Sword of Destiny

My Alpha mate, Ryker, always threatened to reject our bond to make me submit to my twin sister. My Beta parents always threatened to disown me, demanding I sacrifice everything for my frail and sickly sister.

Before, I didn't understand. I would cry and scream, demanding to know why they were so unfair.

But when Ryker slammed the papers on the table for the 100th time, forcing me to be the test subject for Ivy's ritual, I agreed.

Not only did I agree, but I became completely obedient to Ivy. Everyone praised me, the Luna of the Blackmoon Pack, for finally showing some sense. But they didn't know the truth. I was already dying.

A dying Luna has no use for dignity or love.

The healer had just told me my fading wolf spirit was a death sentence when Ryker pushed the mate rejection papers in front of me for the hundredth time.

"Harper, Ivy's wolf is getting weaker. She can't endure the risks of an unproven ritual. If the spirit regeneration isn't completed within a month, she could die."

"You're twins, your genes are nearly identical. You have a strong, dominant wolf spirit. The witch said you can test the ritual's safety for her."

"If you don't agree, I'll reject our bond. Ivy doesn't have much time left. Her last wish is to be with me."

I listened quietly as he said those utterly absurd words with a straight face.

In reality, they'd been planning this from the moment they saw Ivy cough a little as the seasons changed.

My parents, my Alpha husband... the three of them took turns pressuring me.

It wasn't persuasion. It was coercion.

My parents threatened that if I didn't verify the ritual for her, I would lose the protection of my family and pack and become Rogue.

And Ryker, once again, threatened to reject our fated bond.

By then, my body was already failing me, and even maintaining my human form was becoming a struggle.

So, I instinctively refused.

The moment I said "no," the disgust in Ryker's eyes was palpable. My parents pointed at me and screamed.

"Your sister is dying! You cold-hearted monster! You starved her in the womb, and now you won't even help save her life!"

"Harper, you're such a disappointment! If you won't help Ivy, then there's no longer a place for you in this family!"

Even now, the memory of those harsh words sends a sharp, stabbing pain through my heart.

But that's all in the past now.

Now, my wolf spirit has reached the final stage of its decay. The healer told me I only have seven days left.

I'm going to die either way. Better to die on that cursed experimental table and become the hero of their story than to die alone in the wilderness.

Seeing my silence, Ryker's brow furrowed. He looked ready to unleash another wave of his Alpha command to force my compliance.

But I looked up, a faint smile touching my pale lips. "Alright."

"I'll test the ritual for Ivy."

Ryker froze, his head snapping up as he stared at me in delighted surprise.

"Really? Harper, you've finally come to your senses! Now we can safely cure Ivy!"

He rushed to the balcony, sharing the good news with my parents through the mind link.

I watched him rush away, ecstatic, and gave a self-deprecating laugh.

My gaze fell on the forgotten mate bond rejection papers on the table. I reached out and picked them up.

I pulled a pen from my bag and, without the slightest hesitation, signed my name.

The first tremor of the severing bond made my hand shake uncontrollably, but I forced myself to swallow the metallic tang of blood rising in my throat.

When Ryker returned, he saw me putting the rejection papers back where I'd found them.

He stopped short, a flicker of confusion in his eyes. "What are you doing?"

I smiled, hiding my blood-stained fingers behind my back. "Nothing. Just tidying the table."

Seeing my subdued expression, a flicker of guilt crossed his face. He quickly stuffed the papers back into his briefcase.

"I was just angry. I didn't mean it. You're my mate. That will never change."

I hummed softly, my face devoid of expression.

Ryker gave me a long look but didn't say anything more.

But on the way back to the Alpha's residence, he did something out of character.

He started asking if I'd been tired lately and even stopped at the market to buy some expensive healing herbs.

But I knew all this concern was just to get me in better shape, to make sure I could last a little longer during the trial.

I tossed the herbs onto the back seat and stared blankly out the window.

The sunlight is so beautiful today.

A pity I'll never see it again.

The moment I stepped through the door, I heard my parents' excited cheers. My mother was holding Ivy, who was feigning weakness, and crying with relief.

"My precious Ivy, you're saved! You don't have to be afraid of the ritual's side effects anymore..."

My father, terrified I would change my mind, shoved a prepared Trial Consent Form in front of me the second I took my shoes off.

He didn't relax until he watched me sign the form.

"Harper, you've finally grown up. This is how an older sister should act."

"And don't resent us. Your birth was so difficult that it left your sister weakened. Compared to you, who is so healthy, she needs our protection more."

"But we won't be unfair to you," my mother added, wiping her tears. "After the trial, the family's assets and land will be split evenly between you and Ivy. You won't be shorted."

I shook my head, swallowing the bitterness in my heart. I pushed the signed consent form back toward them.

"Give it all to Ivy. I won't be needing it anymore."