---- could calm a beta's restless emotions. Sorry, she's not here, so I... I'll hold onto it for her. It looks like a very precious pack remedy. If Aria knew you cared about her this much, she'd be very happy." "You... you should go get ready for the ceremony. Don't keep Miss Elena waiting." "Honestly, Connor. At first, I was so scared you'd take things out on Aria because of me, that you'd bully her. She... she lost her father when she was young, and she's so introverted, keeps everything bottled up. Later, when I saw you taking such good care of her, I finally relaxed a bit. I know she... she felt differently about you than anyone else. She trusted you, Connor. You're a good Alpha, a good big brother." "Tf Aria is really... watching from somewhere, and sees you and Miss Elena unite, she'd definitely... she'd definitely be happy for you..." Aria's mother's broken words, every single one, hit Connor's heart like a sledgehammer, ---- completely snapping the last thread of 'reason' within him. Good Alpha? Good big brother? Did he really deserve to be called that? If he was really 'good,' would Aria have chosen to leave in such a tragic way? Would she have resolutely set off on that path of no return on the day of his most important Marking ceremony? If, from the beginning, he hadn't been blinded by hatred, hadn't cooked up this damned revenge plan, would Aria still be by his side right now, like always, quietly watching him with those clear eyes, offering him her sincerest blessings? He thought about so many things, his head splitting with pain. But unfortunately, in this cruel world, there are no 'what ifs.' Elena found him again. She'd changed into a gorgeous Luna gown, a polite smile on her face, her Omega scent perfectly calibrated, urging him ---- to start the Marking ceremony immediately. Connor ignored her, didn't even bother to glance her way. He walked straight onto the platform, facing all the pack dignitaries who had come to witness the event, and all the pack members eagerly anticipating his union with Elena. His voice carried clearly throughout the ceremony site, firm and undeniable. "I'm sorry, today's Marking ceremony is canceled. I have some urgent personal business to attend to immediately." "Please, everyone, do as you wish. Consider this... my apologies for making you come all this way for nothing." The words barely out of his mouth, the elaborately dressed Elena down below instantly went pale. She rushed onto the platform, desperately grabbing Connor's arm. "Connor! What do you mean?! Are you crazy?!"