Unclaimed Luna, 99 Rituals Forsaken

For five years, my destined mate, Alpha Kaelen, and I had gone through 98 marking ceremonies. And every time, he'd cut it short for another Omega."Just hold on a little longer, Princess. Just a little more." Shaman Elarah's voice sounded like it was coming from far away.I clenched my jaw, my fists tight. Sweat dripped down my cheeks. The backlash from the mate bond was a burning pain, like fire racing through my veins. This was the 99th time. The 99th time I'd prepared to receive the mark from my Alpha, my fated mate, Kaelen."Where is he?" My voice was hoarse, a hint of resentment I tried to hide.Elarah avoided my gaze, dabbing the moonpetal salve on the back of my neck. "The Alpha is still… dealing with something."I knew exactly who that "something" was."The ceremony has to start when the moon is high, or we'll have to wait another month." I pushed myself up, my white, moon-silk robe swaying gently in the breeze."Perhaps… tonight isn't the best time, Princess."I scoffed. "Whe

I stared into his eyes and saw the confidence there.He was convinced. Convinced I was just being emotional, convinced I wouldn't actually leave him, convinced one dinner was all it would take to get me to change my mind.That's how he saw me after five years together:A girl who was easily soothed, someone with no real backbone."Fine," I agreed, much to everyone's surprise. "Tonight, at the Windwhisper Canyon Restaurant."Kaelen nodded, satisfied, a flicker of triumph in his eyes. "I'll personally arrange the best table and food."I turning to leave without another word.Behind me, I clearly heard Kaelen say to the elders, "Don't worry, she just needs a little attention and reassurance. Women, you know how they are."The elders' soft chuckles echoed in my ears.What they didn't know was that I had already arranged everything. Tonight was goodbye for good.Seven PM, at the Windwhisper Canyon Restaurant. I arrived in a simple white dress. Kaelen was already there waiting, and he'd chan

Lyra’s POV"My daughter." My father's voice trembled, his old hand gently brushing the scars on my neck.Marks left from five years of enduring 99 failed markings. Not just on my skin, but burned deep into my soul."Father." I knelt before the throne, my voice terrifyingly calm. "I'm back.""Five years!" Father roared with anger. "My daughter suffered humiliation in that savage tribe for five years! I'll wipe Blackrock off the map!""There's no need." I stood up, my silver hair shimmering in the moonlight. "It's all over."But the spiritual link I’d severed with my secret arts would only last seven days. It was already the sixth.That night, I knelt in the deepest part of the Moon Goddess temple. "Great Moon Goddess, I beg you, completely sever this fated bond."The moonlight suddenly blazed, and a majestic voice echoed, "A fated bond cannot be severed. It is an imprint on your very souls.""Why?" I looked up, furious. "He betrayed me!""Pain and redemption exist together. To end this

Lyra’s POV"The Princess is magnificent!"The hunting horn echoed through the forest as I drew my silver bow again, the arrow striking a running silver stag true.It was my tenth kill of the day, far surpassing the other warriors in the competition.I proudly motioned for my guys to grab the kill, but the next second, I heard all this pushing and screaming from behind me."Let go of me! You bastards!"Seraphina's voice?! She'd actually followed me all the way out here? Damn, she's like a shadow you just can't shake.A sudden cry interrupted him. I turned to see several guards dragging two people towards us.It was Kaelen and Seraphina."Your Highness!" The guard captain ran to me. "We found these two intruders in the East Garden!"I looked at the two being forced before me. Kaelen had cuts on his face from climbing the walls, his clothes torn. Seraphina hid behind him, her eyes darting around, her face full of scheming."Lyra." Kaelen's voice was hoarse. "I know you hate me, but please