Chapter 4

Nyra’s POV

My mom stared at me like I’d grown a second head then she burst into laughter.

“Oh my darling, how hard did you hit your head?” she asked, still laughing.

“I didn’t hit my head, Mom, I twisted my ankle,” I said, my tone sour.

“Nyra, there’s no time to joke about things like this,” she said, shaking her head as she adjusted the blanket over my lap. “You frightened me enough already.”

I frowned, “Mom, I’m not trying to frighten you and I’m not joking either.”

The laughter died on her lips as she stared at me, her expression shifting from amusement to confusion.

“What do you mean you’re not completing the mating ritual?” she queried, her brows furrowed as she tried to make sense of my words.

“Everything has been arranged, Nyra. The pack has been notified, the ceremony is in two days… how can you suddenly say this now?”

I didn’t answer immediately, instead I quietly leaned back against the pillows, watching her quietly.

In my past life, I would have panicked by now. I would have tried to explain, tried to convince her and defend Cassian even when I was the one hurting but not this time, not ever again.

“I’ve thought about it and I don’t want to be his Luna or his mate again,” I said calmly.

My mom blinked, clearly caught off-guard by how steady and certain my voice sounded.

“You’ve loved Cassian for years,” she said, reaching out to brush a hand over my hair like she used to when I was younger, “You were the one who insisted on the bond. You went against everyone just to be with him so how come two days to the ceremony you suddenly don't want him again?”

Because he killed me. Because he poisoned me and my wolf for seven years. Because he chose another woman even after being given a second chance and lastly because he left me to die the second time.

Those words sat at the back of my throat, but I swallowed them.

“I was young, mother,” I said instead, “I mistook attachment for love but I was wrong. I never loved Cassian.”

My mother studied my face carefully as if trying to find a trace of doubt but there was none. She opened her mouth to speak but a knock sounded before she could say anything else.

“Madam,” a servant said from outside, “Alpha Blackthorne is here with Miss Duvall.”

My lips curled in a sneer. So he had the guts to show up here with Isolde after yesterday.

My mother sighed in relief, completely misreading the situation. “He must have come to check up on you after last night. And Isolde too… that poor girl has been through so much.”

I said nothing. Instead, I pushed the covers aside and stood up slowly. My legs still hurt, but it was nothing compared to what I had endured before.

“I’ll go down,” I said.

—

I didn’t rush, I took my time to get dressed. In my past life, at the mention of Cassian I was already running out to go see him but not anymore.

By the time I reached the top of the stairs, I could already hear voices from the living room.

Cassian stood at the center, dressed as impeccably as always, his posture straight, his presence drawing attention without much effort. Beside him stood Isolde, quiet and composed, her fingers lightly curled around his sleeve.

She looked pale and fragile, like she needed protection, and Cassian like the knight he was held onto her protectively as if scared that if he let her go she would disappear.

I rested my hand on the railing and watched them for a moment. In my past life, this sight would have made my chest ache. Now, I only felt clarity.

Isolde has been living in our packhouse for the past six months. Her mother was my mother’s best friend for years before she died. My mother had taken up full responsibility for Isolde out of loyalty, welcoming her into our pack and home with open arms.

My mom gave her everything… the same treatment I received. People even found it difficult to tell that Isolde was not my mom’s real daughter.

Back then, I didn’t think much of it. I trusted her and even felt sorry for her.

In my past life, Isolde had died during the Blood Moon incident making my mother weep for days, blaming herself for her death, saying she failed her friend and her daughter.

But now standing here and watching Isolde hold onto Cassian like her life depended on it, a faint satisfied smile hidden at the corner of her lips, I understood that everything she’s done has been leading up to this.

“Uncle, Aunt,” Cassian was saying, “besides escorting Isolde back safely, there is something I need to make clear.”

My mother moved closer to the stairs, her expression soft with expectation. She still believed he was here to discuss the ceremony… that he was here for me.

“I intend to cancel the mating ceremony with Nyra,” he said without hesitation.

“I have always regarded Nyra as family,” he continued calmly, “I do not have any romantic feelings for her. The person I love is Isolde, I hope you will understand and grant me your blessing.”

My mother went still while my father’s expression darkened. Isolde lowered her gaze, her grip on his sleeve tightening slightly, as if she was both embarrassed and reassured at the same time.

I watched them for a while and I felt nothing at his words… no anger, no pain, no sadness. I was just numb.

I started walking down the stairs. The sound of my steps drew his attention and his gaze lifted to meet mine. For a brief second, something flickered in his eyes then it was gone.

I reached the bottom of the stairs and stopped a few steps away from him.

“I was planning to say the same thing,” I said in a steady voice.

Cassian’s brow drew together slightly. “What do you mean?”

“It means you don’t need to cancel anything,” I replied coldly, “I wasn’t going to complete the mating ceremony either.”

My mother turned sharply toward me. “Nyra, what are you saying?”

I didn’t look at her, my gaze remained fixed on Cassian. For years, I had looked at him with love, with hope, and with blind devotion. Now, I looked at him like he was nothing more than a stranger.

“I don’t want you,” I said coldly, “I, Nyra Ashford, reject you, Cassian Blackthorne, as my mate.”