And now, three weeks after that devastating day in the Alpha's office, Elaine found herself once again in her sanctuary-the waterfall near the border. Its constant roar had been the only companion to her pain, the only place where she could release everything that was crushing her. Here, she didn't need to pretend. The waterfall had seen her break, seen her sob until her chest ached, heard her voice crack as she screamed out her frustrations to the uncaring wind. It had borne silent witness to her curses, to her whispered questions to the Moon Goddess, to her prayers that never seemed to be answered. For the past three weeks, the Silverblade Pack had been consumed with preparations for the grand mating ceremony. Excitement hung in the air, contagious and unrelenting, as the entire pack looked forward to celebrating their future Alpha and Luna. Their joy was heightened by the knowledge that the Luna-to-be carried the pack's future heir. Everyone was eager to see this union, to revel in the promise of strength and prosperity it symbolized. Everyone, except Elaine. While the pack buzzed with celebration, her heart had been slowly withering. The cruelest part was that she had been given the duty of sending out the invitations to neighboring packs. Day after day, she sealed letters bearing names that should have been hers and Michael's. Each stroke of ink, each written acknowledgment of the union, was like driving a blade deeper into her chest. When she saw Kathy's name written beside Michael's for the first time, Elaine had frozen. Her eyes could not move away from it. She had felt her soul splinter, her wolf whimpering in agony. But she couldn't afford to show weakness-not in the pack house, not in front of the very people who had stolen her future. "Are you okay, Elaine?" Luna Beatrice's voice had broken into her thoughts that day. The Luna had handed her a fresh stack of invitations to deliver. Standing beside her was Kathy, the future Luna, radiant with pride as she shadowed Beatrice in her training. There was no need to hide anymore. Everyone knew Kathy's role, and her lessons had become a spectacle that the whole pack quietly admired. Elaine forced herself to meet their eyes, though it was like swallowing glass. "Of course, Luna," she answered smoothly, as though her insides weren't shattering piece by piece. She gestured to the invitations. "I will see that these are delivered to the other packs." "I'm sorry if this is difficult for you, Elaine." Kathy said softly, her expression almost sympathetic. Difficult? Elaine wanted to laugh, to scream, to tell her sister she had no right to apologize for something she had stolen so willingly. But her lips curved into a polite smile instead. "This is part of my duty, Future Luna. There's nothing to apologize for." Her voice carried no tremor, no crack, no hint of the storm raging beneath her calm mask. "Is there anything else you require of me, Luna?" She asked, turning back to Beatrice. The Luna hesitated as if there was more she wished to say, but at that moment the office door opened. Alpha Efrein, Beta Richard, and Michael entered the room, discussing details of the ceremony. Elaine's stomach twisted, but she didn't flinch. It was her responsibility to remain in the room, to take notes, to provide support as they planned the very event that would crush her soul. So she stayed. Silent. Professional. Her pen moved across the page as they spoke of flowers, rituals, and guests. She answered questions when addressed, her tone perfectly respectful, her face an unreadable mask. But inside, her wolf howled with fury and grief, clawing at her chest, demanding justice. Michael sat only a few feet away, Kathy pressed into his side, his arm protectively draped around her. Every time Elaine's eyes flicked toward them, she felt another jagged crack in her heart. That should have been her. It was supposed to be her. "Do you have any suggestions, Elaine?" Luna Beatrice asked suddenly. For a moment, the words didn't register. Did she truly expect Elaine to offer advice on the mating ceremony that had been stolen from her? The room fell silent, all eyes turning toward her. Concern flickered in some gazes, pity in others. Elaine's chest tightened, but she refused to let them see her falter. She inhaled deeply and replied, her voice even, almost detached. "No, Luna. I don't have any suggestions." She had done it. Spoken the words without bitterness, without shaking. She would not give them the satisfaction of seeing her break. "I'm sorry, Elaine," Beatrice said, her brow creasing. "I only wanted to include everyone here. I didn't mean to be insensitive." "There's nothing to apologize for, Luna," Elaine replied quickly, her tone respectful but firm. "I understand." But she could see it in their eyes. They expected her to crumble at any moment. She wouldn't. She couldn't. "Is there anything else I can do for you?" She asked, her gaze sweeping across the room. Alpha Efrein looked at her, and she knew before he spoke that whatever words left his mouth would wound her deeper than anything before. His jaw tightened, his tone heavy. "You have to attend the ceremony, Elaine." The words were a knife. As if denying her bond with Michael hadn't been enough, now they wanted her to stand among the crowd, smiling, watching as the man the Goddess had chosen for her bound himself to another. Her heart screamed, but her face remained composed. "Of course, Alpha," she said steadily. "How do you wish me to act during the ceremony?" The room fell silent. No one wanted to answer her, yet she forced them to face the cruelty of what they were demanding. Alpha Efrein exhaled slowly, his eyes flickering with something between guilt and resolve. "Just act happy for the new leaders of the pack." Her lips curved in the faintest smile, brittle and cold. "Of course, Alpha. If that is all, may I excuse myself?" He gave a curt nod. Elaine bowed respectfully, turned, and walked out of the room. Only when the heavy door closed behind her did she allow her hands to tremble.