Chapter 9 They wheeled me into surgery , the air thick with antiseptic and fear . The moment the door locked , Vivian , her ' severely burned thigh unharmed , swung her legs off the bed , a smile curling her lips . She addressed the Pack Healer . " Start . And no pain suppressants . I want to watch you strip her hide off , piece by piece . Let her feel everything she has made me suffer . " The Healer and the nurse exchanged uneasy glances , their eyes darting nervously , but they dared not disobey the Alpha's proclaimed mate . The Healing Den's oath was to the Alpha's authority . Terror clawed at my throat , threatening to choke me . I struggled against the restraints , my wolf snarling in protest , but I was firmly secured to the table . I was helpless . The first incision . A searing agony ripped through my thigh , stealing my breath , sending my body into violent convulsions . " Ahhhhh ! " I cried out , the sound torn from my throat . Vivian erupted in laughter , a high - pitched glee , amplified the pain . The second cut , the third ... Inch by agonizing inch , the blade sliced through my flesh , fresh blood staining the healing table a sickening crimson . I was drenched in sweat , my face deathly pale but the screams died in my throat , swallowed by the pain . The tears dried , leaving my eyes burning and empty . Vivian thrived on my agony , her delight growing with each silent grimace . The ninety - ninth incision . The world blurred before my eyes , then dissolved into darkness . I fainted , seeking refuge in oblivion . I awoke in a private chamber , the air heavy with the scent of healing poultices . My thigh was swathed in blood - soaked bandages , every movement a fresh torment . My wolf was exhausted and submissive . I stared blankly at the ceiling , numb to everything but the unrelenting pain , silently counting the days until my release . Five more days . Five more days until I was free from Xavier's reach . I healed quietly , focusing on nothing but breathing and enduring . Xavier never visited . The cold war between us dragged on - silent , bitter , unchanged . 20.55 3.1 % Chapter 9 Four days later , I was discharged from the Healing Den . As I gathered my few belongings , preparing to leave , I overheard Vivian's voice drifting from a nearby chamber . " Dad , Mom , I'm fine , thanks to Xavier . He's my Alpha ... and my honded mate . " I froze . Through the slightly ajar door , I saw Xavier holding Vivian's hand , his expression tender . " It's only right I care for her . Please , Uncle and Auntie , entrust Vivi to me . I will always protect her ." Grace Bennett beamed , her eyes sparkling with approval . " Wonderful ! Vivi's so lucky to find a mate like you . " My memory flashed back to Xavier's Blood Bond ceremony , his solemn pledge to my parents : " Please entrust Celeste to me . I will always protect her . " Now , his words felt like a cruel , mocking joke . I sneered , a bitter , twisted expression . I turned and fled the Healing Den , leaving the scene of their cozy family behind . My sadness had been replaced by a cold resolve . The next day , Xavier returned home , showered , changed into casual yet impeccably tailored clothes . He announced , " I'm going on a business trip to the neighboring pack's grounds . " He attempted to press a kiss to my forehead , a gesture devoid of warmth . I subtly evaded his touch . " Mm , go ahead . And hopefully come back from that trip . " Xavier paused , his brow furrowing slightly . The instant he was gone , I left for the Pack Council Hall . Obtaining my Blood Bond severance document , a wave of relief washed over me , cleansing away the years of pain and betrayal . I am free , my wolf rejoiced . One copy went into my bag ; the other was sent to his office . I severed all ties to my past . I climbed into my car , started the engine , and drove away . I was no longer Luna Celeste . I was finally free . I can create my own Pack , I can do whatever I want ...