Chapter 5: Shifting Tides

The elders’ hall disappeared behind them, but Selene could still feel the weight of their judgment.

She walked beside Orion through the fading evening, her thoughts racing. Only hours ago, she had been an Omega trying to keep her life from falling apart. Now the entire pack knew she was his mate. They knew about the child. And the elders had made it clear that neither revelation would be accepted easily.

“They don’t accept me,” she said quietly.

“They don’t have to.”

Selene glanced at him.

“Not yet.”

Her stomach tightened. “What does that mean?”

“They will test you. Because you’re an Omega. Because you’re carrying my child. And because choosing you disrupted expectations that existed long before either of us had a say in them.”

“And what happens when I fail?”

“You won’t.”

The certainty in his voice made her look up.

“You don’t know that.”

“I know enough.”

He turned toward her, his golden eyes steady.

“You stood in front of three elders who had already decided what you were worth, and you didn’t lower your head.”

“I was terrified.”

“I know.”

“Then why are you so certain I won’t fail?”

“Because being afraid isn’t the same as being weak.”

The words settled between them.

Selene looked away, unsure how to respond. No one had ever spoken to her as though her fear didn't make her lesser.

They continued through the forest, the silence between them becoming easier with every step.

Eventually, Orion glanced at her.

“You’re awfully quiet.”

Selene let out a breath. “I don’t know what I’m meant to say to an Alpha who just changed my life overnight.”

The corner of his mouth lifted.

“You could start with my name.”

She glanced at him, hesitant for only a second.

“Orion.”

Something in his expression eased.

“Orion,” he repeated softly. Then he nodded. “Son of Alpha Theron.”

Selene absorbed that quietly.

“You’re his son.”

“Yes.”

“And you never thought that was something I should know?”

“I thought you’d eventually ask.”

She gave him a look. “You’re very difficult.”

“So I’ve been told.”

Despite herself, she smiled.

It faded when another thought surfaced.

“If you’re the future Alpha, then choosing me really is going to cause problems.”

Orion’s expression turned serious.

“I knew that before I chose you.”

“And you still did?”

“I still do.”

Something warm moved through her chest.

Before she could answer, Orion stopped.

His gaze had shifted toward the trees.

“What is it?”

“Nothing.”

“That didn’t look like nothing.”

He didn’t answer.

The forest had gone unnaturally still. Even Selene’s wolf seemed to notice. A branch snapped somewhere beyond the trees.

Orion immediately stepped in front of her.

“Stay behind me.”

A shadow moved between the trees.

Then vanished.

Orion’s eyes flashed gold.

“Show yourself.”

Nothing.

After several tense seconds, the forest remained silent.

“Someone has been watching the village,” Orion said.

Selene’s pulse quickened.

“Who?”

“I don’t know.”

“Then how do you know?”

“Because I’ve noticed them more than once.”

Her hand moved instinctively to her stomach.

“Are they watching me?”

Orion hesitated.

That was answer enough.

“Because of the child?”

“Because of what the child represents.”

A chill moved through her.

She had spent weeks believing the whispers were the worst thing she would have to endure. Now she wasn't so sure.

“You shouldn’t return to the village tonight,” Orion said.

Selene frowned. “Why?”

“Because after tonight, everyone knows you’re my mate. By morning, they’ll know you’re carrying my child.”

She thought of her aunt.

The small house. The cold rooms. The years of being treated like an inconvenience.

“I should tell her I’m leaving.”

“You don’t have to.”

“She’ll notice.”

“Will she?”

Selene fell silent.

“She may not care,” she admitted. “But I should still say something.”

“You don’t owe anyone an explanation for choosing safety.”

Selene looked toward the distant village lights.

For years, she had called that place home because she had nowhere else to go.

Now, for the first time, leaving didn't feel like abandoning her life.

It felt like choosing another one.

“Where would I go?”

“With me.”

She looked at him.

“To the palace.”

The word sounded enormous.

“I can’t just walk into the Alpha’s palace.”

“You can when the Alpha is asking you to.”

“That doesn’t make it less terrifying.”

“No,” he admitted. “It doesn’t.”

He held out his hand.

Selene stared at it before placing hers in his.

His fingers closed gently around hers.

“You won’t be a prisoner there,” he said. “You won’t be hidden away. You’ll have a place beside me.”

“And if your people reject me?”

“Then they answer to me.”

His certainty stirred something deep within her wolf.

Selene looked back at the village one last time. Her old life waited there. But it no longer felt like home.

“I don’t want to go back.”

Orion nodded.

“Then you won’t.”

They turned away from the village.

They had barely gone a few steps when another sound came from behind them. A faint rustle. Orion stopped.

His grip tightened around her hand.

“We’re leaving now.”

This time, Selene didn't argue.

They moved deeper into the forest, following the road toward the palace. The village lights slowly disappeared behind them until there was nothing left but moonlight and shadows.

For the first time, Selene wasn't walking behind Orion.

She was walking beside him. And somehow, that small difference felt like the beginning of everything.

The palace finally appeared beyond the trees. Selene slowed.

Massive stone walls rose beneath the moonlight, ancient markings carved into their surface. Towers stretched toward the dark sky, and armed guards stood along the gates.

As Orion approached, the gates opened. Every guard looked toward Selene. She felt their curiosity immediately. Their questions. Their judgment.

Orion glanced at her.

“Ready?”

Selene took a slow breath.

“No.”

A faint smile touched his lips.

“Good. At least you’re honest.”

She almost smiled back.

Then they crossed the gates.Selene looked toward the towering palace ahead, unaware that she wasn't simply entering Orion’s home. She was stepping into a world of power, tradition, and secrets. And somewhere inside those walls, a decision had already been made about her. One she hadn't been told about yet.