The forest had never felt this quiet before.
Landon moved quietly between trees, his eyes scanning every inch as if Tara might step out at any moment. But she didn't . And every second without her felt like his heart broke a little more.
"Spread out." He ordered. "Search everywhere. Make sure the path to the north is clear before sunset."
The warriors spread out, leaving Landon standing alone.
It had been three days since she vanished. Three days since he rejected her after their mating. Three days since he found her scent cut off.
Something had happened. He knew it .
She didn't just run.
The guilt was eating him alive. He should've gone after her sooner. Should've followed her that night, even after the rejection. But all he did was stand there like a fool, angry and wounded, while she ran into danger.
A branch snapped behind him. Landon turned, about to shift to his wolf, only to see his father approaching.
"We need to talk," his father said, his voice sharp and cold.
"I'm busy," Landon muttered, already turning back.
"You've been searching for three days. She left, son. Don't lose yourself chasing a ghost."
"She didn't just leave!" Landon growled, his voice mixed with anger. "She was taken from me. I can feel it."
Jeff's expression didn't change. "What you feel doesn't matter. The Elders expect the mating ceremony with Ayla to proceed as planned."
Landon's jaw clenched. "This isn't about the elders."
"It's always about them," Jeff snapped. "You think the other packs will wait forever while their future Alpha chases after a girl that wasn't even accepted?"
"She's my mate!"
Jeff stepped closer. "Then maybe you shouldn't have let go, let's not forget this girl's father killed my mate—your mother."
Silence.
That cut deeper, than it should have.
Landon turned away again, refusing to show weakness. "I'm not giving up on her."
"You don't have a choice," Jeff said, voice low. "Ayla's family is coming tomorrow. If you want to keep your place as Alpha, you'll be at that ceremony."
And just like that, the conversation ended. His father walked off, leaving Landon alone again.
He stayed frozen for a moment, his fists clenched tightly.
Then he inhaled. And there it was.
Faint. So faint he almost missed it.
Tara .
Her scent, mixed with blood.
Landon ran, pushing through bushes and thorns until he reached the edge of the pack's border. There, caught on a branch, was a torn piece of light blue cloth. He recognized it immediately.
She'd been wearing it the night she ran.
His heart beat fast as he stepped closer. His fingers brushed the cloth, and then he saw it— three deep claws scratched into the tree's trunk beside it. Not hers.
This wasn't an accident.
"Tara," he whispered, eyes watering. " I swear I'll find you."
But even as he vowed it, the sound of celebration began drifting from the distance. Preparation. The mating ceremony.
With Ayla.
He closed his eyes for just a moment, then kept the fabric in his pocket and turned back towards the forest.
This wasn't over.
Not even close.
Ayla stood in front of the mirror in the grand hall, her fingers running over the beads and stitching of a dress that was never meant for her. It had been made for someone else—for the true Luna. No one said it out loud, but the servant's lingering glances said enough.
"She's still missing." her right hand spoke. "And he's still searching."
"I know," Ayla replied coldly. Her eyes didn't leave the mirror. " But the ceremony must go on."
"Are you really going to marry someone who can't stop looking for another woman?"
Ayla turned slowly. "Do you think I planned this?" Her voice was calm, but her eyes flashed. "I waited years for Landon. I was watching him chase a girl who didn't even want anything to do with his family."
Ayla stepped closer, her voice lower. " This isn't about love . This is about power. Position. Legacy. Tara made her choice when she ran. Now it's my turn."
The door cracked open behind them, and one of the guards stepped in. "Alpha Jeff wishes to see you. The ceremony is to start at sunset ."
Ayla nodded . "Tell him I'll be there."
As the guards left, she looked down at her hand, then quietly reached into her drawer. There it was the locket she had stolen from Tara's room days before her disappearance. Inside, a faded picture of Tara's parents . The locket was warm in her palm.
Back in the forest, Landon pressed deeper into the woods, his search party close behind. He felt everything burning inside—anger, guilt, shame. He couldn't sleep or think every time he closed his eyes, all he saw Tara.
And now that he had her scent again, he couldn't let go.
He shifted halfway, his sense got stronger, his speed faster as he lunged deeper into the trees. Then suddenly he stopped.
A second scent.
Faint. But male. Rogue.
His heart slammed against his chest .
He let out a howl that echoed through the forest . Not a command, but a warning.
I'm coming for you.
Somewhere nearby, hidden behind shadows, trees and old magic, someone watched him. Eyes glowing with interest. The scent trail would soon vanish again. It had been planned that way.
Let the Alpha chase after nothing.
Let him burn himself alive chasing something that isn't there.
Back at the house, preparation was in full swing. Flowers lined the path, candles were being placed in silver holders, and the scent of sliced meat filled the air.
But the future Alpha was nowhere to be found .
Jeff stood near the edge of the ceremony grounds, his face frozen. He looked up at the sky, where storm clouds gathered despite the ceremony.
He hated omens.
Still, the packs needed this union. Tara would've been a challenge.
But Ayla was controllable. He would make sure his son learned to let go one way or another.