The Light Stayed Briefly

I left the witch's lair behind.

Today, I made my way to the Pack Council to hand in my resignation from the pack.

As I waited for the paperwork to go through, I scrolled through my phone and stumbled upon a news headline.

The Alpha of the Moonshadow pack had ventured into the Dark Forest for a hunt, returning with a rare Moonshadow stone for his beloved Luna.

[This gem is a rarity, shimmering with a wolf pattern in the moonlight, only found when a mighty Silver Wolf is taken down on a full moon.]

[The reporter specifically asked Alpha Harold why he would risk his life to hunt personally. After all, even though Moonshadow Stones are incredibly rare, with his wealth and status, acquiring a few shouldn't be difficult.]

[His answer? No wealth could match the gift of his heart, and he'd brave any danger for his mate.]

The Pack Council staff sighed in awe. "You're keeping tabs on them, too? Alpha Harold and his omega wife, Anita—they're true love, blessed by the Moon Goddess herself. They say he was smitten at first sight and pursued her relentlessly for two years.

"He gifted her the northern lands because she adored moonflowers, and he even planted them with his own hands as far as the eye could see.

"Anita might be an omega, but Harold stood up to his family's disapproval, ready to give up his Alpha inheritance just to be mate-bonded with her.

"They say it's one thing to woo with passion, but Harold? He's set a new standard. He showers Anita with endless gifts and never misses a chance to sing her praises. Oh, to be blessed by the Moon Goddess with a love like that!"

I stood there, watching the clerk as she enthusiastically processed my paperwork to leave the pack, all the while gushing about the epic romance between Harold and me.

Her eyes were full of envy, but inside, I could not help but feel the sting of irony.

Harold had always been nothing but wonderful to me.

A decade ago, during the Hunting Festival, I found myself lost in the ancient rhythms of the pack dancing by the light of the bonfire.

Harold could not take his eyes off me, as if I had cast a spell on him. He stepped forward, eager to dance, telling me I was like the Moon Goddess come to life.

He was the Alpha's son, and I was just an omega without an inner wolf of my own. I had no way of knowing if he was truly my destined soulmate.

I turned him down; the divide between us felt like a chasm.

However, Harold would not take no for an answer. He was like a wolf on the hunt, with only two outcomes in mind: keep chasing or claim victory.

For my sake, he took over the northern lands, and I became the first woman in a century to rise to the rank of Luna without a wolf of my own.

He dedicated two years to cultivating fields of moonflowers across our new territory, just for me.

Time and again, he would vow, "Anita, from the moment I laid eyes on you, I knew you were the one the Moon Goddess meant for me.

"I swear, I'll guard you with my life. You're my one and only, and my heart will beat for you and you alone."

I did not have an inner wolf, could not feel the Moon Goddess's pull, but in that moment, I was absolutely sure—Harold was my true mate.

I said yes to his pursuit, despite knowing full well that an Alpha and an Omega union would face the pack's resistance.

We were together for three years, and at last, we won over the pack's acceptance and their blessings.

Everyone was convinced Harold and I were meant for a lifetime of love.

However…

The staff's voice snapped me back to reality. "Please hand over your pack ID card."

With a definitive click, the machine took my card, sealing the end of my ties to the pack.

"Miss, here's your exit permit. You've got three days left with us."