ECHOES OF A BROKEN BOND

Elena's POV

"Why can we not be together?" My voice trembled like a leaf in a storm as I asked.

Jace took a while to respond. He averted his gaze, his jaw clenched. His face had lengthy shadows from the flickering torches in the hallway. His words were not as loud as his silence.

I took a step closer and added, "I gave you my promise." My chest pounded with my heart. On my lips, I tasted salt. This was the most fear I had ever experienced.

I saw regret in the gray depths of Jace's eyes as they met mine. He took a deep swallow. "Promises change," he added in a gentle yet icy tone. He gave a headshake. "I have no other option."

My throat became parched. I suppressed my tears. It felt like ice on the floor under me. I made an effort to control my breathing. "Explain why," I muttered.

He combed his brown hair with his hand. "Our people will be safe thanks to this partnership with the Mooncrest Pack. You are aware of this. I was struck like a stone by his remarks.

I imagined our pack, bold and strong. Under the starry sky and scarlet sun, I had trained next to him. I had used every ounce of my strength to defend him. He now talked about safety as though it were more important than love.

With a shaky voice, I added, "I thought I was your mate." "I believed that our relationship was more powerful than any treaty."

Jace slumped his shoulders. He looked out into the starry woods with his back to them. Through the trees, the breeze murmured. Like gentle tears, the leaves rustled.

Without glancing at me, he remarked, "Love does not feed a starving pack." I felt his words pierce me like a cold dagger. I held my breath and closed my eyes.

He was gone when I opened my eyes once more. The large, empty auditorium felt empty. My legs shook. On the stone seat, I sank. His footsteps reverberated into the darkness.

My hand shot to the silver chain he had given me in the spring, which hung on my chest. Now it seemed heavy, like if longing and pain were intertwined. I touched the chilly metal with my fingers.

Beyond the doors, I could hear conversations in the hallway. The statement was being made in front of the council elders. I got up and dabbed at my tears. Even though my cheeks hurt, I made my feet walk.

Wolf warriors with gleaming eyes and dark furs crowded the hall. The alpha's position was vacant. Their heavy, inquisitive gazes were palpable to me. My heart pounded. I joined the circle, lifting my chin.

One of the tall elders moved forward. He spoke firmly. "Princess Seraphine of Mooncrest is here tonight." There were murmurs in the hall.

A knot of coldness tightened in my gut. I was familiar with this princess. She was as cold as ice and as pale as moonlight. Jace had turned away from me because of her.

I made myself remain motionless. I made fists out of my hands. My fingernails sank into my hands. I reminded myself to breathe and took a deep breath.

Light streamed in when the doors opened. With her gown dripping like mist, Princess Seraphine stepped inside. She gave the audience a quick smile. Her eyes fell onto the vacant chair next to the alpha's throne.

I was unable to feel my own cheeks as I observed her face. My vision became hazy. I squeezed my lips together until they were painful.

Once more, the elder spoke. "We will unite our packs by blood and oath." He pointed to the vacant seat.

I didn't breathe. Jace was where? Why hadn't he replaced him? My heart was racing.

Then I caught sight of him. His cloak billowed as he emerged from the shadows. His head lowered, he walked with a weary step. Seraphine's eyes briefly expanded.

When he arrived at the throne, he stopped. He turned to face the princess. Then he turned his gaze from her to me. His eyes grew softer, flashing with agony, need, or remorse.

The ancient fire inside of me suddenly sprang up. I was a warrior who flared to life. I clinched my hands at my sides. Sharp gasps of breath came from me.

Jace straightened and sat down. In the torchlight, his pack's crown gleamed. I sensed a change in the world, like though the ground had shifted.

With a jeweled box in hand, Seraphine moved forward and knelt down. The blue stone pulsed in her hand, and I saw it. My chest constricted.

Jace ignored me and reached for the box. I started to say something, but nothing came out. My throat tightened and became heavy.

The oath's words were delivered by the elder. Jace put the crown on his head after lifting the box. Rising, Seraphine took his hand. There was silence in the hall.

I retreated toward the doors after slipping out of the circle. The stones were rough and cold beneath my feet. I was afraid my heart might burst from the force of its beating.

When he saw me, a warrior yelled. "Elena, hold on!"

I didn't look around. I hurried into the night after pushing the doors wide. I was engulfed in shade and glittering light by the woods.

I was carried by my legs without thinking. My chest hurt. My thoughts were racing with anger and sadness.

Under the full moon, I arose in the hallowed glade where Jace and I had exchanged our first promise. My bare feet felt cold on the smooth, flat stones.

I dropped on my knees and put my hands on the floor. The scent of moss and pine filled the air. I let my tears fall on the stones and then disappeared.

I recalled our agreement. We had pledged our lives and hearts to one another under that moon. I could hear his voice whispering in my head.

I looked up at the sky. The moon, a silent observer, hung bright and low. The universe seemed to be telling me that I wasn't good enough, and its light seemed like a reprimand.

I stood with my fists clenched. I would be sufficient. I would be stronger than loss when I woke up this evening.

From the shadows came a gentle rustle. I spun around, prepared to face any danger. My heart pounded.

A wolf stepped forward from the edge of the glade. Snow was the color of its fur. It had an unearthly light in its eyes.

With serene knowledge, it gazed at me. Its eyes reached inside of me, taking in all of my fear and grief.

The wolf began to talk, although it didn't sound like it. My bones echoed with a sound that was reminiscent of the moon itself.

It said, "Elena." On the breeze, my name.

I sensed a change in the air. Under my skin, power hummed. This new life entangled itself in my veins with my previous death.

With a racing heart, I stepped forward. Once more, the wolf's mouth opened.

It said, "Your bond is broken." "But destiny summons you back."

The earth shook under my feet. A calm wind bent the trees. I felt a tinge of fear and amazement.

I was about to ask what it meant when the woods were torn apart by a roar. I was shaken to my very core by a sound so ferocious.

My heart was racing as I whirled around. I noticed them in the shadows outside the glade. A group of wolves charged toward me down the forest trail, their eyes blazing crimson.

My heart stopped. The wind died. My throat tightened each breath.

In the glade, the final torch died and guttered. I was completely engulfed by darkness.

The earth itself then burst open beneath those wolves with a crack that pierced the night like thunder.

The world vanished as my scream died in my throat.