Let Me Go, Alpha

I’d always known Dinlas wasn’t mine—not really. The Fates had never tied our souls together, no invisible string drawing us closer, no signs from the Moon Goddess to tell me he was my destined mate. But that never stopped me from loving him. Loving him from afar, silently, without expectations. Dinlas, the son of the Alpha, always seemed so far above me, like a star I could admire but never touch.

The only reason I was ever close to him was because of my mother. She was Ourea’s protector—the Luna’s personal warrior. My mother had earned her place through years of service, loyalty, and strength, but even so, our family wasn’t the same as Dinlas’. Our worlds were close, but still apart, separated by an unspoken barrier of rank and destiny.

Then one day, rogues broke through the pack's border and attacked us without warning, savage and desperate. I wasn’t there, but I heard the stories—how my mother stood in front of Luna Ourea, shielding her from the rogues' attack. She fought them off but at the cost of her life. By the time the others arrived, it was too late. My mother had saved the Luna, but she couldn’t save herself.

I was called to her side, the scent of blood thick in the air, her life slipping away with every breath. I knelt beside her, holding her hand, trying to be strong for her, but I could feel her slipping. Her grip weakened, and her voice trembled as she spoke her final words—not to me, but to Ourea.

“Please fulfill Theia’s wish,” she said, her voice barely a whisper. “Marry her to Dinlas. That’s all I ask.”

Ourea nodded, her face stricken with grief and guilt. She agreed, and I could see the weight of my mother’s death pressing down on her, the burden of a promise she didn’t want to make. I knew it wasn’t out of love or kindness. It was because my mother had died for her.

And so, I was promised to Dinlas.

I should have felt joy, and on some level, I did. After all, I had dreamed of this moment my entire life. I had loved him quietly, patiently, and now, in a way, he was mine. But it wasn’t how I had imagined. My mother was gone, and there was no warmth in Dinlas’ eyes when he looked at me. Still, I tried to find comfort in the fact that I could finally be with the man I had always wanted, even if he didn’t love me back. However, on our wedding night, Dinlas made sure I knew the truth.

We stood alone in our chamber, the ceremony long over, the pack celebrating outside. I waited, heart pounding, hoping for some sign of affection, some acknowledgment that I was his wife now. But when he spoke, his voice was cold, void of emotion. "You used your mother’s life to trap me into this marriage. I hope you’re satisfied. I may be your husband in public, but the woman I love is not you. I'll respect my mother’s wishes, but don't expect that I'll return your affection."

True to his word, Dinlas maintained the image of a devoted husband in front of others. Our marriage was a sham, but I still loved him, so I stayed quiet, playing the role of the dutiful wife, pretending that the ache in my chest wasn’t tearing me apart.

He didn't celebrate Erin's birth and even said she shouldn't have been born as a daughter. I thought everything would change once I married him, but instead, I was the one trapped in a loveless marriage. The life I had gained by sacrifice now felt like a curse.

After Erin died, I returned to the small, rundown home where I’d lived with my mother. However, I knew that I wouldn't be able to move forward if I stayed there, so I packed my things, held the urn, and was about to leave, but before I could step out, the door swung open.

"I've looked for her everywhere but Eris is not here. Where did you hide her?"

"Where is Erin? Bring her out now!"

I clutched the urn tighter, my heart pounding as I met Dinlas' furious glare.

"You have no right to even speak her name. Get out and take your mistress with you!"

My defiance only stoked the fire in his eyes. His voice dripped with venom as he stepped closer. "Shut up. I guess I’ve been far too lenient with you. You've raised Erin to be as twisted as you!"

The blood froze in my veins as his command swept through me. I bit my lip and defied him. "Erin is just five years old! What could you possibly blame her for?"

Victoria stepped forward, her movements deliberate, pulling away her mask to reveal a face covered in angry red welts. Her eyes were glassy with unshed tears as she looked at Dinlas. “I just wanted to get closer to her, but it seems she Eris doesn't like me. Don't blame her, Dinlas; she probably didn't know what she gave me was wolfsbane.”

Dinlas exploded. "Stop defending her! Eris scarred your face because Theia has poisoned her mind!"

I stared at him, incredulous. "Dinlas, she’s your daughter! How could you accuse her without evidence?!"

Glaring at me, Dinlas thundered, "I saw it with my own eyes when Eris hurled the wolfsbane on Victoria's face! Do you think I'm blind? Get her ass here and I'll teach her a lesson!"

"She won't be coming because she's dead..." I retorted with difficulty.