The Moon's Dark Embrace
A sense of unreality comes over me as I watch her join hands with Christopher, my one chance at finding a mate disappearing in the blink of an eye.
They retreat into the audience, leaving me alone in the middle of the Village Square with Sebastian staring me down. I can tell they’re all watching me, waiting for a reaction, but I’m utterly numb, my ears ringing and my cheeks burning. I won’t let a single tear fall in front of them. I can’t. I have to be strong.
“If there are no objections,” Sebastian says in a stoic tone, “then this concludes this year’s Mating Day. I wish all of you the best in your new pairs and know that your commitment to shifter kind will not be forgotten.”