---- Chapter 9 My heart was completely cold on the way back to the den. This wasn't just betrayal; it was a threat -a direct threat to me and my child. And I, Seraphina Moonridge, would not stand by and let it happen. The final steps of the Moon Eclipse Unbinding had to be completed tonight. The night of the total lunar eclipse. I stood by the sacred pool, wearing my birth pack's silver ceremonial robe. Seven moon-glow candles were lit around me in a perfect circle. The den was empty. Kaelen and most of the pack were at that so-called "blood bond ritual," praying for the cub in Lyra's belly. Perfect timing. I took out the silver box and carefully arranged the ---- ritual items - moon-blessed water, a silver bowl engraved with ancient runes, a pinch of sacred tree ash, and most importantly - the blood-oath rune Kaelen and I had exchanged when we mated. This rune, once my most treasured possession, was now a shackle. "Mother, guide me," I whispered, touching the family crest on my chest. Ripples spread across the water, and Elder Elara's image appeared. "Child, are you sure you want to do this?" Her voice was filled with sorrow. "Once the 'Moon Eclipse Unbinding' is complete, the mate bond will be permanently damaged. Even if you reconnect later, it will never be as pure as it was." "I have no choice," I replied calmly. "He chose Lyra. He chose betrayal. And I... I have to protect my child." ---- The Elder was silent for a moment, then nodded. " Then begin. Remember every step. Any mistake will have severe consequences." I took a deep breath, poured the moon-blessed water into the silver bowl, and sprinkled in the sacred tree ash. "By moonlight's witness, by bloodline's name," I began to chant the ancient spell, "I, Seraphina Moonridge, request the release of my soul's vow with Kaelen Nightfang." The water began to glow, the liquid in the silver bowl turning a shimmering blue. "When vows are broken, when trust is shattered, when love turns to pain, I ask the Moon Goddess to take back Her blessing." I took out the blood-oath rune and carefully placed it in the bowl. The moment the rune touched the liquid, an agonizing pain shot through my entire body - the mate bond was ---- fighting the separation. "Hold on, child," the Elder's voice encouraged me. "The most painful part is coming." I gritted my teeth and continued the ritual. "By my blood, I break this vow; by my tears, I wash away the past; by my will, I regain my freedom." I cut my palm and let my blood drip into the silver bowl. As the seventh drop fell, a blinding white light burst from the bowl, illuminating the entire room. Pain washed over me in waves. I felt my soul being torn apart, like every nerve was on fire. I screamed, my body curling up on the floor. This was the price of separation. I don't know how long it lasted, but the pain finally began to fade. Weakly, I looked up. The rune in the silver bowl had cracked in two, and the liquid around it had turned a deep red.