Entering his pack

Elowen roamed the streets, her sobs choking her as the weight of the world crushed her spirit. What could she do now? Who could possibly help her? Her brother—where was he? How could she rescue him from whatever horrible fate her stepmother had thrown him into?

As the grief overwhelmed her, she felt her legs wobble and her vision blur. The world around her began to fade, but before she could collapse, someone caught her. 

She blinked through her tears, looking up to see Darius. He looked down at her with concern etched on his face.

"Elowen, are you okay?" Darius asked softly, his voice filled with worry.

Her lip trembled, and fresh tears spilled over. She shook her head frantically, gripping his arms as if he were the only thing keeping her tethered to reality. "Darius…please…you have to help me," she sobbed. "I need to find my brother…please…I don't know what to do…"

Darius' heart twisted as he looked at her, seeing the broken, desperate state she was in. The girl who fought against the odds had been reduced to this—betrayed, alone, and abandoned. 

He couldn't fathom how Cassian could leave her like this. Then again, he had known Cassian long enough to know that the Alpha had a cold, ruthless side and was perfectly capable of doing so. He knows Cassian better than most people. He has grown up with Cassian. So perhaps this wasn't out of character for him after all.

"Elowen," he began carefully, holding her steady. "I don't know what's happened, but…my Luna has given me a mission. She told me not to come back to the pack without you." His eyes softened with sympathy. "I've been following you around to make sure you're safe. You should come with me. My Luna—she will help you. I promise."

Elowen looked up at him, her eyes red and swollen, her face streaked with tears. She could barely think straight, her mind a whirlpool of fear and pain. But Darius's words felt like the first glimmer of hope she'd had in what seemed like forever.

"Your…Luna?" she whispered hoarsely. "She'll help me?"

Darius nodded. "She's strong, Elowen. And she hates seeing injustice. If anyone can help you, it's her."

Elowen blinked, her thoughts racing. She didn't know who Darius's Luna was or what kind of person she might be, but right now, she had no other choice. She couldn't roam the streets forever. She couldn't go back home. And without help, she might never see her brother again.

"Okay," she whispered, her voice shaky but resolute. "I'll go with you."

Darius exhaled in relief. "Good," he said as they began walking towards his car. "I'll take you to the Luna." 

"We're almost there," Darius reassured her softly, sensing her exhaustion. "Just a little further."

She nodded weakly. 

The car rolled through the gates of the Alpha villa, a stunning sight of grandeur that spoke volumes about the prosperity of the pack. The villa stood majestically against the backdrop of a meticulously landscaped garden, its gothic architecture adorned with intricate ironwork and soaring spires. The expansive grounds were dotted with lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and elegant fountains. The grandeur of the villa was a testament to the pack's wealth and influence, with its tall, arched windows and ornate detailing reflecting a life of affluence and power.

As the car came to a stop, Elowen saw a middle-aged woman standing at the entrance of the villa. She had a warm, inviting smile that seemed to radiate kindness and grace. Her elegant attire and the aura of confidence she carried with her only added to her welcoming presence. The woman hurried towards Elowen, her eyes sparkling with genuine joy.

Elowen stepped out of the car, her heart pounding with a mix of hope and trepidation. The woman approached her with open arms, exuding a warmth that Elowen had not experienced in years. The woman's smile widened as she introduced herself. 

"I'm Luna Liora," she said, her voice rich with warmth and sincerity. "I'm so delighted to finally meet you. Oh my god! You're the sweetest omega I've ever seen."

Elowen's heart swelled at the genuine affection in Luna Liora's words. It was the first time someone had looked at her with such kindness since her mother's passing a decade ago, and not caring about her rug clothes and dirt filled face. 

She felt tears prick at her eyes as she murmured, "T-Thank you, Madam."

Liora's smile grew even brighter. "Oh, please, call me 'Mother.'" She reached out and gently cupped Elowen's face with her hands, her touch tender and reassuring. "Come inside. You must be exhausted."

Elowen followed Luna Liora through the grand entrance of the villa, her eyes wide with amazement. The interior of the house was just as magnificent as the exterior. High ceilings, adorned with elaborate chandeliers, cast a warm, golden glow over the expansive foyer. 

The floors were polished marble, and the walls were lined with exquisite tapestries and fine art. Luxurious furniture, with plush upholstery and rich woodwork, filled the vast rooms, and the scent of fresh flowers and polished wood mingled in the air. It was a realm of opulence, a stark contrast to the harsh reality she had left behind.

As they walked deeper into the villa, Elowen's gaze was drawn to the grand hall where she was shocked to see Cassian kneeling on the floor, his hands bound behind his back. 

The sight of him in such a position was jarring, and her fear resurfaced. Her mind flashed back to the terrifying encounter at the forest and instinctively, she stepped closer to Luna Liora, seeking the comfort of her presence.

Cassian looked up and their eyes met. 

The warnings Cassian had given her about never showing him her face echoed in her mind, and she instinctively avoided meeting his gaze, choosing instead to hide behind the comforting figure of Liora.