Chapter 13: Power on Display

I made it to my assigned room before my legs gave out. The moment the door closed, I collapsed against it, shaking.

“Breathe,” Maya commanded, kneeling beside me. “Just breathe, Aria.”

“I felt everything,” I gasped. “Through the bond. His pain. His regret. It was so strong.”

“But you stayed firm. You didn’t cave.” Maya gripped my shoulders. “I’m proud of you.”

Dax stood by the window, keeping watch. “He’s still down there. Standing in the same spot. Just staring at where you left.”

“Don’t tell me that,” I begged. “I can’t think about him right now.”

A knock on the door made us all tense. Maya checked through the peephole and relaxed slightly.

“It’s Elder Thorne.”

I let him in. He took one look at me and nodded knowingly. “You saw him.”

“He tried to talk to me. I said no.” I moved to sit on the bed. “Was that wrong? Should I have listened?”

“That depends. Do you want to hear what he has to say?”

“Part of me does. But I’m scared. Scared I’ll forgive him too easily. Scared I’ll forget everything he put me through.” I looked up at Elder Thorne. “How do I know if I’m being strong or just being stubborn?”

“Being strong means protecting yourself even when it hurts. Being stubborn means refusing to hear the truth just because of pride.” He sat beside me. “Only you know which one you’re doing.”

Before I could respond, another knock sounded. This time, Dax opened it to reveal a woman I didn’t recognise. She was beautiful in a cold way. Platinum blonde hair. Violet eyes. A smile that didn’t reach her face.

“Alpha Aria, I presume?” She walked in without being invited. “I’m Seraphina Blackthorn. Or should I say, Seraphina Nightshade now? Kaden’s wife.”

The word wife hit like a physical blow. I’d known he was married to her. But hearing her say it made it real.

“What do you want?” I kept my voice steady.

“Just to introduce myself. And to warn you.” She examined her perfect nails. “Stay away from my husband. He may think he still wants you, but that’s just nostalgia. Guilt. He made his choice, and he’s mine now.”

“I have no interest in your husband.” The lie tasted bitter but necessary.

“Really? Because he’s been obsessed with finding you for months. Neglecting his pack. Neglecting me.” Her eyes flashed with anger. “It’s pathetic. And it needs to stop.”

“Take it up with him. Not me.” I stood, using my Alpha presence to tower over her despite being shorter. “I didn’t ask him to look for me. I left and moved on. Whatever problems exist in your marriage are between you two.”

“How noble.” Seraphina’s smile was cruel. “But let me be clear. Kaden is mine. This pack alliance is worth millions. If you think I’ll let some nobody omega ruin that, you’re stupider than you look.”

“I’m not an omega.” I let silver light flicker in my eyes. “And you’re in my territory now. This room. My space. Get out.”

For a moment, fear crossed her face. She felt my power. Recognised it as something beyond what she expected.

“This isn’t over,” she hissed.

“Yes, it is. Leave. Now.” I pushed my Alpha command at her.

She stumbled back, unable to resist. Dax opened the door pointedly. Seraphina left with as much dignity as she could manage, but we all saw her hands shaking.

“Well,” Maya said after she was gone. “She’s delightful.”

“That’s who he chose over me.” I sat back down, feeling hollow. “That cruel, horrible woman.”

“He didn’t know what she was really like,” Elder Thorne said gently. “From what I’ve heard, she hid her true nature well until after the marriage.”

“Doesn’t matter. He still chose her.” I looked at my hands. “I need to focus on why I’m here. The Summit. Making alliances. Showing strength. Not on Kaden and his regrets.”

The opening ceremony was that evening. Every Alpha had to attend in formal dress. Maya helped me prepare, choosing a simple but elegant silver dress that matched my wolf form.

“You look amazing,” she said, stepping back to admire her work. “Like a real Alpha.”

“I am a real Alpha.” I straightened my shoulders. “Time to act like it.”

The ceremony hall was massive. Alphas sat at designated tables based on territory size and influence. Crescent Ridge was toward the back, being smaller and newer. But I didn’t care. I was here. That was enough.

Kaden sat near the front with Shadowpine Pack. Seraphina was beside him, beautiful and cold. She kept touching his arm possessively, but he barely seemed to notice. His eyes kept finding me across the room.

I refused to look at him directly. Kept my attention on the speakers. On the other Alphas around me. On anything but him.

The head of the Continental Council stood to speak. An ancient Alpha named Marcus who’d led the Council for decades.

“Welcome, Alphas of the continent. We gather to discuss territory disputes, trade agreements, and threats to our way of life.” His voice carried through the hall. “But first, let us recognise new leadership. Several packs have changed hands this year.”

He listed names. Alphas who’d inherited territories. Others who’d won challenges. Then he reached my name.

“Alpha Aria Silvermoon of Crescent Ridge. The youngest Alpha at this Summit and our only Silver Moon descendant in living memory.”

Every head turned toward me. The weight of hundreds of eyes was crushing. But I stood, as was expected, and nodded to acknowledge the recognition.

Whispers erupted. Silver Moon. The legendary bloodline. People had heard stories but never seen one alive.

“Impressive,” Alpha Catherine said from a nearby table. “They’re all curious now.”

Kaden was staring at me with his mouth open. He hadn’t known. Hadn’t realised what I’d become. What bloodline ran through my veins?

Good. Let him see exactly what he’d rejected.

After the ceremony, Alphas approached me constantly. Asking questions. Offering alliances. Testing my knowledge. It was exhausting but necessary. Each conversation was a chance to build Crescent Ridge’s reputation.

“You’re handling this well,” Dax murmured during a brief break. “They respect you.”

“They’re curious. That’s not the same as respect.” But I was pleased nonetheless.

A server approached with a message. “Alpha Aria? Alpha Kaden requests a formal meeting tomorrow morning. To discuss potential trade agreements between your territories.”

My heart sank. He was using the pack business as an excuse to see me.

“Tell Alpha Kaden that Crescent Ridge isn’t interested in trading with Shadowpine at this time.” I kept my voice professional. “But I appreciate the offer.”

The server nodded and left. I caught a glimpse of Kaden across the room, watching the exchange. His face fell when the server delivered my response.

“That was harsh,” Maya observed.

“That was necessary.” I turned away before I could change my mind. “Come on. Let’s network with packs that actually matter to our future.”

But as I walked away, I felt the bond pull tight. Felt Kaden’s pain mixing with my own. The damaged connection between us was like an open wound that wouldn’t heal.

Maybe it never would.

Maybe that was my punishment for daring to love someone who couldn’t love me back enough.

Or maybe it was his punishment for letting me go.

Either way, the pain was real.

And all the power in the world couldn’t make it stop.