The Alpha’s Fated Outcast: Rise Of The Moonsinger

Chapter 248 248: The man with green eyes...

Neriah

After Thames left, I wandered through the forest.

With each step I took, an unexplainable peace filled my soul. It was as though the cool afternoon breeze was blowing away the ache in my chest. I didn't want to go back to the pack… I didn't want to listen to their subtle ridicule, knowing that I would be unable to understand it as soon as they said it.

Most of the time, it takes me days to get a joke or more. Inhaling and exhaling deeply, I continued my exploration. Aside from that, I still had responsibilities. My father made sure of that. I always followed him to different packs within and outside the region and was always assigned duties.

But do you know what is funny? I tend to do really well when it comes to carrying out my duties. I could hold a Moonsinging ritual and deliver it perfectly from the start until the end. I could connect with the stars whenever my dad had to go into a trance and keep him in it for days.

I guess that was the only reason I was still a member of the pack, why my dad had yet to kick me out, and maybe the fact that I ended up getting Thames as my mate. My dad always admired him and would always subtly say he wanted to make him in-laws, but for my sister after me, Iris.

I didn't know if my father was glad that I ended up being his mate—he never showed it. But there was no doubt he was fond of Thames.

I continued walking, getting lost in my thoughts and barely registering my surroundings as my feet carried me deeper into the woods. My mind kept flitting to the events of the past few days – those days when we were at the other packs for missions.

Thames had been by my side since childhood, a shadow, a protector, and finally, my mate, yet despite his unwavering loyalty, something inside me longed for something different—something more.

Eventually, I found myself at the base of a massive oak tree. Without thinking, I lowered my frame against it, feeling the rough bark against my back as I rested my head on it. I closed my eyes, allowing the forest sounds to wash over me—the rustling leaves, chirping birds, and the distant sound of a running stream. The wind hummed through the branches above, a soft lullaby that gradually coaxed me into sleep.

I must have dozed off, for when I next became aware of my surroundings, I felt like I was being watched. The forest had gone unnaturally quiet. My eyes fluttered open, and my breath caught in my throat. I found myself staring up at a man who stood mere feet away from me. His chest was rising and falling in heavy, erratic breaths.

My breath didn't catch in my throat because I was afraid, but because the sight of him stole my breath away. I've seen a lot of good-looking men. Thames was handsome and very attractive, but this man here was the epitome of beauty. I felt like he was used as a blueprint to make others.

He was tall and lean, with broad shoulders tapering to a narrow waist. His face seemed carved from marble—high cheekbones, a strong jaw with day-old stubble, and a straight nose that had clearly been broken at least once but had healed in a way that only added character.

But it was his eyes that truly captured my attention—they were a vivid, almost unnatural green that reminded me of emerald flames, flecked with gold near the pupils. But right now,

alarm, frequently darting to

in disarray and torn in places. A pendant hung from his neck, partially

as if he had been running for his life. He was staring at me intently, like a predator forced into a corner, ready to either beg for

of shouting voices and the heavy tread of multiple boots against the forest floor. He turned sharply at the noise, his gaze flickering between me

passed between us. Then, without a word, he

lowest-hanging branch—four times my height—I was as tall as six feet—with surprising agility before vaulting into the thick branches above, disappearing into them and leaving me staring

call out to his pursuers and reveal that he was hiding above me. That's what my father would expect of me

something held me back. Something in those green eyes had spoken to me and asked for my trust without words,

from the root and settled cross-legged, even as my heart threatened to pound right out of my chest. I focused on appearing peaceful and

a gruff

my eyes, feigning surprise. Immediately, I scrambled to my feet, brushing

me, Neriah. Is everything all right?" I asked, looking at

of my father's elite guard. They were armed with short swords and bows, and their expression was grim and

scanned the area before his

swallowed, willing myself to stay

long have you been here?" he

was… finding a quiet

warrior glanced up at the massive oak tree, then back at me. "Did you see anyone run past here? A man, about this tall?"

hesitated, my mind racing. Despite my better judgement, I wanted to

was lost in meditation, and I saw no one until all of

scoffed. "Meditating?" he glanced toward the leaer. "She must

fired back,