy and facing the dangerous shadow of Gralind. As I ran faster, I realised—I had to protect my child, no matter what.

I ran without looking back, feeling the cold wind biting my skin, as if the entire world was affirming my loneliness tonight.

Gralind’s words still echoed in my head, cutting into every inch of my heart already shattered by Alaric’s decision. Pain and anger mingled, but fear overwhelmed everything.

Not only the threat from the Gabring Pack lurking nearby, but also the danger from outside, waiting for its prey—an Omega like me—in the dark forest.

I ran for hours until my strength was completely drained. My breath was labored, and my body was about to collapse beside a large tree when suddenly, I sensed a presence in the darkness.

My heart raced, and I knew a group of enemies was approaching. I held my breath, hoping to hide, but their footsteps grew closer, accompanied by low growls that made my hair stand on end.

"What are you doing here? Omega of the Gabring Pack, are you here alone?" The man's voice was harsh, and I could hear mocking laughter from the others.

My hands trembled as I hugged myself, trying to look strong despite the fear that nearly paralysed me. "Don't come any closer!" I shouted, though my voice sounded more fragile than firm.

They only laughed louder, closing in on me as I backed into a corner. "Too bad, Omega. You're too weak to walk alone here."

I was about to give up when suddenly another set of footsteps sounded. Heavy, steady, and firm. From behind the trees, a tall man emerged, his aura so powerful it silenced my attackers. His eyes flashed with anger as he growled, "Leave now, or you'll regret it!"