Chapter 1

After finalizing the mate bond dissolution papers at the Werewolf Affairs Office, Beamon Slade glanced at his watch.

"Three minutes left before the effects of the pill kick in. With our bond severed, you'll forget all memories of our love, but that's okay.

"Once you take the antidote, you won't remember anything that happens in the next three days, and you won't feel sad either.

"Our separation is temporary. Don't worry. You'll always be my true Luna."

I gave him a conflicted look.

The chances of us getting back together were close to zero. I'd crafted that pill myself, and I knew its effects better than anyone.

It wouldn't erase memories at once. Instead, it slowly chipped away at the mind until the one taking the pill forgot all the faces of their loved ones. Plus, an antidote had yet to exist.

But seeing the sincerity in his eyes, I knew he had no idea.

"Do you think you'll regret this?" I softly asked.

"If I've chosen to do it, I won't. Eiro has loved me for years. Her last wish before dying is to mark with me, so I can't bring myself to refuse.

"You've always been kind and understanding, Swan. I know you won't hold it against someone who's about to die," Beamon gently replied and affectionately brushed a hand against my cheek.

Deep down, my heart chilled. It ached like needles stabbing from within and throbbed with agonizing pain.

I'd been with him since his days as Northarch's heir. To help him earn respect and power in the pack, I followed him to the borders to capture Rogues, drive out feral packs, fight off vampires, and bounty hunters.

When he was assaulted and nearly assassinated, I shielded him and shoved him away. Taking the silver blade to my abdomen nearly took my life.

In that moment, he panicked. Clutching me tightly, he started confessing his feelings. "I love you, Swan. Please don't leave me."

Though I survived, my womb was damaged, and I could no longer bear cubs. The scar never stopped aching.

I watched him rise from a reckless youth to the strongest Alpha in Northarch. Though cold and proud, he'd always treated me with ultimate gentleness.

Everyone knew that I was his Luna, but nobody knew that I wasn't the one he truly loved.

Now, for the sake of his first love, he was making me swallow this pill. He claimed not wanting to hurt me, but he'd shattered my heart.

I gave a self-mocking smile. Though it hurt, I was rational enough to know that clinging to someone who no longer loved me was pointless.

I'd completely forget him in three days. By then, all the hugs we'd shared, every promise and mark he'd left on me would perish.

…

When I got home, a coughing fit came from a room. Eiro Veyne's frail figure emerged.

"You should be resting when you're weak. Don't get up," Beamon said as he rushed over to steady her wavering frame.

"I'm dying. I want to see you whenever I can," Eiro whispered as she leaned into him and hugged him tightly.

He held her gently in return with his gaze full of worry. But when he noticed me watching, realization struck him.

He panickedly pushed her away and said, "Sorry. I forgot you were here."

I was about to speak when a wave of dizziness struck me. My vision swam as I swayed backward.

Beamon darted over and caught me in his arms, looking worried. "Are you okay?" he asked.

I shook my head and muttered somewhat wearily, "Headache."

His eyes lit up with a flicker of excitement. Knowing that the effects of the pill were taking place, he leaned in and curiously asked, "Swan, do you know who I am?"

Of course I did, but to see what his reaction was, I shook my head again.

"I'm your brother. You lost your memory after falling ill, and from now on, I'll take care of you."

I blinked and nodded without exposing his lie.

Ha! It seemed like he wouldn't even acknowledge himself as my ex-Alpha right now.

I felt something in my hand and confusedly lifted it up. "What's this?"

Beamon immediately replied, "That's your mate bond dissolution papers. You and your mate have had your marks removed."

Just as I was about to open it, he snatched the papers from me. "No need to look."

My expression went blank, but my hands clenched involuntarily.

He was so frantic and desperate to stop me from realizing that he was the one who'd removed our marks! All he wanted was to cut ties as soon as possible.

But I wouldn't forget so easily. The memories would slowly fade piece by piece.

Just then, Eiro clutched her chest and cried out in agony, "Ah! It hurts so much!"

Her body wavered and threatened to collapse.

Beamon shoved me away from blocking his path and frantically scooped her into his arms, while I crashed into the table behind me. Sharp pain shot up my back.

"Beamon, to be in your arms like this… It'd be worth it even if I die now," Eiro weakly murmured as she clung to his neck.

"Don't say that!" he growled.

Eiro turned to look at me with a bright smile on her face. "Swan, I've loved Beamon for ten years, and we'll be marked the day after tomorrow. Please come to the ceremony; it'll be at night."

I bit back the pain and forced a faint smile. "Of course. I wouldn't miss my brother's marking ceremony, would I?"

But Beamon's expression darkened, and he spoke up in disapproval. "There's no need for you to attend. I'm taking Eiro to the hospital."

Withdrawing his complex gaze, he turned and carried Eiro away.

I found myself trailing behind and watched as he gently placed her in the car. When she tilted her head and kissed him lightly, he smiled dotingly at her with eyes full of love.

The sight stabbed my chest deep. He'd betrayed me and broken every vow he once made.

As the car sped off into the distance, my phone rang. I answered, and a respectful voice came through the line.

"Swan, Lunathria has prepared a grand ceremony in your honor. We shall welcome you in three days."