Rejected by the Alpha, Claimed by the Bond

“You should have remained hidden.

From the darkness emerged Kaelor's voice, sharp as steel cutting through skin. Though he did not shout, each word resonated with every wolf gathered in the ring. Every one stood motionless, listening intently.

Ashryn froze, his breath caught in his chest. A tremor ran through his limbs beneath the light white robe—unmated, it spoke silently. All around him, crowds of pack faces formed a tight circle, flames roaring high into the night woods. The air was thick with the scent of pine and soil, heavy with the anticipation of what was to come.

It was a mistake for him to show up—now it was clear to him at last.

Yet something deeper refused to release him. A cord, as delicate as a strand pulled from a web, tugged at his ribs. It led him here—not by choice. His face burned, and his breath grew tight.

A figure emerged among the stones, standing tall and motionless. Fire cast streaks across his face where shadows met bone. His gaze held a warm light, reminiscent of aged wood. Loose hair framed an expression that spoke without words. Every line of his form radiated quiet yet undeniable strength. His presence alone filled the spaces that words could neverreach.

come forward, Omega.

An order was given where a plea might have been. Before thought could catch up, Ashryn was already moving. With each step, the ground seemed to grow heavier beneath his boots. Murmurs arose from all around.

“That’s the weaker one.

“He can hardly move.

“Why is he even here?”

A cold sweat prickled Ashryn's scalp, even as warmth flushed behind his ears. His fists clenched instinctively, fingers digging into his palms. The robe—made of light fabric with open seams—offered no protection. The stares pressed against his skin like stones dropped one by one. Each glance measured him, lingered, then moved on, disappointed.

Just a few steps away, he froze. Kaelor’s lips twisted into a sharp, unkind expression. Close enough now to catch the scent of wet wood and fresh rain clinging to his skin.

“Look at me.

His gaze lifted slowly, pain flickering behind his eyelids. Meeting an Alpha's eyes directly burned, more painfully than sunlight on unshielded eyes. Yet, he held his stare.

A moment passed, and a shadow briefly flickered across Kaelor's face—uncertain and fleeting. It seemed as though he recognized someone familiar, but the expression quickly vanished, replaced by emptiness. Coldness returned to his eyes.

“You felt it, didn’t you?” Kaelor’s voice lowered, audible only to Ashryn. “That weak little tug in your chest. You actually believed—”

A sharp chuckle escaped him, tinged with bitterness.

“You thought I would claim you.

Suddenly, the words struck with force. Her vision began to blur at the edges. The nearby group fell silent, standing motionless, their eyes unwaveringly fixed.

“You’re defective.” Kaelor stepped down from the platform, circling Ashryn like a predator. “Weak. Your wolf is barely present. You can’t hunt, can’t fight, and can’t even maintain your own scent.”

The cuts stung sharply beneath her fingers. Each letter sliced through the silence like a blade.

“The Moon made a mistake with you,” Kaelor continued, his voice carrying to every corner of the circle. “I will not compound that error by accepting a broken bond.”

Breaths caught in throats across the room. Suddenly, a single laugh erupted, quickly spreading from person to person.

Ashryn's chest collapsed inward, empty and hollow. A delicate thread inside him stretched to its breaking point, screaming silently, yet he stood firm. He refused to break— not now, not with all eyes upon him.

Kaelor moved closer, his words warm as they brushed against Ashryn’s ear. “Not a single thing,” he whispered, “youmean less than dust.” Did it sink in?

The thread broke.

Ashryn ran swiftly.

Off balance, he stumbled forward uncertainly. Somehow, a path through the crowd emerged. Trees embraced him before he had time to think. Sharp slashes of green brushed against his skin one after another. His fabric snagged and tore, trailing behind him. Yet, momentum propelled him onward.

In the distance, the sounds of laughter echoed faintly. Only the dark silhouettes of trees stood silently, waiting without a word.

Breath ripped through his chest. His muscles screamed with every step. Yet he pressed on—running long after his strength had failed, collapsing heavily beside a narrow stream that cut between stones, sharp and gleaming like polished metal.

Ashryn remained motionless as the water rushed past, oblivious to everything around him. His face rested against the cold earth, which sent a chill through him. Finally, tears came, slipping down silently and without warning. Beneath his skin, something shattered. The damp, green ground absorbed every drop that fell.

Useless. Flawed. Damaged.

Thoughts swirled endlessly in his mind, trapped in a relentless loop.

Hope had clouded his judgment, making him believe their connection was significant. He thought Kaelor could see pastwhat others noticed—a trembling figure, a failed transformation, a body that stubbornly refused to change as it ought to.

Still, the bonds carried no strength—not when one part was so broken.

Ashryn closed his eyes, wishing to disappear—to melt into the shadows of the trees and remain hidden there.

The bond throbbed with energy.

The sensation was faint, almost imperceptible. His eyes snapped open wide. It was real—right here, breathing just beneath the silence.

Kaelor dismissed him, saying the connection had been wrong from the very beginning.

What made Ashryn feel it all over again?

Suddenly, a low rumble echoed through the trees. It wasn’t loud, but it was menacing—and much closer than expected.

Fear gripped Ashryn deeply, sending a cold shiver coursing through her veins.

A whisper sliced through the darkness—Kaelor spoke softly, not loud, yet commanding attention like the breath before a strike. It wasn’t quite an order, more a subtle pull from beneath.

Footsteps approaching, growing louder.