Chapter 4: Manipulated

Alpha Magnus’ voice echoed through the great hall. “Aria.” Lina stopped walking. Aria did the same.

Slowly, she turned around.

The whispers that had filled the hall moments ago faded into silence. Every eye was on her once again. Magnus rose from his seat, his expression as unreadable as ever.

“No one leaves.” His command carried effortlessly through the hall. “The events of tonight concern not only Silver Moon Pack, but every guest gathered beneath this roof.” No one dared object. Even the visiting Alphas remained where they were.

Magnus descended the steps of the platform until he stood in the center of the hall. His gaze settled on Kael.

“Alpha Kael, you have rejected the mate chosen for you by the Moon Goddess. I ask you now, before the witnesses gathered here…”Do you regret your decision?” The hall grew deathly quiet.

Kael stood without hesitation. “No.”His answer came without the slightest pause. “I came to Silver Moon seeking an alliance. My duty is to Nightfang. A Luna must be able to stand beside her Alpha. Lead and fight beside him, but Aria cannot. Murmurs spread through the crowd.

Some nodded in agreement. Others looked away uncomfortably.

Elder Aldric slowly rose. “The Moon Goddess does not make mistakes, Alpha Kael.”

Kael met his gaze evenly. “I respect the Moon Goddess. But I will not allow sympathy to rule my pack.” Before Elder Aldric could respond, Magnus raised a hand.

“The rejection has already taken place. There is no value in arguing what cannot be undone.” He turned toward the gathered wolves. “My concern is the future of Silver Moon.” His voice hardened. “My daughter has no wolf. She can no longer remain as a member of the Alpha’s household.” Aria lowered her eyes.

She had expected those words. Yet hearing them spoken before the entire pack still hurt.

Then…

A soft voice broke the silence. “Father…” Selene stepped forward. There wasn’t a trace of triumph on her face, only concern. She looked toward Aria, her expression gentle.“If I may…” Magnus gave a small nod. Selene clasped her hands together.

“I know tonight has been painful.”Her eyes rested on Aria. “I cannot imagine how much you’re hurting.” Several wolves exchanged sympathetic glances. Selene continued softly. “If Aria remains here, everything will remind her of tonight.”

The hall remained silent.“I don’t want that for her.”

She looked toward Kael. “Alpha Kael came here seeking an alliance. “If… if he is willing…” Her voice faltered just enough to sound sincere. “I would gladly take Aria’s place.”

A ripple of surprise spread through the crowd. Selene lowered her gaze modestly. “My mother and Alpha Magnus are to be united. It would honor me to strengthen that bond further by becoming Nightfang’s future Luna.” Gasps echoed through the hall.

“What a sacrifice…”

“Lady Selene truly thinks of the pack.”

“She’s willing to leave her own home.” Luna Lydia smiled proudly but remained silent.

Selene looked back at Aria. “As for Aria…“I’ve heard Nightfang’s healers are unmatched. A new beginning, away from tonight’s pain, may be exactly what she needs. I only want what’s best for her.”

The whispers grew louder.

“She’s so kind.”

“Anyone else would’ve humiliated Aria after this.”

“Lady Selene is thinking of her before herself.” Kael studied Selene for a long moment.

Then he spoke. “If Lady Selene accepts…”I have no objection.” Another wave of murmurs swept through the hall.

Selene bowed her head gracefully. “Thank you, Alpha Kael.” Then, slowly, she turned to face Aria.

“But… If Aria is to begin again, I believe she should come to Nightfang as well.” The hall fell silent once more. Every eye turned toward Aria.

Aria stared at Selene in disbelief.“You expect me to go with him?”Her voice was barely above a whisper.“The same man who rejected me in front of everyone?”

Selene lowered her eyes, her expression filled with what appeared to be sympathy.“I know you’re hurting. But staying here will only make it worse. I only want you to have a chance to heal.” The wolves around them nodded.

“Lady Selene is right.”

“She’s thinking of Aria before herself.”

“What a kind heart.”

Aria felt sick. Not because of Selene’s words… But because everyone believed them. She looked toward her father. Surely…

Surely he could see through it. Instead, Alpha Magnus stepped forward.

“Enough.”His deep voice silenced the hall. “Selene is willing to leave her own home, her family, and the life she has always known.” He fixed Aria with a hard stare.“She is making that sacrifice for your sake. And yet… you ain’t even appreciating her effort.” Aria felt as though the air had been stolen from her lungs. Magnus didn’t wait for an answer.

“This matter is settled. You will accompany Alpha Kael to Nightfang.”

His words rang through the hall like a sentence being passed. Lina stepped forward instinctively.

“Alpha, please—”

“Silence.”Magnus’s voice cracked through the room. “Lina, do not involve in this. This is a serious matter.” The hall fell into a suffocating silence.

Aria lowered her gaze, her hands trembled at her sides. She wanted to protest, scream and refuse but she knows very well that no one can help her out if this.

Every pair of eyes in the hall was watching her. Some where waiting to see her reaction, she can’t even tell what was on their mind.

Then—

A warm hand quietly slipped into hers. Lina gave her fingers a reassuring squeeze. Leaning close enough that only Aria could hear, she whispered,

“Don’t say anything…”I have an idea.” Aria’s eyes widened.