Chapter 3

Chapter 3 ENGLISH

THALIA

I've waited so long to meet my mate, but I never expected him to reject me so easily. It's heartbreaking to think about, but who would accept me and Athena, with a face as ugly as mine? I thought that when I met the one chosen for me by the Moon Goddess, he would protect me and Athena, but Alpha Aldric belittled me because of my appearance.

I don't know how to comfort Athena. She's deeply hurt by Alpha Aldric's rejection of us. We're sitting on a large rock in the forest of the Gold Heart Pack. I'm the only one who knows about this place, so Athena and I are free to do as we please.

I gaze at my reflection in the water. I couldn't help but feel extremely sad about what I saw. Athena doesn't want to shift into her wolf form because she's too hurt.

I don't blame her. "Athena, don't lose hope. I rejected Alpha Aldric's rejection. We still have a chance that he'll accept us," I said sorrowfully.

But I sense Athena's overwhelming sadness within her. She's weakening and in so much pain.

I looked up at the sky. "Moon Goddess, how can I be accepted by my mate? Strengthen Athena and me. Strengthen our hearts. We've waited so long to see the one you've chosen for us," I asked, tears streaming down my face.

As I wiped away my tears, my friend Brianna, a witch, suddenly appeared beside me. We've been inseparable since childhood, exploring the forest together. Among all the creatures in this world, only Brianna truly understands and accepts me.

"We've met our mate, Brianna, but it's heartbreaking because he can't accept Athena and me. She's extremely sad, and I'm worried about what might happen to us," I sorrowfully confided to Brianna.

Earlier, Brianna had sent us home because someone was waiting for us - Alpha Aldric. But he belittled Athena and me and rejected us.

"What the Alpha of the Blood Rose Pack did by rejecting you and Athena is foolish. He can't see your true form but don't worry, the Moon Goddess won't allow your mate to reject you," Brianna said, trying to comfort us.

Her words caught Athena's attention, and I felt her spirit lift.

"Athena, you're the only beautiful wolf in this forest. If the curse on you and Thalia is lifted, the entire pack will see how unique you both are," Brianna added, giving my sorrowful and hurt wolf even more strength.

Since I was a child, Brianna has always told me how beautiful Athena and I are. Even though we were teased and bullied because I couldn't show them Athena's beauty, I ignored it. I couldn't blame them; all they saw was my ugly face, but they didn't see how beautiful we became when Athena transformed into a wolf.

"If Athena and I are truly cursed, what can be done to lift the curse?" I asked Brianna sorrowfully.

She's been saying that Athena and I are cursed, but she never explained how to break the curse.

I envy other werewolves like me when the full moon comes because they can shift into their wolf forms, while I'm stuck just watching. Athena and I have grown accustomed to being teased and bullied.

Sometimes, our fellow werewolves even call us "abnormal" or "human."

"Just wait for the right time, Thalia. As long as I'm here, I won't abandon you. I've given Athena a protection that even if you shift, other werewolves won't see you, especially not the rogues, because that would put your lives in danger," Brianna replied.

I smiled faintly, grateful for her words.

It's a good thing Brianna is always by my side, giving Athena and me strength. I don't know if I could handle the challenges in my life without her.

Athena and I spent a few more hours on our favorite rock before heading back to the orphanage.

When we arrived, Head Omega Lenette was waiting for me. No please that I gone for long hours while they are busy.

"I'm sorry, Head Omega. I lost track of time while I was in the forest," I apologized.

If truth be told, I intentionally stayed longer to avoid seeing Alpha Aldric.

Head Omega let out a deep sigh. "This isn't the time for that, Thalia. You know we have visitors. The rest of the Blood Rose Pack just left. Take care of the remaining tasks, and then you can rest. And next time, ask permission, Thalia, so I won't worry."

I shamefully bowed my head and weakly agreed with her.

"I'll just wash the dishes, Head Omega," I said, excusing myself to finish my tasks early.

"Alright, then go to your quarters afterward," she ordered.

I nodded and started washing the dishes and utensils used by the kids and visitors.

As I was finishing up, Astra, a fellow orphan, approached me. She serves Alpha Ezekiel and his Luna.

"Alpha Ezekiel is calling for you, Thalia. Someone is looking for you," Astra said with a smile.

"Someone is looking for me?" I asked Astra, puzzled.

I've never had anyone look for me before.

I wondered if it might be a pack of werewolves from my parents' origins.

According to Brianna, my father was a skilled warrior and her friend, but nobody knows where my mother's family came from.

"Can I finish washing these dishes first? I don't want Head Omega Lenette to get angry if I leave them undone," I asked Astra.

"Sure, just hurry up. It's embarrassing for Alpha Ezekiel's visitor to wait," Astra replied with a smile.

I nodded and continued washing the dishes.

Astra is the only werewolf here who talks to me kindly, without mocking or insulting me. She's nice, unlike the other Omegas who seem to be disgusted with me as well.

She left, and I quickly finished my task.

"Athena, don't be sad. It's affecting me," I said to her while hurrying up my washing.

I was relieved when she suddenly appeared in my mind.

"I love my mate, Thalia. From the moment I saw him, I knew he loved me too, but he couldn't accept us. We need to see him again," Athena insisted.

"Let's leave him alone for now. He might dislike us even more if he sees us again," I told Athena.

She sadly disappeared from my mind again without saying a word. I let out a deep sigh and finished my task.

After completing my work, I asked permission from the Head Omega, telling her that Alpha Ezekiel was looking for me. After bidding her farewell, I headed to the pack house of the Gold Heart Pack.

I was immediately greeted by a pack warrior who informed me that Alpha Ezekiel was waiting for me in his office. Alpha Ezekiel welcomed me as soon as he sensed my presence outside his office.

An elderly man sat on the sofa, smiling warmly at me as I entered. "Sit down, Thalia. This is the Former Alpha Imre of the Blood Rose Pack. He wants to talk to you, so I'll leave you two alone," Alpha Ezekiel introduced us before exiting his office.

I smiled faintly at Elder Imre, feeling shy about sitting in front of him.

"What can I do for you, Elder Imre?" I asked respectfully, bowing my head.

"I'm Alpha Aldric's father, Thalia. I know you're the one the Moon Goddess chose as his mate. I also know he rejected you," Elder Imre said.

I bowed my head, feeling his sad eyes on me.

Athena suddenly perked up when Elder Imre mentioned being Alpha Aldric's father.

"He seems nice, Thalia, and he might help us with our mate!" Athena exclaimed, wagging her tail excitedly.

Earlier, she was devastated by Alpha Aldric's rejection, but now she's cheerful again.

"I understand Alpha Aldric. Anyone would probably reject me. Who would accept someone as ugly as me?" I said sorrowfully.

"Don't say that, Thalia. Your outer appearance is ugly, but that's because of the curse. Your true form is beautiful," Athena protested.

Elder Imre chimed in, "That's not a good enough reason for him to reject you. He's waited a long time to meet you. He'll accept you, and I want you to come with me. You'll live in the Blood Rose Pack so you can be close to Alpha Aldric."

I didn't expect Elder Imre to say that. My lips parted in surprise as I stared at him.

"Yes, I told you he'd help us!" Athena exclaimed happily in my mind.

She's excited to see her mate again, despite his earlier rejection.

"You can't blame me, Thalia. I sensed earlier that our human mate just wanted to reject us. His wolf was against it since we're destined to love our mate no matter what our human wants."

As Brianna explained before, a wolf's desire is simple: to protect, love, and care for their mate forever.

Athena's words gave me newfound hope.

"Will I live in the Blood Rose Pack? Aren't you disgusted by me?" I asked Elder Imre softly.

"Why would I be disgusted by you, Thalia? Your face may be ugly, but I know you have a good heart. Beauty fades, but a good heart remains. You're the mate chosen for Alpha Aldric, so whether he likes it or not, he'll accept you. I'll take care of you. I won't leave you alone in our territory, especially since you're destined to be the Luna of the Blood Rose Pack."

I'm happy about Elder Imre's words. I didn't expect him to accept me as a new member of their pack.

I feel sad thinking about leaving this place if I decide to go with Elder Imre. However, Athena and I have waited a long time for the chance to be with our mate.

In this place, only a few accept me. How will it be in the Blood Rose Pack? But we have one ally, Elder Imre, who I know is serious about what he says.

"Don't hesitate anymore, Thalia. Let's go with him so we can finally be with our mate," Athena encouraged me.

"But I'm scared. I know it's hard for Alpha Aldric to accept me because of my appearance," I told Elder Imre.

'Don't be afraid, Thalia. Elder Imre promised us he won't abandon us!' Athena reassured me.

Elder Imre took my hands, feeling my pulse. "This is no ordinary thing," he said, amazed.

I furrowed my brow at his words.

"Come with me, Thalia. I'll protect you, and I won't abandon you no matter what happens," Elder Imre said with conviction.

It seems that Elder Imre is genuinely committed to helping me, and Athena is confident in his promise. I'm still uncertain, but his reassurances are comforting.

It's strange; I feel a connection to them. I don't know why he's so determined to bring me to the Blood Rose Pack.

"I'll go with you. I just need to say goodbye to my friends, especially the kids, Alpha Ezekiel, and Luna Felina," I told Elder Imre.

He nodded.

After our conversation, Elder Imre informed Alpha Ezekiel that I would be joining the Blood Rose Pack. Alpha Ezekiel seemed surprised but didn't refuse Elder Imre's request to take me with him.

I asked him to keep the real reason for my departure a secret from my Alpha for now.

We left Alpha Ezekiel's office, and Elder Imre accompanied me to the orphanage to pack my belongings. When we arrived, Alpha Ezekiel informed Head Omega Lenette and the other omegas that I would be leaving. They were sad to see me go, even the kids were sad, and some were crying. I assured them that one day I'd come to visit them

I didn't have many personal belongings, so I quickly packed and the pack warriors from the Blood Rose Pack took them.

"We'll be here, Thalia. You're welcome to come back anytime if you're not accepted by the Blood Rose Pack members," Head Omega said sorrowfully.

I hugged Head Omega tightly. I was also sad to leave because they were the ones who had been with me since I was a child. This was where I grew up, and they accepted me despite my appearance.

I turned to Alpha Ezekiel and Luna Felina and bowed respectfully. "Thank you for accepting me. I'll never forget it," I said to both of them.

Luna Felina smiled at me. "Good luck, Thalia. I hope that when you return, you'll have learned to shift into your wolf form. I'm excited to see your wolf. And I hope you'll be happy in your new home."

"Thank you, Luna Felina. I'll never forget your kindness to me. And if the day comes, I'll return here because the Gold Heart Pack is my first family," I said tearfully.

"If you have any problems, don't hesitate to come to us, Thalia. You're part of our family, and we're ready to help you," Alpha Ezekiel said, patting my shoulder.

"Thank you, Alpha Ezekiel, for everything," I replied gratefully.

After thanking and bidding farewell to everyone, we set off towards the Blood Rose Pack. I felt us crossing the boundary of the Gold Heart Territory.

During the journey, Elder Imre kept telling stories about his family and the Blood Rose Pack.

"Thalia, I sense many rogues coming towards us," Athena warned me.

I tensed up at her words, but I tried not to show it to Elder Imre.

"Stay alert, Athena. Can you tell how many they are?" I asked my wolf.

"They're more than ten if I'm not mistaken," Athena replied.

"Elder Imre, we sense a few rogues coming our way," one of our pack warriors informed him.

They finally sensed the rogues too.

"Can't we just pass by them?" Elder Imre calmly asked the warrior.

"It's unlikely, Elder Imre. They're too close to our route," the warrior replied.

"Stop the car and let's get rid of them," the former Alpha ordered his warriors.

Our vehicle and the one following us came to a halt. The pack warriors quickly got out and assumed their fighting stance.

"Don't leave my side, Thalia," Elder Imre told me.

We stayed inside the vehicle. Although there were only five warriors with Elder Imre, I was confident they could handle the fight, even with many enemies. The Blood Rose Pack was known for having strong and skilled warriors.

"Thalia, I'm excited to fight. Fight back if you need to!" Athena exclaimed.

I'm ready, whenever the enemy attacks.