The Alpha's Fated Outcast: Rise Of The Moonsinger by Ejiofor Dorcas

170 When you love someone….

Ramsey

I stood before the floor–length mirror in my room, watching as the servant meticulously adjusted my ceremonial attire for the Harvest Moon Festival, which would begin at midnight.

My room, which used to be a sanctuary, felt suffocating despite its size. My grandfather, Elder Eldric, stood near the tall windows, his cane lightly tapping the floor as he gazed at the servant. intently, as if taking his eyes away would cause something to go awry.

Lenny–my Beta leaned against the small reading desk at the corner of my room, reviewing my itinerary for the evening and reminding me what I had to do or not while Cassidy lounged on the chaise, scrolling through her phone. Even the servant assisting me with my attire moved silently. yet managed to add to the suffocating atmosphere.

It was weird that I had almost everyone in the room who adored me, yet I felt like the most unloved person in the world. For the longest time, my grandfather would always come to hang around whenever there was a big festival to watch me dress up. He loved it more than anything.

“And then, you have to recognize, Alpha Ray, his pack had the most bountiful harvest this year up West and they paid all their taxes and pledges, too. There’s also Alpha Cade, who helped a lot of the smaller packs when they suffered through those Feral attacks months back. He sent out his warriors and protected his own pack with his family. I heard they’re all skilled warriors, Lenny was saying.

“One year after a child is born, regardless of the sex, they’re made to start learning basic combat skills,” my grandfather chirped. “So, the entire population from the West can fight. I wish we had implemented it before. It would give me peace if I knew half the members of the White Moon Pack can deflect a blow.”

“Don’t worry, Elder Eldric, Lenny soothed him. “This generation of kids we’re raising will become

skilled warriors.”

Lexhaled slowly again, wishing the knot in my chest would loosen, but my chest was still heavy with emotions I could barely name. My mind wandered to the scene at the bonfire earlier–Lyla and Nathan. Their happiness had radiated like the flames themselves.

Lyla’s laughter, their shared glances filled with want for each other, had stirred up a storm of conflicting emotions within me. The image of them together refused to leave my mind. Their happiness had been genuine, unforced. It was the kind of bond I’d always imagined for myself- the kind of bond my parents had and something I’d never quite managed to find.

I sighed wearily, hoping the ached would subside.

“Ramsey, my grandfather broke through my thoughts. As he came closer to me, meeting my gaze in the mirror. “The Harvest Moon Festival would be the perfect time to announce the new date of your joining ceremony officially. With all the packs at ease and the joy that comes from this celebration, I think it’s time to

let everyone know and it would not be selfish to go ahead as

planned.”

I nodded silently, my reflection showing a perfect mask of composure they hid the turmoil

14

you love

perfect mask of composure they hid the turmoil

withing me.

turned

as soon as

though there

because he frowned slightly, his eyes narrowing at her. “You’ve been quiet lately, Cassidy. Almost too quiet. Is everything all right?”

quickly. Our gaze met for a brief moment in the mirror, but she turned away immediately, offering a smile to my grandfather that didn’t quite reach

my shadows like before. It was either she’d be in her pack or, if she was around, she would remain confined in her

and excused himself. My grandfather also muttered something about last–minute arrangements and gestured for Cassidy

so unlike her!

about things that didn’t matter, so seeing this mute version of

with concern and curiosity as soon as the door clicked shut. He came closer, folding the itinerary and tucking it into his pocket.

Lenny

sighed and shook my head. “I’ll be lying

me earlier,” I began with a hollowness in my voice. “He asked for my permission to propose to Lyla during

in surprise. “And you

‘yes‘ I’ve ever given in my life. Standing there, watching him as something inside me tore apart and pretending I wasn’t green with envy, but

as my hands trembled slightly. “Everything the Moon Priest said about destiny, about balance, about me and Lyla… I

and sometimes,

you love someone….

be with the woman my heart loves dearly? The woman I’ve longed for. I’m just worried

bit but, my heart is closed off from her entirely and I feel so bad because she deserves better.

chooses this path herself, Ramsey. More than anyone, I know your history clearly and I know how much she’s practically being chasing after you. It’s

it make?” I scoffed. “It’s not like she would leave him for me.”

had been clear about everything from that first day and tried not to be a Lycan Leader around her, maybe none of this would have happened. You see how easy it is

your talks about things like this, you’re still single. You don’t want

my relationships private. That way it makes

for you!”