Chapter 4

The marking ceremony.

The crowd had already gathered.

Whispers and quiet laughter spread through the air.

“Looks like Alpha isn’t coming today.”

“So Lyra’s ceremony is just a joke?”

“Ronan showed up early though. Now that’s real devotion.”

“That’s what it means to truly choose a mate.”

Someone added under their breath, “Lyra? Does she even deserve it?”

I stood there, unmoving.

Not far away.

Mira was surrounded by people, radiant, smiling as if she had been waiting for this moment all along.

She walked over and stopped in front of me.

“Dear sister.” She lowered her voice deliberately. “Look.”

She turned slightly. Ronan was already approaching.

“My man,” she said softly, “is far more impressive.”

“And where is yours?”

I answered calmly. “He’ll come.”

Mira froze for a beat, then burst out laughing.

“Stop pretending, Lyra.”

【Last time, Kael didn’t even come to mark me.】

【Today, even if you drop dead here, no one will care.】

I said nothing.

Mira turned, just as Ronan reached her.

“Ronan.” She practically threw herself into him.

Without hesitation, she kissed him.

The crowd erupted instantly.

“See that?”

“That’s what being chosen looks like!”

They kissed openly, loudly, deliberately.

Mira’s breath grew uneven, but her face was full of triumph.

Ronan smiled at her, gentle, composed.

【Bitch… once the marking is done, I’ll deal with you slowly.】

After a moment, Mira finally pulled away, reluctant, and turned back to me.

Her eyes were full of disdain.

“Had enough?”

She spoke slowly.

“Dear sister—this is what love looks like.”

I nodded.

Calm.

“Go on.”

“Don’t stop.”

Ronan looked at Mira.

“Now,” he said, “I’ll mark you.”

The crowd fell silent for a split second—

then exploded even louder.

“Right now?”

“That’s insane!”

“He really adores her!”

I remained still.

Last life, after Ronan marked me, the poison in that ‘elixir’ only grew stronger with each passing day.

Mira’s eyes lit up instantly.

“I’ve been waiting for this.”

She stepped closer, exposing her neck.

Ronan lowered his head.

And bit down.

I stood where I was, watching their declaration.

The next second—

Mira’s body trembled.

Just slightly.

Like a current passing through her.

She grabbed Ronan instinctively, her breathing slipping out of rhythm.

But the crowd noticed nothing.

“Too sweet!”

“That’s real love!”

“Congratulations to Ronan and Mira!”

Applause burst out around them.

Mira forced herself steady, though sweat began to bead along her temple.

“I’m fine,” she said quickly, forcing a smile.

“I’m just… happy. Excited.”

I spoke softly.

“Mira, if you’re not feeling well, don’t push it.”

Ronan looked at her, still smiling.

【It’s started.】

I smiled too.

Mira looked at me, smug again.

“The one forcing it is you.”

“This is what it feels like to be chosen.”

She sneered.

“And you?”

“Who’s going to mark you?”

Laughter burst out again.

“Alpha didn’t even show up!”

“She’s been abandoned!”

“A complete reject!”

I said nothing.

Just watched.

Mira’s body was already weakening, trembling faintly.

But she kept smiling.

“Lyra,” she said, voice tight, “jealous?”

Ronan stepped toward me.

“Want me to mark you too?”

I stepped back. “No need.”

“My mate is on his way.”

The air went still for a heartbeat—

then the laughter returned, louder than before.

“Who’s coming?”

Footsteps sounded against the stone steps.

Someone turned instinctively.

Another’s laughter caught in their throat.

Faces changed.

One by one.

The entire crowd turned.

Kael stood there.

Ronan stopped mid-step, pulling his hand back unconsciously.

Mira’s smile froze.

Kael walked forward.

The crowd parted on its own.

He stopped at the center.

His gaze landed on me.

“I will.”