Chapter 2

Standing at the entrance of the Pack Administration Office, I clutched the mate rejection documents tightly, my heart pounding with the weight of finality. Stepping inside, the cold air from the air conditioning sent a shiver down my spine—a reminder of the life-altering decision I was about to make.

"Where do I file for mate rejection?" I asked, trying to steady my voice. Katelyn Bell, the Keeper of Civil Affairs, glanced up with a professional detachment and pointed me toward a formal desk. Each step felt like a struggle against an invisible barrier.

"I’d like to file for mate rejection," I said, handing over the papers, my fingers trembling ever so slightly. Memories of our once bright promise seeped into my mind as I produced the marking certificate—a document that once symbolized eternal unity.

Katelyn spoke with a composed tone that calmed the storm within me. "Do you have your identification, proof of residence, and your marking certificate?"

Nodding, I pulled the documents from my bag, each one a fragment of the past I was about to leave behind. I blinked back tears, lowering my gaze to hide the vulnerability I felt.

"Alright, please fill out this form." Taking the rejection form, I scribbled the words that marked the end of an era in my life. "I, Lyra Stone, reject Alpha Griffin Murray, as my mate..."

Once, I believed we were forever. Now, the words came with the sting of reality. I bit my lip, forcing back the flood of emotion threatening to overwhelm me.

"Luna Stone, are you sure you want to proceed with the rejection?" Katelyn’s voice pulled me from my thoughts.

I met her gaze with determination. "I...," my voice faltered, the weight of my decision crushing me momentarily. Tears slipped down my cheeks, and I covered my face to silence my sobs.

Katelyn offered a tissue, her voice gentle, "Take your time, Lyra. Think it over."

I wiped my tears and took a deep breath, centering myself once more. "Thank you, but I’ve made up my mind," I replied, handing her the completed form with newfound resolve. "Please process it for me."

She nodded, entering my information with efficiency. As I stood by the window, sunlight filtering through the glass, I allowed myself a moment of reflection. Promises that were once bright had now reduced to mere words, ink on paper. I closed my eyes and whispered to myself, "Lyra Stone, you can do this."

Returning home, drained and weary, I opened the door to find Zoya Martin lounging in the common room, the television murmuring in the background. Her presence filled the space with an air of deceit.

"Lyra, you’re back," Zoya said, her smile a mockery of warmth.

I barely acknowledged her, heading toward the sanctuary of my bedroom.

"Wait, Lyra," she called after me, her voice dripping with false innocence. "I have something to discuss."

I paused, turning to face her feigned sincerity. "What is it, Zoya?"

She smiled, a sweetness masking her intentions. "I’d like to move into the Alpha's quarters, if that’s alright?"

My fists clenched, anger boiling beneath my skin. "Did you ask Alpha Griffin?"

Zoya raised her chin smugly, "He agreed."

Swallowing the bitterness, I responded coolly, "Then go ahead."

As I turned to retreat, she added with triumph, "Griffin said he’s transferring the house to me."

I spun around, disbelief washing over me. "What did you say?"

Her smile widened as she repeated, "Griffin said you’re getting a mate rejection. So, this house will be mine."

A wave of dizziness overtook me, and I steadied myself against the wall. "You... both have gone too far!"

Zoya stepped closer, taunting, "Lyra, don’t you get it? Alpha Griffin hasn’t loved you for a while."

My hand instinctively rose to slap her, but before I could, a firm grip caught my wrist.

"Lyra, what are you doing?" Griffin's voice held a chilling calm, his glare cutting through the room.

I pulled away, a bitter smile on my lips. "You two make quite the pair."

His expression hardened, "Stop being unreasonable. Zoya's telling the truth. Just accept it."

His cold eyes, devoid of the warmth I once knew, pierced my heart.

"Fine, I accept it." I walked to the study, beginning to pack my belongings.

Griffin followed, his voice commanding, "Lyra Stone, can’t you be reasonable? The rejection is happening, but the house and assets are mine. If you touch a cent, I’ll have the pack's Beta bring legal action!"

I froze, turning to face the man I once loved, now a stranger. With a sad smile, I said, "Don't worry. I don’t want anything. Just leave me be."

He hesitated, then scoffed dismissively, "Good, you finally understand."

He left, leaving silence in his wake.

I looked around at the once-warm home, now stripped of comfort and familiarity. Opening my laptop, I began erasing every trace of Griffin from my life—the files, the photos, the shared memories. Everything that tied me to him disappeared with a click.

As the progress bar completed, I exhaled deeply and turned to my calendar, circling a date five days from now—the day I’d leave for good.

I stared at the calendar, silently counting down. Five more days.