It was the same emerald ring she had seen earlier. She was fighting her instincts so hard right now. Something wasn't right.

“Thank you,” Raya said, with a weak smile plastered on her face.

“Put it on. The emerald would look perfect on your skin.”

The sound of chairs pulling back saved her. Everyone stood to their feet to welcome Alpha King Rue, the leader of the Stone Wolf pack.

“Long live the king!”

“You may sit,” Rue said.

A meeting like this was new to Raya.

A lowly omega like her had no place on this table, but she was Arian's wife after all.

Arian sat on the opposite side of the table from Raya. He did a good job of avoiding eye contact with her.

These past few weeks he only spoke to her when necessary, or at least that's what he remembered.

The servants placed the dishes in front of everyone. It was time to feast, but not for Raya. The smell of fish was starting to irritate me.

“Oh no,” she said before lifting one of the flower vases off the table.

Her face was buried while she puked in it. Everyone was focused on her now.

“Raya, I asked you a few minutes ago, are you okay?”

She didn't say a word. Her head was spinning right now. For the past few days, she had been sick on and off.

“Are you pregnant?”

Luna Laura asked.

“Pregnant?” Raya repeated, more confused than everyone else.

Then it hit her. The blood moon.

“You are pregnant.”

Everyone's eyes bore into her soul, but she could only hold Arian's gaze.

“This is amazing,” Alpha King Rue broke the silence.

“We should celebrate.”

And for the first time, Raya saw a proud look on her father's face.

Everyone was smiling at the news.

“Celebrate another man's child?”

Arian rose to his feet.

“What?” Gerard's voice echoed in the room.

“Yes, father. I have barely spoken to, nor have I ever touched this excuse of a werewolf.”

That night, she should never have allowed him to sleep with her in his drunk state. Now here he was denying his child.

“You are the father,” Raya said as she stood up. Her voice was shaky from all the emotion.

“On the night of the blood moon…”

“I remember,” Arian cut her off.

“Your lover Simon was there, causing a scene at the ball. So, have you told him? He must be delighted.”

“Told him what?” Raya shot back.

“That he is going to be a father.”

“I have only been with one man. And that man is you, Arian!”

“To hell with your lies, Raya. You are nothing but an opportunist who jumped in at the first bite to take her sister's place.”

The harsh words stung more than fire. Raya's eyes welled up. Everyone around the table looked at her in so much disgust.

“You are a disgrace to me. A disgrace to your mother and sister.”

Raya's eyes welled up as she heard her father's words.

“Father, you must punish her. I cannot marry an unfaithful woman. She has betrayed my trust and shown herself to be disloyal in the Stone pack.

The king's eyes were filled with rage as he looked over to his friend Gerard.

“There is only one punishment for this act. You are hereby banished and forced to leave the village gates with your illegitimate child. Do not look back, or else there will be consequences.”

Raya swallowed hard. Banished? Was this really what she deserved? She looked at everyone seated at the table, one after the other. No one here actually loved her. They all saw her for what she was, weak and powerless.

She turned to Luna Laura, who sat beside her. There was no point in trying to convince any of them.

“I will leave, but first,” Raya looked Arian in the eyes.

“Reject me as you mate. I want to be free from such darkness.”

“I rejected you!” Arian didn't hesitate before screaming in her face.

Her eyelids shut, and tears rolled down her cheeks.

“I Arian, reject you as my fated mate for betrayal and disloyalty.”

“I, Raya, reject you as my fated mate in all lifetimes,” she said, before storming out of the hall.

***

“Don't worry girl, we will be alright.”

Raya was alone outside the village walls with only silver to talk to. At least Gerard allowed her to take the horse. He couldn't look her in the eye.

She would never forgive Arian for belittling her and turning everyone against her, including her father. When was he ever on her side? That was the real question. He allowed her to be banished.

The forest was quiet. She was sure there were not the only wolf packs around here. Her mum had told them stories of other strong packs outside the walls.

She just hoped she came across the right one.

She had barely enough water for her and Silver. She had to get to civilization soon. The rustling sound in the trees caught her attention.

“Don't be scared Raya, it's just the trees,” she said, trying to distract herself.

“God, I wish Lana was here.”

“I'm here.” The sound of boots landing on the ground behind her caught her attention.

Raya turned around immediately, gripping Silver's rope tightly.

“Who…who are you?

“I see you've met my brother,” another person spoke in front of her.

They both had on worn-out clothes. Maybe they were thieves, Raya thought to herself.

“Please don't hurt me. I don't have anything.”

“Hurt you? We are not animals,” the boy said before showing off his sharp teeth.

“Don't scare the pretty princes, Leo,” the girl said, coming closer to Silver.

“We just want to talk to you. Beautiful horse you've got there. Mind if I get a ride myself?” She said, mockingly.

“Go silver, go!” Raya hiked the rope. Silver ran fast, pushing the girl out of the way.”

“She's getting away, Leo. Catch her!”