Fated to the Alpha–And His Triplet Brothers

Chapter 48: Bad choice

*~Author’s POV ~*

The carriage moved slowly along the worn forest path. Inside, Aurora sat upright, flipping through a spellbook as glowing runes danced at her fingertips. Hazel sat beside her, resting a gentle hand on her shoulder, offering silent comfort. Though the ride was calm, tension clung to the air like mist.

Behind them Blue moon wolfs stationed there to ensure Hazel’s safety. Just as Elder O’Brien had ordered, she was being moved from the High House—supposedly for her own good. The Council had agreed. Hazel hadn’t.

And maybe... they were all wrong.

The carriage gave a sudden jolt.

A sharp thud echoed beneath the wheels, and the driver cursed as the horses neighed, rearing slightly. Aurora’s spell flickered out.

"What was that?" she muttered, snapping her book shut.

The driver twisted in his seat. "A rock, I think. I’ll check." He hopped down and approached the obstruction cautiously.

Then—whizz!

An arrow flew from the shadows. The driver caught it just in time, inches from his chest. His eyes widened.

A second arrow struck him dead through the side. He dropped.

Aurora’s eyes darkened. "Hazel, up! Now!"

Hazel jolted awake as Aurora dragged her from the carriage. The forest had gone silent—but not empty.

"Versa," Aurora whispered, and a glowing force-shield burst around them.

Then, from the woods, they emerged.

First, five cloaked figures—witches. But behind them came another: an older woman, cloaked in black, long dark hair draping over her shoulders like a veil.

Hazel gasped. Aurora’s breath caught.

"Dahlia," she hissed.

But it wasn’t just the witches.

Another figure stepped forward.

A man they knew.

"Elder O’Brien," Aurora said in disbelief.

Hazel’s blood ran cold. The wolves guarding them shifted to human form, surrounding her protectively. But it was too late.

just like I said he would. And Caspian—Beta Caspian, of all people—how disappointing. All it took was one simple trick

this is where you got the herbs. From

She nodded toward Dahlia.

voice sharp as broken glass. "And there’s the little imposter witch. Should’ve died long

in front of her protectively. "I’ll protect her with my

smirk deepened. "Your life?

convulsed. Blood gushed from her mouth.

cried out,

should’ve known," Aurora gasped.

"I’m not leaving you—"

clutched her side. Her eyes flicked black. "I’ll

"No!"

a shaky grin. "Dark magic has always been

whispered the word

the ground, dark power leaking from every pore. She looked at Dahlia, her mouth

would love to see you try,"

The witches took their positions. The wolves

Hazel turned to run.

forward, sprinting toward them with terrifying speed.

Behind them, chaos erupted.

who had been secretly guarding Hazel abandoned the shadows and burst forward—shifting midair into their

clashed. Spells exploded. Screams rang

blurred. Her limbs wouldn’t move. Something was weighing her down—not physically, but

echoed, but Hazel couldn’t make out the words

Every sound was muffled.

Every breath felt stolen.

unknown beasts, and O’Brien tearing through their defenses like a monster unleashed. Hazel could barely think.

And then it happened.

sharp, twisting pain shot through her

gasped and fell to her knees. Blood

opened to scream, but instead, she choked. Thick, dark blood

sobbed, both hands clutching her stomach.

Then came her voice.

out like a queen in the center of war. "I’m simply

up. Dahlia was gliding toward her through the fight, untouched, unfazed, her eyes locked like a predator finally sinking its

here," she whispered. "Come to

Hazel didn’t move.

She couldn’t move.

But her body did.

ground and slammed hard onto her knees before Dahlia.

blood dripping down her legs and mouth. Dahlia