Sting of betrayal

Athena's POV

"I, Damian Jasper, the Alpha of Cone pack, reject you, Athena George, as my mate." The words tore through me, a scorching pain gripping my heart.

An unspeakable hurt consumed me as he should have declared me as his Luna. Maybe it was a mistake, I thought desperately.

Before I could comprehend the unfolding scene, he declared Ashina, my cousin and only friend, as his mate.

Tears gushed down my face as I witnessed her acceptance. Was this a twisted nightmare or a cruel reality?

"What is happening?" I managed to choke out, desperate for an explanation.

"You're a pathetic excuse for a wolf," Damian insulted. Each word cut through the air, exposing my vulnerability to the entire pack.

"Why? Why are you doing this?" I barely whispered, my voice barely audible.

"You're a disgrace to all werewolves, a disgrace to our kind," Ashina cursed, her hand intertwined with Damian's.

"Accept the rejection!" she smirked, her mockery visible.

"I... I can't," I stammered, the weight of humiliation settling over me.

"Her word is law, and you will abide by it!" Damian ruthlessly declared, sealing my fate in front of the watching pack.

Frozen, I felt the gaze of everyone on me, accompanied by silent whispers.

"I, Athena, accept your rejection," I managed to utter. There was a long dead silence.

"Let's continue the celebration!" Damian announced, lifting his wine cup in a mocking toast.

Shame enfolded me as I stumbled out of the arena. My body weakened. Alone in the shadows, I unleashed a scream, the anguish echoing through the night.

How could I endure life in this pack now? No wolf companion, rejected, and to add to the agony, my cousin as his chosen mate. Perhaps I should commit suicide. But running away seemed the only escape.

I managed to get myself to the house, and I collapsed on the floor. Recalling the events that led to my anguish. I sifted through the pieces of my shattered trust.

Ashina, the friend turned betrayer, had left faint hints of her ulterior motives in our shared memories.

My relationship with Damian began innocently during a full moon ceremony, when I was sixteen until now that I'm nineteen.

Little did I know that the ropes of fate woven that night, would untangle into a cruel portrayal of rejection.

Ashina's incremental closeness to Damian had gone unnoticed by my naive heart. Being my cousin and only friend, I saw no harm in her growing closeness to the Alpha.

Hints appeared in Ashina's occasional attempts to badmouth Damian in my presence. Blinded by loyalty, I brushed off these warning signs, never suspecting the veil of her seemingly friendly advice.

Together, Ashina and I engaged ourselves in the preparations for Damian's coronation. We shopped for new dresses, and contributed to the festivities by cooking at the Alpha's home.

Up until the moment she helped me get dressed for the occasion, I remained unaware of the impending storm. The heartbreak surged anew as I replayed these scenes in my mind.

Amid these reflections, I decided to leave. Gathering what little strength remained, I resolved to leave. As I proceeded to pack my belongings, my mother entered. Embracing me tightly.

"I always knew Ashina was a snake, but biting her family? I never saw that coming," she consoled. Unable to endure the pain, I confessed to my mom.

"Mom, I can't stay here. I need to leave this pack."

Before she could respond, footsteps surrounded our home. My mother gasped as she looked outside the window, which sent shivers down my spine.

Fear gripped my heart, I couldn't make any attempt to figure out the unfolding drama. My mother went outside to find out what was happening.

I crept near the door, trying to eavesdrop on them. I watched as an enforcer ruthlessly pushed my mother to the ground. My scream echoed through the air.

Two enforcers rushed to me, seizing me with a grip that left me confused. My mother begged on my behalf, screaming I was innocent. Through the twists and turns of the pack territory, we arrived at the Alpha's mansion.

I can only hear a silenced murmur among the assembled pack members. Their expressions are a combination of horror, tension, and shock.

Thrown before Damian, I raised my head to meet his eyes, only to find a strange look of hatred burning within them.

His words cut through the confusion, accusing me of a crime beyond my understanding.

"Throw this criminal in the dungeon and torture her before I pass my final judgment on her," he commanded the enforcers, the weight of his accusation hanging in the air.

"For killing my mother, the grand Luna of this pack!" he announced, the revelation struck me like a thunderbolt.

The shock of rejection is nothing in comparison to the accusation that now stained my name. In an instant, I was dragged away from Damian's piercing gaze.

Ashina's snarl locked with my desperate eyes, silent proof of her backstabbing. I screamed and pleaded for mercy, but no one listened. I was thrown into the dungeon. For two days I was tortured mercilessly.

I only managed to talk to my parents through the mind link, a lifeline that allows werewolves to communicate through their minds in a pack.

I tried severally to communicate with Damian, and plead my innocence but he never responded.

At one point, I was too weak to try communicating. Ashina, the traitor, visited, making merry of my agony.

My blood boiled at the sight of her, the cousin turned tormentor, reveling in my suffering. She requested the enforcers to step outside, leaving me vulnerable to her cruel amusement.

"Oh dear cousin, I'm really sad seeing you this way," she teased, a malicious gleam in her eyes.

"Why are you here? Why are you doing this to me? You know I'm innocent," I managed to speak through clenched teeth.

"Look at you, darling, you're a spineless worm, unable to stand for herself," She twirls around me playfully.

"I only delivered the food given to me," I cried, desperation choking my words.

"Oh, you can't be so sure. Perhaps you thought you couldn't wait to be Luna, and since she was already sick, it's okay to put her away, and so you poisoned the food," she accused with a wicked smirk.

"I did not poison her!" I screamed the truth, lost in the twisted narrative she wove.

"And Damian? I trusted you, Ashina," I confronted her, the betrayal cutting deeper with each passing moment. She chuckled maniacally.

"Remember your place in the pack's hierarchy," she mocked walking away.

In that agonizing moment, I felt the weight of my perceived insignificance. The daughter of a delta, one without a wolf, rejected and alone.

While she, the Beta's daughter, with a formidable wolf, had always towered above me. The cruel reality of pack dynamics, where strength and lineage dictated worth.

The following day I was dragged to the front of Alpha's mansion. Where Damian will pass his final judgment. I saw my mother held by my father as she wept bitterly.

"We will pay our final respects to our former Luna tomorrow, after which Athena will be punished," he declared.

I locked eyes with him, and I could see a hatred that pierced my soul.

"You, Athena, will be burnt alive for committing such abomination." The sentence echoed, sealing my fate with the cruel flames of penalty.

Athena's POV

The pain cut deep, and I could hear my mother's anguished screams.

But what scared me more wasn't just that my supposed mate wanted me dead. It was the unsettling desire within me, almost welcoming the thought of him ending my mystery.

I couldn't muster the strength to plead my innocence. Back in the dungeon, I was left motionless, unable to cry or do anything.

Since the final sentence, no one has tortured me. I was just left there, drowning in my misery.

I wondered how my heart made it through the night, replaying my situation endlessly in my mind.

The next day marked Luna's funeral. As the pack celebrated, my mother reached out to me through the mind link.

"We'll get you out of there my Athena," she confidently said.

"Mama, perhaps I'm better off dead than alive," I told her, losing all hope.

"Don't ever say that! You have been nothing but a blessing to me and your father. You must live and I know we'll be reunited someday, just wait for my signal," she concluded.

Her words of encouragement and love made me realize there might be hope for me after all.

Now I'm determined to leave, I'm only worried about my parents and what will happen when they get caught.

As the sunset, the howling of wolves pierced the air, signalling the peak of the ceremony.

The dungeon door swung open, and my mother rushed in, tears streaming down her face as she checked if I was okay. My father appeared, looking fearful.

"There's no time for this, ladies. She needs to leave now!" my father advised.

We rushed outside, and I gasped as I saw the guards lying motionless on the ground.

"Don't worry, dear, they're asleep, not dead," my father reassured me. His knowledge of herbs and medicines made this no surprise.

"Go through the southern region where encounters with others are less likely. We scattered your clothes across the forest. The scent will confuse anyone trying to trace your path," My father assured me.

"Here, take this," my mother handed me a small bag.

"You can't carry anything heavy, so I've packed a modest amount of meat and water to support you. Go as far as your legs can carry you," she said, tears streaming down her face.

I embraced them tightly before swiftly dashing off, running at my utmost speed. Lucky for me, the forest was just behind the dungeon, so I didn't hear anyone. I ran and ran, feeling like my heart would explode.

The fear of getting caught and the unknown consequences pushed me forward. I ran until I couldn't hear drums or any sound from the pack.

Stopping to catch my breath, I realized I was not as strong as other werewolves since I did not have a wolf, and I couldn't heal as fast either.

The hot iron they placed on my thighs as torment in the dungeon is yet to heal and continues to cause pain.

After a few minutes, I started running again, aimlessly but carefully not to leave the Southern region.

It got very dark, and I could hardly see anything, but I had to continue. I knew sooner or later they'd find out I was gone. I continued, slowing down my pace when I got tired.

I ran and stumbled, rolling over a hill. I heard something break. It's my rib. By that time, it was almost sunset.

Struggling to move due to weakness and hunger, I opted to pause and rest.

Getting the meat my mother had provided, I found myself overcome with emotion, tears streaming down my face.

Having never ventured beyond the Cone pack or lived separated from my parents, I unleashed screams of pain and anguish.

Realizing the need for strength, I consumed the meat hastily, driven by days of starvation. I carefully kept what little remained.

As nature took its course, I gave in to sleep, only to be jolted awake by a nightmare. Damian menacingly wielding a blade, threatening to cut my head.

Despite my weakened state, I acknowledged the urgency of the rising sun and forced myself to move forward.

Throughout the day, I kept going, taking periodic breaks. By the third day, my supply of meat was used up.

Encountering a pack, fear gripped me, reluctant to seek help. Damian's determination threatened me. He would scrape nearby packs in relentless pursuit. To evade detection, I circled the pack and pressed on with my journey.

Days passed, my provisions were exhausted, and the worsening condition of my injuries, particularly the bleeding from my thigh, worsened.

Regardless I kept going until I couldn't anymore, I slumped on the ground.

"Help, please help," I murmured.

My vision became blurry, is this the end for me? Did I manage to escape death in the hands of Damian only to die here? My heart and body were aching and I gradually drifted into unconsciousness

Awakening in an unfamiliar room, I found my mother standing over me. Confusion gripped me, is this heaven? Why is my mother here? I reached out, touching her face.

"Mother," I whispered weakly, tears streaming down my face. But a strange voice interrupted me.

"I'm not 'mother' but I'm glad you're awake."

Clearness dawned as the young lady's face came into focus. I hastily withdrew my hand, startled by the unexpected revelation.

She had gray eyes like mine, I had never seen anyone with my kind of eyes. She has red hair and she's very beautiful. Is she an angel?

"Where am I?" I inquired.

"You've been seriously injured and unconscious for days. Right now, you need more rest," she replied, evading my question.

"First things first, my name is Tala," she added with a smile before making her way out.

Aware I wasn't in Cone pack, her unfamiliar face provided a small comfort. Summoning my remaining strength, I sat up, surveying the room.

Despite its modest size, it was meticulously arranged and tidy, adorned with various axes neatly displayed on the walls, a setting looking like that of a warrior's abode.

Perhaps, Tala's father held the mantle of a skilled warrior. She returned with a tray of food, delicately placing it before me.

"Eat, you need energy," she said, her words marked by a polite tone.

Initially hesitant, my hunger persisted, and I began devouring the offered delicacy.

"Hey, take it easy. You don't want to choke on that," she cautioned, but I brushed off her warning and continued munching.

"Thank you," I expressed my gratitude. She sat in a chair, smiling.

"It's nothing," she repeated with a warm smile.

"Thank you very much for taking care of me," I insisted. She nodded, maintaining her silence.

"So, where am I? And who brought me here?" I inquired.

"What is your name?" she asked, once again avoiding my question. In my vulnerable state, I chose to comply.

"I'm Athena George."

"I found you half-dead in the forest and brought you here myself," she revealed.

Surprised by her petite stature, I wondered how she managed to carry me. Maybe it's not too far from here, I assumed.

"You were very far, deep into the forest," she confirmed, as if reading my thoughts.

"I'm Tala, the Gamma of the pack," she introduced herself. I was taken aback. She seemed too young and gentle to hold such a position.

"You're in Stormwind," she added.

Dread filled me. Their Alpha, Ralph's notorious reputation had spread widely. Killing his uncle and taking the role of Alpha at a young age.

Known for his ruthlessness, no Alpha dared to challenge him. The prospect of facing Ralph seemed more dreadful than the idea of being executed by Damian.

Athena's POV

It's been a few days, and I feel much better. Tala has been incredibly kind and helpful.

As a new member of the pack, I'm obligated to meet the Alpha or Lycan. He must be informed of my stay.

"You're really beautiful," Tala admired as I stood before the mirror getting ready. I smiled at her compliment.

Observing myself, I couldn't deny the truth. I possessed a striking beauty with silver hair, captivating gray eyes, and a gracefully appealing physique.

Back at Cone pack, the jealousy from other girls was a constant reminder of my unique allure.

"Do I have to meet him?" I asked Tala, who patiently waited for me as I sluggishly got ready.

"Why? Because he is a vicious monster who kills without mercy?" she questioned, sensing my fear.In response to my reaction, she laughed.

"My dear, you don't have to believe everything you hear. For what it's worth, he is my friend, and he is kind." I was still not convinced.

"You have nothing to worry about," she assured me.

As we approached the Lycan's mansion, I was astounded by the sight. It was a vast and beautiful structure.

Lost in admiration, I didn't realize my mouth had fallen open until Tala snapped her fingers at me. I felt embarrassed.

"your former Alpha's home isn't like this one right?" She asked and I nodded.

"There's a reason we're called the richest pack," she teased.

In the expansive conference hall, Tala instructed me to wait while she climbed the stairs.

Amazed by the grandness of the house, I decided to explore a bit. After a brief survey, I made my way upstairs.

Following the voices, I peeked into a room where Tala was engaged in conversation with someone.

Initially facing away I can see how masculine he is. He turned, and I found myself frozen. This must be the Lycan.

Tall and commanding. He is undeniably handsome, with a chiselled jaw that exuded rugged charm and deep brown eyes.

As Tala turned to leave, I hastily departed, nearly stumbling. She blocked me on the stairs, instructing that we leave.

"I thought we were supposed to meet the Lycan," I questioned.

"He can be like that at times, not wanting to see anyone," she explained, and I fell into silence.

"Don't worry. As the Gamma, I can perform the ritual to officially welcome you into the pack if you want. He trusts my judgment and knows I won't bring harm to the pack," she reassured me.

When a new member seeks to join a pack, a ritual is conducted to sever ties with the old pack and initiate the bond with the new one.

"Well since that was a burst, I'll take you on a tour round the pack," she consoled. I smiled and nodded in agreement.

Tala guided me through the expansive and beautiful sites of Stormwind. It's very large in comparison to Cone pack.

She generously purchased dresses, snacks, and various items, seemingly deriving pleasure from my happiness.

I felt overwhelmed by her generosity. I had so much fun, which I have had aren't in a long time.

Returning to her house, she prepared dinner, and over the meal, we engaged in a conversation about my identity.

"I don't mean to rush you, but I have to know more about you," she gently expressed.

She was right, but the task of unveiling my story seemed unsettling. Tears streamed down my face, as I wrestled with where to begin.

"Hey, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you feel that way," she apologized, gently holding my hand.

"I'm sorry, I just..." I began, but she cut me short.

"It's fine. We'll talk when you're ready," she reassured.

"I'm from Cone pack, and my mate rejected and humiliated me before the whole pack," I confessed.

"I'm so sorry about that," she empathized, patting my back.

"You should take your medication and go to bed," she advised.

Following her suggestion, I lay in bed, immersed in my tears as I reflected on past events. Eventually, tiredness overcame me, and I drifted into sleep.

For days, Tala didn't bring up the topic again, maintaining her kindness. I wrestled with whether to trust her or not.

As weeks passed, my health improved. Attempting to connect with my parents through mind link proved futile, likely due to being in another territory.

I decided to officially join the Stormwind pack and confide in Tala, prepared to face whatever consequences may arise later.

One evening, before a full moon ceremony, I opened up to Tala. She proved to be an attentive listener, allowing me to narrate the entire ordeal without interruption.

"I'm sorry you went through all that," she consoled me, enclosing me in a comforting hug.

A feeling of transformation swept over me, whether from her warmheartedness or the release of my pent-up emotions. I felt a newfound connection to her.

"I've made up my mind to join Stormwind," I confided.

"Are you sure about that?" she inquired. I nodded in affirmation.

"I think I'm ready to let go of the bond I have with the Cone pack."

Standing up, Tala fetched water and instructed me to wash my hands, which I did.

"Now repeat after me," she directed.

"I, Athena George, break my bond with the Cone pack and accept to be part of Stormwind," I repeated as instructed.

Upon completing the ritual, I felt a peculiar feeling, something inexplicable.

"It's done," she declared with a smile.

"Welcome, Athena," she conveyed through the mind link, and I reciprocated.

"Thank you."

As a member of Stormwind, I now could use the mind link to communicate with anyone within the pack.

Excitement filled the air as we attended the full moon ceremony. However, my attention couldn't help but be captivated by Ralph, the Lycan.

His striking handsomeness held my gaze, and I felt an inexplicable draw towards him.

"Do you like him?" Tala playfully teased me through the mind link. Embarrassed, I averted my gaze, unable to find the right words. After the celebration, we returned home.

"Before you sleep, I have something for you," Tala informed me. Anticipating her return, I waited as she came back with excitement.

"Here," she handed me a small dagger and held one herself.

"I've always been a fighter. My mother used to tie two tiny daggers to each of my legs, and I've always wanted to share them with someone," she explained.

"Are you sure you want to part with this?" I asked.

"Of course, I have this one," she happily waved the other dagger. Overwhelmed with gratitude, I embraced Tala tightly.

"Thank you so much."

Suddenly, something baffling occurred. I found myself witnessing a vision of young Tala being beaten by two hefty men with a silver whip.

A sinister man stood by, smiling maniacally, while young Tala cried and screamed in anguish.

Letting go of Tala, I experienced a surge of anger and pain, feeling the exact emotions she endured in the vision.

"What is happening?" I murmured in pain, clutching my chest, which felt like it was on the verge of exploding.