The Luna ceremony date was set. The pack was abuzz with excitement, the event was predicted to be the grandest in Silver Fang’s history. But it wasn’t my Luna ceremony.
It was Astrid’s.
The announcement spread like wildfire. Wolves who had once been loyal to me whispered in hushed tones, their gazes pitying or mocking whenever I passed by them.
That evening, Astrid cat walked into the guest wing, where I now stayed, carrying a tray of tea with a smile that dripped with smugness.
“Luna Ember, I brought you tea,” she said, her voice syrupy sweet. “I hope you won’t mind if I wear the dress you picked out for your ceremony. Damian thinks it suits me better.”
Her words were a dagger to the heart, but I refused to flinch. I kept my expression neutral, refusing to let her see the impact.
Turning back to the papers on my desk.“Why should I be bothered about something that is no longer mine?” I replied coldly.
As she kept the tray on the table, her hand “accidentally on purpose” tipped the cup, spilling very hot tea on my hands. I felt the pain instantly, but before I could react, Astrid cried out dramatically, clutching her own hand.
Damian burst into the room moments later, his piercing silver eyes scanning the scene. Predictably, his attention zeroed in on Astrid.
“What is it ?” he asked, his voice overflowing with concern as he grabbed her hand to inspect the nonexistent burn.
Astrid sniffled, as she cried her eyes out with crocodile tears. “I… I just wanted to bring Luna Ember some tea. But she got upset and—”
“She spilled it on me,” I interjected, my tone sharp but controlled.
Damian’s glare snapped to me, cold and accusing. “Ember, how could you be so careless? Astrid only meant well.”
I rose, ignoring the stinging pain in my hand, and left the room without another word.As I swallowed the bitter laugh that threatened to escape me.
The next day, the packhouse was bustling with more preparations for Astrid’s Luna ceremony. I stayed hidden in the shadows, watching as wolves that once allied themselves to me waited on her hands and feet .
Later that afternoon, Astrid walked up to me again, this time she was holding a beautiful piece of jewelry—a green necklace with a crescent moon pendant.
“Damian gave this to me today,” she said, her tone full of triumph. “He said it reminded him of me. Isn’t it beautiful?”
The necklace was strikingly similar to the one Damian had gifted me years ago when we first rebuilt Silver Fang. A symbol of unity, he’d called it. Now it felt like a cruel joke.
“That necklace suits you,” I said flatly, walking away before my emotions betrayed me.
But Astrid wasn’t done. Her voice followed me down the hallway.
“Oh, and Damian wanted me to invite you to the ceremony personally. He thinks it’ll mean a lot to the pack if you give your blessing.”
By the time the ceremony day arrived, my resolve was ironclad.
Damian’s betrayal had cut deep, but it had also granted me clarity.So I spent the past few nights packing up my belongings, preparing to leave the pack I had built with my own blood, sweat, and tears. As I descended the stairs with my box dragging behind me, I found Damian waiting for me near the packhouse entrance.
“You’re leaving,” he said flatly, his tone more observant than accusatory.
“I am,” I replied, meeting his gaze with unflinching determination.
For a moment, something flickered in his silver eyes. Regret? Anger? I couldn’t tell.
“You’ll regret this,” he said, his voice low. “Silver Fang is your home, and you’ll always be my mate, no matter what.”
I laughed bitterly, shaking my head. “You lost the right to call me your mate the moment you chose Astrid over me.”
He stepped closer, his presence imposing, but I stood my ground.
“This is about her dying mother,” he insisted. “You know how important pack bonds are. Astrid needs me. But you… You’re stronger than this. You’ll survive without me.”
I stared at him, my heart heavy but resolute. “You’re right. I will survive. But not here.”
With that, I walked past him, out into the cold night air, leaving behind the pack I had sacrificed everything for.
As I crossed the border of Silver Fang territory, a mournful howl echoed through the forest. It was Damian’s wolf, crying out in fury and despair.
But I didn’t look back.
My path now lay ahead, and it was time to reclaim the life I had left behind.
“Father,” I mind-linked. “I’m coming home.”
