---- shattering moment - Kaelen gently touched Lyra's stomach, a tenderness on his face I'd never seen before. In that instant, the last shred of hope died. I turned back to the bed and took out the silver box from my birth pack. Opening it, I laid out everything needed for the Moon Eclipse Unbinding - moon-blessed water, silver dust, bark from the sacred tree, and most importantly - the blood-oath rune we'd exchanged when we mated. Arranging everything, I began to chant the ancient words. "Moon Goddess, bear witness. When love turns to betrayal, when vows become lies, I ask your permission to undo this bond that is no longer sacred..." Thunder rumbled outside, and lightning lit up the room. ---- Silver dust shimmered in the air, forming a faint barrier around me. I could feel power flowing, ancient magic stirring. This was just the first step, but it would be enough for Kaelen to feel the change in our bond. By the time he realized what was happening, it would be too late. I looked out at the rain, imagining Kaelen's face right now. Would he panic? Would he regret it? Or would he be relieved that Lyra could finally take my place openly? Whatever the answer, I didn't care anymore. Because starting tonight, Seraphina Moonridge would no longer be anyone's possession, no longer a mate to be casually discarded. I would be my own Alpha.