Sold to the Cruel Alpha

Aria stood at the edge of the Shadowmoon Pack’s territory. Her eyes were scanning the dark, imposing forest that marked the boundary. The moon’s light cast an eerie glow over the land, doing little to warm the chill in her heart. Despite her strength and skills, she felt like a mere shadow in her own home, overshadowed by the effortless charm of her younger sister, Lyra.

The packhouse loomed in the distance, symbolizing the privilege Aria was denied. Her father, Alpha Garrick, and her mother, Luna Seraphina, had always favored Lyra, leaving Aria isolated despite her contributions and loyalty. The laughter and warmth from within the house felt like a cruel mockery of her isolation.

As Aria approached the grand hall, she heard the sound of laughter and soft conversation. Her heart sank as she pushed open the heavy door. The scene inside was a betrayal in full view.

Caleb, the Pack’s Beta and her mate, was entwined with Lyra in a passionate embrace. The sight was like a knife to her chest.

“What is this?” Aria’s voice cut through the air, barely more than a whisper but heavy with hurt. Caleb and Lyra broke apart. Their faces were flushed with embarrassment and guilt.

“Aria,” Caleb said with his voice strained. “I-I didn’t expect you…”

“Didn’t expect me?” Aria’s eyes narrowed. Her pain was morphing into anger. “You didn’t expect me to catch you with my sister? How convenient.”

Lyra stood. Her expression was a mask of innocent surprise. “Aria, I didn’t know you’d be back so soon.”

“Of course you didn’t,” Aria spat with her voice thick with bitterness. “You were too busy playing the dutiful sister with my mate.”

Before the confrontation could escalate, Alpha Garrick’s authoritative footsteps echoed down the hallway. He entered with an air of imperious control. His gaze fell on Aria with a mixture of surprise and cold disdain.

“Aria, what’s the meaning of this?” Garrick’s voice was clipped, revealing none of the parental affection she had once hoped for.

“I came to find Caleb,” Aria said. Her voice was wavering between anger and despair. “Only to discover—” she gestured towards Caleb and Lyra “—this.”

Garrick’s eyes hardened as he surveyed the scene. “Caleb is to be Lyra’s mate. You will relinquish him as is proper.”

Aria’s heart sank. “What are you talking about? He’s my mate, my chosen partner. How can you just—”

“It is as it should be,” Garrick interrupted with finality in his tone. “Lyra is more deserving.”

“But why?” Aria’s voice cracked with desperation. “What did I do to deserve this?”

Before Garrick could respond, Luna Seraphina stepped forward. Her demeanor was cold and unyielding. “It’s decided, Aria. You are to be sent to Alpha Kael of the Bloodthorn Pack.”