MATED TO THE SECRET ALPHA
Chapter 124: Released

Chapter 124: Released

"Did you hear?"

The rumor began.

"The Luna and her entourage were viciously attacked by monsters we’d never seen before, and like a mighty hero, that servant... What’s his name?"

"Ryder?"

"Yes, Ryder! He swooped in and saved them all. Not only that, he was the reason the West Wood Pack sent us money and manpower!"

"I also heard that his family was killed in a monster raid, ten years ago, while trying to protect the eastern border. And Ryder was traumatized for years."

"What? Is that true?"

"Yes. Although he couldn’t shift because of his sickness, he refused to be a liability or a freeloader, and decided to work as a servant for the pack... He’s such a selfless and humble person."

"Does that mean he isn’t an omega?"

"Would an omega be more powerful than the Luna and Gamma Kira? My sources said that Ryder killed those monsters with his bare hands. He tore them apart without shifting!"

"Oh goddess. That’s very powerful!"

...

At another location...

"That servant is unjustly punished. After what he’d done for the pack, the Luna should show some mercy."

"Right? He saved our Luna and also contributed greatly with negotiations. I heard he was the reason a successful trade negotiation was made between our pack and the humans."

"My grandfather told me that the humans are extremely conceited and would never trade with our kind, unless those from the Southern Islands, but this time, it was possible because of that servant, Ryder."

A rumor that was ignited by a spark of words from Mirian became an inferno in the next few hours around the pack.

Every child, every adult, was talking about it, demanding that Ryder be rewarded instead of being punished.

Kira, who hadn’t said anything in days, agreed with the protest and right now, she was standing amongst the high-ranking warriors, pleading for Ryder’s release.

"Luna, he’s suffered enough. It’s been twelve days," she continued. "Please, temper mercy with justice!"

"Temper mercy with justice!" the other high-ranking warriors chorused.

Luna Reana’s expression was unreadable, but deep down, she was relieved. She’d been wanting to release Ryder, but that would mean she gave in.

But now that she was given a leeway, she couldn’t be more happy.

Her hand shot to her temple, massaging it as she closed her eyes. That man had given her migraines and restlessness for days. Her nights were short and filled with anxiety.

"Luna, please," Kira begged.

She’d watched Reana for the past couple of days and saw how restless, moody, and sad she was, but Kira couldn’t think of a better solution.

She had no idea what Ryder did, and couldn’t understand why the Luna would keep him locked up despite going through pain herself.

Kira knew that Reana was stubborn, but to the point of hurting herself...that was extreme.

Thanks to Mirian, who had come up with this idea, the Luna could save face while showing Ryder mercy.

"Do you know what crime he’d committed?" Reana pushed, her tone lazy, eyes still closed as she continued to massage her temple.

Kira stayed silent. She didn’t know what he’d done, still, she trusted it wouldn’t be something too hideous. "Ryder may have made mistakes, but he’s proven himself time and time again. He’s loyal, brave, and selfless. He doesn’t deserve to be punished like this."

Reana’s eyes fluttered open and her gaze locked onto Kira, her lips raising slightly.

What if she told them he killed Hale? Wouldn’t they be asking for his head on the stake?

But she couldn’t.

Everyday with him in that cell had been a reminder of the stronghold he had on her. She couldn’t bear the thought of him being harmed, let alone killed.

Reana’s gaze lingered on Kira’s determined expression, and she felt a pang of guilt for keeping the truth hidden. But she knew she had to protect Ryder, even if it meant betraying Hale, her late, destined mate.

She sat up straight, her expression neutral once more. "Enough, Kira. Your plea has been heard," she hissed with annoyance. "Go release him."

With that, she walked away, her shoulders squared, confident as always, but heart skipped beats, wondering what their relationship would be like after this.

Kira’s face lit up with relief, "Thank you, Luna!"

The others also parrotted her as they bowed to her disappearing back.

...

"Ryder, you’re free to go," the guard said, unlocking the cell door and stepping aside.

Ryder’s eyes, sunken from lack of sleep and food, narrowed slightly as he gazed at the guard, then shifted to Kira, who stood behind him.

For a moment, their eyes locked, and Ryder’s expression was unreadable. Then, he nodded curtly and stepped out of the cell, his movements stiff from days of confinement.

"Are you alright?" Kira asked concern etched on her face as she reached out to touch Ryder’s arm.

Ryder’s gaze flickered to Kira, and for a moment, his mask slipped, revealing a glimmer of exhaustion and vulnerability. He nodded again, his voice low and rough. "I’m fine, Gamma. Just...a bit stiff."

He attempted a small smile, but it looked more like a grimace.

Kira’s eyes narrowed, her gaze scrutinizing Ryder’s face. She could see the toll his imprisonment had taken on him. "Go have some rest. I’ll send a healer to you soon."

"Thank you, Gamma," he said, his voice laced with gratitude as he bowed his head slightly.

Kira’s expression softened, and she nodded. "You’ve earned it." She turned and walked away, missing the smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

...

Stepping out of the dungeon, Ryder squinted as the bright sunlight assaulted his eyes, making him raise a hand to shield them. He took a deep breath, feeling the warmth of the sun on his skin, and the fresh air filling his lungs.

It was a small pleasure, but one he savored after days of confinement in the damp, dark cell. As his eyes adjusted to the light, his gazed landed on a group of warriors - his six Dark Snow Pack warriors.

They didn’t look pleased.