The Beta’s Regret

Queen Eden.

The name sounded like two simple words but carried a weight that seemed almost too heavy for me to bear.

I watched the crowd, the hope on their faces, the expectation. I was suddenly placed on a pedestal, like a golden image that the people marveled at.

I never felt anything like this before.

I felt a strong urge to cower, to slowly take a step back until I was far away from here, but I couldn't bring myself to move. Something or someone held me down. I could feel the soothing presence of the moon goddess... And I knew right then that I was born to do this, to lead.

My parents, Beauty and Adonis, stood by my side, their support like a solid pillar.

I felt vulnerable, being here among these people and receiving a reverence that was more than I had expected.

These people believed in me, not because of my heritage, they believed in my strengths despite my flaws, and now that my mate is gone, I would be the one to lead them.

And then, there was our baby too.

My eyes stung as I thought about the things I would have to do without Eros by my side. This might be a great challenge, but I would not back down. Not now.

I felt a strange sensation hit me in my chest; my mind was suddenly filled with thoughts of Eros, and I quietly craved him, his touch, the feel of him against me, his warmth, and, most of all, his love.

Even though everyone tells me he is gone, a part of me still refuses to believe it...

"Eden!" I heard Beauty say softly.

I turned to her, and she slowly nodded to the audience. "You should say something," she said.

I looked back at the crowd of people who patiently waited for the words I was going to speak.

I closed my eyes, a part of me willing all the strength I could gather, then I lifted my chin, and even though I felt a deep ache for my mate, I refused to let them see my loss. I needed to be strong, not just for myself, but for the people that have solely decided to put their trust in me.

as many people as I could; then I placed

started. "United by love, trust, and loyalty. Some of us have lost

paused and waited for the people to soak in the

people shed tears that they wiped

ripped off of what we once held dear to our heart. Our souls have been torn from the

a few sniffs. My hands shook slightly. I could hear Tiana whine in my head. She

once again, but I stayed my ground

and rebuild together. We will reclaim what

people replied in a loud chant, followed

my words, the fear in the air was heavy, and I knew that it would take much

on my shoulder. I looked back to see Beauty and Adonis giving me a soft smile,

not alone in this."

step of the way. We are with you, my queen." He said the last

then my parents did the

I wasn't alone.

I still had people who loved me and

of sorrow and pain in me, I had something else that I hadn't felt since I heard of

once more and held my hand up. Immediately, a hushed silence fell

clan representatives; we will hold a meeting at midnight to discuss the way forward.

and the crowd murmured as they began to disperse into their

****

that night,

my father, and the 20 representatives, stood

was absent. She was taking care

I needed to know everything I could

the battle?

out. Like my father, he had a scar that ran through the sides