Alisha's POV
I never thought Archie would appear at my wedding. Why is he here? My palms were instantly soaked with cold sweat.
Louie kept staring at me, noticing my tension and unease. He took my hand, holding it firmly as if trying to warm me. In a soft whisper, he reassured me, "I'm here. Don't worry."
I tried to ignore the piercing glances behind me, following Gray's guidance with a stiff body, step by step, until I stood opposite him.
Before me was Louie's face, but in my mind, Archie's face flashed, memories like a slideshow. I struggled to not care about the scrutinizing looks behind me, to ignore Archie's presence, and focus on the present wedding. However, my brain seemed chaotic; I couldn't hear any sound around me.
Leaving Golden Crest, leaving Archie, filled me with hatred and despair. But I never prepared for how to face Archie again. The love I once had for him was buried deep, our bond severed by my own hands. I knew I shouldn't and couldn't hope for anything from him.
In the midst of convincing myself, I suddenly heard Louie calling my name, "Alisha?"
His voice brought me back from the chaotic thoughts, and I looked at Louie, managing a pale smile. "What's wrong?"
Louie looked at me with concern, a hint of sadness in his eyes. He whispered, "We are at the vows. Already."
Oh, I had drifted off. I hadn't realized we were at the vows, the moment where, after swearing to Moon Goodness, Louie and I would truly become husband and wife, creating a bond between us. I apologized with a glance to Louie; I shouldn't have zoned out at a time like this.
Louie gazed at me affectionately and, as if determined, whispered to me, "Alisha, it was me who brought Archie here. I'm sorry. If you decide to stop the wedding now..."
I suddenly realized my previous distraction and silence had caused Louie great misunderstanding and hurt. He thought I wanted to give up this marriage. I quickly shook my head, saying, "I don't mind. I have been looking forward to this wedding."
Smiling at Louie, I said, "Louie, I do..."
At this moment, Archie suddenly stood up, looked at me, and shouted, "No, Alisha!"
All the guests were shocked, staring at Archie in surprise.
"Oh, what's going on? Why does the Alpha of Golden Crest seem to oppose this wedding?"
"Lower your voice! Don't you know this bride used to be the Luna of Golden Crest?"
"What?"
"It's true! I attended their previous wedding!"
"Unbelievable!"
Taria's face showed panic, and Shaunda disapproved, holding Archie's hand, trying to make him sit down.
Gray, with an angry face, walked towards Archie, seemingly eager to tear him apart.
I looked at Archie, the first time seeing him since I left Golden Crest. His eyes were filled with pleading, his face devoid of the previous pride, now filled with bitterness and sorrow. It seemed he hadn't been doing well after I left? Why? After getting rid of me, shouldn't he be enjoying a happy life with Erma? Why did he look so haggard?
But I bit my lip, telling myself that it didn't matter how Archie was. I withdrew my gaze from him, unattached, and focused on Gray. Whatever Archie wanted to say, it had nothing to do with me.
Looking at Louie, I solemnly promised in front of everyone, "Under the witness of Moon Goodness, I do."
As I said these words, I felt an invisible bond forming between Louie and me. Archie, seemingly struck hard, knelt down.
Louie showed a brilliantly sunny smile, then gently lifted my veil, cradled my face, and placed a tender kiss on me.
I had finally become Louie's wife.
Archie's POV
I knelt on the ground, watching Louie embrace Alisha and then lean down to kiss her gently.
I was insanely jealous, but there was nothing I could do. Louie was now Alisha's husband, and he could rightfully kiss her.
Shaunda held my hand tightly, seemingly wanting to crush my bones. In my mind, she emphasized, "Archie! Remember your promise to me. Learn to let go! Both you and Alisha need to start your own new lives, okay?"
Gray's dark face, the various discussions among the guests — I didn't care. In my mind, there was only Alisha's expression when she made her vow. From that moment on, she truly no longer belonged to me.
I had no memory of what happened next in the wedding. I only remembered being escorted out of Blood Dawn by Samuel and Shaunda.
On the way out, I stayed silent until we passed Dark Forest, then I spoke up, "Stop!"
Shaunda frowned and communicated through mindlink, "Archie, what's wrong?"
"Grandma, please stop here. You all can go back. I need to go to Dark Forest."
"No, Archie, this is too dangerous. You should go back to Golden Crest and rest."
"No, this is where I met Alisha. Please, let me go." I begged hoarsely.
Shaunda sighed, "Archie, let the past be the past. You need to look forward. Tomorrow a new sun will rise, right?"
"No, she is the only sunshine and warmth in my life. Only her. I MUST go to Dark Forest." I repeated stubbornly, and Shaunda eventually gave in, setting me down midway.
I refused company from others and, guided by the moonlight, entered the forest. I had been here many times before, searching for clues about my mate, only to find out she had been beside me all along.
Thinking that Alisha would be with Louie tonight, my heart felt like it was about to explode, wishing I could abduct her to be with me. I couldn't bear that torment. But Shaunda was right; I couldn't force Alisha like I used to. So, in Dark Forest, I ran and shouted like a madman, trying to make myself forget Alisha, Louie, and their wedding night.
Oh, my Alisha, about to be possessed by another man. What could be more cruel? What meaning was left in my life?
I released my wolf, and both of us, filled with despair, resorted to blood and violence to release the emptiness within us.
Rogues attempting to attack us were torn into pieces. Dirty blood soaked the soil, and painful howls echoed through the forest. But it couldn't fill the void and pain in my heart.
Perhaps frightened by my crazed attacks, rogues that kept coming to kill us gradually started to retreat.
I didn't pursue them but followed the memory to the tree hollow where Alisha used to hide.
However, on the way, I saw a figure that haunted my dreams.