Moon-Scarred Vow
The water began to glow, the liquid in the silver bowl turning a shimmering blue.
"When vows are broken, when trust is shattered, when love turns to pain, I ask the Moon Goddess to take back Her blessing."
I took out the blood-oath rune and carefully placed it in the bowl. The moment the rune touched the liquid, an agonizing pain shot through my entire body – the mate bond was fighting the separation.
"Hold on, child," the Elder's voice encouraged me. "The most painful part is coming."
I gritted my teeth and continued the ritual. "By my blood, I break this vow; by my tears, I wash away the past; by my will, I regain my freedom."