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.

own mate out, just like I said he would. And Caspian—Beta Caspian, of all people—how disappointing. All it

"So this is where

She nodded toward Dahlia.

glass. "And there’s the little imposter witch. Should’ve died long ago.

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

smirk deepened. "Your life?

her

out, crouching beside

Aurora gasped. "The

"I’m not leaving you—"

said run!" Aurora clutched her side. Her eyes flicked black. "I’ll

"No!"

with a shaky grin.

she whispered the word again, louder,

black. Her body stiffened, rising slowly from the ground, dark power leaking from every pore. She looked

to see you

The witches took their positions.

Hazel turned to run.

figures behind Dahlia lunged forward, sprinting toward them with terrifying speed. Before Hazel could scream, Aurora

Behind them, chaos erupted.

eyes, growling low. The wolves who had been secretly guarding Hazel abandoned the shadows and burst forward—shifting midair into their human

clashed. Spells exploded. Screams rang through the

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

echoed, but Hazel couldn’t

Every sound was muffled.

Every breath felt stolen.

a nightmare—Aurora holding off two witches at once, wolves battling unknown beasts, and O’Brien tearing through their defenses like a monster unleashed. Hazel could barely think. She felt heavy, like she was melting

And then it happened.

sharp, twisting pain shot

her knees. Blood pooled underneath

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

she sobbed, both hands clutching her stomach.

Then came her voice.

chaos, stepping out like a queen in the center of war. "I’m simply observing the power. We’re doing each other good,

toward her through the fight, untouched, unfazed, her eyes locked like a

she whispered. "Come to

Hazel didn’t move.

She couldn’t move.

But her body did.

onto her knees before Dahlia. The witch smiled sweetly as she gripped

struggling, blood dripping down her legs and mouth. Dahlia tilted her head, examining