Chapter 2

The surface of the Moonlit Spring was like a mirror.

I crouched behind an old tree, listening to Kaelen and his Beta, Marcus Stone. This was where I was supposed to have my final purifying bath for the Silver Moon Ceremony. Now, it was my front-row seat to his betrayal.

"You're going to perform a spirit-draining blood bond ritual to protect Lyra's child, even postpone the Silver Moon Ceremony. Are you sure this is wise, Alpha?" Marcus sounded worried. "Sera is your fated mate. The Moon Goddess herself linked your souls."

"Some things are more important than a mate bond," Kaelen's voice was cold, hard. "The continuation of a bloodline is the foundation of the pack."

My heart sank with every word.

"But this is unheard of," Marcus lowered his voice. "You and Lyra… is the child really yours?"

I heard Kaelen's low growl. "Are you questioning my judgment? The cub carries my scent. More importantly, if I don't perform the blood bond during the full moon, it will die. Do you want me to have an innocent life on my conscience?"

"Of course not, Alpha," Marcus immediately backed down. "But Sera… she's carrying your first heir. Will she accept this?"

Silence.

Then Kaelen sighed, heavy and resolute. "Sometimes, tough choices have to be made for the pack's stability. If Sera can't understand… I'll make the necessary decisions."

"You mean…?"

"I mean, if she leaves with my cub, I won't stop her. But if she tries to disrupt the blood bond or harm Lyra… pack law will decide."

I could barely breathe.

This wasn't the Kaelen I knew. Not the man who'd promised me forever under the moonlight. Not the Alpha who'd claimed I was the only one for his soul.

"Kaelen?" A soft female voice interrupted them.

Lyra stepped out from the trees, the moonlight outlining her small figure. She wore a white robe, looking fragile and saintly, like some tragic mythical figure. Every step seemed weak, as if she might fall over.

"You should be resting. You're carrying a child," Kaelen said, rushing to support her.

"I couldn't sleep… the cub is restless." She gave a pained smile. "It senses danger."

"There's no danger," Kaelen whispered. "I'm here. I'll protect you both."

I closed my eyes, unable to watch anymore. The pain in our mate bond was like a sharp knife, stabbing my heart over and over.

Back in the den, I took out the crystal communication stone I'd kept hidden for years and contacted my birth pack.

"Elder Elara," I whispered, "I need your guidance… about the 'Moon Eclipse Unbinding.'"

A shocked gasp came from the other end. "Child, that's a last resort. Once you begin…"

"I know the cost," I cut her off, my voice like frost. "But someone else already made their choice. They don't deserve my loyalty."

After ending the call, I looked out the window. In the distance, Kaelen was still standing guard outside Lyra's temporary shelter, like he was protecting some precious treasure.

I swore, when the eclipse came, I'd make him taste betrayal.

Just like I was, my heart being torn to shreds.