Chapter 3 Severed Connection

THREE YEARS AGO

The pack members gathered outside the square, there was tension in the air, my heart pounded in my chest matching the echoing howls that surrounded us. A knot tightened in my stomach as everyone's gaze fell on Trent. The accused stood at the center. His grey hair fell over his face, covering most of his features, his gray eyes that always glistened now looked dull by the weight of accusation.

Trent was accused of treason against the Alpha, the very leader we were bound to obey. Such crimes were unforgivable. I stood in uncertainty observing silently what judgment would be passed. My heart ached for him. I knew he was innocent, but my words held no strength as I couldn't prove his innocence.

The judgment came. Alpha Walker, my father, a commanding figure with an aura of authority, stepped forward. I braced myself for the sentence that would seal Trent's destiny.

"Trent Wade, accused of treason against the Alpha, by the sacred laws of our kind, you are hereby sentenced to exile."

The growls of the pack grew louder, and Trent's jaw clenched. You could see the pain of betrayal in his eyes but he didn't say a word. My father turned to me, his gaze indicating it was time to carry out his commands, and my heart shattered into pieces. We had a strong connection and now I was forced to sever it.

I stepped forward, meeting Trent's gaze. I could see the shock in his eyes, and in a desperate mind-link attempt, he pleaded with me,

"What are you doing Ashley?" I could feel the fear in his tone, but I had to carry out my father's commands,

"I'm sorry, Trent, but I have to do this" I responded through the link.

"No baby listen.." I quickly closed the link, not wanting to hear him anymore, because it would be too difficult to go on with the task. I struggled to compose myself and pushed the words out in a voice I couldn't recognize.

"I, Ashley Smith, daughter of the Alpha reject you, Trent Wade, as my mate".

Each word I spoke felt like a betrayal and as the last words left my lips, there was a collective howl in the air from the pack members. I felt like my heartbeat had stopped, the pain was excruciating as our face mirrored what we were both going through.

'I'm sorry, please don't hate me' I whispered.

**** THREE YEARS LATER

The morning sun filtered into my room through the windows, causing me to squint. I woke up stretching my arms. A sense of unease settled in the pit of my stomach as I woke up. It grew worse when I noticed the hurried footsteps and hushed conversation of the pack members echoing through the pack house. I hurriedly threw clothes on and rushed downstairs, my eyes searching for my father among the busy pack members.

When I spotted him, his usual calm face was now etched with worry,

"Dad, what's going on?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper, but you could detect the urgency in it. He sighed heavily.

"Audrey, a message was sent to the Alpha last night. Trent has challenged him to a fight. The entire pack is on edge, and we don't know when he'll arrive."

My heart skipped a beat

"Trent?"

I asked again to be sure I wasn't hearing wrong. "Yes" my father responded. This was the name that haunted me in my dreams every night for the past three years. The man I rejected and severed ties with, was he returning? I could feel my inner wolf turning at the news. Since I rejected Trent, Zee has been very absent. I barely felt her, but as soon as Trent was mentioned...

"What does he want?" I asked, desperate for answers.

"We don't know, Ashley but we just have to be prepared"

The weight of uncertainty was in the air and everyone was busy. Some guards accompanied the young pups to school and were assigned to wait and bring them back. The security was tightened, everyone took precautions and nobody journeyed outside the safety of the pack for fear of the unknown. I couldn't help but wonder what his return would be like.

It was three days already since the day the letter got to the Pack. There was still tension in the air as Trent's day of arrival was still unknown. Rumors of Trebt's challenge to Alpha Ryan filled the whole pack.

A few days later, it was the day of the full moon celebration. The full moon shone bright in the night sky, casting its silvery glow over the pack's celebration. Laughter and joy echoed through the square as pack members partook in the festivities.

The air was filled with anticipation, the whispers of Trent's return becoming the undercurrent of the night.

Suddenly, like a shadow emerging from the moonlit night, Magnus made his entrance. The crowd hushed, their celebration momentarily frozen as all eyes turned toward the imposing figure. Accompanied by TJ, the Alpha of the Moonlight pack, Trent moved with a quiet confidence that spoke volumes.

I quickly looked at my dad, his face showed a mix of curiosity and caution, similar to what others in the pack were feeling. The happy rhythm of the celebration slowed down, and everyone started talking quietly.

As Trent and TJ reached the heart of the festivities, a sudden hush fell over the square. All activities ceased, and the young pups were ushered back to safety by vigilant guards, sensing an imminent shift in the atmosphere.

My heart raced as I watched Trent step into the spotlight. He looked different, transformed by the passage of time and the weight of his experiences. His grey hair flowed untamed, framing a face that bore the scars of exile. The once-dull gray eyes now glowed with an intensity that spoke of newfound strength. Trent possessed a powerful aura, an undeniable force that commanded attention.

Alpha Ryan, the reigning leader of the pack, faced Trent. "Trent, after all these years, you dare to return?" Alpha Ryan's voice cut through the tense silence.

Trent met Alpha's gaze, his expression unreadable. "I've come to settle unfinished business," he replied, his voice low and filled with a quiet determination that echoed through the square.

The pack's collective breath seemed to hitch as the two Alphas locked eyes. The air buzzed with an unspoken challenge, and I felt a mix of emotions. Despite everything, the undeniable truth lingered. I still loved Trent

Zee, my inner wolf, stirred within me. Her restlessness portrayed my own conflicting feelings. She seemed to sense the depth of my emotions, a silent acknowledgment of the bond that refused to break.

Trent continued, "Your reign has come to an end, Ryan. It's time for change." His words echoed through the square, carrying an unforgiving tone.

Alpha Ryan retained an air of authority. "You are breaking the law by returning,Trent.You have no claim here," he retorted, his stance unshaken.

Trent's eyes gleamed with a determined intensity, revealing a strength shaped by the challenges of exile. "Things have changed, Ryan. Prepare to meet your end,"