Chapter 5: A new beginning

The great hall slowly emptied. Groups of wolves gathered as they made their way toward the exits, their voices filling the air with excited whispers.

"I knew Lady Selene would do something."

"She's far too kind."

"She's sacrificing her own future for that girl."

"And she's even convinced Alpha Kael to take Aria with them."

"I would've left Aria here."

"So would I."

"Lady Selene has such a good heart."

Aria heard every word. Each compliment directed at Selene felt like another knife twisting in her chest. She couldn't understand it.

How could they all believe her? How could they not see the satisfaction hidden behind that gentle smile?

"Lina." Her voice was barely audible. "I..."

Lina tightened her grip on Aria's hand. "Don't listen to them."

Together, they walked through the crowd. No one stopped them. No one even spared her any kind words. Some stared openly, others looked away as though she had become an embarrassment to the pack.

Near the entrance...

Selene stood surrounded by several young she-wolves.

"Oh, Lady Selene..."

"You truly are wonderful."

"I don't know if I could ever do what you're doing."

Selene smiled modestly. "Please don't praise me. I'm only doing what anyone should. If Aria stays here..."she'll relive tonight every single day. I couldn't bear that." Several of the women sighed.

"She's too kind."

"No wonder Alpha Magnus loves her." Luna Lydia placed a proud hand on her daughter's shoulder.

"You've always had a generous heart." Selene lowered her head shyly.

"I only hope Aria finds happiness." Aria stopped walking. For a brief moment... She simply stared.

Lina gently pulled her arm. "Come on."

Without another word, Aria turned away. The cold evening air greeted them as they stepped outside the pack house.

The celebration continued behind them. Music floated through the open windows. Laughter echoed across the courtyard.

It sounded as though nothing terrible had happened. As though her world hadn't just fallen apart.

They walked in silence until they reached the narrow path leading toward the Alpha family's residence. Only then did Lina stop.

She looked around carefully. The courtyard was empty. No guards or servants. No one close enough to overhear them.

"Lina..."Aria finally whispered. What was it?"

"What?"

"The idea." Lina took a slow breath.

Before answering, she glanced over her shoulder one last time.

Only when she was certain they were alone did she turn back.

"You're not going to like what I'm about to say."

Aria frowned. "Just say it."

Lina hesitated. "I think..."you should go to Nightfang." Aria stared at her in disbelief.

For a moment, she wondered if she'd heard wrong. "What?"

"You heard me."

"You've lost your mind." Aria pulled her hand away. Did you not see what happened in there? He rejected me, in front of everyone. You want me to follow him?"

Lina remained calm. "I'm not asking you to follow him. I'm asking you to leave this place."

Aria laughed bitterly. “This is my home."

Lina's expression softened. "No. It stopped being your home a long time ago." Those words hit harder than anything else that had happened that night. Aria looked away.

Tears burned her eyes once more. "My father..."

"Your father chose the pack." Lina interrupted gently. “He chose Selene. He chose appearances. But he didn't choose you." Silence settled between them.

Aria couldn't argue. Because deep down...

She knew Lina was right.

"I'm not saying Nightfang will be easy. I'm saying Silver Moon will be worse." Aria looked away.

"The moment I step into Nightfang... I'll be nothing more than the rejected mate."

"Maybe." Lina admitted.

"But here?"She took a step closer. "You'll be the wolfless daughter the Alpha never wanted. The girl the entire pack laughs at. The girl your own father threw away." Aria's heart clenched.

Lina continued gently. "Think about tomorrow. Anytime you wake up and walk through this pack. Every face will remind you of tonight. And Damien..." Lina sighed. "He'll never let you forget."

Aria didn't argue. Because she knew Lina was right. Silver Moon had never truly been her home.

Not since everyone realized she had no wolf.

Not since her father stopped looking at her as his daughter.

A tear slipped down her cheek. "I don't belong here."

Lina smiled sadly. "No. You don't." She reached for Aria's hands. "But that doesn't mean you don't belong somewhere." The two girls stood in silence.

Finally...

Aria drew in a deep breath. "...Alright."

Lina blinked. "What?"

"I'll go." The words were barely louder than a whisper. "But..." She lifted her head. "I'm not going alone."

Lina frowned. "What do you mean?"

Aria managed the faintest smile. "If I'm leaving this pack..." you're coming with me."

Lina's eyes widened. "Ria..."

"I mean it. You're the only person who's ever stood beside me. I can't do this without you."

Emotion flickered across Lina's face. "I..."

Before she could answer, footsteps echoed behind them. A palace servant hurried toward them and bowed.

"Lady Aria. “The Alpha requests your presence." Aria exchanged a glance with Lina.

Without another word, they followed the servant back toward the Alpha's residence.

Magnus was waiting inside his study. Luna Lydia stood near the window. Selene remained quietly at her mother's side.

The moment Aria entered, Magnus looked up.

"So. You've accepted reality."

Aria nodded once. "I'll go to Nightfang."

A satisfied look crossed Magnus's face. "A wise decision."

"But..." Aria's voice stopped him. "I have one condition." The room fell silent.

Magnus's expression hardened. "You are in no position to make demands."

"I'm not asking for much." She reached for Lina's hand. “I want Lina to come with me." Shock spread across the room.

Lina stared at Aria. "Ria..." Selene's smile faltered for the first time that evening.

Magnus frowned. "Explain."

Aria met his gaze. "She's the only person in this pack who has ever treated me like family."

For the briefest moment...

Something unreadable crossed Magnus's face.

Before he could answer….

A knock echoed through the study. The door opened. Alpha Kael stepped inside.

"I was told you wished to see me." Magnus slowly looked toward him.

"Perfect timing. There has been... a slight change to our arrangement."