Chapter 3

Facing Susie's hopeful gaze, Leon looked torn. Eventually, he still said, "Madison, we haven't held the marking ceremony yet. Technically, you're not the Luna. Why don't you let Susie borrow the necklace for a few days? I'll give it back to you after our marking ceremony."

The person I was having a marking ceremony with was not Leon, anyway, so the necklace no longer mattered to me. However, the moment my fingers touched it, countless memories washed over me like a tidal wave.

He was the one who placed this necklace around my neck years ago, swearing he would never mate with anyone but me. Now, he was taking away the necklace I wore for five years for another woman.

I removed the necklace and set it on the table. "You're right. I'm not the Luna yet, so wearing this necklace wouldn't be appropriate."

Leon did not expect me to give up the necklace so easily. His expression became complicated.

Then, he picked up the necklace and said, "On the day of our marking ceremony, I'll put it back on you myself."

At his words, a flash of jealousy crossed Susie's face.

I did not answer him. Instead, I watched as Leon fastened the necklace around Susie's neck.

In that moment, I let go of the necklace that had been with me for years, just as I was finally letting go of the relationship that had bound me for so long.

I set down my utensils and asked seriously, "Leon, since I gave you the necklace, shouldn't you give me back my ring?"

Leon stared at me in disbelief. "You want me to return our bond token? What are you trying to say? Are you telling me that you don't want to have the marking ceremony with me?"

I almost snapped back, wanting to ask him who it really was that did not want the ceremony. Nonetheless, I forced myself to stay composed. I wanted to preserve what little dignity I had left and did not want to sound like some bitter, nagging mate.

I just said calmly, "I just think it's not right for you to keep it."

Leon pulled off the ring and tossed it to me. "You're right. It doesn't suit me anymore. Time to get a new one."

With that, he dropped his utensils, took Susie's hand, and left.

My fingers gently traced over the moonstone on the ring. I went through hell to find that moonstone in the Moonlight Forest. Since he did not treasure it, he would never get another chance.

Over the next few days, I busied myself preparing for my marking ceremony. I did not see Leon even once, and he did not call either.

The long hours and stress triggered my headaches again. When my medicine ran out, I had to drag myself to the hospital despite the pain.

My vision blurred as I stumbled through the hallway, holding onto the wall for support. Just then, I heard a familiar voice.

"The doctor said you're fine, so don't worry," Leon said softly.

I looked up and saw him holding Susie in his arms in the waiting area. I did not see that gentle look in his eyes for a very long time.

Susie lay against his chest, pretending to be weak. "My stomach hurts so bad. I might need a few days to rest. But your marking ceremony is in three days. How could I not go as your bridesmaid?"

Leon stroked her hair tenderly. "Don't worry about it. The ceremony can wait. Your health comes first."

Watching them nestled together, I could not help but let out a cold laugh.

When I got home, I ran into Leon as he was picking up his luggage. He noticed the medicine in my hand, and his brows furrowed slightly.

He asked, "Your head is hurting again?"

I hummed in reply.

He glanced at the luggage in his hand and hesitated before saying, "I need to go away for a few days. Let's postpone this marking ceremony too. There's just too much pack business to handle."

I said blankly, "You're going to Susie's place, aren't you?"