Mating with Kaelen, the strongest Alpha around, I thought I'd be the happiest Luna ever.

That was until my Silver Moon Ceremony, the one that would officially make me Luna of the Night-fang pack. That's when I found Kaelen on his knees before some red-haired she-wolf.

He was doing a blood-bond ritual, one that drains all your spirit, all to protect her kid. His kid, in her belly.

For this cub, he was even willing to push back our Silver Moon Ceremony, making me look like a fool in front of the whole pack.

He conveniently forgot that I was pregnant too – with his actual first heir.

So, the night our Silver Moon Ceremony was supposed to happen, I started a different ritual: the Moon Eclipse Unbinding.

Come the full moon, I'm using an ancient ritual from the old texts to cut our mate bond for good.

And when I do, Kaelen will feel the same gut-wrenching pain I'm feeling.

第1章

Three months pregnant, and right before our mating ceremony, I found out my mate betrayed me.

I stood at the edge of the woods, my heart hammering in my chest. Tomorrow was my Silver Moon Ceremony. I was supposed to officially become Luna of the Night-fang pack, Kaelen's forever mate.

But now, everything was a mess.

"I know this isn't easy, Lyra, but it's my duty," Kaelen's voice, deep and firm, drifted from the sacred grove.

I crept closer, hiding behind an ancient oak. Moonlight dappled the ground through the leaves. In the center of a small stone circle, my mate, the powerful Alpha of our pack, was on one knee, his hands supporting a red-haired she-wolf.

Lyra Thorne.

Tears streamed down her pale face; she looked so fragile, so helpless. But there was something else in her amber eyes, a flicker of something hidden – not fear, but… scheming.

"Alpha, my cub won't survive without you," she choked out, one hand protectively on her slightly rounded belly. "This bloodline… your bloodline… needs your protection."

I felt something inside me shatter.

A sharp pain shot through our mate bond, and I had to bite the back of my hand to keep from crying out.

"The blood bond ritual has to be done tonight, when the full moon is brightest," Kaelen replied, his voice softer than I'd ever heard it. "Otherwise, the cub might die because its bloodline isn't stable."

"But tomorrow is your Silver Moon Ceremony with Sera…" Lyra bit her lip. "She'll hate me."

"It's not your fault." Kaelen's hand moved to Lyra's stomach. I watched as his palm glowed with Alpha power over her slight bump, the golden light almost blinding under the moonlight. "I'll handle Sera."

I couldn't take it anymore. Fury replaced the shock and pain. I turned and slipped away, my steps so light they barely stirred the air.

Back in our den, the place I thought was filled with love, I pulled out the pack's oldest book. My fingers traced the records about mate bonds until I found the chapter I never thought I'd need: 'The Moon Eclipse Unbinding.'

Right then, I made my decision. If Kaelen could betray our vows without a second thought, then I, Seraphina Moonridge, could be just as decisive.

My fingers tightened around the silver amulet my mother's pack had given me. Its moonstone glowed faintly blue in the dark. A wolf howled in the distance, but the love I used to hear in it was gone.

I'd been expecting tomorrow to be the best day of my life. Now, all I wanted was to start an ancient ritual that would tear us apart forever.

"On the night of the full moon," I whispered, "I'll sever it completely."

第2章

The surface of the Moonlit Spring was like a mirror.

I crouched behind an old tree, listening to Kaelen and his Beta, Marcus Stone. This was where I was supposed to have my final purifying bath for the Silver Moon Ceremony. Now, it was my front-row seat to his betrayal.

"You're going to perform a spirit-draining blood bond ritual to protect Lyra's child, even postpone the Silver Moon Ceremony. Are you sure this is wise, Alpha?" Marcus sounded worried. "Sera is your fated mate. The Moon Goddess herself linked your souls."

"Some things are more important than a mate bond," Kaelen's voice was cold, hard. "The continuation of a bloodline is the foundation of the pack."

My heart sank with every word.

"But this is unheard of," Marcus lowered his voice. "You and Lyra… is the child really yours?"

I heard Kaelen's low growl. "Are you questioning my judgment? The cub carries my scent. More importantly, if I don't perform the blood bond during the full moon, it will die. Do you want me to have an innocent life on my conscience?"

"Of course not, Alpha," Marcus immediately backed down. "But Sera… she's carrying your first heir. Will she accept this?"

Silence.

Then Kaelen sighed, heavy and resolute. "Sometimes, tough choices have to be made for the pack's stability. If Sera can't understand… I'll make the necessary decisions."

"You mean…?"

"I mean, if she leaves with my cub, I won't stop her. But if she tries to disrupt the blood bond or harm Lyra… pack law will decide."

I could barely breathe.

This wasn't the Kaelen I knew. Not the man who'd promised me forever under the moonlight. Not the Alpha who'd claimed I was the only one for his soul.

"Kaelen?" A soft female voice interrupted them.

Lyra stepped out from the trees, the moonlight outlining her small figure. She wore a white robe, looking fragile and saintly, like some tragic mythical figure. Every step seemed weak, as if she might fall over.

"You should be resting. You're carrying a child," Kaelen said, rushing to support her.

"I couldn't sleep… the cub is restless." She gave a pained smile. "It senses danger."

"There's no danger," Kaelen whispered. "I'm here. I'll protect you both."

I closed my eyes, unable to watch anymore. The pain in our mate bond was like a sharp knife, stabbing my heart over and over.

Back in the den, I took out the crystal communication stone I'd kept hidden for years and contacted my birth pack.

"Elder Elara," I whispered, "I need your guidance… about the 'Moon Eclipse Unbinding.'"

A shocked gasp came from the other end. "Child, that's a last resort. Once you begin…"

"I know the cost," I cut her off, my voice like frost. "But someone else already made their choice. They don't deserve my loyalty."

After ending the call, I looked out the window. In the distance, Kaelen was still standing guard outside Lyra's temporary shelter, like he was protecting some precious treasure.

I swore, when the eclipse came, I'd make him taste betrayal.

Just like I was, my heart being torn to shreds.

第3章

The sacred tree was ancient, reaching high into the sky, a thousand years strong.

I walked along the winding path, a bunch of wildflowers in my hand – the traditional offering. I needed strength, the Moon Goddess's protection.

Rounding a bend, I stopped dead.

Lyra stood under the sacred tree, her red hair like fire, blowing in the breeze. Her back was to me, her hands stroking the tree's bark with a disturbing intimacy.

This was Luna territory. She had no right to be here!

"What are you doing here? Enjoying the view?" I said, my voice colder than ice.

She turned, surprise flashing in her eyes before being replaced by a sly little smile.

"Sera." Her voice was almost a purr. "I was just praying. For my little one."

"You, in the Luna's sacred space?" I took a step forward. "That's… bold."

A strange scent filled the air – not the soft scent of a normal Omega, but something more aggressive. A challenge, a seduction, mixed with a threat.

"The Alpha invited me," she said, stroking her belly. "He said the tree's power could stabilize the bloodline. After all, this child is important to the pack."

"Is that so?" I smiled, but my eyes were ice. "Then you must know the consequences of touching the sacred tree without the Luna's permission."

Her eyes widened for a split second, but she quickly recovered. "Of course… but I have the Alpha's permission. Besides, you're not Luna yet, are you? Tomorrow's ceremony might be… postponed."

The air between us crackled. She was challenging me, in the nastiest way.

"Sera! Lyra!" Kaelen's voice came from the woods.

He strode towards us, his gaze landing first on Lyra with concern, then shifting to me, his eyes filled with a complicated emotion.

Just then, Lyra suddenly went pale and stumbled.

"Ah!" She clutched her stomach, doubling over.

Kaelen rushed to her side. "What's wrong?"

"I feel… darkness," Lyra trembled. "Like I'm surrounded by shadows… The cub is scared…"

She looked up, her eyes fixing on me. "Someone here has hostile feelings… The cub senses a threat."

I couldn't believe her audacity!

"Sera," Kaelen's voice was low, a warning in it. "You know strong negative emotions can affect an unborn cub. You need to think of the bigger picture."

The bigger picture? I almost laughed out loud.

For the bigger picture, he, the Alpha, shouldn't have marked another woman! Or postponed our mating ceremony for their bastard child!

But I didn't let any of it show. Instead, I looked at him calmly.

"Of course, Alpha. I was just here to pay my respects to the sacred tree. Clearly… I interrupted something."

I placed the wildflowers at the base of the tree and turned to leave.

"Wait," Kaelen called after me. "About tomorrow's ceremony…"

"It's postponed, I know." I didn't turn back. "After all, some things are more important than a mate bond."

I could feel his shock.

He knew I wasn't supposed to have heard that.

Which meant I knew a lot more than he thought.

As I left, I felt Lyra's eyes on my back, cold as a snake's. What she didn't know was that I wasn't the easy-to-bully Sera anymore.

The Moon Goddess was my witness; I'd make them pay for every lie.

Tomorrow night, the first step of the Moon Eclipse Unbinding would begin. And Kaelen Night-fang would learn he hadn't just lost a mate, but the future of his entire pack.

第4章

A storm was brewing; the air felt heavy.

I stood outside Kaelen's office, my hands balled into fists. This was it. I needed to know, once and for all, where I stood with him.

I didn't knock, just pushed the door open.

Kaelen looked up from his oak desk, clearly surprised. "Sera, I was just about to send for you."

"What a coincidence. Me too," I said, walking straight to his desk. "We need to talk."

He put down his papers, his expression serious. "About postponing the ceremony, I know you're upset. But it's a temporary situation."

"Temporary?" I scoffed. "Tell me, Kaelen, if my 'needs' clash with Lyra's, who would you choose?"

He froze. Guilt flickered in his eyes, quickly replaced by resolve.

"This isn't about choosing sides." He stood up, his voice taking on that Alpha authority. "I have a responsibility to protect every member of this pack, especially an unborn cub."

"Even if it means hurting your fated mate?" I shot back.

"You don't understand how serious this is." He came around the desk, closer to me. "The cub Lyra's carrying has a special bloodline. It needs my power to be born safely. This is just for now."

"For now?" I stared him straight in the eye. "Then why did you let her move into our territory? Why can she come and go from the sacred tree as she pleases? Why do you jump at her every demand?"

"Sera, calm down!" he raised his voice. "You're not acting like a proper Luna! A Luna needs to be understanding, to think of the pack!"

"Understanding?" I stepped back, almost laughing. "Understanding enough to accept my mate having a cub with someone else?"

The door suddenly opened, and Marcus walked in with a few senior warriors. They'd obviously heard us arguing.

"Everything alright, Alpha?" Marcus's eyes darted between us.

"We're having a private discussion," I said coldly.

Kaelen took a deep breath, clearly trying to control his temper. "It's fine, Marcus. Give us some space."

Marcus hesitated, then nodded and left, but the other warriors stayed put outside the door.

"Look at that," I said with a bitter smile. "Even your Beta thinks I might disrespect the Alpha. How ironic."

"This isn't about respect," Kaelen said quietly. "It's about understanding and compassion. I was hoping you'd see my side of this… the burden I'm carrying."

I just looked at him, the man I'd loved for so long, now a stranger.

"Answer my question, Kaelen. If you had to choose, who would it be?"

After a long silence, he finally spoke, his voice like the deep end of a pit: "I will do what the pack needs me to do."

Not the answer I wanted, but it was clear enough.

"I see." I turned towards the door, then stopped. "You know, how do you think my birth pack will react when they find out you chose Lyra over me?"

His face changed. "Don't threaten me, Sera."

"It's not a threat, just a fact," I said calmly. "The Moonridge pack's alliance is crucial to the Night-fang pack. And I am the only link."

With that, I left his office, ignoring the strange looks from the warriors outside.

Back in my room, I took out a silver box. Inside were letters from my pack – Elder Elara had agreed to help me with the Moon Eclipse Unbinding.

第5章

I returned to our cold, empty den. As soon as I pushed open the main door, a strange scent hit me.

A faint mix of sandalwood and musk, with a deliberate, marking quality to it. My territory had been invaded.

Walking slowly through the living room, I noticed little changes – a blanket on the sofa that wasn't mine, an unfamiliar cup on the coffee table, the air thick with another woman's scent.

Everything silently screamed: this wasn't just my and Kaelen's space anymore.

A small noise came from the kitchen. I pushed the door open to see Lyra standing in front of my cabinets, casually looking for something.

She wore a loose robe, her red hair falling around her shoulders. When she saw me, a flicker of surprise crossed her face, quickly replaced by a fake smile.

"Sera, you're back." She closed the cabinet. "I was just looking for some herbal tea. Alpha said it's good for the baby."

I kept my face blank. "It's rude to go through someone else's things in their home."

"Someone else's home?" She raised an eyebrow, a challenge in her eyes. "Alpha let me stay in the west wing guest room. He said I need to be looked after around the clock."

The west wing guest room. Next door to Kaelen's and my bedroom.

"Is that so?" I walked to a drawer by the dining table and took out a delicate silver knife – one of my personal things. "Then, allow me to offer some 'looking after.'"

I turned to the herb rack in the corner, expertly slicing a few dried herbs.

"Lavender for calm, chamomile to cool a temper," I said, my voice even, the blade glinting in the light. "Perfect for… uninvited guests."

Lyra's smile froze, her eyes darting nervously to the knife in my hand.

"Thanks for the offer, but Alpha specifically said I should only drink tea he prepares himself."

"Afraid I'll poison you?" I looked her straight in the eye. "Smart."

We stood there, locked in a silent, charged standoff.

"Sera? Lyra?" Kaelen's voice came from the hallway, breaking the tension.

He strode into the kitchen, his eyes quickly flicking between us, assessing the situation. When he saw the knife in my hand, his brow furrowed.

"What are you two doing?"

"Just making some tea," I replied calmly, putting the knife back in the drawer. "Welcome home, Alpha."

The last two words were dripping with sarcasm.

"Sera..." he began, a warning tone in his voice.

"Don't worry, Alpha," Lyra quickly interjected, one hand gently on her stomach. "We're getting along just fine. Sera was just being… hospitable."

I watched her A-plus acting performance, almost wanting to applaud.

Kaelen seemed to relax a bit. "Good. I have an announcement."

He cleared his throat. "For Lyra and the cub's safety, I've announced to the pack that she is a 'specially protected member.' From today, she'll be staying here until… things are stable."

Even though I was expecting it, the decision still hit me like a punch to the gut. Kaelen had built this den with his own hands when he was courting me. Every piece of wood, every nail, held our promises.

And now, he was inviting another woman to live in it.

"I need to make sure my room is secure," I said coolly, turning to leave the kitchen.

I could feel Kaelen following me. "Sera, wait. This is only temporary."

"Of course." I didn't look back. "Everything's temporary. Our ceremony, our vows, even our mate bond. All very… temporary."

I went into my bedroom and locked the door, ignoring Kaelen calling my name from the other side.

I went straight to the wardrobe, pulled open the bottom drawer, and took out a small wooden box. Inside was an ancient moonstone amulet – the key to the Moon Eclipse Unbinding ritual.

Outside, the full moon hung high in the sky, coldly watching all the betrayal and pain below.

Tomorrow night, at the exact same time as the blood bond ritual, I would begin my own.

第6章

Late that night, rain lashed against the windows.

I was curled up in the armchair by the fireplace, staring at the dancing flames. The mate bond kept sending sharp stabs of pain, like someone was pricking my heart with tiny needles.

It was a sign the bond was close to breaking.

The door creaked open, and Kaelen walked in. His dark hair was plastered to his forehead, his clothes soaked.

"You should be asleep," he said quietly, his voice heavy with exhaustion.

"Waiting for you," I said without looking at him. "Though I guessed you wouldn't be back."

That heavy silence fell between us again.

He came closer and sat down across from me. "Sera, you look terrible."

"Funny, being betrayed doesn't actually feel good," I said sarcastically.

He sighed and reached out to touch me, but stopped when he saw my cold stare. "The bond… does it hurt a lot?"

"Can't you feel it?" I finally looked at him. "Or have you already started cutting it?"

"No!" He shot to his feet. "I'd never do that. No matter what happens, you're my fated mate."

"Then explain why our bond burns like fire whenever you're near Lyra."

He looked away, clearly hiding something. "It's a temporary side effect… The blood bond ritual needs some of my spiritual energy."

"How much?" I pressed him. "How much is 'some'? Enough to destroy our bond?"

"It won't." He knelt in front of me, his voice low and firm. "When this is all over, I'll fix everything. I promise."

I almost believed him.

This man I'd loved for so long, the mate I would have given anything for.

Suddenly, a faint voice broke the fragile peace.

"Alpha?" Lyra called from the hallway. "Can I talk to you for a second? The cub… it's really restless…"

Kaelen tensed immediately, worry flashing in his eyes. He turned to me. "I have to go check."

"Of course," I smiled, but my heart felt dead. "Go on, Alpha. Your 'duty' calls."

He hesitated for a moment, then hurried out of the room.

I went to the window. Through the pouring rain, I saw Kaelen standing outside Lyra's temporary quarters. They were whispering under the moonlight, looking intimate. Then, the heart-shattering moment – Kaelen gently touched Lyra's stomach, a tenderness on his face I'd never seen before.

In that instant, the last shred of hope died.

I turned back to the bed and took out the silver box from my birth pack. Opening it, I laid out everything needed for the Moon Eclipse Unbinding – moon-blessed water, silver dust, bark from the sacred tree, and most importantly – the blood-oath rune we'd exchanged when we mated.

Arranging everything, I began to chant the ancient words.

"Moon Goddess, bear witness. When love turns to betrayal, when vows become lies, I ask your permission to undo this bond that is no longer sacred…"

Thunder rumbled outside, and lightning lit up the room.

Silver dust shimmered in the air, forming a faint barrier around me. I could feel power flowing, ancient magic stirring.

This was just the first step, but it would be enough for Kaelen to feel the change in our bond.

By the time he realized what was happening, it would be too late.

I looked out at the rain, imagining Kaelen's face right now. Would he panic? Would he regret it? Or would he be relieved that Lyra could finally take my place openly?

Whatever the answer, I didn't care anymore.

Because starting tonight, Seraphina Moonridge would no longer be anyone's possession, no longer a mate to be casually discarded.

I would be my own Alpha.

第7章

Early the next morning, just as the sun was rising, the pack's council hall was already packed.

The air was thick with tension and confusion. I sat in the front row, my rightful place as the future Luna – for now, at least.

Kaelen stood on the central platform, dressed in formal black ceremonial robes, the silver pack crest gleaming on his chest. His expression was serious and determined, but he deliberately avoided looking at me.

"Pack members," his voice echoed through the hall, "I've called you here to announce an important decision."

Whispers immediately spread through the crowd. I kept my face impassive, my right hand unconsciously clutching the moonstone amulet hidden in my sleeve.

"Today, we will be postponing the 'Silver Moon Ceremony.'"

Even though I was expecting it, hearing those words still felt like a hammer blow to my heart. Gasps of surprise rippled around me.

"To protect a fragile but important bloodline," Kaelen continued, "I must fulfill my Alpha duty and temporarily postpone my final mating ceremony with Sera."

The council hall doors suddenly opened, and Lyra walked in, escorted by two warriors. She wore a simple white robe, her red hair braided neatly, looking both vulnerable and holy.

The crowd fell silent, staring in shock at this strange woman.

"This is Lyra Thorne," Kaelen announced. "The cub she carries has a special bloodline that needs my own bloodline's protection to be born safely. As Alpha, it's my duty to protect every life in this pack."

"What does this mean?" an older female pack member stood up and asked. "What about our future Luna?"

All eyes turned to me.

I slowly rose, a perfect smile on my face. "As the Alpha's mate, I, of course, support his decision. After all, the pack's interests come before personal feelings."

My calmness clearly relieved Kaelen, but he would soon find out it was just the quiet before the storm.

"Thank you for understanding, Sera," he nodded. "I assure you all, this is just a temporary arrangement. Once the bloodline protection ceremony is complete, we will hold the Silver Moon Ceremony immediately."

The pack members looked at each other, clearly confused and uneasy about this sudden change.

"Any other questions?" Kaelen scanned the room.

Marcus stood up. "Alpha, what does the Moonridge pack say about this? Their support is vital to us."

A smart, sharp question.

I almost wanted to clap for Marcus.

Kaelen looked a little tense. "The Moonridge pack… I'm sure with Sera's help, they will understand."

"Of course," I said calmly. "I've already sent word to my birth pack about this 'special situation.' Their response… should arrive soon."

Kaelen's expression shifted slightly. He clearly heard the threat in my words.

The meeting ended, and the pack members left in small groups. I was about to get up when Kaelen stopped me.

"Sera, please wait."

Once the hall was empty, it was just the three of us – me, Kaelen, and Lyra, standing in the corner.

"You handled that well," Kaelen said, coming closer, his voice low. "This is important for the pack."

"And for you?" I looked him straight in the eye. "Is this important to you?"

He avoided my gaze. "I have to do this."

"Because of 'bloodline protection'?" I scoffed. "Such a noble excuse."

"It's not an excuse!" he suddenly got agitated. "That cub really needs my power!"

"And what about my needs?" I took a step forward. "What about the cub in my belly? Your first heir?"

My words hit him like a slap. Yes, I was pregnant. Only a few weeks, but as his Alpha mate, he should have sensed it.

He and Marcus had even confirmed he knew it that day.

"You…" He looked at me, shocked. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"I was planning to announce the happy news at the Silver Moon Ceremony," I said calmly. "But now, it seems that will have to be postponed."

Kaelen turned pale, finally realizing how serious things were.

"This changes nothing," Lyra suddenly spoke up, moving to Kaelen's side. "My cub is more fragile. It will die without the Alpha's protection. Yours… is strong enough."

A flash of malice in her eyes sent a chill down my spine.

"I understand," I said, stepping back, my expression calm again. "In that case, I will 'think of the bigger picture.' But remember, Kaelen, every choice has a price."

Leaving the council hall, I went straight to the sacred grove. Elder Elara's projection was already waiting for me.

"It's worse than I thought," I said quietly. "The second step of the Moon Eclipse Unbinding must begin as soon as possible."

"Are you sure, child?" the Elder's voice was full of worry. "This will cause irreversible damage."

"He already made his choice," I said, touching my stomach. "Now, I have to make mine."

For my unborn child, and for my dignity.

第8章

The Moon Hunt was one of our pack's most sacred traditions.

At the edge of the hunting grounds, I wore light hunting gear, a silver-tipped short spear in my hand. Moonlight bathed the meadow, covering everything in a silver glow.

Even though I was pregnant, as the future Luna, I had to participate in this ritual symbolizing purity and strength.

"Ready?" Marcus came to my side, looking concerned.

"Of course," I straightened up. "This isn't my first Moon Hunt."

He hesitated. "Sera, about the Alpha's decision… there are mixed feelings in the pack. Many think it's unfair to you."

"Thanks for your concern, Marcus," I smiled. "But I can handle my own affairs."

In the distance, Kaelen was giving final instructions to the pack. Lyra stood beside him, out of place in a white dress unsuitable for hunting.

"Why is she here?" I muttered. "Non-pack members shouldn't join the hunt."

Marcus sighed. "The Alpha thinks she needs fresh game from the hunt… says it's good for the cub."

Of course. Another exception. Kaelen would break any rule for Lyra.

The hunt was about to begin, and the pack members split into small groups. Traditionally, I should have been with Kaelen, but he announced he would go with Lyra to "protect her."

"I'll team up with Sera," Marcus offered, giving me an encouraging look.

Kaelen nodded, but a flicker of unease crossed his eyes. What was he worried about? That I'd hurt Lyra? Or that he was losing control over me?

The hunting horn sounded, and the groups fanned out into different parts of the forest.

Marcus and I headed east, tracking a herd of deer. The air smelled of earth and pine needles, and moonlight dappled the ground through the leaves.

"Are you and the Alpha… okay?" Marcus broke the silence.

"What do you think?" I asked without looking back.

"I think… this isn't like him," Marcus said, hesitating. "Since Lyra showed up, the Alpha's changed. His decisions… they're not as sound as they used to be."

That got my attention. "You've noticed too?"

Marcus nodded. "Some of the warriors have been talking… Lyra's scent is a bit off. Not like a normal Omega."

I stopped. "You mean…?"

"I'm not sure," he shook his head. "But since she arrived, the mood in the pack has changed. The Alpha has changed."

A gust of wind brought a strange scent – strong musk mixed with some herb I didn't recognize.

"What's that?" I frowned.

Marcus tensed. "Something's not right. That smell… it's a lot like…"

Before he could finish, a low growl came from the bushes.

Shadow wolves!

These fierce creatures rarely came to the hunting grounds; they usually stayed in the deeper parts of the forest. More importantly, shadow wolves were protected, considered messengers of the Moon Goddess.

"Impossible," Marcus whispered, shocked. "Shadow wolves never enter this area."

Suddenly, a huge black shadow burst from the trees, lunging straight at me!

I quickly raised my spear to defend myself, but the shadow wolf was much stronger than I expected. The impact sent me staggering back.

"Sera!" Marcus yelled, drawing his dagger and charging forward.

The shadow wolf roared, its eyes glowing an unnatural red. It completely ignored Marcus, focusing only on attacking me.

Worse, a sharp pain shot through my belly – the cub was reacting to the danger.

"Stay back!" I yelled at Marcus, dodging another lunge from the wolf.

This wasn't right. Shadow wolves never attacked werewolves unprovoked, unless… they were being guided or controlled somehow.

Just as the third attack came, a dark shape flew out of the trees and slammed the shadow wolf to the ground.

Kaelen!

He'd shifted into his wolf form, his black fur glinting in the moonlight. The two powerful creatures rolled and tore at each other on the ground, their roars shaking the forest.

Finally, the shadow wolf let out a low snarl, retreated into the trees, and disappeared.

Kaelen quickly shifted back to human form and rushed to my side. "Are you okay? The cub?"

I was about to answer when a voice interrupted us.

"Alpha! There you are!" Lyra ran out from the trees, her face a mask of terror. "I've been looking all over for you!"

Seeing us, she quickly put on a concerned expression. "What happened? Are you two alright?"

"A shadow wolf attacked Sera," Marcus answered curtly.

"A shadow wolf?" Lyra's eyes widened. "But they never come… Wait," she suddenly pointed at the silver spear in my hand. "Did you go into the northern forbidden zone? That's shadow wolf territory!"

"What?" I stared at her, shocked. "We were in the eastern section! We didn't go anywhere near the north!"

Kaelen stared at me intently. "Are you sure?"

"Of course, I'm sure!" I said angrily. "Marcus can vouch for me!"

But Lyra picked up a small cloth bag from the ground. "Then what's this?" She opened the bag, revealing a red powder. "This is wolf-lure. You can only find it in the northern forbidden zone. It's usually used to repel shadow wolves, but if you use it wrong, it can enrage them."

She looked at Kaelen. "The shadow wolf probably followed this scent."

"That's not mine!" I practically screamed. "I've never seen that stuff before!"

But Kaelen's expression had already changed. He looked at me with disappointment and blame.

"Sera, you know the consequences of venturing into the forbidden zone. Especially while pregnant. You should have been more careful!"

"You think I did this?" I looked at him in disbelief. "You'd rather believe her than your own mate?"

"The evidence is right here," he said coldly, pointing at the bag. "This was reckless, Sera. You not only endangered yourself but our cub too!"

I looked to Marcus for support, but he just shook his head in confusion, clearly baffled by this sudden "evidence."

And Lyra, standing behind Kaelen, had a faint smirk on her lips, a triumphant glint in her eyes.

In that moment, my heart died completely.

Not just because of Kaelen's mistrust, but because I finally understood Lyra's real game – she didn't just want Kaelen; she wanted to destroy me and my unborn cub.

And the scariest part? Kaelen was completely fooled by her.

"Go back," Kaelen ordered. "Tonight's hunt is over. Sera, you need to rest… and think about what you've done."

He turned and walked away, Lyra close behind him, shooting me another smug smile.

Marcus stood there awkwardly. "Sera…"

"Don't say it," I cut him off, my voice ice-cold. "I finally see everything clearly."

第9章

My heart was completely cold on the way back to the den. This wasn't just betrayal; it was a threat – a direct threat to me and my child.

And I, Seraphina Moonridge, would not stand by and let it happen.

The final steps of the Moon Eclipse Unbinding had to be completed tonight.

The night of the total lunar eclipse.

I stood by the sacred pool, wearing my birth pack's silver ceremonial robe. Seven moon-glow candles were lit around me in a perfect circle.

The den was empty. Kaelen and most of the pack were at that so-called "blood bond ritual," praying for the cub in Lyra's belly.

Perfect timing.

I took out the silver box and carefully arranged the ritual items – moon-blessed water, a silver bowl engraved with ancient runes, a pinch of sacred tree ash, and most importantly – the blood-oath rune Kaelen and I had exchanged when we mated.

This rune, once my most treasured possession, was now a shackle.

"Mother, guide me," I whispered, touching the family crest on my chest.

Ripples spread across the water, and Elder Elara's image appeared.

"Child, are you sure you want to do this?" Her voice was filled with sorrow. "Once the 'Moon Eclipse Unbinding' is complete, the mate bond will be permanently damaged. Even if you reconnect later, it will never be as pure as it was."

"I have no choice," I replied calmly. "He chose Lyra. He chose betrayal. And I… I have to protect my child."

The Elder was silent for a moment, then nodded. "Then begin. Remember every step. Any mistake will have severe consequences."

I took a deep breath, poured the moon-blessed water into the silver bowl, and sprinkled in the sacred tree ash.

"By moonlight's witness, by bloodline's name," I began to chant the ancient spell, "I, Seraphina Moonridge, request the release of my soul's vow with Kaelen Nightfang."

The water began to glow, the liquid in the silver bowl turning a shimmering blue.

"When vows are broken, when trust is shattered, when love turns to pain, I ask the Moon Goddess to take back Her blessing."

I took out the blood-oath rune and carefully placed it in the bowl. The moment the rune touched the liquid, an agonizing pain shot through my entire body – the mate bond was fighting the separation.

"Hold on, child," the Elder's voice encouraged me. "The most painful part is coming."

I gritted my teeth and continued the ritual. "By my blood, I break this vow; by my tears, I wash away the past; by my will, I regain my freedom."

I cut my palm and let my blood drip into the silver bowl. As the seventh drop fell, a blinding white light burst from the bowl, illuminating the entire room.

Pain washed over me in waves. I felt my soul being torn apart, like every nerve was on fire. I screamed, my body curling up on the floor.

This was the price of separation.

I don't know how long it lasted, but the pain finally began to fade. Weakly, I looked up. The rune in the silver bowl had cracked in two, and the liquid around it had turned a deep red.

"It is done," the Elder said softly. "The bond is broken. But the final step… you must make your final farewell."

I nodded and struggled to my feet. Exhausted, but I had to see this through.

Leaving the den, I dragged myself towards the pack's sacred grounds – where the bonding stones of every mated pair were kept.

The sacred grounds were deserted, only moonlight illuminating the neat rows of stone markers. I easily found the one belonging to Kaelen and me – the newest, the shiniest.

I took out the broken rune and buried it in the soil beneath our stone.

"Vows once made, end tonight. Love once shared, gone with the wind."

As I said those words, I felt the very last thread of the bond disappear. The place in my heart that had once been filled with Kaelen was now just an empty void.

Free, but also alone.

I turned to leave, but froze at the entrance to the sacred grounds.

Kaelen stood there, his face ashen.

"What did you do?" His voice was hoarse, almost unrecognizable.

He stumbled forward, one hand pressed to his chest – clearly, he too had felt the agony of the bond breaking.

"You felt it?" I asked calmly. "Interesting. I thought you'd forgotten all about our bond."

"Sera… why?" He looked genuinely shocked, pain etched all over his face.

"Why?" I scoffed. "When you chose Lyra's lies over my truth; when you let her invade our den; when you belittled me in front of everyone; when you accused me of endangering my own unborn cub… you should have seen this coming."

He took a step forward, reaching for me, but I quickly backed away.

"Don't touch me! As of tonight, you've lost that right."

"We can fix this," he said desperately. "I know I've made mistakes lately, but we're fated mates, Sera. This bond is supposed to be forever!"

"It was," I corrected him coldly. "Now, I'm leaving. Leaving your territory, leaving this place full of lies."

Fear flashed in his eyes. "Leave? But you're carrying our child! You can't…"

"I can, and I will." I pulled a letter from my robes. "This is an official document from my birth pack, declaring an end to all alliances with the Night-fang pack. From today, the Moonridge pack withdraws all support and protection."

Kaelen looked like he'd been punched. "You can't do this! The pack needs this alliance!"

"You should have thought of that sooner." I threw the letter on the ground. "Now, step aside. My people are waiting for me."

He didn't move, desperation and anger warring in his eyes. "I won't let you take my child."

"Then try me," I responded calmly, activating the amulet on my chest.

Instantly, five warriors from the Moonridge pack emerged from the trees, fully armed, their expressions grim.

"Anything else to say, Alpha?" I asked, my voice devoid of any emotion.

Kaelen looked at the surrounding warriors and knew he couldn't stop me by force. His shoulders slumped, the fire in his eyes dying out.

"Sera… please don't do this." His voice was almost a plea. "Give me time to prove…"

"Too late," I cut him off. "Your time ran out long ago."

I walked around him, towards my waiting pack members. As I passed him, he suddenly grabbed my wrist.

"I will find you," he said in a low voice. "No matter where you go, no matter how long it takes. I will prove myself and win back your trust."

I pulled my hand away without answering and kept walking.

Behind me, Kaelen's roar tore through the night, filled with pain and despair. But I didn't look back.