Bound by Fate: The Alpha's Luna

Chapter 7: The Search Begins

Gamma Lyra's POV

Lyra walked briskly down the corridor toward Isabella's room. The Luna Ceremony was imminent, and it was time to bring Isabella to the gathering. She knocked on the door, her usual confidence faltering just slightly as she waited for a response. "Isabella, it's time," she called out, her voice firm but not unkind.

There was silence.

Lyra frowned, a sliver of unease creeping into her mind. She knocked again, a bit harder this time. "Isabella?" Still nothing.

Her instincts kicking in, Lyra reached for the door handle and pushed it open. The room was empty, save for the delicate white gown that Isabella had been wearing earlier, now crumpled on the floor. The window was wide open, the curtains billowing in the breeze.

"Ah, shit," Lyra muttered under her breath as the realization hit her. Isabella had run. She immediately activated her mind link, her thoughts reaching out to the Alpha and Beta. We've got a runner. Isabella's gone.

Alpha Alaric's POV

Alaric was in his office, pacing back and forth as he waited for news from Lyra. The upcoming Luna Ceremony weighed heavily on him. He knew how important it was for the tribe, but he also knew how much pressure it was putting on Isabella. He didn't want to force her into anything, but the bond was undeniable, and it was time for them to step into their roles together.

When Lyra's voice suddenly echoed in his mind, the words We've got a runner sent a cold chill down his spine. He stopped in his tracks, turning sharply to face Fenrir, who was sitting across from him.

"What did you do?" Fenrir demanded, his tone accusatory as he stood up from his chair, his eyes narrowing.

"I did what you told me to do," Alaric replied, frustration edging into his voice. "I gave her the pendant."

"Wow," Fenrir retorted sarcastically. "And did you say anything to her? You know, like a normal person?"

Alaric's brow furrowed, his frustration growing. "No. Was I supposed to say something? You told me not to scare her, so I didn't."

Fenrir threw his hands up in exasperation. "Why can't you be normal? You're like a robot! She's about to become your Luna, and all you do is hand her a pendant and walk out? You couldn't say anything reassuring? Anything at all?"

Alaric's jaw tightened, and he shot Fenrir a sharp look. "I didn't want to overwhelm her. This is already a lot for her to take in."

"Well, congratulations, you've overwhelmed her by saying nothing!" Fenrir shot back. "No wonder she ran. She doesn't know you at all. How do you expect her to trust you if you can't even have a conversation with her?"

Lyra's voice cut through their heated exchange, her tone urgent. Argue later. We need to find her before something happens.

Both Alaric and Fenrir fell silent, the gravity of the situation sinking in. Alaric felt a wave of guilt wash over him. He knew Fenrir was right, at least partially. His approach had been too cold, too distant. He hadn't considered how his silence might have been interpreted by Isabella, who was already struggling with so much.

Beta Fenrir's POV

Fenrir could feel the frustration boiling inside him. Alaric was an excellent leader, a strong Alpha, but when it came to emotional matters, he could be infuriatingly detached. Fenrir had seen it countless times before, and now it was affecting something as crucial as the bond with their future Luna.

"She's out there alone, in a world she's still getting used to," Fenrir growled, the urgency clear in his voice. "We need to find her fast. She could be in danger."

Alaric nodded, his expression hardening as he refocused on the task at hand. "You're right. We need to split up and cover as much ground as possible. Lyra, take the west side of the forest. Fenrir, you and I will take the east."

Fenrir agreed with a curt nod, though the frustration still simmered just below the surface. As they prepared to leave, he couldn't help but add, "When we find her, you need to talk to her, Alaric. Really talk to her. She needs to know you're more than just the Alpha. She needs to know you're her mate."

Alaric didn't respond verbally, but the determination in his eyes was clear. He knew what he had to do. He had to make Isabella understand that she wasn't alone, that he was there for her—not just as her Alpha, but as the man destined to stand by her side.

With that resolve, the three of them set out into the night, driven by the same purpose: to find Isabella and bring her back safely before it was too late.