REJECTED YET CHOSEN

Chapter 5

_Lyla's POV_

As the room grew quieter after Aaron left, I let my head sink deeper into the pillows. My body felt heavy, and exhaustion tugged at me. My mind swirled with questions and emotions. Was this really my second chance? Could I truly trust Aaron? My wolf's voice kept repeating, “He is ours,” but the doubts in my heart made it hard to believe.

Eventually, my eyelids grew heavier. I let myself drift off into sleep, hoping to escape the confusion in my mind.

When I opened my eyes, I was no longer in the hospital room. Instead, I stood in a vast, open plain. The sky above me was a soft shade of blue, with streaks of pink and gold as though it were sunrise. The grass beneath my bare feet swayed gently, as if caressed by a warm breeze. The air smelled sweet and fresh. This calmed my troubled heart.

In the distance, I saw her—a woman so beautiful she seemed unreal. Her black hair flowed like a river of silk, cascading over her shoulders and down her back. She wore a long white robe that shimmered faintly, as if it were made of moonlight. A golden crown rested on her head, catching the light. She stood tall and elegant. Her posture radiated grace and power.

I didn’t know why, but I felt no fear. Instead, a strange sense of peace settled over me. I trusted her completely, as though my soul recognized her. Without hesitation, I began walking toward her.

As I got closer, she smiled. Her smile was gentle, warm, and comforting. “My child,” she said, her voice soft and melodic. “My dear Lyla. Do not worry.”

Her words felt like a balm to my soul, soothing the storm of emotions inside me. I stopped a few steps away from her, my gaze locked on her radiant face.

“I know your heart is troubled,” she continued. “You have endured much pain, but I am here to tell you that everything will be alright. Aaron is a good man. He will not harm you. He has a kind heart and will protect you with his life.”

Her words made my heart ache. I wanted to believe her, but the scars from my past—especially Dorian—made it hard to trust. “How can I be sure?” I whispered, my voice trembling.

Her smile didn’t waver. “You have my blessings, Lyla. Trust in the bond you share with Aaron. He is your second chance, a gift from me.”

Tears stung my eyes as she mentioned the bond. “Thank you,” I said, bowing my head. “Thank you for giving me a second chance. I felt so hopeless when Dorian rejected me.”

Her expression grew soft, filled with understanding. “Dorian’s rejection was painful, I know. But, my child, it was for the best. There are things at play—things beyond your understanding—that made his rejection necessary. If I tried to explain, it would only confuse you. All I ask is that you remain strong and trust in the path I have set for you. It may be difficult, but everything will work out in the end.”

I nodded, though my heart still felt heavy. “I’ll try,” I said quietly.

She stepped closer and placed a hand on my shoulder. Her touch was light yet comforting. “Lyla, you are special. I have chosen you for a purpose. A mission.”

Her words startled me. My eyes widened as I looked up at her. “A mission? What kind of mission?”

She shook her head, her black hair swaying like silk. “I cannot tell you now. The time is not right. But know this—you have a strength within you that even you do not yet understand. When the time comes, you will know what to do. Trust in yourself, and trust in the bond with Aaron. Together, you will accomplish great things.”

Her words filled me with both curiosity and anxiety. I wanted to ask more, to understand what she meant, but she stepped back.

“I must go now,” she said. “Remember, my child, you have my blessings. Be strong, be brave, and above all, be happy.”

Before I could respond, she began to fade. The light around her grew brighter, until it was blinding. I raised my hand to shield my eyes, and when I lowered it, she was gone.

The peaceful plain disappeared, and I woke up with a start. My heart raced, and my body felt damp with sweat. The vividness of the dream left me breathless, and her words echoed in my mind: “You are special. You have a mission.”

I glanced around, trying to ground myself. I was back in the hospital room. The faint smell of antiseptic and the soft beeping of machines reminded me where I was. But something was different.

A woman sat beside my bed. She wasn’t the Moon Goddess. She had blonde hair styled neatly, and her piercing blue eyes were filled with concern. She looked to be in her middle age. Her face was kind but serious.

Her voice was gentle when she spoke. “What happened, dear? You woke up so suddenly. Did you have a nightmare?”

Her question hung in the air, but I didn’t know how to answer. My heart was still racing, and the dream—if it was a dream—felt too real to ignore.