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.

like I said he would. And Caspian—Beta

this is where you

She nodded toward Dahlia.

voice sharp as broken glass. "And there’s the little imposter witch. Should’ve died long ago. Now you will—along with

Aurora stepped in front of her protectively. "I’ll protect her

life? Sweetheart...

convulsed. Blood gushed from her mouth. She

cried out, crouching

should’ve known," Aurora gasped. "The coffin... Hazel,

"I’m not leaving you—"

eyes flicked black. "I’ll

"No!"

a shaky grin. "Dark magic

whispered the word

turned black. Her body stiffened, rising slowly from the ground, dark power leaking from every pore. She looked at Dahlia, her mouth bleeding but her

would love to see you try," she

growls erupted. The witches took their positions. The wolves bared

Hazel turned to run.

cloaked figures behind Dahlia lunged forward, sprinting toward them with terrifying speed. Before

Behind them, chaos erupted.

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

clashed. Spells exploded. Screams

Her vision blurred. Her limbs wouldn’t move. Something was weighing her down—not physically, but spiritually—like the earth itself was gripping her

couldn’t

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. She felt heavy,

And then it happened.

twisting pain shot

fell to her knees. Blood pooled underneath her

instead, she choked. Thick, dark blood poured

no," she sobbed, both hands clutching her stomach.

Then came her voice.

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

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

she whispered.

Hazel didn’t move.

She couldn’t move.

But her body did.

and slammed hard onto her knees before Dahlia. The witch smiled sweetly as she gripped Hazel by the

dripping down her legs and mouth. Dahlia