A cough interrupted her thoughts, and she turned sharply to see Cedar standing by the doorframe. The man she had loved for so long was now a stranger she barely recognized.
"I need to talk to you," he said.
"I don't think we have anything to say," Lavender replied. She could feel her wolf’s low growl vibrating in her chest.
His expression softened, but only slightly. "I know this isn’t easy, but I need you to understand. This is the way it has to be."
Lavender’s eyes narrowed. "And why is that? Because Fern is your true mate? Because I was never enough for you?"
Cedar flinched but quickly masked it with a deep breath. "You are enough, Lavender. But this isn’t just about us. It’s about the pack, the future of Shadowpelt. Fern and I have a bond that can’t be denied. She's my fated mate, the one the moon goddess has paired me with, so I have to honor that connection."
She gulped down the lump in her throat. "So what now? You plan on making her your Luna, replacing me like I was never even here?"
Cedar hesitated, seemingly taken aback by the question. "I want us to stay united. I’m asking you to accept her, Lavender."