Betrayed by an alpha claimed by a lycan king

Chapter 88

SAGE

We waited until the moon appeared as we set the rejection ceremony. It wasn't as formal as it should be, but for the rejection to be valid, it needs to be done in front of the moon as a respect to the Moon Goddess, who blesses us with this sacred mate bond. "Are you sure about this?" Elara asked while we were in the room waiting for the ceremony. "Of course I a I am. Why wouldn't I be?" I replied, forcing a fake smile. fine, Elara." I assured her.

"You can stop pretending now. You don't have to pretend in front of me," she encouraged me. smiled, but it didn't reach my eyes. "I'm really

But she scoffed, shaking her head. "You think I didn't see the way you nearly lost your mind when you thought he might die?"

I took a deep breath. "I don't want him to die, Elara," I murmured, almost to myself. "But that doesn't mean I want him back." As I said the words, I wondered if they were meant to convince her or soothe the cracks in my own heart. "Besides, once this is over, I can finally leave and have a life away from all this chaos. It's the freedom I've wanted all along, remember?" аше

Elara eyed me skeptically. "So, you're really planning on going back to the human world?" she asked, though I sensed she already knew the answer.

That's

where I belong now," I said, the words tasting bittersweet on my tongue. "As soon as everything's in its place again, I'm leaving. It's what I always wanted."

Elara leaned forward, scrutinizing me. "If that's true, then why are you still here? Why put yourself through this? The throne isn't your problem. Let Titus fight his own battles." Her question struck a nerve, one I'd been trying to ignore. "I owe him this much, Elara," I whispered, the truth seeping through. "It was because of me that he's even in this mess. If it weren't for his desire to bring me back to the palace, the Royal Elder and the queen wouldn't would t have felt threatened enough to scheme against him." Elara sighed,

her

understanding. "Well, if it's a debt you feel you need to repay, so be it. But know that you're not alone in this." She gave my shoulder a reassuring squeeze.

held my heart, now ready to cast me aside. And with the moon above

distance behind me, their silent support like a comforting presence at my back. I knew they were there for me, that they would stay even after I walked away from this palace, and I drew strength

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Chapter 88

his tone curt, as if the very act of rejection was

"Yes, let's get this over with, I mimic, which earns a sharp glare

Brown, as my mate and wife" His words hung in the air like a cold mist, lingering and painful, each syllable like a strike to my heart. I felt the physical ache of the rejection-the goddess's mark of finality on the bond that had once pulsed with warmth anul connection. Every word was a blade, but I refused to let him see the pain. I stood tall, my chin high, meeting his icy stare with as much strength as I could muster. It was my turn. My voice trembled, but I steadied myself, speaking with all the strength I could muster. "Under the gaze of the Moon Goddess, 1. Sage Penelope Brown, accept your rejection and release you from our bond moment the words left my lips, I felt the bond connecting us snap, gripping my heart and twisting it until I could barely stand. The pain shot through my entire body, deep and relentless, and I staggered as though a vital part of myself had just

The

eyes as she reached for him. "My love, you're bleeding! I'm so worried about you." "Now, you're worried? Whose idea

all on

Titus wanted!"

whisper but laced with enough conviction to hold Elara back. Every part of me ached, a deep, searing pain radiating from my chest and coursing through every limb. But I forced myself to steady my breath, to find a semblance of calm for their sake. "I'm fine, Élara. I can handle this. Please... take care of his wounds. I'll be okay." Through t the fog of my pain, I looked over at Titus. He was on his knees, doubled over as he fought to regain control. His gaze lifted to meet mine, and for a moment, a flicker of confusion crossed his face, as though he couldn't understand why I'd worry about his condition when I was clearly suffering just as much. "But Sage-" Elara's voice wavered, her eyes searching my face, worry etched into every line of her expression. "Go, Elara," I insisted, my voice firmer this time. "Tend to him. You need to take care of his wounds as soon as possible." I knew if she stayed, she'd only see the raw pain I couldn't hide, and I didn't want that. Reluctantly, she nodded and shifted her focus back to Titus. She and Scott helped him to his feet, guiding his wavering steps toward the cabin. He stumbled, leaning heavily on them; his body weakened not just from his injuries but from the violent rupture of our bond. As they moved, Scott turned back, concern

weak, reassuring smile tugged at my lips. I gave him a nod, letting him know I'd be alright. "I'll be back as soon as we settle His Majesty inside, my lady!" Scott called, his voice