The Rogue Witch Luna

"We had sex again and I don't know how it happened," Aurora said, clutching the blanket around her trembling frame, it was her only thing keeping her from being naked as she felt. The words tasted bitter, like a heavy lid on her tongue, but she forced them out.

Lightning flashed outside, illuminating her in the dim room. Her hair clung to her damp face, a wild mess, and her feet, bare against the cold floor, felt numb.

"Wait... what?!" Easton's voice cut through the silence, his wide eyes flicking to the thin nightgown peeking from beneath the blanket. His expression darkened.

"That's-"

"Phoebe's," Aurora finished flatly. Her lips twisted into a bitter smile. "Of course it is."

Easton clenched his fists. "That bastard-"

"Don't." Aurora cut him off, shaking her head. Her gaze dropped to the floor as she tried to blink back her tears. "I don't need you defending me. Not from him. Not now."

Her voice cracked, but she swallowed the lump in her throat and kept speaking. "He threw it at me. Told me to get out."

Easton exhaled sharply, his nostrils flaring as he paced the room. He wanted to say something-anything-that might undo the damage Maverick had inflicted, but words felt useless. The silence between them grew heavier, broken only by the soft rumble of thunder outside.

"And then you called me," Easton said, his voice softer now.

Aurora nodded, pulling the blanket tighter. "I didn't know who else to turn to."

Before Easton could respond, the sound of approaching footsteps echoed in the hallway.

"Of course, you don't," The voice came before the person and they knew just who it was.

Both of them turned, their gazes snapping toward the door just as Phoebe appeared, she did nothing to hide mocking smile. Beside her was Maverick, his broad shoulders filling the space as his cold, calculating eyes locked onto Aurora.

Easton moved instinctively, stepping in front of Aurora, his body shielding her from their intrusion.

"What the hell do you want?" he demanded, his voice low and dangerous.

Phoebe flinched for a moment before she laughed venomously.

"Relax, Easton. We're just here to check on Aurora. After all..." Her eyes flicked to the blanket, the corner of her lips curling. "She had such a memorable night."

Aurora's stomach churned, and she averted her gaze, refusing to pay Phoebe any attention which made the woman mildly irritated. But before she could act in it Maverick stepped forward, brushing past Phoebe with an air of authority that made the room feel smaller.

He stopped in front of Aurora, his presence suffocating. For a fleeting moment, she thought she saw something-remorse, hesitation-in his gaze. But it vanished as quickly as it appeared.

Aurora couldn't depict his thoughts like she used to be able to do but she wishes that he would go back to the man she used to know, the man who cared about her and would give her anything and everything. A flick of his stony blue eyes were all she needed to know that it was all her wishful fantasy.

He held out his hand, palm up. "Take these."

Aurora blinked, her gaze falling to the small pills in his hand. It took her a moment to realize what they were.

"Contraceptives," he said, his voice devoid of emotion and Aurora almost heard the howl of her non-existent wolf. "I don't want any mistakes."

Her breath hitched. The words were a blade, cutting deeper than she thought possible.

Easton scoffed in restrained anger while Aurora's heart stuttered in pain, the tears she was keeping at bay were shining brightly in her eyes now. The only sound she could hear was her uncontrolled thoughts that keep tumbling over one another.

"Mistakes?" Aurora's voice was barely above a whisper. Her hands trembled as she took the pills, the weight of them heavier than anything she had ever carried.

As she stared into his cold eyes, Aurora wondered how they got to this level that the thought of her carrying his pups disgust him so much.

She was his mate, and had been his mate for three years! If he didn't want anything to do with her, why did he accept her as his mate?

Was is just so he could experience endless wave of torture?!

They loved each other so much, what the hell changed?!

Maverick's expression didn't waver.

"Take them now, Aurora. While I'm here."

"Bastard!" Easton exploded, lunging forward, but Maverick caught his fist mid-air, his lycan strength effortlessly stopping the blow.

"It's Alpha Maverick to you," he said coldly, shoving Easton back with enough force to send him stumbling.

Aurora's instincts took over, and she stepped between them, raising a hand to stop Easton from retaliating. She swallowed the pills, the bitterness coating her tongue as her tears threatened to spill over.

Satisfied, Maverick's gaze raked over her one last time, lingering for a second too long on the borrowed nightgown. His eyes softened for a millisecond, but before she could decipher it, he turned and walked away, Phoebe quickly rushed after him.

The door slammed shut behind them, leaving a suffocating silence behind.

---

Easton moved toward her, his expression a mixture of anger and heartbreak. "Aurora..."

She shook her head, cutting him off. "I'm fine." Her voice was barely steady, a whisper that didn't convince either of them.

"You're not," Easton said firmly, his hands gripping her shoulders gently but insistently. "He can't keep doing this to you. You deserve better."

Aurora laughed bitterly, the sound hollow. "Deserve better? I'm his mate, Easton. The Moon Goddess herself paired us. This-" She gestured vaguely to the empty room, to the pills she had just swallowed, to the invisible chains binding her to Maverick. "This is what I deserve."

"No," Easton said, his voice hardening. "This is what he's making you believe you deserve. There's a difference."

Aurora didn't reply. She couldn't find the words to argue, to agree, or to even admit that a part of her still hoped for Maverick to turn back into the man she once knew.

Thunder rumbled again, and Aurora finally let the tears fall, her shoulders shaking as Easton pulled her into a hug. For now, in his arms, she allowed herself to break, even if just for a moment.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Aurora adjusted her grip on the glass of champagne, her fingers cold against the smooth surface. The laughter and chatter of the ceremony filled the air, but it all felt distant, muffled by the storm of thoughts raging in her head.

From across the field, she could see him. Maverick. Standing tall and proud, his arm resting lightly on Phoebe's waist as he introduced her to the guests. They looked every bit the perfect couple, their smiles practiced and charming.

It was supposed to be her standing beside him.

Aurora blinked hard, forcing back the tears threatening to spill. She wouldn't give them the satisfaction-not here, not now.

"You shouldn't be here," Easton said softly, his voice pulling her from her thoughts.

Easton never agreed to Aurora's and Maverick's relationship, he and Alec-Maverick's best friend, had been against it since they started dating in secret seven years ago. He had always been sceptical of what kind of relationship that could exist between them, a runt and the next Alpha wasn't something the pack council supported.

But he had little say about it, they had been friends since they were thirteen, before Easton even dreamt of meeting Aurora. The secrecy with which they carried out their plans as friends and lovers had been embedded deeply in them and it was their normal life and daily routine.

She turned to him, her expression blank. "I'm the Luna, Easton. This is where I belong."

"No, you're supposed to be the Luna," he corrected, his tone sharp with frustration. "But he's made it painfully clear he doesn't see you as that. Hell, he doesn't even treat you like a pack member, let alone his mate."

Aurora's gaze dropped to the ground. She knew he was right.

All through their time as lovers, none of them feared the punishments dished to them for abruptly going missing- the loads of paperworks dumped on him and the whips of her stepfather that tore her back meant nothing. It was just a price for their scarlet love.

All they had to do was wait till the mate awakening ceremony where Maverick would proclaim Aurora the Luna, shut everyone else up and no one would dare look down on her.

But now that the time came, Maverick had stripped her of any real authority as Luna, leaving her in a position that was nothing more than a title. She was the Luna in name only, a ghost was better when compared to her.

"I can't leave," she said finally, her voice barely above a whisper. "If I do, I lose what little connection I have left to him."

Easton sighed, his jaw tightening as he fought back his anger. "No you can. You just don't-"

He stopped short, his words hanging in the air as Maverick and Phoebe approached. Aurora's heart clenched at the sight of them together, the perfect picture of unity and power.

Phoebe's smile was as sweet as poison. "Aurora, darling. You look... well." Her eyes flicked over Aurora's plain dress, her lips twitching with amusement. "But don't sulk in the corner for too long, people might forget you still exist."

"You can keep that advice for yourself, don't stomp around too much. There are still a lot of people who know that you are just the side chick," Aurora replies calmly and Phoebe bit her lips in anger, remembering that the title she wanted most was still Aurora's.

Maverick's gaze barely touched her before shifting to Easton. "Is there a reason you're standing so close to my mate?" he asked, his voice cold and clipped.

Easton didn't flinch. "Maybe because you're too busy parading someone else around to care about her."

The tension was thick in the air.

For a moment, Aurora thought Maverick might lash out, but he didn't. Instead, he stepped closer to her, his presence overwhelming as he leaned in.

"You shouldn't be here," he said quietly, his tone devoid of emotion. "This isn't your place anymore."

Aurora's breath hitched, but she forced herself to meet his gaze. "I'm the Luna. It's exactly where I should be."

Maverick's jaw tightened and he clenched his fist in irritation at her stubbornness, but before he could respond, Phoebe looped her arm through his. "Come on, darling," she purred, her eyes glinting with satisfaction. "We have more guests to greet."

He hesitated for a fraction of a second, his gaze lingering on Aurora. Then he turned and walked away, leaving her standing in the suffocating silence of their absence.

---

Easton let out a low curse. "He's unbelievable."

Aurora didn't respond. She felt numb, the weight of Maverick's words was crushing her.

"You don't have to do this, you know," Easton said, his voice softer now.

She turned to him, her eyes glistening. "What choice do I have, Easton? He's my mate. This bond-it's not something I can just walk away from."

"You could leave this place," he said, his tone firm. "Start over somewhere else. Hell, I'd go with you if that's what it takes."

Aurora shook her head, a bitter smile tugging at her lips. "I know what you are trying to say," her tone was flat but her eyes were stormy. "And you are probably right but it doesn't change anything. The pain. It doesn't go away."

Easton reached out, his hand brushing against hers. "Then let me help you carry it."

The sincerity in his voice nearly broke her. She wanted to believe him, to let herself lean on him completely. But she knew it wouldn't be fair. Not to him, and not to herself.

"Thank you," she said quietly, pulling her hand away. "But this is something I have to bear alone."

Easton looked like he wanted to argue, but he didn't. Instead, he stepped closer, his presence grounding her in a way she didn't realize she needed.

"If he lays another hand on you, I'll make sure that he regrets it," he said finally, his voice low and steady.

Aurora didn't reply. She couldn't. The pain and exhaustion were too much, and all she wanted was to get through the rest of the ceremony without breaking completely.

As the night wore on, Aurora stood in the shadows, watching Maverick and Phoebe bask in the adoration of their pack. She felt invisible, a ghost haunting the edges of her own life.

But she wanted to believe that one day, she would find a way to reclaim herself. To rise from the ashes of everything Maverick had destroyed.

One day, she would be whole again.

Aurora flinched at the shrill voice behind her.

"Move out of my way, bitch!" Tessie barked, her black eyes blazing with disdain. Her sneer curled into something colder as she added, "And keep your cursed bad luck out of my path."

Aurora turned slowly, her calm gaze meeting Tessie's glare. Before she could respond, another voice chimed in.

"Mom's going to kill you for letting her stand so close, Tess," Jennie sneered. "The pack's still celebrating that a half-witch like her didn't end up being the Luna, thanks to Alpha's quick choice of our perfect sister."

"Shut it, Jennie!" Tessie snapped and turned back to Aurora. "Well? Are you deaf now? Get out of the way!"

The tension around them thickened as curious eyes from the field began to drift their way. Aurora felt their glares, their whispers, the same hostility she'd endured her entire life.

It was nothing new.

Her voice was unnervingly calm as she replied. "There's no need to yell. Being a werewolf doesn't mean you have to act like an animal."

The faintest twitch in Tessie's lips was the only warning before her gray eyes darkened to red. Jennie stifled a laugh, but neither made a move.

Easton stood a few steps behind Aurora, his arms crossed, watching the exchange. He didn't interfere-he knew she could handle herself.

Tessie's shriek cut through the air. "What did you just say?"

Jennie also cut Aurora off before she could talk. "You must that think that are an hotshot because of your position as the Luna, I would let you know that the pack council will give it to our sister soon,"

Aurora tilted her head, unaffected by the growing crowd or their hushed murmurs.

"Does your sister know how much I once meant to Maverick? How he swore under the full moon that he couldn't live without me. That we'd always be together no matter what?"

She glanced at Maverick who was talking to some guest, she was very aware that he could hear what she was saying because of his heightened werewolves sense.

Easton scrunched up his nose in annoyance because of the memory he was well aware of, after all he used to help cover up for them when they sneaked out.

Phoebe eyebrows were furrowed in anger and Aurora didn't miss the nostalgia on Maverick's face and the small pull at the corner of his lips.

Something that only happened when he thought about good, and that made light appear at the back of Aurora's eyes, maybe she still had hope.

Phoebe had moved closer to them with a raised brow and half-smile. "You think that would make him care?" She taunted.

"Would it? I don't know," Aurora gave a small smirk. "But I know that the same could happen to you too. You might find yourself remembering that you used to walk by his side when he threw you into a dark hole."

Her words only made Phoebe more irritated, she knew fully well tha Aurora was right but Tessie wasn't willing to remain silent.

"What do you mean? I dare you to say that again, bitch!" Tessie asks sharply and there was an excited buzz among the members of the pack because of the interesting scene that might unfold.

"You heard me. Or has that sharp werewolf hearing of yours gone dull? Your father's a gamma, and your mother's a pack warrior. Surely, they passed on b traits more than this."

The jab landed. Tessie's cheeks burned with anger, and for a brief moment, the field was silent except for the sound of shifting feet.

"What did you just say about my parents?!" Tessie snarled, her voice trembling with rage.

Before Aurora could respond, another voice cut through the crowd like a blade.

"What's going on here?"

Aurora froze. She didn't need to turn to know who it was.

Maverick.

The air around her felt heavier as he approached, Phoebe's hand looped through his arm. His icy blue eyes scanned the scene briefly before settling on Aurora, his expression unreadable.

"Aurora," he began, his voice calm but cutting, "why are you causing a scene?"

Aurora blinked, the question hitting her like a slap, what was she even thinking that anything had changed?

"Causing a scene?" Easton stepped forward, his voice sharp. "She wasn't doing anything. They came to her."

Maverick's gaze flicked to Easton for a moment, his expression cold. "It doesn't matter who started it. As Luna, you should know better than to engage in petty squabbles. The guest would only remember how immature you looked"

Aurora's breath hitched. The weight of his words pressed down on her chest, but she managed to speak. "So I'm supposed to let them treat me like dirt? Stay silent and take whatever shits that they throw at me?"

Her voice broke slightly, but she didn't falter. She kept her eyes on Maverick, willing him to see the pain she carried.

His gaze flickered as if he might say something else but he didn't, instead with an unreadable face his response was a dagger. "You should've walked away."

Aurora's lips trembled, but she forced herself to hold her ground. "You've made it clear where you stand. You want Phoebe? Fine. I'll stay out of your way. But stop expecting me to endure this constant humiliation quietly."

The words hung in the air, the crowd's murmurs fading into silence.

Maverick's expression didn't change, but for a fleeting second, something flickered in his eyes-regret, hesitation, or something else entirely. Then it was gone, replaced by the same cold detachment she'd grown to expect.

Without another word, he turned away, Phoebe's arm still clinging to his.

Aurora stood frozen, the weight of every gaze in the field pressing on her. She didn't cry, didn't crumble. She wouldn't do that, at least not in front of them.

"Let's go," Easton said softly, his hand resting gently on her shoulder.

She nodded, her movements stiff, and together, they walked away from the field. Behind her, the whispers rose again, louder this time.

But she didn't look back.

---

Aurora barely noticed the whispers behind her as she and Easton left the field. Her heart was pounding, not from fear, but from the humiliation that had seared into her skin like a brand.

Her fingers trembled as she clutched Easton's arm. "I'm fine," she muttered, more to herself than him.

"No, you're not," Easton replied quietly, his voice steady but protective. "And you shouldn't have to be."

They stopped at the edge of the field, away from prying eyes. Aurora leaned against a tree, exhaling a shaky breath.

"I don't understand how he can just..." Her words trailed off, her throat tightening. She bit her lip to stop the tears from falling. "How can he treat me like this? Like I'm nothing?"

It wasn't advised to mateless wolf to date someone because they might end up not being mates but Maverick was so sure seven years ago. He was hellbent on the fact that they were each other's mate, he had claimed that he knew and felt it deep in his soul. He insisted that they would elope if the worst came.

But it turns out that every single promise was all a big bout of lies.

She didn't see him for just a night, and after that night, she didn't know why but everything changed.

Alec hinted that Maverick saw something and Aurora was in the wrong but no matter how many times she asked she got no response.

Easton crouched in front of her, his dark eyes meeting hers. "Because he's a coward. He's too blind to see what he's losing, and too weak to stand up for what's right."

Aurora smiled faintly, though the bitterness in it made her chest ache. "That doesn't make it hurt any less."

"No, it doesn't," Easton admitted. "But it doesn't make him right, either."

Before Aurora could respond, a commotion behind them drew her attention. She turned just in time to see a young girl rushing toward Maverick.

"Alpha!" the girl called, her voice breathless but urgent. "There's a visitor from an allied pack here. He says he's here for the gathering."

Aurora watched as the girl pointed to a tall man standing a few feet away. He was dressed simply, but his bearing was regal, his eyes sharp and calculating. He glanced at her briefly before turning his attention to Maverick.

"Hello, Alpha Maverick. I'm Jasper," the man said with a courteous bow.

Aurora stiffened as the girl added with a bright smile. "And this is our Luna, Phoebe Brian."

The words hung in the air like a bomb waiting to explode.

Aurora's breath caught, her heart sinking as she glanced at Maverick. His expression didn't shift, his icy demeanor holding firm.

The silence was unbearable. Would he deny it? Correct the girl? Or would he let it stand, as he always did?

Maverick finally nodded at Jasper, his tone neutral. "Welcome, Jasper. If you follow me, we can discuss further inside." He glanced at Phoebe, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Phoebe, come with me."

Aurora felt the world tilt.

Her chest tightened as the humiliation settled in, deeper and sharper than before. He didn't deny it. He didn't correct her. He just let them all believe that Phoebe was his chosen mate.

Her vision blurred, but she forced herself to stay upright. She couldn't break here-not in front of them.

"Aurora," Easton said gently, his voice pulling her back to reality. He placed a hand on her shoulder, guiding her away from the stars, the whispers, and the pity she hated so much.

She let him lead her, her thoughts a swirling storm. She'd thought she'd hit rock bottom before, but this...this was a new depth entirely.

As they reached the edge of the forest, Aurora stopped, turning back to glance at the field one last time. Maverick was already walking away with Phoebe by his side, the perfect image of a future Alpha pair.

Her voice was barely a whisper, but it carried all the weight of her broken heart. "How much more do I have to endure?"

Easton didn't answer. He didn't have to.

She already knew the answer.

More.

Because until she found the strength to walk away for good, the pain would never end.

Remind me why we are still not out of this place," Easton said.

"Luna might be needed anytime. I have to be present," Aurora stated nonchalantly. Easton glared at her and immediately knew she wasn't as okay as she pretended to be. Even after the spectacle on the field, she had taken a moment to herself but still insisted they return to the halls because of her duties.

Duties for a position Maverick had just given to Phoebe in front of nearly everyone in the pack.

"That asshole," Easton muttered as they stood at the far end of the hall. There was no one around, and the dim light shrouded them in shadows. Hidden from plain view, they leaned against each other.

"He's been like this ever since the mate awakening ceremony," Easton said, glaring at Maverick, who stood on stage giving a speech. A smile rested on Maverick's lips as if he hadn't just shattered someone's world with his words and actions. "The petty bastard even used you not showing up as an excuse to reject you."

Aurora's mind drifted back to the mate awakening ceremony three years ago. She had promised to meet Maverick that night, but her mother sabotaged her with endless chores. With her mother's watchful eyes on her, sneaking out had been impossible and far too dangerous.

Even though the ceremony combined the mating ritual and Maverick's crowning as Alpha, the council had insisted he train for his position for another two to three years before gaining full authority. They had little trust in a young man ruling over them, so what would they have thought of his relationship with Aurora?

When she confronted Maverick the next morning, he avoided her gaze. His expression was cold, filled with mild disgust, and for a fleeting moment, there was a flicker of hatred. He said nothing, simply stepping past her and walking away.

That action hurt her deeply.

Later that evening, on stage, a council member had asked Maverick if he had found his mate. Though both of them felt the bond and knew the truth, Maverick had lied.

"No, I haven't seen her, and I don't think she's here tonight," he had said.

Aurora's heart had slammed against her ribcage, and she swore it stopped for a moment.

Now, three years later, Aurora's attention returned to Maverick, still talking on stage with the same composed demeanor. He looked as carefree and happy as he had that night.

"You're strong, Aurora. Hell, you're one of the strongest women I know. Why can't you just let this go and leave it all behind? You should've moved on by now," Easton said gently. His eyes held a pity that Aurora hated to see, and she forced a sad smile.

Easton understood how much it all tore her apart, but Aurora knew leaving wouldn't solve anything.

"The stronger the force, the stronger the weakness when the support is gone," she said, her voice hoarse. "I love Maverick more than I love myself, and I hate myself for it. It's like I need him, somehow. I'm scared of leaving this behind. A part of me still hopes he'll look at me the way he used to. That he'll get lonely, miss us, and come back. I know I should move on. Maybe I will someday. But right now, I just can't."

Easton reached out to comfort her. He noticed a brunette trying to approach them and shot her a glare, making her shrink back.

"You're not wrong for feeling this way," he reassured her.

-

The scene on stage shifted as Maverick concluded his speech.

"Thank you all for being here," Maverick said. "This alliance wouldn't be possible without your support. I'm grateful to the pack members and former leaders. And I want to express special gratitude to Ms. Phoebe Brian for her immense contributions. None of this would have been possible without her."

Maverick turned to place a kiss on Phoebe's cheek, and the crowd erupted in cheers. His gaze lingered on Aurora as he did it.

Aurora went stiff, and Easton wrapped an arm around her shoulder protectively. He glared at Maverick, seething. Although Maverick had flaunted Phoebe before, this was the first time he displayed affection so openly.

Aurora and Maverick's eyes met briefly. She thought she saw something unusual in his expression, but before she could decipher it, Easton pulled her away, and she let him.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

When Aurora and Easton returned to the pack house, something felt off. The pack members they passed stared at Aurora with mocking, knowing expressions. At first, they ignored it, but the continued looks became unsettling.

"Any idea what's going on?" Aurora asked.

"No," Easton replied with a shrug. "We've been in the attic since we left the main hall this afternoon."

Aurora glanced at the sky, now dark with a full moon hanging bright above them.

As they approached the packed house, Tessie stood by the door. Her eyes lit up when she spotted them.

"The Alpha and the others are waiting for you at the small field behind the pack house," Tessie said disdainfully. "You're required there as soon as your little sexcapades are done."

Easton scoffed, but Aurora merely nodded. Tessie smirked, looking pleased with herself.

"Let's go, Aurora," Easton said, holding her arm gently as they brushed past Tessie.

When they reached the field, Aurora's heart sank. Awaiting her were the former pack leaders, the council, her family, and Maverick seated beside Phoebe. Witches stood among them, their dark attire and runic symbols unmistakable.

"This can't be good," Easton murmured, his steps faltering. Aurora dragged him along, ready to face whatever awaited her-or so she thought.

Her mother stepped forward, a small smile on her lips. "Since you've been frolicking with Easton, the Alpha has decided to grant you freedom. These witches are here to break the bond between you and Maverick."

Aurora stood frozen as the weight of her mother's words hit her. Breaking the bond? Her heart pounded in her chest, and her hands clenched into fists at her sides.

Easton, however, was livid. "You've finally decided to kill her, haven't you?" he snarled, his glare fixed on Maverick. "You-spineless, selfish Alpha! First, you turned your back on her for no reason, and now this? Aurora's wolf is the weakest in the pack! Breaking the bond will kill her!"

He turned to the former pack leaders and council members, his voice dripping with venom. "You're all pathetic! You follow whatever idiotic plan this so-called Alpha comes up with. Aurora gave everything for this pack-endured your sneers, held her tongue when you talked down to her, and always put you all above herself. And now this? This is how you repay her?"

The former Beta rose in anger, about to rebuke Easton, but stopped when Aurora began to laugh. The sound was hollow and hysterical, her shoulders shaking as she tilted her head back.

"No wonder you had this ear splitting grin that is unfit on your face. You must be very happy to get rid of the bastard you never wanted, the walking evidence that you were raped by a wizard." Aurora scoffs at her mother after she breaks out of her spell before turning to the witches. "Is the array ready?" Her voice is sharp and cutting.

One of the witches nodded sympathetically. "Yes, it's ready."

"Then let's get this over with," Aurora said, her tone devoid of emotion.

"Aurora!" Easton's voice cracked with desperation as he reached for her. Aurora was the only thing that made life worth living for her, she was the one that was always there through the dark gloomy days, shining lights into his life. He didn't know if he would forgive himself if something happened to her in front of him.

Aurora turned to him with a faint smile. "Don't worry, Easton. I won't die on you," she said softly. Her gaze then flicked to Maverick, who stared back at her with an unreadable expression. His fists were clenched, his jaw tight, and his eyes filled with a thousand emotions he refused to let show.

Maverick tried to convince himself this was for the best. That freeing Aurora from their bond would allow her to find peace. But doubt gnawed at him. What if the ritual went wrong? What if it killed her? He hadn't meant to hurt her-he only wanted to protect her.

It was the only way he could protect her from the immense doom that would befall her, he had helped her groom the pain for three years in order to make sure she finds it bearable when she confronts all the pain she would face in the coming years. Not breaking this bond and letting go would only resort to one thing for her - death.

A gruesome death.

Aurora and Maverick stepped into the array as instructed. The witches began chanting, their voices a haunting symphony of ancient words. Aurora forced herself to detach from her surroundings, her mind drifting elsewhere as the ritual unfolded.

Then the pain began.

A blinding, searing agony shot through Aurora's body. A scream tore from her lungs as it felt like her very soul was being ripped apart. Her limbs burned as though needles and blades pierced her flesh, and the mark on her neck, where the bond had been sealed, throbbed with unbearable heat.

"Aurora!" Easton shouted, moving to rush to her side, but a witch raised a hand, warning him to stay back.

Aurora's screams filled the air, raw and guttural, until suddenly, they ceased. Her body hung in the air, suspended by some unseen force. Her eyes were wide and glassy, her fists clenched tightly. Then, with a final incantation, the witches finished the ritual.

Both Aurora and Maverick were thrown backward by the force of the severed bond. Alec caught Maverick as he stumbled, while Easton caught Aurora's limp form.

Easton exhaled shakily, relief washing over him as he checked Aurora's pulse. She was still alive but barely conscious, her face pale and drawn.

No one else noticed, but Maverick also let out a breath of relief when he saw Aurora was alive. He shouldn't end up leading her to her death when it was exactly what he wanted to steer her away from.

"It is done," one of the witches announced solemnly. "Alpha Maverick Stuart Prill and Luna Aurora Amy Wells are no longer bound to each other."

The council and former leaders nodded in satisfaction. Phoebe smiled triumphantly, her hand resting possessively on Maverick's arm but he shrugs it off. Aurora, however, remained silent in Easton's arms, her chest rising and falling weakly.

"You're all monsters," Easton spat, his voice trembling with fury. "Every single one of you."

He carefully lifted Aurora, cradling her as though she might shatter. "I'm taking her away from this hellhole," he growled, his glare daring anyone to stop him.

No one moved. Not even Maverick.

As Easton moved Aurora away, Maverick's gaze lingered on her as she tried to stabilize her breathing and gain some energy. His heart twisted painfully, the weight of his decision settling heavily on his shoulders.

For the first time, he wasn't sure he had done the right thing.