---- "Just making some tea," I replied calmly, putting the knife back in the drawer. "Welcome home, Alpha." The last two words were dripping with sarcasm. "Sera..." he began, a warning tone in his voice. "Don't worry, Alpha," Lyra quickly interjected, one hand gently on her stomach. "We're getting along just fine. Sera was just being... hospitable." I watched her A-plus acting performance, almost wanting to applaud. Kaelen seemed to relax a bit. "Good. I have an announcement." He cleared his throat. ''For Lyra and the cub's safety, I've announced to the pack that she is a' specially protected member.' From today, she'll be staying here until... things are stable." Even though I was expecting it, the decision still hit me like a punch to the gut. Kaelen had built ---- this den with his own hands when he was courting me. Every piece of wood, every nail, held our promises. And now, he was inviting another woman to live init. "I need to make sure my room is secure," I said coolly, turning to leave the kitchen. I could feel Kaelen following me. "Sera, wait. This is only temporary." "Of course." I didn't look back. "Everything's temporary. Our ceremony, our vows, even our mate bond. All very... temporary." I went into my bedroom and locked the door, ignoring Kaelen calling my name from the other side. I went straight to the wardrobe, pulled open the bottom drawer, and took out a small wooden box. Inside was an ancient moonstone amulet - the ---- key to the Moon Eclipse Unbinding ritual. Outside, the full moon hung high in the sky, coldly watching all the betrayal and pain below. Tomorrow night, at the exact same time as the blood bond ritual, I would begin my own.