BOUND BY BROKEN BOUND

CHAPTER THREE

CASSIAN’S POV

The morning following the mating ceremony shouldn't have felt any different; it should have smell of trampled grass, extinguished torches, and lingering expectancy. Instead—I stood under the silver oak tree long before the pack woke up, and it felt unsettled. The Sacred oak tree had always felt old and harmonious, but this morning there was something uneasy in the air. Dawn had just begun to break.Varik my wolf stirred beneath my skin watchfully “you feel it too” he murmured through our mind-link “yes” The ground felt colder than it should have beneath my feet. The soil where she had landed was still imprinted by the impact.

I moved forward, yesterday I observed the rejection from the edge. I am not always the center of attention in ceremonies, As BetaI I stood at the outskirts, observing what others overlooked. Demon had not moved in the way a man of his choosing would, rather he had moved like a man under serious pressure. I noticed the brutal force in which his wolf rushed forward with an unquestionable possession “mine” it echoed round the pack. I also noticed in his eyes—a glaring flash of gold then…..the rejection, clear words, but internal conflict. I cautiously knelt down and put my palm to the ground where she had fallen. Chilly but underneath the chill there is a slight hum, Strange I wonder because breaking a link causes the energy to spread out rapidly. The mark of the moon disappears. Something seemed to have resisted strongly and it had not gone away, I slowly got up scanning around the open space. Today, as usual, the pack would gossip about “a slave who was publicly selected and rejected by the son of the Alpha for weeks to come”, that kind of show fueled the weaker wolves. However, that didn't worry me. The fact that Demon had not appeared relieved afterwards worried me. He had appeared... restrained. I moved out of the clearing and made my way toward the pack house, guards nodded as I walked by.

Training had already started inside the courtyard, after seeing weakness the night before, young warriors sparred under supervision, pushing too hard to prove themselves. They believed rejection was a sign of strength, they had no idea what shattered bond could become. Varik's tone was steady.You always plan ahead."Yes," Because Bloodfang ambassadors will arrive in three days,

because Alpha Raph did not appear astonished by the pairing, because Kael's expression during the ritual was incorrect, and because the moon was burning brighter than it should have. All these thoughts were going through my head as I turned to face the upper balcony of the council wing, Kael was standing there, keeping an eye on the yard below not in a casual way, but ever vigilant. His smile came slowly, Polished Controlled, when his eyes finally reached mine.

Varik’s became more intense. “He was expecting something” “yes” Demon and the slave's bond had been awkward, but Kael didn't appear bothered; instead, he appeared ready. Beta's privilege allowed me to walk into the council room without making an announcement, a hint of yesterday night's gathering was still present in the room, authority, wine, and wood smoke. I carefully went round the center table and nothing appears to be out of place. However, the air felt thinner here, as though something invisible had entered.Varik put pressure on my senses. "Magic" The word landed firmly. Witches are not permitted in the pack. Yes, we honor the old laws, but we don't use magic spells in pack politics. I focused and closed my eyes for a moment; the feeling was faint and not new but recent and controlled.

Those sensitive to changes in energy would not miss a spell powerful enough to affect a mating ceremony. My jaw clenched, unless it had been concealed. “Cassian”Alpha Raph was in the doorway as I turned, and his presence immediately filled the room.“Alpha.” I bow. “You were at the clearing early”. It wasn't a question.”yes”. “And?” He gave me a thorough examination. My observations had always been treasured by him, that's why I held this position."Something lingered," I remarked cautiously. There was no adjustment in his face."Describe." "the bond did not separate fully. "And how do you know this?" “I sensed it." With a serious expression on his face the door behind him closed as he entered the chamber completely "You seem to be hinting at meddling." "I am suggesting irregularity." His eyes became piercing.

Soon, bloodfang messages will arrive,

There is increasing political pressure,

a fractured bond with his illegitimate son.

There is nothing about these circumstances that benefits weakness, he stated calmly, "You won't spread rumors." “I won't, but I would not disregard it either” He stared at me for a few seconds and then gave me a single nod. "Pay attention to Bloodfang preparations." "Yes, Alpha.” Without saying anything else, he left. Varik didn't say anything until the door was completely closed, he's not shocked.“No.” and that worried me more than the magic itself.

This was now about strategy rather than a broken link if the Alpha detected irregularity and decided to remain silent. I left the council wing and made my way to the inner passage that led to Demon's quarters.

I went in without making an announcement.He stood close to the window, his mouth clenched and his shoulders stiff. He took a moment to glance at me."You sensed it? he didn't pretend to be ignorant of the question."Yes." Broken, alive, dangerous. I went on, "Your wolf charged forward before the rejection." His eyes briefly glowed gold."I know." “Did you voluntarily reject her?" I was surprised by how long the silence lasted."Yes." Varik's presence caused a commotion in my mind “Half-truth” Demon jaw tensed. "Weakness would not be tolerated by Father, strength comes in various forms." He jerked his eyes at me. “Dont" it was a silent but serious warning. I c****d my head. "As your beta, I must know if this is under control. "It is." I maintained eye contact with him. "Is it?" The tension between us increased, he was the first to turn away.That was sufficient response.

I felt a slight ripple as I turned to go, but it wasn't from Demon, it wasn't within or outside the walls. Varik froze, this feeling is not Bloodgang our rival. It was older, calm, and intentional. I stopped at the entrance and took one look at Demon. the kind of movement that doesn't make an announcement Demon remained motionless as he gazed at the forest Something, or someone, had sensed that their link had not died, the moment I entered the hallway, one idea came to me with strong certainty: Nightfall pack thinks there was a flaw in it. However, it may have awakened a force that we haven't yet measured and if I'm correct, the issue isn't the break in that bond.It's just the beginning.