Alpha's Rejected becomes the Lycan's Obsession

Chapter 154: All the honor is mine

The convoy moved steadily, the cars gliding along the stretch of road that led them out of Apex Dominica. The contrast between the bustling cityscape they left behind and the path ahead was immediate and breathtaking. Unlike the concrete and steel skyline of Apex Dominica, the road leading to Luminera was hugged on both sides by endless rows of towering trees and lush vegetation. Thick trunks stood like ancient guards, their canopies interlocking above to form tunnels of green that shifted with light and shadow as they drove through.

Tessy’s eyes widened with wonder, her forehead nearly touching the car window as she took it all in. The greenery seemed alive, as though whispering stories only the land remembered. Leaves danced in the soft breeze, their rustle like a song she didn’t know she had missed. She didn’t know what it was, but the moment they entered that forested stretch, something inside her stilled. A quiet sense of calm washed over her, grounding her in a way she couldn’t put into words. She felt... connected. Not just to the landscape, but to something deeper, something ancient. And though it confused her, she didn’t resist it.

As they approached the border of Luminera, their cars began to slow. The road widened slightly, and tall watchtowers flanked either side of the entrance. From within the thick shadows cast by the trees, heavily armed men began to emerge—each one dressed in dark armor, eyes alert, stances sharp. Tessy’s pulse quickened at the sight of them, but there was no hostility in their movements, only discipline.

Williams’s car, positioned in front, was the first to reach the gate. The moment the guards recognized him, they straightened and bowed deeply, some placing their fists to their chests in respect. Without needing to say a word, they stepped aside and waved his car through.

Then, as Roman’s car came into view behind Williams’s, Tessy watched in surprise as the guards gave an even deeper bow—heads lowered, bodies straightened in reverence. The windows were tinted, the glass wound up completely, giving them no view of who sat inside. Still, they didn’t need to see. They already knew. Roman’s presence alone was commanding, and wherever he went, his name spoke for him.

Tessy leaned back in her seat slowly, her fingers curling on her lap. That bow wasn’t just for Roman—it was for them.

For her, too.

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The first thing Tessy noticed about Luminera was how seamlessly it existed within nature. It was nothing like the steel-wrapped chaos of Apex Dominica. It didn’t try to overpower the land. It existed with it—nestled among trees, water streams, and rolling hills. The buildings were beautiful, modest, and designed to complement their environment. They were made of warm-toned stone, wood, and carefully sculpted accents that whispered tradition rather than shouted innovation.

But the Pack House... the Pack House was something else entirely.

As their cars pulled into the wide, paved courtyard, Tessy sat up straighter, trying to take it all in. The structure that stood before her was massive—larger than Roman’s mansion in Apex. Its beige and coffee-colored walls stood tall and regal, with high windows and delicate carvings etched along its stone arches. There were balconies on multiple floors, wide columns, and steps that curved outward like open arms welcoming them in.

She had heard it was large, that many warriors lived in it alongside the Alpha and his close circle, but seeing it in person made the truth settle differently in her chest. This wasn’t just a home—it was a stronghold. A seat of power. And yet, despite its grandness, it wasn’t cold or unwelcoming. It exuded strength and serenity.

A small crowd had already gathered outside the Pack House. Tessy could see them from inside the car—men and women dressed in earthy-toned garments, some holding flowers, others with respectful expressions on their faces. Word must have spread about their coming. Perhaps Elena herself had made sure of that. Tessy glanced at Roman beside her, wondering what he was feeling. He didn’t show much, his expression still, eyes unreadable. But she knew this moment meant more than he was letting on.

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The doors to the cars opened one after the other. Williams was the first to step out, then Daniel, Dera, Ruby, and the rest of the guards. Finally, Roman came around to Tessy’s side and offered her his hand as she stepped down.

As they arranged themselves in their respective groups, Tessy felt the atmosphere shift. People in the crowd tilted their heads slightly as a smaller group detached from the main gathering and began to walk toward them. Their movement was quiet, graceful, almost rehearsed. They wore soft-hued clothing and moved with a certain air that separated them from the rest.

But it was the woman in the center that captured Tessy’s attention instantly.

The moment her eyes fell on her, she knew this was no ordinary person.

There was no fanfare, no divine light, and yet the woman radiated something sacred. Tessy didn’t need anyone to say it. She just knew. This was the much-talked-about Elena.

She wasn’t dressed like the priestesses Tessy had encountered before. There were no flowing white robes, no embroidered signs of sacred duty. Instead, she wore an off-white dress—simple but elegant—that cinched neatly at the waist with a gold belt that shimmered faintly under the morning sun. Her sleeves were loose and ended just above the wrist, swaying softly as she moved.

Her hair was loosely braided, framing her face in a way that emphasized the sharpness of her cheekbones and the deep understanding in her eyes. Atop her head sat a beaded tip hat, intricate and beautiful, covering just the crown like a seal of ancient authority. noveldrama

The group that accompanied her was small, but striking. Beside her were two other women dressed in attire that bore little resemblance to the usual delicate priestess garb Tessy had come to expect. Instead, they wore something more structured, reminiscent of the armor worn by the warriors stationed at the Luminera border. Their tunics were form-fitting and reinforced at the shoulders and waist, paired with dark leggings and boots meant for movement and battle. It was the kind of clothing that whispered of strength and readiness, not ceremony.

Alongside them were four men, two of whom were unmistakably warriors. Their presence was commanding, their stances wide and alert, eyes sweeping over the space like they were always seconds away from acting if needed. The other two, though dressed similarly, carried themselves with less stiffness and more fluidity, suggesting their roles might be more administrative or ceremonial than militant.

Tessy couldn’t help but glance from one face to another, her thoughts stirring. Were they preparing for war? Or was this just how they dressed every day in Luminera? She didn’t have an answer, but one thing was clear. This wasn’t a place where power slept. Here, strength was laced into the fabric of everyday life.

The group finally reached them, and as if on cue, greetings began to fill the air in varying tones of respect and warmth.

"Welcome back, Alpha," a voice called out toward Williams.

"Welcome to our pack, Your Majesties," another greeted, bowing toward Roman and Tessy.

It was all happening so fast—an orchestra of bows, salutes, and subtle gestures of honor and reverence that made it clear the news of their arrival had spread far beyond just the front steps.

Then, the woman at the center—Elena, as Tessy strongly believed—took a step forward, her movements fluid and deliberate. She made her way to Roman first, stopping a respectful distance before offering a graceful bow that was neither too deep nor too casual.

"It’s good to see you once again, Your Majesty," she said, her voice smooth and confident, yet warm in its undertone.

Roman gave her a slight nod in return, the corners of his lips tugging faintly in a rare expression of familiarity. "It’s also good to see you again, Elena. You haven’t changed much."

Elena’s lips curved into a smile. "Of course not. I do try my best to keep my appearance intact," she said, a twinkle of playfulness in her tone that softened the strength in her posture.

Then her eyes shifted to Tessy, her gaze open and full of something that looked like awe wrapped in joy. She moved a step closer and lowered into another elegant bow, this one deeper.

"Welcome to Luminera, my Queen," she said, her voice dipping into something far more personal like this greeting had waited on her lips for a long, long time.

Tessy dipped her head in return, meeting the woman’s eyes with quiet wonder. "I suppose you are Elena," she said softly. "It’s nice to finally meet you."

Elena shook her head gently, her smile widening, her eyes bright with unspoken emotion.

"All the pleasure and honor is mine," she said, voice trembling ever so slightly with sincerity. "I have been longing to meet you for a very long time... and you don’t know how happy I am that this day is finally here."