It had taken months to gather the courage and evidence, but finally, I had everything I needed. The elders had agreed to check the evidences before performing the ritual that would dissolve our mating bond, freeing me from Derrick’s betrayal. The ritual had been both painful and cleansing, like ripping out roots that had bound me to a man who had no loyalty. The ache in my chest was soon replaced with relief and newfound strength. For me and my unborn child, there would be no more lies, no more deceit.
I knew that Derrick felt the severing of our bond because aftee feeling relieved, the severed mate will feel the consequence which is feeling my pain ten times more.
As I stepped outside the ritual hall, I found myself face-to-face with her—Samantha. She waited by the entrance, her smug smile barely concealed as her eyes met mine. Even now, as the rain began to mist the grounds, she looked smug, as if my pain was her victory.
“Charlotte,” she greeted with a smirk, crossing her arms. “I thought you’d never have the courage to leave him.”
I met her gaze, calm and unbothered. “I’ve no use for a mate who doesn’t respect his bond. If you want him, take him. He’s yours.”