---- Chapter 3 I stared into his eyes and saw the confidence there. He was convinced. Convinced I was just being emotional, convinced I wouldn't actually leave him, convinced one dinner was all it would take to get me to change my mind. That's how he saw me after five years together: A girl who was easily soothed, someone with no real backbone. "Fine," I agreed, much to everyone's surprise. " Tonight, at the Windwhisper Canyon Restaurant." Kaelen nodded, satisfied, a flicker of triumph in his eyes. "I'll personally arrange the best table and food." I turning to leave without another word. Behind me, I clearly heard Kaelen say to the elders, "Don't worry, she just needs a little ---- attention and reassurance. Women, you know how they are." The elders' soft chuckles echoed in my ears. What they didn't know was that I had already arranged everything. Tonight was goodbye for good. Seven PM, at the Windwhisper Canyon Restaurant. I arrived in a simple white dress. Kaelen was already there waiting, and he'd changed into a formal Alpha suit. "you're here," he said, standing up, a flash of happiness in his eyes, as if he'd completely forgotten our fight from earlier. '" Look, those other 99 times, that was on me. I'm so sorry. Will you forgive me? And for the next ceremony, I was thinking we could..." Just as I was about to speak, a familiar voice called from behind me: '"Kaelen!" ---- Seraphina. She wore a bright red dress, like a dancing flame, and rushed straight to Kaelen's side, linking her arm through his. ''I heard there was a farewell dinner. I just had to come and say goodbye to Lyra. I noticed she deliberately sat next to Kaelen-the seat traditionally reserved for the Luna. Even more ridiculous, Kaelen didn't stop her. The waiters started bringing out the food: roasted fire-beast meat, honey-glazed berries, roasted root vegetables... all heavy meats and sweet dishes. Not a single thing I liked. "Try this," Kaelen said, putting a fire-beast rib on my plate. "Seraphina said you'd definitely love this." I looked at the greasy piece of meat on my plate and almost laughed. Because of my unique bloodline, I'd always preferred vegetarian food