Chapter 4

Elara POV:

The night of the Full Moon Celebration was electric with anticipation. The air hummed with pack energy, the scent of roasting meat and pine from the bonfires mingling in the cool night air.

I stood in the backstage dressing area, the Healer's diagnostic scroll clutched in my hand. It felt heavy, my last and only bargaining chip. I would let Damien's mother and the elders humiliate me, and then, when they were finished, I would reveal the truth. A pup. A Blackstone heir. They would have to accept me then.

As I steeled myself to go out, I heard voices from the adjoining room. Damien's mother. And Seraphina.

I froze, pressing my ear to the thin wall.

"You've done well, my dear," Damien's mother was saying, her voice thick with pleasure. "A true Blackstone heir in your belly. Strong and pure."

"He's a strong kicker," Seraphina said, her voice smug. "The Healer says I'm six months along. He'll be born an Alpha-blooded wolf."

Six months.

The scroll in my hand suddenly felt like a useless piece of paper.

My mind reeled. I knew Damien's bloodline had a recessive genetic flaw. The chances of him naturally siring a strong, Alpha-blooded pup were almost zero. How was this possible?

"This will make you a worthy Luna," Damien's mother cooed. I heard a soft click. "This Moonstone bracelet belonged to my mother. It is for the future Luna of our pack. Wear it with pride."

The door opened, and they stepped out. Seraphina saw me, and a triumphant smirk lit up her face. She held up her wrist, showing off the delicate, glowing bracelet.

Damien's mother turned her cold eyes on me. "You," she spat, her voice loud enough for the nearby pack members to hear. "An empty shell. Incapable of continuing our great line. Damien must perform the Rejection ceremony at once."

Damien hurried over, a look of false concern on his face. "Mother, please. This isn't the time." He was pretending to defend me, but his eyes wouldn't meet mine. He was letting it happen.

He leaned in close, whispering for my ears only. "I'm sorry, Elara. My wolf... it got out of control."

The same pathetic excuse.

It was then that I finally understood. My pup, the tiny life I was cherishing, meant nothing to them. It was a flawed product from an outdated model. They already had their upgrade.

The last embers of love and hope in my heart turned to ice.

I straightened my shoulders and walked past him, onto the main stage where the entire pack was gathered. All eyes were on me. I walked directly to Damien, who stood beside the current Alpha.

I stopped in front of him, my gaze unwavering.

In a clear, ringing voice that carried across the silent clearing, I spoke the ancient words of severance.

"Since you have forsaken the Moon Goddess's witness, I reclaim my loyalty."

Then, I opened a private Mind-Link, a direct channel to the one person who could burn this all to the ground with me.

"Kaelan. I agree to your plan."

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