Chapter 27 The moment everyone had been waiting for finally arrived . The great hall shimmered with golden lanterns , their light casting warmth over the rows of pack members who sat buzzing with anticipation . At the front , the altar was adorned with white roses and evergreen branches , a symbol of loyalty and eternal union . The council member , a stern yet dignified figure named Lucius , stood tall at the altar , his ceremonial robes flowing like waves of authority . To his right stood the Alpha and Luna of the pack , both beaming with pride , as though today was the culmination of all their sacrifices . To his left stood Elaine father Beta Richard , Elaine's mother Lucille and her older brother , Calvin . Together , they framed the place where the soon - to - be - mated couple would seal their bond . The entire hall hummed with excitement , waiting for the new union to be completed . At the very back of the hall , hidden in the shadows , stood Elaine . Her eyes were fixed on her parents , who were glowing with pride at the altar . A pang of betrayal shot through her heart . They looked so happy , so supportive of Michael and Kathy . But when had they ever looked at her like that ? Her parents had been trying to reach her through the mind link since morning , their voices brushing against the barrier she had firmly erected . She had shut them out completely . She didn't have the strength to hear their excuses , their justifications , their empty reassurances . Footsteps approached from behind , measured and steady . Elaine tensed . When she looked up , she saw Alpha Darius , his tall frame radiating authority , but his eyes softened when they landed on her . He came to stand beside her , close enough that his presence was like a shield against the storm swirling in her chest . " Are you alright , Elaine ? " His deep voice was quiet , but it carried genuine concern . " You look ... stressed . " Elaine forced her lips into a polite line . " I'm fine , Alpha . " She still hadn't told him the truth - that Michael , the future Alpha , was her Goddess given mate , her fated . That the man walking toward his destiny at the altar had once been promised to her by the Moon Goddess herself . That the woman Michael had chosen instead was her own sister . 1/3 < Chapter 27 More Rewards > Why hadn't she told Darius ? Perhaps because speaking it aloud would make it more real . Perhaps because a part of her feared what he would do with the knowledge . " About the promise I made you , " Darius said suddenly , his voice steady but low enough for only her to hear . " I'll fulfill it tomorrow . " Elaine's lips trembled into the faintest smile . Relief washed over her like a fragile wave . Finally , there was a light at the end of this endless tunnel . She only needed to survive this day , endure this final cruelty , and then she would be gone . She would leave everything - the betrayal , the rejection , the loneliness - behind . She would never come back . She thought of Crescent Moon Pack , where she could start anew . Or perhaps the human world , where no one knew her name , her bloodline , or her pain . Anywhere but here . Anywhere she could finally breathe . " Ah ," Darius murmured , shifting his attention forward . " Here come the happy couple . " Elaine's heart twisted painfully at his words . Happy indeed , she thought bitterly . Down the aisle walked Michael and Kathy . Michael's shoulders were squared with pride , his suit perfectly tailored , his every step exuding authority . Kathy glowed in her pristine luna gown , the fabric glittering as it caught the light . She held her belly with one hand - the faint swell of her pregnancy obvious now - while the other clung to Michael's arm . The crowd erupted into cheers and applause , voices blending into a chorus of joy . Even Darius clapped beside her . But for Elaine , each cheer was like a dagger . Her heart felt as though it would rip itself from her chest . Around her , smiles bloomed on every face , while her world crumbled into dust . Just one more day , she told herself , digging her nails into her palms . Just one more day , then all this pain will end . At the altar , Michael's voice rang out , strong and certain . " Council Lucius , in front of all the pack members , I present my mate and future Luna . " His eyes glittered with pride as he looked down at Kathy . you and Council Lucius nodded , his expression solemn . " Young Alpha , future Luna . The council acknowledges your union . With this bond , your pack's future is secured . " The hall thundered with another cheer , louder this time . Elaine swayed where she stood . 2/3 < Chapter 27 " And now , " Lucius continued , lifting his hands , " the final step . Mark each other . " More Rewards > Elaine's breath caught . Her vision blurred . This was not what had been told to her . She had been assured she would not be forced to witness this most intimate act . Her knees weakened . Her wolf stirred violently inside her , panicked . ' Pup . Must protect pup . ' Elaine's hand flew to her stomach . Pup ? Oh , Goddess , she thought , her whole body trembling . I can't survive this . My pup can't survive this . How can they be so cruel ? What have I done to deserve this punishment ? Her tears spilled unchecked , her chest tightening with unbearable pain . She turned to Darius , her voice breaking . " Alpha ... please . Hold me . Don't let me go ." Darius froze , startled by the sudden desperation in her tone . Just moments ago , she had smiled at his promise of escape , and he had felt her relief . Now , what he felt radiating from her was nothing but raw pain , terror , and ... something else he couldn't name . When she begged him to hold her , it sent a wave of confusion through him . His brows furrowed as he caught her trembling shoulders , steadying her . What is going on with her ? Darius thought , searching her tear - streaked face . What pain is she carrying that no one else can see ? Comments Get Bonus ( Ad ) >