Chapter 0010

Through our weakened bond, I could feel his internal struggle—guilt warring with pride, love battling with wounded ego. But I was done waiting for him to choose me. Done hoping he'd see through Astrid's manipulations.

Carefully placing my mother's ashes in a silk scarf, I stood and faced the gathered pack. "Let it be known that your Luna leaves of her own accord. Not as a slave, not as a rejected mate, but as a woman who refuses to be second best in her own marriage."

"Sylvia, wait—" Raven started forward, reaching for my arm.

"Don't touch me." My voice could have frozen flame. "You chose to believe her lies over your mate's truth. You threatened to send me to the wolves who murdered my father. There's no coming back from that."

Raven grabbed my arm tightly, "Little wolf, don't do this, I won't let you go."

Just then, a pained groan came from behind me. Astrid had sunk to the ground, one hand pressed dramatically to her stomach. "Raven, Alpha, help me," she whimpered. "My stomach hurt