7

"I was just taking a walk," I lied, forcing a smile.

She raised an eyebrow at the obvious lie but didn't push it further, just grabbing my hand and pulling me towards the dance floor. "Come on! I want to dance!"

I let her drag me onto the dance floor, trying to push away the pain and just enjoy the moment. I danced and laughed with my sister, pretending like everything was okay. But deep down, I was broken. I had lost my mate, and I didn't know how I was going to survive.

When the music finally stopped playing, Lynn grabbed my hand and pulled me off the dance floor, a huge smile on her face. "Tarra, I have someone I want you to meet!"

She led me over to a tall, blonde-haired man who was standing by the refreshments table. He turned to look at us as we approached, his blue eyes lighting up when he saw Lynn.

"This is Alexander," she said, her voice full of excitement. "He's my mate!"

I felt a pang of jealousy in my chest, but I quickly pushed it down. This was a happy moment for my sister, and I didn't want to ruin it.

"Congratulations, Lynn," I said, forcing a smile. "I'm so happy for you."

She grinned and hugged me tightly. "Thank you, Tarra! I'm so glad you're here to share this with me!"

Alexander held out his hand for me to shake, a friendly smile on his face. "It's nice to meet you, Tarra. Lynn has told me a lot about you."

I shook his hand and smiled back, trying to ignore the ache in my chest. "It's nice to meet you too, Alexander."

We made small talk for a while, and I tried my best to be happy for my sister. But it was hard. All I could think about was Cassian and how much I missed him. After a while, Lynn and Alexander excused themselves to go dance, leaving me standing there by myself. I looked around the room, feeling completely out of place. Everyone was happy and in love, while I was alone and broken.

I decided I needed some fresh air, so I made my way out to the balcony. I leaned against the railing and closed my eyes, taking in a deep breath of the cool night air.

Tomorrow, the mating balls week of festivities would be over. I would return home and watch Lynn show her mate off to our parents while they drowned her in praise and affection. Should I tell them about the rejection? Or should I just say that as usual I didn't meet my mate?

Either way they would be disappointed, if I told them he had been an alpha they would be furious I managed to ruin it, and if I said I didn't meet him I would just be a failure. Yet again.

A sense of determination washed over me. I would leave and make my own life. I didn't need a mate to be happy, I could find happiness on my own.

I opened my eyes and looked out at the full moon, feeling a sense of peace wash over me. I didn't know what the future held, but I was ready to face it. I was done letting my past define me. It was time to start a new chapter in my life.

With a newfound sense of hope, I turned and made my way back inside, ready to dance the night away and enjoy the last few hours of the night.

***

The next morning I woke up early, not wanting to stick around for the goodbyes. I quickly got dressed and packed my things, leaving a note for Lynn telling her that I had gone home early. I didn't want to face her and Alexander together. It was too painful, and I'm sure they would appreciate having the privacy.

I made my way out of the ballroom and towards the carriages, my heart heavy with sadness. I was leaving behind the only place I had ever called home, but I knew it was for the best. I needed to start fresh.

I climbed into one of the carriages and gave the driver directions to my pack, my mind wandering as I watched the scenery pass by. I didn't know what was going to happen next, but I was ready for whatever came my way.