Exile

Aria's POV;

Are you drunk, Aria?” My father’s tone was sharp enough to draw blood. “No, Father. I’m sober.” My voice didn’t shake, though my heart threatened to. “I meant every word I said.” “You sound like a lunatic,” he snapped, jaw clenched tight. “Do you hear yourself?” “I heard Lucan, with Alpha Jared—plotting behind your back.” He laughed, a bitter sound that echoed off the walls. “So now you’re fabricating betrayal? To what end, Aria? More attention? Is that it?” I didn’t get the chance to defend myself before his hand lashed across my cheek. Pain flared where Lucan had already struck earlier. My knees hit the ground, but I didn’t cry out. I knew better than to give him the satisfaction. “You think throwing wild accusations will earn my approval?” he sneered. “You’ll earn nothing but shame.” He walked to the side table, picked up a glass of water, and hurled it in my face. “Wake up, girl. You’re a disgrace. Go clean yourself up—you look like something pulled out of the gutters.” As he stormed out, my breath hitched. My silver dress clung to my skin, transparent under the wetness, and I wrapped my arms around myself, trying to shield what little dignity I had left. And then he walked in. Lucan leaned against the doorframe, smirking. “Told you he wouldn’t believe you,” he said, his voice a low taunt. “But you just had to go and embarrass yourself. How pitiful.” My fists clenched at my sides. I didn’t move. I didn’t blink. He tossed a handkerchief at me like it was an afterthought. “Wipe off your shame. I expect you ready for our final dance tonight.” Something in me snapped. “I, Aria Morven, reject you, Lucan Trent, as my mate and future Alpha King.” His body stiffened. The smirk died on his face. “What did you just say?” he hissed, stepping into the room. “You heard me. Accept the rejection if you have the spine for it.” He laughed—a twisted, furious sound. “You think this changes anything?” “It changes everything.” The next morning, I stood in the middle of the pack council chAria, surrounded by silence and judgment. The air was thick with tension, and the stares were sharp enough to flay skin. Father sat on the Alpha’s throne, unmoved. Lucan was seated nearby, hands clasped like a grieving saint. The head elder stepped forward with a scroll. “Aria Morven, do you confess to unlawfully rejecting your mate?” I lifted my chin. “I had every right to.” Murmurs erupted in the hall. “Don’t get clever,” another elder snapped. “We’ve heard enough. Your rejection was selfish. You’ve shamed the Alpha’s name.” “I was abused,” I said, voice low. “By my mate. Lucan.” A scoff. “Convenient accusation.” “It’s the truth!” Lucan rose slowly, expression somber. “I tried to love her,” he said. “But she pushed me away. She… entertained other men.” I gaped at him. “That’s a lie!” “Enough!” another elder roared. “Aria, you stand before us disgraced and defiant. Your father has every right to cast you out.” I turned to him. “Father, please—” SLAP. My head jerked sideways from the blow. “You dare bring shame to my name?” he thundered. “You should have died instead of your mother. At least then I’d still have a Luna.” The words hit harder than the slap ever could. I fell to my knees, hands shaking. “Father… please. Don’t do this.” “I already have.” He stepped closer, his face a mask of rage and contempt. “You are no longer part of this pack. You are no longer my daughter. If you cross our borders again, I will have you killed on sight.” My breath shattered. “Please—” I whispered, reaching out. Lucan stepped forward, dabbing the corners of his eyes like he might actually shed a tear. “Alpha Morven… I beg you. Show mercy.” Father’s glare didn’t waver. “Let this be a warning to other ungrateful she-wolves. Take her away!” I was hauled to my feet as my cries echoed off stone. No one looked at me. No one spoke in my defense. Not even the wolves who’d grown up beside me. The chAria emptied until only Lucan remained. He walked over, knelt beside me, and whispered into my ear. “You’re out now. But don’t worry, little mate. I’ll sell this pack to the highest bidder. And your father will drown in his pride.” “You’re evil,” I whispered. “Sure. But I’m winning.” He stood, signaled to the guards, and they grabbed me again. Outside, the crowd parted like the sea. Whispers followed me. Pity wasn’t among them. We reached the edge of the forest, and the guards let go of my arms. Their fangs shimmered in the moonlight. “Run,” one of them growled. I did. My legs tore through the underbrush, breath coming in gasps as I shifted into my wolf. Behind me, I heard their howls, chasing me deeper into exile.