I stood up on my own and spoke clearly. "Alpha."
"I know my strength is lacking, my bloodline is ordinary, and my appearance is plain. I'm not worthy of Asher."
"So, I withdraw."
Asher was obviously stunned. He glanced at today's date.
A flash of shock crossed his eyes, then returned to ice-cold indifference.
He said nothing. He turned and rushed out of the hall.
I knew exactly where he was going. At this point in time, Serena hadn't been caught in the landslide yet.
Everything could still be changed. He was going to save Serena.
I stood there, a bitter smile tugging at my lips.
Decades of mate bond in my previous life meant nothing. Given a second chance, Asher only truly cared about Serena Walsh.
"Aria, what did you just say?"
The former Alpha's voice echoed from the platform.
I lifted my head to meet his gaze.
This elder who had treated me like his own daughter now looked completely bewildered.
My parents had been Frostmoon Pack's strongest warriors. When rogue wolves launched their massive invasion years ago, they died saving Asher's family. Out of guilt, the former Alpha brought me home to raise as his own. Asher and I grew up together for over ten years. Everyone assumed we would become mates. But no one expected Asher's heart to belong to Serena Walsh.
I took a deep breath, my voice so calm it felt foreign to my own ears. "Alpha, since Asher's heart belongs to another, I withdraw."
The former Alpha and Luna exchanged uncertain glances.
Remembering their son's determined departure moments ago, they seemed at a loss for comforting words.
I quietly returned to my room to pack, preparing to leave.
The next day, I opened social media to find my feed flooded with Asher and Serena's official announcement.
In the photo, Serena nestled against Asher's chest, her smile bright as early spring sunshine.
Asher held her waist tightly, his eyes overflowing with tender affection.
I scrolled past these posts with no expression.
At noon, commotion erupted downstairs.
I stood at my window, watching Asher intimately link arms with Serena as they strutted through the pack house entrance.
Soon after, heated arguing echoed from the study.
Asher's voice was sharp and demanding. "Dad! I already told you—I choose Serena!"
"Why is Aria still head of the hunting squad?"
