The night smelled of rain and roses — the kind that withered too soon.
Lydia stood in the clearing, surrounded by the silver gaze of her pack. The Moon hung full above them, its light shimmering across the ancient stones that marked the Bonding Circle. She could hear her own heartbeat louder than the drums, faster than the chants. Tonight, she was to be claimed — chosen as mate by Alpha Henry, the strongest leader in generations.
But when he stepped forward, his eyes — once full of promise — were cold.
"Lydia," he said, voice low and final, "I reject you as my mate."
The words cut through her like claws. The pack gasped. The Moon itself seemed to flicker.
Pain erupted beneath her skin as the mate bond seared and broke. Her wolf howled in agony — not just at the loss, but at the betrayal. Henry turned away, his face unreadable, as if what he'd done meant nothing.
Lydia fell to her knees. Somewhere in the distance, thunder growled.
And fate, watching from the shadows, whispered that this was only the beginning.