It was our bonding ceremony,witnessed by the Moon Goddess. I had just fixed my laurel wreath.But my fiancé,the Alpha,Kyle,was gone. My mother was a pack elder. She came to me with red eyes and told me: “Kyle went to the Sacred Stone Altar in the east… The Alpha of the Cliffrock Pack abandoned Elara at their ceremony. Kyle went to finish the ritual for him.” Elara.The she-wolf who supposedly shared a fated bond with Kyle. She had been missing for years and was recently found. Of all days,she chose today to hold her bonding ceremony at the Cliffrock Pack. My mind went totally blank.I sprinted toward the Sacred Stone Altar. I peered through cracks in the ancient stone pillars. I saw Kyle. He gazed tenderly at Elara,holding the moonlight stone that sealed their vows. His eyes softened as he looked at Elara.”I do.” Those were the vows meant for me. I pushed past the guards. I demanded to know who he was actually bonding with today. He showed no panic. Right in front of both packs,he spoke with calm confidence. “Selene,don’t get mad.Let me explain.” “Elara almost had a mental breakdown just now. If she is left alone on the altar today,her wolf soul will shatter.” “The ceremony was already rehearsed—and flawless. Once I’m done here,I will come right back. We will finish our final moon kiss then,okay?” I looked at the two of them on the altar. They were gazing into each other’s eyes,radiating the scent of true mates. And suddenly,I couldn’t help but laugh. My seven years of support and companionship meant nothing. Less than a single tear from his fated mate. I tore the laurel wreath from my head. It was the symbol of Luna’s power. I tossed it into the dead ashes beside the altar. I’d rather have nothing at all than this…. “Selene,what are you doing?” Kyle’s voice echoed through the pack’s mind-link,bouncing off the empty altar walls. I stared at the holy leaves in the ashes. I didn’t look back. Up on the platform,Elara flinched. She tugged at the hem of Kyle’s suit. Kyle patted the back of her hand. He stepped down from the platform and stopped in front of me. “Today is witnessed by the moon goddess.Do you really have to make things so ugly?” “This is just a formality.Our rehearsal was perfect.What more do you want?” I looked at his expectant face. I had loved that face for seven years. Right now,it looked so foreign it made me sick. “Kyle,the ceremony ends here.” My tone was calm. His eyebrows locked together. He seemed annoyed that I was challenging his Alpha authority. “I will still pay for our pack’s celebration. Let the pack members enjoy the feast first. I won’t make things difficult for you.” “But I have to stay here to help Elara calm down. I’m here to keep her steady.” “Go back to the den and cool off. Don’t cause a scene here.You’ll make us a joke in front of both packs.” He reached out to touch my forehead. I turned away,dodging his touch. His hand froze in midair.His eyes darkened. “Selene,enough.”
I didn’t look at him again. I turned and walked deep into the forest. “That’s right.Go back and rest. Tomorrow I’ll bring you the freshest deer heart from the Blood Moon Forest.” His voice softened again.Like landing a punch,then smoothly holding out a piece of candy. I walked into the freezing forest.The cold wind bit at the back of my neck. I took out my communication crystal. I pulled up our appointment at the Elders’Council—the one to register our mate bond. I canceled it.Without a word. I went back to the Alpha packhouse.We had lived there for five years. I pushed open the door. A brand-new pair of snow fox fur boots gleamed in the entryway. Elara had arrived two days ago as a guest. She complained the stone floor was too cold for her feet. Kyle sent his men to hunt a snow fox just for her. My old gray wolf fur boots—three years worn—had been kicked into a corner. I didn’t change my shoes.I walked straight in,heels clicking against the stone. Let them hear me. Two ferry tickets to the Isle of Eternity lay on the stone table in the living room. Our planned retreat—meant to strengthen our mate bond. I picked them up. Kyle had used enchanted ink to overwrite the names—replacing mine with Elara’s. He’d told me about it yesterday. Elara had just escaped a nightmare of a past.Her wolf was unstable.She needed an island to recover. “Selene,we can go on our honeymoon anytime. Elara’s wolf is unstable.I need to be with her.”
How did I answer him? My eyes were probably red. I asked him what I meant to him. He sighed and pulled me into his arms. “You are my future Luna. She is just a sick little sister who needs care.” “How can you be jealous of a patient?” I took a deep breath. I tore the tickets to pieces and threw them into the fireplace. I walked into the bedroom. I pulled out my largest suitcase. No hysteria.No tears.I was perfectly calm. I packed the things that belonged to me,one by one. A set of men’s light combat armor hung at the back of the closet. It was the year Kyle became Alpha. I leveraged my status as a Moon Priestess. I begged the elders for three months to get this protective light armor for him. His eyes had turned red with emotion back then. He promised he’d wear it forever.But now,the armor reeked of Elara’s sickly sweet pheromones. I took the armor down. He had also given me wolf fang pendants as symbols of his cheap love. I tossed the armor and pendants into a trash bag. My communication crystal pulsed with light,interrupting my packing. It was a mind-link message from Kyle. “Elara drank a healing potion and fell asleep. I’m staying at the Sacred Stone Altar with her tonight.I’m not coming back.” “Change the bedding in the master bedroom. I’ll bring her back tomorrow.She likes it clean.” I stared at those two lines for a long time. I didn’t reply.I closed the message and contacted a broker about a territory trade. “Mr.Grey,I inherited a woodland with a Moon Spring from my mother. It belongs to me.I need to sell it fast.I’m willing to drop the price by 30 percent. If the buyers are from neighboring packs,it should be a hot sale.” I hit send and placed the crystal face down on the table. The sky was gradually turning bright. I zipped up my suitcase,the zipper clicking crisply.
It was broad daylight when Kyle pushed the door open. Elara followed closely behind him,looking pale. She was still wearing her ceremonial dress from last night,draped in Kyle’s Alpha cloak. Seeing me on the sofa,Elara flinched and shrank back,hiding behind Kyle. “Selene…I’m so sorry.I was too selfish last night,keeping your Alpha all to myself.” Her voice was fragile,her eyes red and puffy. Kyle patted her shoulder comfortingly. When he turned to look at me,his brows furrowed. “You’re up early.Did you change the sheets?” I stared at his entitled,matter-of-fact expression and pointed toward the master bedroom. “I did.” His expression softened.He placed a leather pouch on the stone table. “I brought you a deer heart from the Blood Moon Forest.It’s still warm.” His tone held a hint of condescending placation. “Don’t be mad.Elara was emotionally unstable last night. I only stayed because I was worried something might happen to her wolf.” I didn’t even glance at the pouch. Kyle had forgotten—or never cared to remember—that my Moon Priestess blood violently rejected raw meat. It caused excruciating stomach cramps. Three years ago,I took one bite of the raw meat he brought back. I ended up writhing on the floor in agony,my spiritual energy nearly spiraling out of control. He’d been in a cold sweat back then,swearing he would never forget again.But now,he couldn’t even be bothered to make his apologies believable. “Kyle…”Elara bit her lower lip. “Is Selene still mad at me?Maybe I should just leave. I don’t want to ruin your relationship.” “Don’t be ridiculous,”Kyle said,grabbing her wrist. “This is your home too.You’re staying.” He turned to me,his tone sharpening. “Selene,Elara’s heart was shattered by that bastard. She’s going to stay here for a while.” “You’re the Luna.You need to look after her.” “And about yesterday—you throwing the laurel wreath at the altar really humiliated Elara.Apologize,and we can move on.”
I looked at him quietly.Seven years of love meant nothing compared to a single grievance from his”fated mate.” He actually believed I should apologize to the woman who ruined my bonding ceremony. “Alright.” I stood up and walked over to Elara. Elara jumped,instinctively stepping back. “S-Selene,you don’t have to do this.I don’t need an apology…” “I’m sorry.” I looked directly into her eyes,my tone completely void of emotion. Elara froze. Kyle did,too. He clearly hadn’t expected me to be so compliant. A flash of surprise crossed his expression,quickly replaced by a satisfied smile. “I knew it.You’ve always been so understanding,Selene.” He reached out to pull me into a half-hug,but I sidestepped.”I need to go to the Alliance Trade Council.I’m leaving.” I picked up the suitcase I had left by the entryway. Kyle stared at the silver suitcase,his brow furrowing again. “Why do you need luggage for the Council?” “There’s a cross-territory trade project.I need to travel,”I lied casually. “For how many days?Why haven’t you mentioned this to me?” Displeasure crept into his voice. “Probably…a long time.” I pushed the front door open. “Alright,well,be safe out there.” Kyle didn’t press the matter.He had already turned away to pour Elara a glass of water. “Here,Elara.The water is warm.Drink some.” His gentle voice drifted through the crack in the door. Without looking back,I closed it quietly behind me. I took one last look at the home I’d lived in for five years. Dragging my suitcase behind me,I walked right out of the pack’s territory.
The early winter wind bit into my face with icy fingers. I flagged down a carriage heading toward the human city. “To Central Hospital.” Last month’s test results had come back. The doctor wanted a follow-up today. It wasn’t serious—just severe nervous gastritis caused by burnout and chronic anxiety. Sitting in the backseat,I watched the scenery blur past the window. My communication crystal vibrated.A message from Kyle. “Why didn’t you make me breakfast before leaving for your trip? Elara has a weak stomach;she can’t eat the food from the main kitchen.” “Use your spiritual link to tell the chef to make her a mild meat porridge and bring it over.” Staring at the screen,I found it suddenly ridiculous. He knew Elara had a weak stomach, yet he had no idea I hadn’t slept a wink last night,writhing in pain. I didn’t reply. I simply severed my spiritual link with him. Closing my eyes,I leaned back against the seat,feeling the waves of cramps pulsing through my stomach.
The heavy scent of disinfectant hung in the hospital corridor. The doctor studied my follow-up report. “Miss Selene,your stomach ulcer is very severe. If you don’t eat regularly and manage your stress,you risk a perforation.” “I’ll prescribe you some medication. You need to rest and take care of yourself during this time.” I took the prescription slip and thanked him. Walking out of the hospital with my medicine, I passed a high-end custom dress boutique. Through the floor-to-ceiling windows,I spotted two familiar figures. Kyle was sitting on a sofa,flipping through a weapons magazine. Elara stood before the mirror in a mermaid-style gown adorned with moonstone fragments,slowly twirling,her face glowing with quiet delight. That was my dress. The ceremonial gown I had custom-ordered from the Elven Realm six months ago. It had only just arrived last week. The sizing was a bit loose. Kyle had offered to bring it in for alterations so I could wear it for the official ceremony. As it turned out,it was being adjusted to fit Elara. “Kyle,does it look good?” Elara lifted the hem of the dress,smiling shyly. Kyle looked up,his eyes full of undisguised amazement. “It’s beautiful.It suits you perfectly.” “But…this is Selene’s dress.Won’t she be upset if I wear it?” Elara bit her lip,looking conflicted.
Kyle set down the magazine and walked over to help her adjust the veil. “It’s just a dress.She’s away on a business trip.She won’t find out.” “Besides,the ceremony didn’t even happen yesterday. There’s no use keeping this dress anyway.” “If you like it,wear it. I’ll have the staff alter the measurements to yours right now.” I stood outside the glass window,watching this scene quietly. The cramping in my stomach grew more intense,but I didn’t even furrow my brow. I pushed the boutique door open,the wind chimes above ringing out a crisp melody. A staff member came forward to greet me,and Kyle turned his head at the sound. The moment he saw me,the smile froze on his face. Elara turned pale with fright,instinctively clutching the fabric at her chest. “S-Selene…what are you doing here?” Kyle quickly regained his composure and closed the distance between us in a few strides. “Weren’t you leaving for your trip?What are you doing near the hospital?” He glanced at the pharmacy bag in my hand,frowning slightly. “Are you sick?” “No,just picking up some medicine for a colleague.” I hid the bag behind my back. “Oh.” He didn’t question it.He glanced back at Elara,his tone turning somewhat unnatural. “Elara said she wanted to see what wearing a gown felt like,so I brought her to take a look.” “You’re not going to wear this dress anyway,so what’s the big deal if she borrows it?” His tone was defensive,as if he feared I might suddenly snatch the dress away. I looked at the dress stretching out of shape on her and nodded calmly. “Sure.She can keep it.”
Kyle froze,surprised I was being so agreeable. “You…really don’t mind?” “Someone else has been wearing it.I don’t want it anymore.” I walked to the front desk and tapped the counter. “Charge the remaining balance to this gentleman’s card.” The clerk reached for Kyle’s black card without a word. Kyle’s expression darkened. “Selene,do you have to be so hostile?” “Elara only tried it on.How is it dirty?” I ignored him,waiting for the clerk to hand me the receipt. “Kyle.I put down 150,000 gold on that dress.I want it back.” Kyle stared at me in disbelief. “Are you really going to nickel-and-dime me right now?” “We’re about to be bonded. What’s mine is yours—and you’re coming after 150,000 gold?” I looked at his face,slightly twisted with anger,and laughed. “Right.We’re about to be bonded.” “But you already completed the bonding ceremony with someone else last night,didn’t you?” Kyle’s breath caught,his gaze sliding away from mine. “I told you,it was a necessary compromise!How long are you going to keep throwing this in my face?” “I’m not.”I pulled out my crystal and brought up the transfer screen. “150,000 gold.Transfer it.”
Scowling,Kyle transferred the money. “Money.That’s all you care about anymore.” He scoffed,turning to pull a teary-eyed Elara close. I pocketed the crystal and walked out of the boutique—never once looking back. The winter sun held no warmth. I took a cab to the Territory Trading Center. Mr.Gray,the broker,was already waiting. “Miss Selene,I’ve secured the buyer.The Solar Pack. They’re paying in full,but the offer is way below market. Are you sure about this?That Moon Spring is everything to the pups of Blackwood Pack…” “Sell it.” I pressed my mark into the contract. This land had been saved with everything my mother left me—and his collateral—after his failed expansion.Both our names were on the deed. Now,I was selling my half for pennies to the rival Solar Pack. Paperwork finished,Mr.Gray looked at me,hesitating. “Miss Selene,does your Alpha know about this?Because once he finds out—” “Soon enough,”I said,with just the ghost of a smile.
In the afternoon,I went to the Alliance Chamber of Commerce and resigned. The President begged me to stay.I told him I needed a fresh start—nothing more. I packed up my things,picked up my box,and walked out. My crystal buzzed—a message from Kyle. “We’re gathering at the Howling Abyss tonight. The guys are throwing Elara a rebirth party—a fresh start,new chapter,all that.” “Come straight after work.And don’t make it weird—we’re all friends here.” “Oh,and Elara loves their Frostberry juice.Pick up two cups on your way.” I read it.Typed back one word:’Okay.’ At eight o’clock,I pushed open the door to the top VIP room at the Howling Abyss. The room was thick with smoke,the music rattling the walls. Kyle was sprawled in the center seat,Elara tucked into his side. Seeing me walk in,the room went quiet for a second. A few of Kyle’s usual Alpha crew exchanged smirks. “Well,well,our Luna is here.” “Look at that—she’s here tonight at her rival’s party.” Kyle frowned and snapped at them.”Cut it out.Selene’s not like that.” He waved me over. “Come sit.”
Watch👉 https://cps-front.novelix.live/app-api/ext/new/20260717Fw9paUnQLd 🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “Novelix” app 🔍 search for “ni268170”, and watch the full series ✨! #Novelix
Leave a Reply