Rejected by the Alpha, Claimed by the King

The boundary of Silvermoon territory felt like a physical wall against my weakened body. Dawn painted the forest in hues of pale gold, but I felt none of its warmth as I crossed the invisible line that I'd never thought I'd see again. My breath came in ragged gasps, each step sending jolts of pain through my deteriorating frame.

My wolf, Luna, whimpered within me. *We shouldn't be here, Aria. We're dying. What's the point?*

"I need to see him one last time," I whispered aloud, my voice barely audible even to my own ears. Four years had passed since I'd left this place—since I'd sacrificed everything to save him without his knowledge.

The familiar scent of pine and earth filled my nostrils, memories flooding back with brutal clarity. Gabriel and I had run through these woods countless times, planning our future together. Now, I could barely manage a slow walk, my once-vibrant wolf fading within me like a dying ember.

I paused, leaning against a tree as a wave of dizziness threatened to topple me. The ritual had taken more than I'd expected. Not just my wolf's strength, but my very life force was draining away, a price I'd willingly paid for Gabriel's survival. A price he would never know about.

"Just a little further," I encouraged myself, pushing away from the trunk and continuing toward the old pack den that had once been my home.

As the morning progressed, I concealed myself behind a cluster of tall pines at the edge of the training grounds. The daily pack run would begin soon. I shouldn't be here—watching would only bring more pain—but I couldn't stop myself.

They emerged from the main house like a vision from my nightmares. Gabriel, magnificent and powerful, his Alpha aura radiating strength that made my knees weak with longing. Beside him walked Victoria Sterling, her hand possessively wrapped around his arm, her perfect face tilted toward him adoringly.

My heart constricted painfully in my chest. She looked like me—or rather, the version of me that had existed before the ritual had drained my vitality. Her dark hair gleamed in the sunlight, her posture confident and strong. The perfect Luna for a powerful Alpha.

I pressed myself against the rough bark, trying to quiet my breathing as the pack assembled for their run. Gabriel's commanding voice carried across the clearing as he gave instructions, the familiar timbre sending shivers down my spine.

Then it happened. The wind shifted, carrying my scent directly toward the gathered wolves. Gabriel's head snapped up, his nostrils flaring. His eyes, those golden eyes I'd dreamed about every night for four years, scanned the treeline until they locked onto my hiding place.

The hatred in his gaze hit me like a physical blow. Cold, calculating fury burned there, making it clear that my return was neither welcome nor forgiven. Victoria noticed his distraction and followed his gaze, her eyes narrowing when she spotted me.

I retreated deeper into the shadows, my