Chapter 1

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. "When is it ever? It's been five years, Elarah. Five whole years."

I glanced at the scene. Pack members were gathered, waiting to see their Alpha complete the marking ceremony with his fated mate.

Taking a deep breath, I decided to give him one last chance.

I reaching out to Kaelen through our mind-link. "The ceremony's about to start.Everyone's waiting."

I heard him reply, but not to me. He was talking to that familiar voice beside him. "Don't worry, Sera. Just rest a bit, you'll be fine."

"Ooh, Kaelen, it hurts so much…" that sickly sweet voice whined through the link.

"Don't move, Sera. Let me see that wound." Kaelen's voice was full of concern, a gentleness he never, ever used with me.

"Lyra?" He finally noticed I was there, though his eyes were still on Seraphina's ankle. "What's your hurry? Sera fell from a tree, twisted her ankle. I said I'd be along in a minute."

I stood in the middle of the crowd. The pack members looked at me with open mockery.

It seemed like they were all waiting for me to be brutally rejected once again.

"One more chance," I clenched my fists, whispering to myself. "Last chance."

If he let me down again, I would leave this place for good, never giving anyone the chance to trample on my dignity again.

Kaelen only showed up, looking rushed, when the moon finally reached its highest point. He strode over to me, nodding to the pack. The Elders formed a circle and began chanting the ancient blessing.

Kaelen looked at me, all apologetic. "You okay, honey?"

"Focus," I reminded him. "Don't disappoint the Moon Goddess again."

He grinned and took my hand. "Don't worry. I swear, I'll see this through with you this time."

My 99th ceremony finally got underway without a hitch. The elder sprinkled sacred moonwater over our heads, and Kaelen leaned in, ready to give that all-important bite on my neck.

I closed my eyes, my heart pounding.

Maybe this time, everything would actually be okay.

I felt his hot breath on my skin, his teeth practically grazing the pulse in my neck.

This was it. Just feel it, I told myself. The marking ceremony I'd dreamed of a thousand times…

Suddenly, a gasp rippled through the crowd.

I opened my eyes. His expression had changed, his eyes fixed on something over my shoulder.

I followed his gaze and saw her – that small figure in the crowd, "fainting" again.

"Seraphina!" Kaelen dropped my hand and took a step back. "I have to get her to the healing springs. This ceremony… next time. Next time, I swear, I'll finish it."

I stood there, feeling a fresh wave of agony from the psychic link's backlash. But this time, I didn't cry out, didn't question, didn't beg.

"It's fine," I said calmly, a strange smile playing on my lips. "Seraphina's health is more important. After all, she's the pack's precious Omega."

Kaelen stared, clearly not expecting me to be so 'understanding.'

"Thanks for understanding, Lyra." He breathed a sigh of relief. "I'll bring you some moonberries later. I know you like them."

Moonberries. I watched him hurry away, the last ember of hope inside me dying out. I was allergic to moonberries. They were Seraphina's favorite.

He'd long forgotten.

Five years, I thought silently.

Ninety-nine failed ceremonies, ninety-nine times my dignity was trampled.

I've had enough!

I found the Moonshadow Realm's communication device and opened a link I hadn't used in a very long time.

"Father, I was too naive. I'll be back in two days."