SHADOWS OF THE OAT

Trista Blackwood and her friend Hazel sit in the Silverfang Pack hall, waiting for Alpha Liam. The Elders meet to discuss troubling rumors. When Liam finally appears, he announces his decision to divorce Trista, shocking everyone. The arrival of Lucy, the new Luna, only adds to Trista's heartbreak. The chapter concludes with Trista vowing to keep her secret: she is pregnant with Liam's children.

The heavy wooden doors to the Silverfang Pack hall creaked open, revealing a space filled with anxious energy. Trista Blackwood sat at the long, polished table, nervously tracing the intricate carvings on the surface. The air was thick with anticipation as she exchanged glances with her best friend, Hazel, who sat across from her, biting her lip with worry.

"Do you think he'll actually do it?" Hazel whispered, barely above a murmur.

Trista shrugged as her heart raced in her chest. "He wouldn't make a joke like this. "Not with the Elders present."

Hazel leaned in, her dark curls brushing Trista's arm. "You know how Liam can be. "He has always been unpredictable."

Trista nodded, but deep down, she wished Liam would reconsider. They had been married for three years, and she believed they were bound by tradition and love. Her thoughts returned to their wedding day, when he had looked at her with such promise in his eyes. Now, that image seemed like a distant memory.

The sound of footsteps echoed throughout the hall, capturing the attention of everyone present. The Elders, a group of solemn figures dressed in deep, earthy robes, exchanged knowing looks. Their expressions ranged from worry to curiosity, and Trista felt a knot form in her stomach.

"Here he comes," Hazel said quietly.

Trista looked up just as Liam walked into the room, his presence dominating the space. Tall and broad-shouldered, with dark hair that fell just above his piercing blue eyes, he exuded confidence. Today, however, was different. The usual confidence in his stride appeared to be marred by a sense of tension.

"Alpha Liam," Elder Thorne said, getting to his feet. "Thank you for joining us."

"Let's get to it, shall we?" Liam responded, his voice steady but lacking warmth. He scanned the room, briefly focusing on Trista before moving on.

The atmosphere thickened as he cleared his throat, and the silence stretched uncomfortably. Trista's heart pounded in her ears, and every second felt like an eternity. What could he possibly say to justify this gathering?

"I've called you all here today to address some troubling rumors that have reached my ears," Liam began, his tone clipped. "Rumors regarding my bond with Trista."

Trista's breath was caught in her throat. She exchanged a quick, anxious look with Hazel, who appeared just as perplexed.

"What rumors?" Hazel whispered, her brow furrowed in confusion.

"Liam, what are you talking about?" Trista inquired, her voice quivering slightly as she spoke up. "What's going on?"

He held up a hand to silence her. "I've made a decision," he stated, his expression hardening. "I intend to dissolve my marriage with Trista."

Shock reverberated throughout the room like a wave crashing against a cliff. Trista's heart rate dropped, and a cold sweat broke out on her skin. "What?" she gasped, trying to process his words.

"Liam, you can't-" Hazel rose from her seat in protest.

"Enough!" Liam barked, his voice reverberating off the stone walls. "I have given this much thought. "It's time to prioritize the pack's needs."

Trista felt as if the ground below her had vanished. Her chest tightened, and she tried to hold back tears. "You don't mean that," she said, desperation seeping into her tone. "We can work this out. "We have a family.

"Family?" Liam scoffed, his tone full of disdain. "Trista, you haven't been my Luna for a long time. "You're not the one who belongs by my side."

Before she could respond, the doors swung back open, and Lucy, the new Luna, entered the hall. The Elders' whispers fell silent, and all eyes focused on her. Lucy looked just like a true Luna, dressed in a flowing gown that highlighted her features. Her red hair cascaded down her back, revealing a confident face. Trista's heart sank deeper.