Forsaken by Alpha King

The heavy oak doors of the Pack Hall creaked as they swung open, releasing a chill gust of autumn wind. Aveline stood silently near the far end of the hall, her fingers brushing over the polished wood of an old armchair that once belonged to her father. She was waiting with the Elders, Beta Jack, and her best friend Hazel, all of whom wore expressions of mounting unease. The Pack Hall, usually brimming with the warmth of pack camaraderie, felt cold and hollow.

"It's not like him to be late," muttered Elder Oswin, his voice gravelly with age. He glanced at Aveline with an attempt at a reassuring smile, but even he seemed uncertain. Aveline didn't respond; she was focused on the emptiness beyond the open door, her chest tightening with every passing second.

Hazel, standing beside her, leaned in and whispered, "Are you sure you don't know what this is about?" Her concern seeped through her words like a leak from a cracked vase.

Aveline swallowed hard, her throat dry. She wanted to shake her head, but something kept her still. There was a tightness in the air, something heavy and foreboding. She couldn't tell Hazel that she, Luna, had been kept in the dark. The silence from Killian these past days had been unlike anything she had ever felt in their three years of marriage.

Footsteps echoed from the hallway. They all turned toward the entrance just as Killian appeared. But he wasn't alone.

A tall, slender woman trailed at his side, her arm looped through his, with a proud smile on her lips that seemed almost unnatural. Morgana. Even her name carried weight-a whisper from a bitter past. She was dressed in deep crimson robes that clung to her frame, standing out sharply against the dark stone of the hall. Aveline's heart sank, the color like a scar on the once familiar world she knew.

Killian's eyes were cold as he scanned the room, stopping momentarily on Aveline before moving on, as if dismissing her existence. Aveline's breath caught, and the world seemed to shift beneath her feet. It was a look she had never seen in him before-detached and calculated.

"Killian?" Aveline's voice came out hoarse, almost a whisper.

Ignoring her, Killian cleared his throat and faced the Elders. His posture was rigid, authoritative. He was the Alpha, and he wore the title like armor. But beneath the confident exterior, Aveline saw something unfamiliar-hesitation.

"This is Morgana Vesper," Killian declared, his voice echoing in the hall. "Your new Luna."

The words landed like stones thrown into a silent lake. Aveline felt each one sink into her chest, each one ripping the breath from her lungs. The Elders exchanged confused, concerned glances, but no one spoke. Hazel's hand tightened around Aveline's wrist, grounding her, but it wasn't enough to steady the storm now raging inside her.

"What do you mean... new Luna?" Beta Jack's voice broke the silence, his brows knitted in a frown. Jack had always been Killian's closest confidant, and the doubt in his eyes spoke volumes.

Killian turned to face Jack directly. "Aveline and I are no longer..." He hesitated for a moment, but continued, "Aveline and I are no longer bonded. Morgana is my true mate."

Aveline's blood turned to ice. True mate? The term held sacred weight in their world. A bond that superseded any other-a connection granted by fate itself. But how could that be? She had been Killian's wife, his Luna, for three years, and they had faced so many trials together.

Morgana, with her serene smile and unwavering gaze, tilted her head slightly. "It seems fate has a way of righting wrongs," she murmured, the words as soft and sharp as a whispering blade.

Aveline's pulse quickened. She knew who Morgana was. An omega from the Red Moon Pack, once nothing more than a maid-a whisper of a shadow from Killian's past. Rumors had circulated that she had been more than that, whispers of her as a mistress. Yet here she stood, as the supposed true mate.

"Killian, you're mistaken," Aveline forced out, her voice trembling with the effort to stay calm. "We've been through-"

"This isn't up for discussion, Aveline," Killian interrupted, his tone clipped. His eyes flickered with something-regret, anger, fear? She couldn't tell. "Morgana was my first mate, and now that she's returned-"

Aveline didn't hear the rest. His words seemed to blur, the world becoming a distant, distorted hum. Her thoughts scattered like leaves in the wind, only a single question clawing its way to the forefront-Why?

Suddenly, Morgana's gaze met hers, and in those dark, gleaming eyes, Aveline saw a quiet triumph. It was the look of a victor, a conqueror.

"I-I don't understand..." Aveline's voice faltered, her words barely more than a breath.

"It's simple," Morgana replied softly, almost gently, as if explaining a simple fact to a child. "You were given a second chance, Aveline. But you were never meant to be his first."

The finality of those words shattered the last remnants of Aveline's composure. She felt her hands begin to tremble, her vision narrowing until all she could see was Morgana's smug expression.

"Killian..." Aveline managed one last attempt to find some shred of the man she knew.

But Killian simply turned away. "It's done," he said, the words as empty as the echo that followed them.

The Elders remained silent, unwilling to challenge their Alpha in front of his chosen Luna. Hazel opened her mouth, but Aveline shook her head slightly, signaling for her friend to stay silent. It was over.

Killian took Morgana's hand, and together they left the hall, their footsteps echoing down the long corridor until the heavy doors shut with a dull, resounding thud.

Aveline was left standing in the quiet, her heart echoing with the question she could no longer ask aloud-Why?

The silence in the Pack Hall hung heavy, like a shroud that choked the breath out of the room. No one moved. No one spoke. Even the Elders, who had seen decades of leadership turmoil, seemed stunned into an unusual paralysis.

Aveline's legs felt weak beneath her, and for a moment she thought she might crumble right there on the stone floor. Her entire world had collapsed in the span of a few heartbeats, and the remnants of her life now lay in scattered pieces around her.

"Breathe," Hazel whispered, her voice trembling. She wrapped an arm around Aveline's shoulders, trying to pull her back to reality. "Just... breathe."

But Aveline felt like she was suffocating, drowning in a sea of betrayal and disbelief. How could Killian have done this? And how could he have replaced her so easily? Questions swirled, unanswered, as she stood there in shock.

The Elders finally began to murmur amongst themselves, their voices low and filled with uncertainty. Aveline barely registered their words. Her ears were ringing, and her heartbeat pounded in her head like a relentless drum.

"Luna..." Elder Oswin's voice cut through the haze. The title sounded like a mockery now, a cruel reminder of what she'd lost. "Aveline, what do you want us to do?"

She blinked, trying to focus on the Elder's weathered face. His eyes were kind but uncertain, searching her for any sign of strength. But Aveline didn't have the answers, not now. Not when everything she believed in had been so thoroughly destroyed.

Beta Jack stepped forward, his face a mask of restrained anger. "This is wrong," he said, his voice firm and filled with the authority of someone who wasn't afraid to challenge even an Alpha. "This isn't how it's supposed to be."

Jack's words seemed to snap Aveline out of her daze, pulling her back from the edge of despair. She met his gaze, trying to find her own strength in his certainty.

"We can't change what he's decided," she said softly, though each word felt like a knife in her chest. "If he's... chosen Morgana, there's nothing left to fight for here."

Hazel squeezed her shoulder. "But you can't just accept this, Aveline. You've been his Luna for years. You've led this pack-"

Aveline shook her head, forcing herself to keep her voice steady. "What would you have me do, Hazel? Beg him to take me back? I won't give him that satisfaction."

Jack's fists clenched at his sides. "You don't have to beg," he said, his voice hard with resolve. "You have allies. We can challenge his decision. The pack won't all stand behind this... madness."

Aveline almost wanted to believe him, but the reality of the situation loomed too large. She was fighting a losing battle, and Killian had made his choice. If she stayed and fought, it would only lead to more suffering-for her, for the pack, and for the children she was carrying.

The thought of her unborn children cut through the chaos in her mind like a bolt of clarity. She had to protect them, no matter what. She couldn't let them become pawns in this twisted game.

"No," she said, her voice firmer this time. "I won't put the pack through that. I won't put myself through that."

Jack opened his mouth to argue, but she silenced him with a look. "This is over, Jack," she said, a finality in her tone that she didn't entirely feel, but had to project. "Please... don't make this harder."

He hesitated, then nodded reluctantly. "If that's what you want," he said quietly. "But know this, Aveline-we're not all behind him. Some of us still believe in you."

The weight of those words settled on her, both a comfort and a burden. Aveline offered him a weak smile, but it didn't reach her eyes. "Thank you," she whispered.

The Elders murmured their reluctant agreement, and one by one, they filed out of the hall, their steps slow and uncertain. Beta Jack lingered a moment longer, giving Aveline a searching look before he, too, turned and left.

Only Hazel remained, her eyes brimming with unshed tears. "You can't leave, Aveline," she pleaded. "You belong here."

"Not anymore," Aveline replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "He made sure of that."

The finality of her words seemed to settle over Hazel like a weight, and she swallowed hard, nodding in acceptance. "Where will you go?" she asked, her voice thick with emotion.

"Somewhere far," Aveline replied. "Somewhere where he can't find me. Where I can protect them."

"Them?" Hazel's eyes widened in realization, and she covered her mouth with her hand. "Aveline, you-"

"I can't stay, Hazel," Aveline cut in, her voice breaking for the first time. "Not now."

Hazel pulled her into a tight embrace, her own tears spilling over. "Promise me you'll be safe," she whispered, her voice trembling.

"I will," Aveline lied, knowing she could make no such promise.

When Hazel finally let her go, Aveline took a deep breath, steeling herself for what came next. She needed to leave before her courage faltered. Before the pain consumed her.

Without another word, Aveline turned and walked out of the Pack Hall, the weight of her loss pressing down on her like a heavy shroud. As she stepped into the cool night air, the moon overhead seemed to mock her, its silver light illuminating the path ahead-a path she would have to walk alone.

But she wouldn't let herself break. Not yet. Not while she still had something left to fight for.

The heavy oak doors of the Pack Hall closed behind her with a resounding thud, sealing away the remnants of her old life.

And as Aveline walked into the darkness, the chill wind whispered through the trees, carrying with it the faintest echoes of betrayal and the promise of an uncertain future.

The cold night air hit Aveline's face as she stepped out of the Pack Hall, but she barely felt it. Her mind was too numb, her chest too tight to notice the sharp chill that stung her cheeks. She moved with mechanical precision, her feet taking her down the well worn path toward the woods at the edge of the Whispering territory. Each step felt surreal, as if she were moving through a fog, her surroundings hazy and distant.

The moonlight filtered through the branches, casting jagged shadows across her path. Aveline's thoughts spiraled, questions and half formed regrets tangling into knots. How could Killian do this to her? Why hadn't he come to her first, spoken to her, instead of making his announcement like she was just another member of the pack?

Was she ever really his Luna? The thought struck her with a pain sharper than any wound.

"Wait!" Hazel's voice broke through the fog. Aveline stopped, her shoulders tensing involuntarily. She turned slowly, meeting her best friend's tears filled eyes.

Hazel jogged the last few steps to catch up, breathless. "You can't just walk away like this."

Aveline swallowed hard, struggling to find words. "There's nothing left for me here," she said, her voice flat and distant. She couldn't bring herself to feel anything-anger, sadness, betrayal-nothing had fully sunk in. She was still trying to convince herself this wasn't some terrible dream.

Hazel shook her head, a stray tear slipping down her cheek. "He can't just... replace you! You have to fight back, Aveline. The pack, the Elders-they'll support you if you challenge him."

"Challenge him?" Aveline repeated, almost laughing at the absurdity. "Hazel, he's made up his mind. He chose Morgana, and the pack will follow their Alpha."

Hazel gritted her teeth. "Some of them still believe in you."

"But not enough of them," Aveline whispered, her gaze dropping to the ground. "I can't drag the pack into this. Not when he's already made his choice."

"You're giving up too easily," Hazel said, her voice wavering between frustration and heartbreak. "This isn't the Aveline I know."

Aveline's hands clenched into fists, the words stinging more than she expected. But she knew Hazel meant well. She just didn't understand how deep the wounds went-how raw they still were.

Before Aveline could respond, the heavy doors of the Pack Hall swung open behind them. Aveline turned just in time to see Beta Jack storming out, his face a mask of anger. He marched straight to them, his eyes locked on Aveline.

"This isn't over," Jack said, his voice low and intense. "I'm not letting him throw you away like this, Aveline."

"There's nothing you can do, Jack," Aveline said quietly, her voice almost drowned out by the wind rustling the leaves. "He's the Alpha. His word is law."

"Law?" Jack spat the word like it was something foul. "This isn't law. This is madness. Morgana is manipulating him-can't you see that?"

Aveline hesitated, but she didn't answer. Jack's certainty was like a torch in the darkness, and for a moment, she almost wanted to believe him. But the pain of Killian's betrayal was too fresh, and doubt gnawed at her resolve.

Inside the hall, Killian emerged with Morgana on his arm, their silhouettes framed by the golden light from within. Morgana's gaze swept over the scene, her eyes lingering on Aveline with a look that was part triumph and part pity, a cruel mockery of sympathy. Killian's expression, however, was as cold and unreadable as ever.

"Killian!" Jack called, his voice echoing across the clearing. He took a step forward, his fists clenched at his sides. "This isn't right, and you know it."

Killian's jaw tightened, but he didn't respond. Morgana's hand tightened on his arm, and she leaned in, whispering something in his ear. Whatever it was, it only made his eyes harden.

"There's nothing to discuss, Jack," Killian said finally, his tone flat and dismissive. "The decision is made."

Jack took another step forward, his anger barely restrained. "And what about the pack? What about Aveline? Don't they deserve more than a decision made behind closed doors?"

"Aveline knows why this had to happen," Killian replied, his gaze shifting briefly to her. There was something in his eyes-regret, guilt, perhaps even pain-but it was gone as quickly as it appeared.

"No," Aveline said softly, finding her voice at last. She met Killian's gaze, her eyes steady despite the storm raging inside her. "I don't understand why, Killian. And you haven't given me a reason."

Killian opened his mouth to speak, but Morgana stepped forward, her expression perfectly composed. "It's simple," she said, her voice as smooth as polished glass. "You were a temporary solution. An unfortunate necessity until the real Luna could return."

Aveline felt the words like a slap, but she didn't flinch. She refused to give Morgana the satisfaction.

"You're a fool, Killian," Jack growled, his voice dripping with disdain. "You think this woman has your best interests at heart? You're blind if you can't see what she's doing."

"Enough," Killian snapped, his voice laced with a warning. "This is not your place, Jack."

"Maybe not," Jack replied, his voice tight with fury. "But it's still my duty to protect this pack. And you're making a mistake that could destroy everything."

Killian's eyes flashed with anger, and for a moment, Aveline feared he might lash out. But Morgana placed a calming hand on his arm, her touch seemingly diffusing the tension.

"I won't tolerate insubordination, Jack," Killian said, his tone icy. "Remember your place."

Jack's jaw clenched, but he didn't back down. "You're the one who's forgotten his place, Killian."

"Enough!" Aveline's voice cut through the rising tension, startling them all into silence. She took a deep breath, steadying herself. "This is over, Jack. There's no point in arguing."

"But-" Jack began, but Aveline shook her head.

"Please," she said softly. "Let it go."

Jack's shoulders slumped in defeat, and after a long moment, he nodded reluctantly. He shot Killian one last glare before turning on his heel and stalking away into the darkness.

Hazel reached for Aveline's hand, squeezing it tightly. "What are you going to do?" she asked, her voice barely more than a whisper.

Aveline didn't answer. She didn't know the answer herself. All she knew was that she couldn't stay-not with the weight of Killian's betrayal pressing down on her, suffocating her with every breath.

Without another word, Aveline turned and walked away from the Pack Hall, leaving behind the echoes of broken promises and shattered dreams.

Aveline walked briskly into the forest, her footsteps muffled by the thick blanket of leaves that carpeted the ground. The moonlight filtered through the dense canopy, creating shifting patterns of light and shadow, but Aveline hardly noticed. Her mind was racing, her emotions a turbulent storm just beneath the surface of her rigid composure.

She needed to clear her head, to figure out what to do next. The thought of staying here, of pretending everything was normal while Morgana paraded as Luna, made her stomach twist. And now, more than ever, she had to think not just of herself but of the children growing inside her.

They won't grow up here, she told herself. Not under her rule.

The thought brought with it a surge of determination. She would leave. She had no choice. If she stayed, the pack would be divided between those loyal to her and those who accepted Morgana, and that division would tear them all apart. Even if she couldn't see it clearly yet, deep down she knew she couldn't risk her children's lives in this chaos.

As she reached the edge of the woods, she heard footsteps behind her. She stopped, turning to see Jack emerge from the darkness, his expression a mask of frustration and pain.

"I'm not letting you leave like this," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "You deserve better than this, Aveline."

Aveline shook her head, her voice barely above a whisper. "It doesn't matter what I deserve, Jack. The pack matters more."

"No, it matters what's right," Jack insisted. He took a step closer, his eyes searching hers for something-anything-that might suggest she was willing to stay and fight. "He's not thinking clearly. Morgana is manipulating him, turning him against everyone who cares about this pack."

Aveline let out a bitter laugh, devoid of any real humor. "And what would fighting accomplish, Jack? More division? More bloodshed? I can't do that to them. I won't."

"You're their Luna," Jack said, almost pleading now. "They need you."

"They have a Luna," she replied, her tone heavy with finality. "Even if she isn't the one they deserve."

Jack's shoulders slumped, his expression one of utter defeat. "You can't just leave without saying anything to them," he said softly. "They need closure. They need to understand."

But Aveline shook her head. "If I say goodbye, they'll never let me leave. And if I stay, I'll be putting them all at risk."

"What about Killian?" Jack's question was pointed, cutting through the fog of Aveline's resolve. "You still love him, don't you?"

Aveline felt her breath hitch at the question, her chest tightening painfully. Did she still love him? It was a question she hadn't allowed herself to fully consider, not with everything else crashing down around her. But the answer was there, buried beneath layers of pain and anger and betrayal.

"I don't know," she admitted, her voice barely more than a whisper. "But it doesn't matter now."

"It should matter," Jack insisted, his voice rough with frustration. "You're walking away from everything because of something he did-"

"No," she interrupted, her voice suddenly sharp with resolve. "I'm walking away because I have to protect my children. That's all that matters now."

Jack's eyes widened in shock, his mouth opening as if to say something, but no words came. Aveline turned away, not wanting to see the pain and confusion in his eyes. She needed to stay strong, to keep moving forward.

But before she could take another step, Jack reached out, his hand gently gripping her arm. "Aveline, if you leave now, there's no going back," he said, his voice barely more than a whisper. "You know that, don't you?"

She swallowed hard, nodding. "I know."

Jack released her arm, his shoulders slumping in defeat. He watched her for a long moment, his eyes filled with a sadness that mirrored her own.

"Be safe," he said finally, his voice thick with emotion. "And if you ever need help-"

"I know where to find you," Aveline finished for him, forcing a small, sad smile. It was the best she could offer him, and he seemed to understand.

Without another word, Aveline turned and continued walking, the forest closing in around her. She didn't look back, didn't allow herself to dwell on the shattered remnants of her life that she was leaving behind.

As the darkness deepened, the wind picked up, rustling the leaves and whispering through the trees like a mournful song. Aveline forced herself to keep moving, her thoughts focused on what lay ahead-on the new life she would have to build, far away from the pack and the man she had once called her mate.

But as she moved deeper into the forest, she couldn't shake the feeling that she was being watched, that the shadows held secrets she couldn't see. Her instincts told her to be cautious, to stay alert, but her mind was too exhausted to heed the warning.

One step at a time, she told herself. Just keep moving.

The words became a mantra, a lifeline that kept her going as the darkness closed in around her, swallowing the path behind her like the remnants of a fading dream.

The forest was deathly quiet, as if it, too, was holding its breath.

Aveline stood in the shadows just beyond the pack's main compound, every nerve on edge. The weight of her decision pressed down on her like a stone. The urgency of the escape buzzed in the back of her mind, urging her to move, but she forced herself to stay still, listening for any sign of danger. The moon was hidden behind a thick layer of clouds, providing just enough darkness to conceal her movement.

This is the only way, she reminded herself, clenching her fists to steady the trembling in her fingers. You have to keep them safe.

She heard the soft rustle of leaves, and Hazel emerged from the darkness, a small bundle of supplies clutched tightly in her hands. Her face was pale, eyes wide with worry as she approached Aveline.

"I couldn't find much," Hazel whispered, thrusting the bundle into Aveline's hands. "Some food, water, a few herbs... I tried to grab extra clothes, but-"

"It's enough," Aveline interrupted softly, squeezing Hazel's arm. "You've already done so much. I can't ask for more."

"You don't have to ask," Hazel replied, her voice fierce despite the fear in her eyes. "You're my friend. You're my Luna."

Aveline's heart ached at the words. She opened her mouth to respond, but the words wouldn't come. The reality of her departure felt surreal, almost impossible to grasp. She was walking away from everything she knew, everyone she cared about, and there was no coming back.

"Are you sure about this?" Hazel asked, her voice wavering slightly. "The Highlands... it's so far, so isolated. What if-"

"It's the only place where I'll be safe," Aveline cut in, her tone firmer than she felt. "No one from the pack goes that far north. It's my best chance."

Hazel bit her lip, clearly wanting to argue but knowing it would do no good. "I wish I could go with you," she murmured, tears glistening in her eyes. "I hate leaving you to face this alone."

"You can't," Aveline said gently. "They'll notice if you're gone. And I need someone here... someone who still believes in me."

Hazel took a shaky breath and nodded. "I'll be your eyes and ears," she promised. "And if anything changes, if you need anything-"

"I'll find a way to reach you," Aveline assured her, though she wasn't sure how. The distance between the Northern Highlands and Whispering Woods was vast, almost unreachable to most. But she couldn't think about that now. She had to focus on getting there first.

The faint sound of voices in the distance made both women tense. The pack guards were patrolling the compound, their torches flickering in the darkness. Aveline and Hazel crouched lower, pressing themselves against the cover of the thick trees.

"When will they change the patrol?" Aveline asked, her voice barely a breath.

"Soon," Hazel whispered. "The guards usually switch just after midnight. You should be able to slip through once they pass the southern gate."

Aveline nodded, her pulse racing as the minutes ticked by. The waiting felt endless, each second stretching into an eternity. She forced herself to focus on her breathing, calming the fear that threatened to consume her. The lives of her children depended on her getting away undetected. She couldn't afford to make a mistake.

At last, the guards passed by, their footsteps fading into the distance. Hazel gave Aveline a quick, urgent nod. "Go now."

Aveline pulled the hood of her cloak over her head and stepped out from the cover of the trees. She moved silently, slipping from shadow to shadow, her senses sharp and alert. She knew the compound's layout well; she had patrolled these grounds many times as Luna, ensuring her pack's safety. Now, she was using that knowledge to escape.

The southern gate loomed ahead, its iron bars faintly illuminated by a distant torchlight. Aveline held her breath as she approached, praying that no one would notice her. The guards were talking quietly, their attention focused on their conversation rather than their surroundings.

She moved quickly, slipping through a narrow gap in the fence that she had discovered years ago-a gap that no one had thought to repair. The moment she was through, she let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding.

The forest beyond the gate felt even darker, the silence oppressive. Aveline picked up her pace, not daring to look back. The path to the Northern Highlands was long and treacherous, but she had no choice. She would rather face the dangers of the wilderness than stay here and risk the safety of her children.

After what felt like hours of walking, she finally reached a small clearing where Hazel had hidden a pack of supplies and a sturdy, hooded cloak. Aveline took the cloak gratefully, wrapping it around herself to guard against the chill. She knew she couldn't rest, couldn't afford to let her guard down. Not yet.

Hazel emerged from the shadows once more, her face pale and drawn. She reached for Aveline's hand, squeezing it tightly. "Promise me you'll be careful," she whispered, her voice breaking. "Promise me you won't try to do this alone."

Aveline met her gaze, trying to convey a confidence she didn't fully feel. "I promise," she said softly, though they both knew it was a promise she couldn't truly keep.

Hazel pulled her into a fierce hug, and for a moment, Aveline allowed herself to take comfort in her friend's embrace. But the moment passed too quickly, and she knew it was time to go.

"I have to go," Aveline said, her voice barely audible.

"I know," Hazel replied, her tears spilling over at last. "Just... come back someday, okay?"

Aveline didn't trust herself to respond. She pulled away, turning toward the dark, uncharted path that lay before her. With one last look at Hazel, she steeled herself and stepped forward, vanishing into the night.

The wind whispered through the trees, carrying with it the faint scent of rain and the promise of an uncertain future. Aveline didn't look back. She couldn't. The only way now was forward, into the darkness, where her children's safety lay somewhere far beyond the reach of Whispering Woods and the man she had once called her mate.