When the Moonrise Ceremony Fails

"I said, let's go before the Council of Elders and formally sever our mate bond," I repeated. "That way, you and Briar can have your own bonding ceremony without any obstacles."

A flash of panic crossed Briar's face, but it was quickly replaced by excitement. "Can… can we really do that?"

"Of course," I said with a smile. "Since the Moon Goddess has granted you a new bond, we should respect her decision."

Kaelan opened his mouth to object, but under Briar's expectant gaze, he could only grit his teeth and nod. "If… if you insist."

"I insist," I said without hesitation.

I looked around at the other pack members. They all looked uncomfortable and awkward. Rhys wouldn't meet my eyes, Elder Elara was wringing her hands, and the others just stared at the floor.

So, they had known all along.

They knew about Kaelan and Briar, knew this whole thing was a lie, but not a single one of them had said a word to me.

They needed my healing talents, but they didn't give a damn about my feelings.

"Meeting adjourned." I turned and strode toward the door.

"I'm going to pack my things. I'll move out of the pack territory as soon as possible."

"Wait, Selene," Kaelan said, catching up to me. "You don't have to leave. We're still packmates…"

I stopped and turned to look at him.

"Kaelan, your new Luna needs time to adjust to her role. If I stay, I'll only get in her way."

"But the pack still needs you as a healer…"

"Isn't that the Luna's job now?" I gestured to Briar, who was already in the Luna's chair, cradling the scepter. "Or is it that your true love doesn't have that particular skill?"

Kaelan's face darkened, but Briar just smiled smugly. "Don't worry, I'll learn. Healing? How hard can it be?"

I nodded. "Good. Then there's no problem."

I pushed open the conference room door, leaving them all in a heavy silence.

Walking down the hallway, a thought suddenly occurred to me.

He didn't know that the Moonrise Ceremony was only seven days away. And the Council of Elders? They only recognized me, the Luna with the pure bloodline.