Chapter 5

The official Moon Mark trial was over. I stood at the edge of the trial grounds, feeling the weight of every gaze on me. They were cold, unforgiving—like sharp needles piercing my fragile heart. Once, I had stood here with pride. Now, I was the object of scorn and mockery.

"She... failed the trial," the elder's voice echoed in my ears, harsh and final. "Omega Selene is disqualified from participating further."

The words hit me like a slap. I had never imagined this would be my fate. Once, I had been the pride of the pack, a symbol of hope. But now, I was just a joke. A failure.

At that moment, Alpha Kael stepped forward. He moved toward the altar and stood beside me, his expression composed and confident. "Elders, I beg for mercy on her behalf. It was an honest mistake," he said, his voice soft but filled with authority. "Omega Selene’s bloodline is unique. I have never seen an Omega with such potential. She did not mean to break the rules; she was merely influenced by me."

He paused, then continued with more conviction. "It was her inspiration that led me to create this piece. Without her, none of this would have been possible."

I stared at Alpha Kael, barely holding back my tears. He was playing the part of the loving Alpha, but I knew better. This was all part of his game. He was shifting the blame onto me, yet he spoke as though he were my savior, using me as his shield.

The elders seemed moved by his words. I could hear them whispering, some nodding in agreement. "He really does care for her," one elder murmured. "His affection for her is genuine."

Alpha Kael moved closer to me, his hand gently lifting me from the ground. His eyes softened. “Omega Selene, I ask that you stay by my side and reflect on your actions. You’re not to blame for this. You’re too important to be cast aside.”

I lowered my gaze, trying to fight back the overwhelming rush of humiliation. "Thank you for still wanting me, Alpha Kael," I whispered, my voice barely audible.

Alpha Kael smiled down at me, his eyes glimmering with false warmth. “Of course, I’ll never leave you.”

But I knew the truth. His words meant nothing. They were empty. He didn’t care for me. He only needed me for his own gain.

In the days following the trial, I was forced to stay by Alpha Kael's side. The elders had agreed to Alpha Kael’s request, allowing me to remain close to him to "reflect." But the constant praise and attention Alpha Kael received for his "loyalty" only made my suffering worse.

“You’re lucky Alpha Kael is taking care of you,” one of the younger pack members whispered. “I can’t imagine being in your shoes. He’s the Alpha, after all.”

Another added, “I heard Alpha Kael asked for her to stay by his side. That’s some serious affection.”

I kept my eyes low, hearing their words but not responding. The truth was, I was nothing but a burden to Alpha Kael, a tool for him to use as he pleased.

One evening, Alpha Kael led me to a gathering. He stood beside me, his arm around my shoulders. The room filled with whispers, but Alpha Kael’s presence silenced them. Everyone's eyes were on us, admiring the "perfect pair" we seemed to be.

“Look at them,” one elder said quietly. “They’re so well-suited. Alpha Kael’s devotion to her is truly rare.”

“Alpha Kael is a great Alpha. He’ll make an excellent leader,” another murmured.

Alpha Kael beamed, soaking in the admiration. He gave me a gentle smile, as if we were a picture-perfect couple. “This is what I’ve been waiting for, Omega Selene,” he whispered. “Everything will work out now.”

I forced a smile, but inside, I was dying. They only saw what Alpha Kael wanted them to see. They had no idea of the cruelty beneath his facade.

Later that night, as I lay in bed, I couldn't shake the feeling of emptiness. Alpha Kael entered, noticing that I hadn’t slept. He sat beside me and softly stroked my hair. “What’s bothering you, Omega Selene?”

I didn’t respond right away. I felt drained, both physically and emotionally. “I’m just tired,” I said quietly, avoiding his gaze.

He smiled, brushing a strand of hair from my face. “Rest. We’ll face everything together. You’re the most important person in my life, Omega Selene.”

I barely heard him. His words, once so comforting, now felt hollow. I knew this was just another layer of his manipulation.

“Thank you,” I replied, my voice weak. “I trust you.”

Alpha Kael’s smile widened, but I could see the coldness behind it. “You should. I’m the only one who truly cares about you.”

I forced myself to look at him, but all I saw was a man who had used me for his own purposes.

I was nothing more than a tool to him, and no matter what he said, I knew I would never be his true

Days passed in a blur.

I played the part of the obedient Omega, doing what Alpha Kael expected of me.

But every day, the weight of his betrayal grew heavier. I wasn’t the strong, independent Omega Selene I once was. I had become a shadow of myself, walking in the path Alpha Kael had paved for me.

But no matter how much Alpha Kael tried to control me, one thing was clear—I would never be free while I stayed by his side.