Chapter 3

Avelis’s POV

He snatched the Severance Declaration from my hand without waiting for a reply.

His confidence blinded him to the unfamiliar silver seal at the bottom. In his mind, I was still dependent on his protection and easy to pacify.

With one brutal swipe of his claws, Varkean shredded the parchment into meaningless confetti over Brennar's desk.

"Enough dramatics," Varkean announced, retracting his claws and addressing me like a benevolent dictator. "Banquet Hall. Seven o'clock. Don't be late, and we can put this water under the bridge."

“Fine,” I said. “See you at seven.”

Varkean smirked as I walked out. “See? Coax them a little, and females fall right back into line.”

Tonight was not a reconciliation. It was the end of our bond.

At exactly seven, I kicked open the Banquet Hall doors in the leather armor I had hidden for six years.

Varkean looked momentarily stunned, but before he could offer his condescending apologies, the hall doors burst open again.

"Varkean! I knew you'd be here!" Nivara paraded in, wearing a garish red dress, and boldly claimed the seat rightfully reserved for the Luna. Varkean didn't even flinch to stop her.

When the omegas served the food, Varkean carelessly tossed a slab of raw, bloody venison onto my plate. "Eat up. Nivara says females need more protein."

I stared at the blood pooling on the porcelain. Two years ago, I took a silver bullet for him that nearly destroyed my digestive tract; I could only eat thoroughly cooked meals. He had completely forgotten.

"No thanks," I said coldly, pushing it away.

Varkean spent the meal listening to Nivara’s gossip. When he finally turned to me, she made her move.

"Oww..." She clutched her stomach, leaning pitifully into Varkean. "The raw meat... my wolf’s insides are twisting..."

Varkean’s composure shattered. He leaped up, scooping her into his arms, entirely forgetting our conversation. "I'm taking you to the Healer!" He paused at the door, looking back awkwardly. "Avelis, I..."

"Go," I commanded, my tone dead. "Nivara comes first."

As he rushed out, Nivara peeked over his shoulder, flashing me the smug, mocking smirk of a victor.

I stared at the empty seat across from me. This time, I did not make an excuse for him.

I walked beyond the territory line to the black armored SUV waiting on the north road.

The moment the heavy door sealed shut, a familiar tug echoed in my mind. Varkean was trying to mind-link me: [Nivara needs me tonight. Behave yourself at the command center tomorrow, and I’ll officially announce our mating.]

I did not reply. I reached into the power I had suppressed for six years and severed the mate bond.

The bond snapped. Somewhere behind me, Varkean would be on his knees as his wolf realized I was gone.

The night air had never tasted so clean.

“Drive,” I told the man at the wheel. Behind us, the Bloodmoon wards flickered once, and the outermost line dimmed.