Ryder looked visibly relieved.He pressed a light,absent-minded kiss to her cheek,his scent marking her out of habit,and smiled.
“You are so understanding,Elara.Next time,when there’s a proper treaty event,I’ll take you with me so every Clan can know who my true claimed Mate is.”
Elara stared at his sincere expression and suddenly found the entire exchange ridiculous.
This was the first time in five years that he had offered to publicly validate their bond.And it happened at the very moment she had already executed the plan for their permanent severance.
She turned to leave the Alpha's chamber,and without looking back,dismissed him with a promise:“Alright,Alpha.Next time.”
But in her heart,she knew the moon cycles would never align for a next time.
As Elara had predicted,Ryder’s‘female companion’for the night was Lyra,the wolf from the rival clan.
At the ceremony,Lyra wore an elegant white silk gown—the color of a peace flag in the Pack world—and clung to Ryder’s powerful arm in front of the assembled Pack Leaders.Her cheeks were flushed with a triumphant glow,and she leaned into Ryder,causing murmurs among the observing wolves.
“Lyra’s spirit is stronger these cycles.”