Chapter 4
735 Words
Sunlight flooded the grand halls of Holy Cross Chapel, which was filled to capacity on my wedding day.
Every high-ranking member of my pack was present, along with distinguished Alphas from allied packs across the region.
Soft wedding chatter and the quiet rustle of formal attire drifted through the air, echoing beyond the closed doors of the bridal suite.
I sat in the quiet room, shutting out the noise outside.
A makeup artist stood beside me, carefully perfecting the final details of my look with gentle, precise strokes.
"You look absolutely breathtaking today, Ma'am."
My gaze remained fixed on my reflection in the full-length mirror.
A white wedding dress draped over my figure, paired with refined bridal makeup. Yet there was no warmth left in my amber eyes, only icy, empty calm.
"Good to go."
I straightened my posture and rose to my feet.
The artist froze, her brush hovering in midair.
"But we haven't finished the final touches yet..."
"There's no need."
I picked up my bouquet of fresh white roses and walked toward the door.
In the hallway outside, the bridesmaids chatted and giggled among themselves.
The moment they saw me, every conversation stopped.
A heavy, respectful silence fell over the group.
"It's time, Luna."
The lead bridesmaid stepped forward, her voice soft and formal.
I nodded.
The grand wedding march began to echo through the chapel.
The massive wooden doors slowly swung open, and every guest rose to their feet. Dozens of eyes turned toward me at once.
I stepped forward with steady, measured strides, walking down the long aisle toward the sacred altar.
Adrian stood waiting at the front, dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit, a single white rose pinned neatly to his chest.
His gaze settled on me, soft and tender, carrying the dignified warmth expected of a powerful Alpha on his wedding day.
It was a flawless mask, charming, respectable, and filled with devotion.
For the first time, a faint ripple of emotion passed through our mate bond from his side.
I reached the altar and stopped directly in front of him.
In the front row to my left sat Lena.
The silk scarf she had used to cover her neck was gone, revealing flawless skin with no scars, no stitches, and no trace of injury.
Rogue claws usually tore through flesh with brutal force, leaving permanent scars on every victim.
The unmarked skin on her neck only implied one thing.
She had never been injured at all.
Sensing my gaze, Lena lightly touched her neck. A subtle, triumphant smile appeared on her lips, filled with arrogance and satisfaction.
I knew exactly what she was celebrating.
In Adrian's heart, she would always matter more than me.
Without a trace of emotion, I looked away.
The priest stepped forward and began the sacred ceremony.
"Under the witness of the Moon Goddess, Adrian Blackwood and Elara Sterling will now complete the sacred mating and marking ritual."
The sound of my legal name triggered something inside me.
Seven years ago, when I first sensed our fated bond, I had foolishly believed this name would one day be tied to Adrian's for eternity.
Now, however, it sounded like nothing more than a ridiculous joke.
The priest opened an ancient leather-bound ritual book, his voice steady and solemn.
"Adrian Blackwood, do you vow to mark Elara Sterling, protect her, honor her, and walk beside her for all the days of your life?"
Adrian never looked away from me.
"I do."
Warm applause erupted throughout the chapel.
The priest turned toward me, his voice gentle and reverent.
"Elara Sterling, do you vow to accept Adrian Blackwood as your lifelong mate and receive his sacred mark?"
Silence descended over the entire venue.
Every guest held their breath, waiting for me to speak the expected vow of acceptance.
I took a slow, deep breath.
My voice rang out clear and unwavering.
"I refuse."
Chaos erupted throughout the chapel.
Guests exchanged stunned, disbelieving looks, unable to process what they had just heard.
Adrian's expression shattered.
"What did you just say?"
Holding his stunned gaze, I recited the oath I had memorized countless times, every word sharp and deliberate.
"I, Elara Sterling, swear before the Moon Goddess. I reject Adrian Blackwood as my fated mate. I sever the mate bond between us. From this moment forward, we owe each other nothing anymore, in this life and the next."
- Writer
