After He Chose His Plaything, I Severed the Bond

I cannot understand how, for the sake of what he calls a 'plaything’, he could hurt his own mate again and again, without any bottom line. My dignity, my body, and even my life—in his eyes, they were all completely worthless.And now my breathing grew ragged and shallow, every syllable catching at the back of my throat.This was the third time he had asked me that question.The first time, he'd demanded to know where that "bitch" had gone. I didn't answer.The second time, he had pinned me against the floor-to-ceiling window, his warm breath ghosting across my neck. "Estelle," he'd murmured, his voice a low rumble, "you shouldn't hide things from me. I hope you know better."And now, he had chosen to use my parents' lives to force my hand.I buried my face in my hands, tears welling in my eyes. "Kaelen… those are my parents. They're my own flesh and blood…""Oh?" A cruel smile touched his lips, his amber eyes glinting with an icy light. "And? Did you stop to think what she means to me

The iron door of the dungeon slammed shut behind me.I was so cold I could barely feel anything, my body wracked with shivers.I don't know how long I lay there.I'd always been afraid of cold, confined spaces. I remembered how, right after I became his mate, Kaelen had a sprawling, open-air garden built just for me, designed for the widest views and the best light. He said he would build me anything I desired.Thinking back on it now, it all felt like a dream.I was startled awake by the creak of the dungeon door. A guard stood there, his face impassive. "The Alpha says if this happens again, the punishment will be more severe."Leaning against the stone wall, I staggered out.There won't be a next time.Soon, I will make him disappear from my world completely.Kaelen was waiting at the dungeon entrance, his expression a cold mask. "That's enough time. Remember, this was just a simple punishment.""Tonight is the annual Pack Alliance Gala," he said, holding out his hand. "As my mate,

On the day of the Luna Ceremony, Kaelen, for the first time in a long while, came to pick me up himself."Estelle, my Luna, you look beautiful today."He stood at my bedroom door, holding a bouquet of my favorite white roses. He was wearing a custom-tailored black tuxedo, looking as handsome as a god. He was playing the part of the devoted mate, but I knew he hadn't come home last night."It will be just the two of us today," he said. "I won't be bringing Cassandra."I looked at him and said nothing."Estelle, I know I've wronged you lately." He reached out to touch my face. "At today's ceremony, I will show the entire werewolf world your honor."According to wolf tradition, this was the ceremony that would formally make me the Luna of the Black Moon Pack.The irony was, this would likely be my last day in that role.His fingers brushed my cheek, and for a fleeting moment, I could almost believe he truly loved me."Yes, everything will be alright," I replied with a smile.Just not the

Back at the estate, I checked the time.Three days until the Elders' final ruling.In three days, I would be completely free.I began to pack the things I would take with me. After all these years of our relationship, I was only taking a few changes of clothes and some of my jewelry design tools. I wanted nothing that had anything to do with Kaelen.The door was suddenly thrown open.Kaelen stood in the doorway, and behind him, a fragile-looking Cassandra. He was clearly here to interrogate me, and he didn't even have the decency to do it away from his mistress."What are you doing?" Kaelen frowned at the suitcases on the floor."Packing," I said without looking up."Packing for what? Where do you think you're going?""That's none of your business."Kaelen strode over and seized my wrist. "Are you still throwing a tantrum?" His voice was thick with impatience.The moment his fingers touched my skin, Cassandra let out a pained moan and collapsed."Cassandra!" Kaelen immediately let go o

"Estelle, are you sure you don't need to rest?" my mother asked, her voice laced with concern as our car drove into Silver Creek territory."No, I'm fine," I said, gazing out the window at the unfamiliar landscape, feeling lighter than I had in years.Freedom tasted sweet.My father pulled the car up to a cozy cottage."This is the place Liam arranged for us," he explained. "We'll stay here for now. Once you've fully adjusted to your new life, we can think about other arrangements."I nodded, grabbing my luggage and walking toward our new home.The moment I stepped over the threshold, a sharp pain shot through my chest."Ah!" I clutched my heart, nearly collapsing."Estelle!" My parents rushed to my side, steadying me."What is it? Where does it hurt?"The pain came without warning, a vicious, sharp slice across my heart.But strangely, woven into the pain, there was a sense of… release."It's nothing, I'm probably just tired," I said, taking a deep breath to calm myself.But I knew it