Chapter 6
810words
After that night in the rain, I spent a week bedridden with fever.
When I finally woke, I found myself in a bright room with soft white curtains.
Whether imagination or reality, I could no longer sense Cassian through our bond.
The bite mark on my neck had vanished.
Being rejected by your Alpha is excruciating. Since that day, our mental connection had steadily weakened.
That's why I'd always stayed close to him—trying desperately to strengthen our bond.
But now, the constant strain was gone.
I decided to leave him and the entire pack behind.
Fenrir's tall figure leaned over me, his lips brushing my forehead, his voice pulling me from my thoughts.
"Feeling better?"
Fenrir looked stern, his voice cool, as though scolding me for neglecting my health.
But his gaze remained fixed on me, making heat rise to my cheeks.
"Our engagement celebration will be next month," he announced suddenly.
I stared at him, stunned. I'd thought he wouldn't want me anymore.
Was this real? Was I actually getting engaged?
He cleared his throat, the tips of his ears reddening as he looked away. "You promised. Since you proposed to me, you have to take responsibility, right?"
The room fell silent. My heart pounded so loudly I was sure he could hear it.
Seeing my silence, Fenrir's expression darkened.
He gripped my wrist, his voice tight. "Having second thoughts? Still pining for Cassian? Weren't you the one who proposed to me?"
He was domineering and terrifying when angry, yet I felt no fear.
Just his scent sent waves of pleasure through my body.
What was happening to me?
Lily howled excitedly within me: "Damn! I like this one!"
Before Fenrir could say another word, I pressed my lips to his.
His eyes widened before he responded hungrily, his arms wrapping around me like vines.
Breathless, I met his gaze. "Yes. I'm willing."
Fenrir made me feel safe, warm, and desired.
Like ripples spreading across a long-dead lake when a stone breaks its surface.
I no longer wanted to be Cassian's Luna. I'd decided to reclaim myself.
Our engagement day arrived. Werewolves from across Moon Shadow territory came, their smiles genuine.
Fenrir's parents embraced me warmly, offering heartfelt blessings.
I'd never known such warmth. In Black Claw, I'd received nothing but ridicule and scorn.
After planting flower seeds Fenrir's parents had given me, I headed inside to change for the banquet. At the entrance, I encountered Cassian—whom I hadn't seen in weeks—with Rouise gracefully clinging to his arm.
Cassian looked haggard.
"Oh, Lyra! What a surprise to see you here. How have you been since... that day?" Rouise covered her mouth in mock surprise. "Are you looking for Cassian? Though your outfit seems rather... inappropriate for this venue."
I'd worn simple clothes for gardening, and soil still clung to my hands and clothes.
Cassian looked me up and down, disdain evident in his eyes.
Yet he seemed to relax slightly, his arrogance returning.
He clearly misunderstood, assuming I'd come for him.
Cassian frowned. "I overestimated you. I thought you'd last a month before crawling back. This isn't a place for someone like you. Leave."
Rouise feigned concern.
"Yes, today is the Alpha's engagement celebration. I hear his fiancée is beautiful and refined. Your appearance will only upset her."
They'd conveniently forgotten that rainy night, as if my suffering meant nothing.
One, the woman who had framed me.
The other, the man who had enabled her.
Facing Cassian now, I felt nothing but disappointment and contempt.
For the first time, I spoke harshly: "Enough, Cassian. I didn't come for you. I'm Fenrir's fiancée."
Everyone in Cassian's entourage burst into laughter.
Rouise doubled over. "Lyra, have you lost your mind?"
Cassian's eyes widened, his brows furrowing.
"Is this another pathetic attempt to make me jealous? How could Fenrir possibly be interested in someone like you?"
I met his gaze steadily. "He loves me and doesn't care whose Luna I was."
Cassian stepped closer, ready to mock me further. "Enough of this. I heard—"
Before he could finish, his face contorted with fury. I knew why—he'd caught another Alpha's scent on me.
And spotted the fresh bite mark on my neck—Fenrir's mark, deliberately placed to cover Cassian's.
Such marking was the ultimate sign of possession and affection among werewolves.
Cassian knew exactly what it meant.
He grabbed my throat, his eyes blazing red. "Who did this?!"
I slapped his hand away. "Don't touch me!"
Everyone froze. Cassian's eyes widened in shock.
With Cassian, I'd always been meek, even desperate for approval.
Before, his slightest touch would send me into raptures of joy.
Now, I'd struck the very man I'd worshipped for years!
Rouise dropped her act, screaming for guards. "Remove this crazy woman! She'll ruin Fenrir's engagement!"
The commotion drew security guards. Rouise smirked triumphantly, certain I'd be thrown out.
