Chapter 3 Elder's Warning

Elena's POV

Elder Rowan's presence filled the room, comforting my wary self. I didn't have the courage to face him. My eyes were swollen from crying, and I could feel more fresh tears welling up, ready to spill.

"Father," I called in sob, my voice weak as I finally looked up at him. His eyes softened with that same paternal concern he always had for me.

He sighed deeply as he sat down on the bed, and I did the same, beside him. "Elena, my child," he said. He reached out and placed a gentle, calloused hand on my shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze. "Don't let his actions get to you. Andrew... rejecting you like that in front of everyone. It's not right."

I couldn't hold it back anymore. The tears spilled over, hot and fast, and I leaned into him, burying my face in his shoulder in a hug like I was a little girl again. "It hurts so much, Father," I sobbed, my words muffled against his shirt. "Last night... he marked me, kissed me, said I was his. And then today, he just... threw me away. Like I'm nothing. Why would he do that? Why mark me if he was just going to reject me?"

He wrapped his arms around me, holding me tight, his hand stroking my back in slow, comforting pat. "Shh, Elena, my child. Let it out. You've been strong for too long on your own." His voice was steady, but I could hear the anger simmering underneath. "I was out in the woods last night, checking the borders like I always do. I saw it all, the pull between you two, the mark, the way he claimed you. The Moon Goddess doesn't make mistakes like that lightly."

I pulled back a little, wiping my face with the back of my hand, but the tears kept coming. "But he rejected me, Father. Publicly. Everyone laughed. They called me weak, an omega. How can I even show my face out there now?"

His expression hardened, his bushy eyebrows drawing together in a frown. He took my hands in his, his grip kind. "Listen to me, child. That rejection of his? It's going to bring consequences to the whole pack. Fate doesn't accept something like that so easily. The bond between you and Andrew is still alive, whether he admits it or not. You feel it, don't you? That mark on your neck, it's not just a scar. It's a tie that the Goddess herself approves."

I clenched my fists in my lap, my nails digging into my palms because I didn't want to hear it. Part of me knew he was right concerning the pull and I could still feel it but admitting it meant more pain. "I don't care about the bond," I muttered, my voice shaky. "He doesn't want me. He said I'm weak and unworthy. What consequences? The pack seems fine with it. They're all cheering for Selene now."

Elder Rowan shook his head, his eyes narrowing with determination. "The pack might not see it yet, but they will. An Alpha rejecting his true mate? It weakens the leadership, invites unrest from the spirits, maybe even from rival packs who sense the discord. I've seen it before in my years, bonds like this don't break clean. You have to remain strong, Elena, because this isn't over. The elders are meeting soon to decide what should be done. The disaster that awaits is huge."

I wanted to argue, to tell him it was hopeless, that Andrew's words had cut too deep, but my throat was dry from crying. I just nodded weakly. He gave my hands one last squeeze before standing up.

"Rest now, my child," he said softly, leaning down to kiss the top of my head. "You're not alone in this. Call on me if you need anything." With that, he turned and left, the door clicking shut behind him, leaving me in the quiet that felt heavier than before.

Not long after, there was another knock. I didn't move at first, but then Clara's voice came through. "Elena? It's me. I brought food."

I dragged myself off the bed and opened the door. She bustled in, carrying a tray with a steaming bowl of stew and some bread. She set it down on the rickety table and turned to me, her eyes widening when she saw my puffy face. "Oh, Elena, you look awful. So pale too. Here, eat something. You haven't had a thing all day, have you?"

I shook my head and sat back on the bed, staring at the food without touching it. "I'm not hungry, Clara. Just... leave it."

She crossed her arms, her expression stubborn. "No way. You're eating, even if I have to feed you myself. Look at you, you're shaking. That rejection... it's bullshit, and you need your strength."

I sighed, picking up the spoon just to make her stop. "Fine. But only a little." I took a small bite but it didn't make me feel any better.

Clara sat down next to me, her hand on my knee. "The wolves out there are already gossiping like crazy. Some are pitying you, saying it's unfair what Andrew did. Others... well, they're mocking you, calling you weak or whatever. But I gave them a piece of my mind. Told one girl straight up that if she didn't shut her mouth, I'd make her do so."

Her words only made the knot in my chest tighten. I set the spoon down, tears pricking my eyes again. "I just want to disappear, Clara. Crawl into a hole and never come out."

She grabbed my hand, her grip fierce, her eyes blazing with loyalty. "Hey, no. Running away would only give them more reasons to laugh. You're better than that. Stay and show them you're not broken. We'll get through this together, okay? Andrew's the idiot here, not you."

I nodded, forcing a small smile, but inside, I was crumbling. We spent the evening like that, mostly in silence after I pushed the food away. Clara chattered a bit about pack news to distract me, but eventually, she nodded off in the chair by the table later at night, her head lolling to the side, soft snores filling the room. I stayed awake, curled up, replaying Andrew's cold words over and over in my head. "I reject Elena Torre as my Luna and my mate." Each time, it hurts like the first.

The next morning, I couldn't stay locked up anymore. I slipped out early, hoping the fresh air would clear my mind. I headed to the training grounds, pulling my hood up. But as soon as I got there, I felt every eye turn to me. Whispers followed, heads turning, and I kept my gaze focused, my hands shoved in my pockets.

Selene was there, of course, dressed perfectly in tight training gear that showed off her curves, her hair tied back in a sleek ponytail. She was surrounded by her usual group of girls, laughing and stretching. When she spotted me, her lips curled into a smirk. She leaned in and whispered something to the girl next to her, who burst out laughing, covering her mouth.

My cheeks burned, and I turned away, pretending to watch the sparring matches. But then Beta Marcus appeared out of nowhere, striding over with his usual stoic expression, his arms in his pockets. He stopped beside me as he whispered. "Don't let them bother you, Elena," he said quietly, not looking at me directly but scanning the grounds.

Surprised and confused, I wondered why he would care. He was Andrew's right-hand man, always loyal so I assume he should be on his side.

"Thanks," I muttered, but I didn't say more, my voice barely above a whisper.

Before he could respond, Selene sauntered over, her group trailing behind her. She stopped right in front of me, her voice loud enough for everyone nearby to hear in mock. "So, Elena, does it hurt to know Andrew chose power over you?"