Chapter 26 The day of the mating ceremony had finally arrived . From the moment the first rays of dawn touched the pack lands , the air had been thick with excitement . The entire territory hummed with a strange energy , every wolf , every omega , every warrior moving with purpose as though the fate of the world depended on the success of this celebration . For the pack , it was a joyous occasion - the union of the future alpha and luna , a day to mark in history . For Elaine , it was a day she had been dreading more than any other . From early morning , the omegas scurried like ants , setting up decorations , hauling trays of food , arranging flowers , preparing for honored guests from allied packs . She found herself swept into the bustle , her hands busy but her heart heavy . Her older brother , Calvin - the beta , the ever - loyal right hand of their alpha - had returned late last night for the ceremony . She hadn't seen him in months , and though a small part of her had hoped for comfort in his return , she knew better . He hadn't even offered her a word of greeting , not a glance , not even the brief acknowledgment of her existence . Elaine told herself she wasn't surprised . Of course Father would have informed him , and Michael too . There were no secrets in this pack , not when they involved alliances , leadership , or the future alpha's mate . Still , she couldn't decide who the victim was in this tangled story , and truthfully , she no longer cared . All she knew was that her brother had come back and chosen silence . Perhaps he was too consumed with his responsibilities , or perhaps he too was avoiding her - turning away from her shame and her heartbreak just like the rest of them . It no longer mattered . She would be leaving . Later today , or tomorrow at the latest , she would walk away from this suffocating place . The exact hour was uncertain . She had not yet spoken to Alpha Darius to confirm , but she clung to the one promise that kept her steady : Darius had vowed she would leave with him and his pack once everything was finalized , He would speak with Alpha Efrein , gain approval for her transfer to Crescent Moon , and she would finally be free . That promise , that sliver of hope , was the only thing keeping her sane amidst the chaos of this day . Oh , Goddess , how she longed for the pain to end . She whispered it like a prayer , like a plea . Just a little longer , she told herself . All she needed to do was survive this one day . After the 1/3 < Chapter 26 ceremony , it would be her turn - her rejection . More Rewards > The irony twisted like a knife in her chest . On the same day her sister celebrated her union with Elaine's fated mate , Elaine herself would stand before that same male and hear the words that would sever their bond . She hoped - foolishly , desperately - that it might be done privately , that it could be just the two of them . But deep inside , she knew better . They would want witnesses . They would want to see her final undoing , to watch as the moon goddess's cruel gift was torn away from her . What sin had she committed to deserve this torment ? What crime warranted such punishment ? The questions circled endlessly in her mind , but no answer ever came . She could only sigh , forcing herself to push the thoughts away . Dwelling on them would not change anything . She had a task to complete , humiliating though it was : to help prepare for the mating ceremony of her own sister and her fated mate . Her wolf had been silent for days . Elaine didn't know why , only that the absence gnawed at her . It was as though her other half was conserving strength , withholding some secret she wasn't ready to share . The silence was worse than scorn . It left Elaine feeling hollow , abandoned even by the one being who had always been hers . Isolated , avoided like a plague by the rest of the pack , and now without the comfort of her wolf's voice . She had never felt so utterly alone . She drew in a sharp breath , forcing herself to focus . Concentrate , Elaine . Just concentrate , she told herself . She straightened her shoulders and surveyed the work before her . Were the flowers arranged perfectly , their colors vibrant and welcoming ? Was the food prepared to perfection , fit for such a grand occasion ? Were the guests being attended to , their every comfort ensured ? They had kept her busy from the moment she woke , piling duty after duty upon her shoulders . She knew why , of course . They feared she might interfere , that she might attempt to disrupt the ceremony . As if she would . No , she needed this day to unfold exactly as planned . Only then would her escape be possible . So she moved from task to task with mechanical precision , her heart aching with every detail she oversaw . Every flower placed , every ribbon tied , every tray balanced in her hands was another reminder of what she had lost . Another reminder of the cruel joke the Goddess had played on her . Another step toward the rejection she both dreaded and longed for . 2/3 < Chapter 26 All she could do was survive the day . And then - finally - leave this place behind . More Rewards > As she checked the garlands that lined the entrance hall , she heard footsteps behind her . She froze , recognizing the steady , commanding pace instantly . Calvin . He cleared his throat . " Elaine . " She turned slowly , keeping her face composed though her heart gave a painful twist . " Beta . " His frown deepened . " Don't . Don't call me that ." " Isn't that what you are ? " She asked lightly , though her voice trembled . " Beta . Future Alpha's right hand . My brother in title only . " Calvin's jaw tightened . " That's not fair . " " Fair ? " A bitter laugh slipped from her lips . " You return home after months , after everything , and can't even spare me a hello . Forgive me if I can't find fairness in that . " He stepped closer , lowering his voice . " You think this is easy for me ? To stand here , watching my sister caught in the middle of something none of us wanted ? " Her chest constricted . " None of us wanted ? Tell me , Calvin , who exactly didn't want this ? Michael ? Father ? Or perhaps it was all of you who decided my pain was the price for unity ? " Calvin flinched but said nothing . Silence stretched between them , thick with all the words they would never speak . Finally , Elaine shook her head . " It doesn't matter anymore . " After today , I'll be gone and hopefully not see me again . Elaine thought . Calvin's lips parted as if to argue , but no sound came . Instead , he turned sharply and walked away , his broad shoulders stiff , leaving Elaine standing alone among the flowers . She forced herself to breathe , to return to her duties . There was no point in hoping for comfort from her family . E 45 Comments Get Bonus ( Ad ) > Vote 3/3