A Bright Dawn

After seven years as Elias’s destined mate-to-be, I should have known better.

I should have known I was only a second option—a face to stand next to him during day meetings and dumped at night. But the truth has a way of slamming into you when you least expect it.

Harsh, unforgiving, truth.

On the eve of the Crescent Bonding Ceremony, where Elias and I were to publicly affirm our mate bond, he sent me a gift via a messenger: a silver charm bracelet adorned with tiny wolf pendants. The note read, "For my perfect Luna. Wear this tomorrow and make me proud, Talia."

Seven years together, and this was his grand gesture? My wolf, Ember, growled low in my mind. Even she could sense the mockery in the gift.

Then my head immediately caught on. Talia?

Who was Talia?

I rushed out to find the messenger, but he was long gone, leaving me standing note and gift in hand.

Later that evening, while the rest of the pack buzzed with preparations for the ceremony, I decided to take a walk near the sacred springs. The springs were a place of purity and connection to the Moon Goddess, a site where mates often found clarity and comfort. I needed both.

But what I found instead shattered me.

The sound of laughter—feminine, followed by the familiar grunts of a man—floated through the air. I crept closer, staying hidden behind the thick pines. There they were: Elias and a woman having a bath in the sacred water.

The woman’s face looked like we’d met before, and when I tried to remember, I got it. Elias had introduced me to her some time ago when she first joined our pack. She was fair and beautiful; the kind of woman Elias would love to have in his bed. But since she was infamous for her promiscuous life, I believed Elias had class.

Sadly, I had to watch them in the spring together, surrounded by floating moonflowers, their petals glowing softly in the moonlight.

“This is our secret, Talia,” Elias murmured, his hand trailing through her wet hair. “No one can know.”

Talia’s laughter bubbled up again. “Oh, Elias, you worry too much. Besides, it’s not like Selene could ever compare to me. She’s so... plain.”

Plain. The word cut deeper than I cared to admit. I stepped back, accidentally snapping a twig underfoot. Both their heads snapped in my direction, their heightened senses immediately alert. I stepped into the clearing, letting the moonlight illuminate my presence.

“Selene,” Elias said with concern. “What are you doing out here?”

I ignored him, my eyes fixed on Talia. She smirked, unbothered by my presence. The audacity of it all made Ember snarl inside me. But I forced myself to stay calm, to be composed.

“Just thought I’d take a walk,” I said, keeping my tone steady. “Didn’t realize you’d be... busy.”

Elias stepped out of the water, grabbing a towel to wrap around himself. “Don’t do this, Selene. You’re overthinking things again. Talia and I were just discussing pack business.”

“In the sacred springs? Naked?” I raised an eyebrow. “Interesting business strategy.”

Talia chuckled, clearly enjoying my discomfort. “Elias, she’s so dramatic. You really should teach her to act.”

That was the final straw. I reached into my pocket, pulled out the charm bracelet, and tossed it at Elias’s feet. The tiny wolf pendants jingled mockingly as they hit the ground.

“Keep it,” I said coldly. “I guess these were for her. It would really suit her.”

Elias’s eyes darkened, his temper flaring. “How did you get your hands on those? They are not yours.”

“Obviously. You never found me deserving of anything.”

“Selene, stop being so childish. You’re my mate, chosen by the Moon Goddess herself. But that doesn’t mean I have to put up with your paranoia.”

I laughed bitterly. “Paranoia? You’re the one sneaking around with another woman on the eve of our bonding ceremony. But fine, Elias. You win. I’m done.”

With that, I turned on my heel and walked away. Ember howled in approval, her morale swelling with pride.

Back at the pack house, the atmosphere was festive. Wolves from neighboring territories had arrived, the air buzzing with excitement for the ceremony. But I couldn’t face them, not like this. Instead, I retreated to my room, locking the door behind me.

Sinking onto my bed, I pulled out a pen and a piece of paper. I was going to send a letter to my family. At least it could get to them before they arrived here.

"....Elias has been unfaithful. The bonding ceremony is off."

Reading my written words forced the tears from my eyes and onto the sheet. I wrapped the paper into a smaller piece and sent the fastest runner to deliver it.

The next morning, Elias barged in without knocking, his face furious. In his hands were two letters. He threw them onto the bed, their content opening up for me to read.

I could tell one was mine, and the other a response from my father.

“Happy now?” he snapped. “You got your father to question my leadership and control over my pack. I’m sorry you had to see what you did last night, but the ceremony’s still on. So get up and get dressed. Everyone’s waiting.”

I stared at him, incredulous. “You’re unbelievable. Do you really think a half-baked apology and my father’s support will fix this?”

“Selene, stop being so difficult,” he growled. “You’re my mate. It’s time you started acting like it.”

I stood up. “No, Elias. It’s time you started acting like a mate. But don’t bother. I’m done being your second choice.”

His eyes flashed with anger. “You don’t get to walk away from this. From me.”

“Well, watch me,” I said and brushed past him.