Alina's POV
I had rehearsed this moment a thousand times in my head. I thought I was ready. But as the air left my lungs, I realized that no amount of preparation could dull the blade currently carving through my chest.
"Why the look of surprise? You're the one who asked for this," he said. He snapped the words out, his jaw tight with irritation. "You were the one constantly reminding me our bond was expiring. This is what you wanted."
"Fine." I forced my lips into a curve, though the skin felt brittle. My eyes remained cold. "You're right. There's no point in dragging out a loveless marriage. I wouldn't want to stand in the way of you and your true love, Emily."
I turned before he could see my mask slip. My boots clicked hollowly against the floor as I walked to the counter. The pen felt like lead in my hand. I stared at the signature line until the ink blurred, then scrawled my name in one quick motion.
"Here. It's done," I said, thrusting the paper toward him.
He snatched it, his fingers brushing mine for a fraction of a second—a spark that felt like an insult. "Good. The Council arrives tomorrow," he muttered, his voice laced with annoyance as he stormed out.
The door clicked shut, and I finally let out the breath I'd been strangling. I sank onto the edge of the bed, my knees giving way.
"It's okay, Alina," I whispered, pressing my palms against my ribs to stop the shaking. "You'll survive this." I had to. There was no other choice.
***
The Great Hall was suffocating. Council members, Betas, and Alphas lined the perimeter, their eyes like weights pressing down on me as I stood alone in the center of the room.
"Alpha Aiden, step forward," the Council Elder commanded.
I looked up. Aiden walked toward me, stopping just short of my personal space. His expression was a wall of stone.
"It is time," the Elder prompted.
"I, Alpha Aiden of the Crimson Moon Pack, reject Alina. From this moment on, we hold no ties."
The words hit like a physical blow. A sharp, searing heat flared in my chest, and a crack of thunder shook the very foundation of the room. My vision swam with unshed tears, but I blinked them back, refusing to let a single drop fall for him.
"Over to you, Alina," the Council directed.
"I, Alina, accept this rejection. I am no longer this pack's Luna."
The room erupted into a low fever of whispers. Some voices held a sharp edge of pity; others were bright with triumph. I looked past them, my eyes landing on Emily. She didn't hide it—a smug, satisfied smile played on her lips.
"It is finished," the Elder announced. "The mate bond is severed. You must vacate the pack house immediately."
My gaze snapped to the Elder, then shifted to Aiden. I straightened my spine, my voice coming out steady and cold.
"I will leave on one condition," I said, the room falling silent. "I want full custody of my son, Leo."
Aiden's eyes widened, his stoic mask finally shattering into shock.
"No," he growled, his voice dropping to a dangerous level. "You aren't taking the pack heir. He needs his father."
"He needs his mother just as much," I snapped, my voice thick but steady. I swallowed hard, forcing the stinging in my eyes to recede. "Leo is the only family I have left. You can't honestly expect me to walk away from my son."
Aiden's jaw remained set, his eyes dark.
"You will marry again, Alpha," I continued, my tone hardening. "You'll have a house full of children. But Leo is mine. I won't leave without him."
The Elder cleared his throat, the sound dry and rasping in the silent hall. "Pack stability depends on the heir. Leo belongs here, in the pack house. You cannot take him."
I didn't flinch. I turned my gaze to the Council, my shoulders squared. "I am taking my child. I will not leave him behind."
"Fine. You can have custody."
The words came from Aiden. I felt my left eyebrow twitch upward in surprise as I turned to face him. I hadn't expected him to fold so quickly.
"Alpha Aiden, that would be a grave mistake," the Council warned, their voices rising in protest.
"No," Aiden countered, his voice cutting through theirs. "The heir needs to be near the pack house for stability. That can still happen. Alina will live on the outskirts—close enough that it won't be an issue, but far enough to be gone." He turned to me, his eyes searching mine, intense and unreadable. "Do you agree to that?"
"All I want is to be with my son," I said, meeting his stare. "I won't deny you access to him. If this is the compromise, then I agree."
"It's settled, then," he said.
I gave a single, sharp nod. The weight in the room seemed to lift, if only slightly. I didn't wait for a dismissal; I turned and walked straight to my room.
The silence of my room felt heavy. I opened the wardrobe and began pulling my clothes from the hangers, the fabric sliding through my fingers. I paused for a second, looking at the familiar four walls, and a faint, sad smile touched my lips. I would miss this room, but it was a small price to pay.
A sharp knock startled me. Before I could even reach the handle, the door swung open. Emily stood there, her face twisted into a deep frown. She pushed past me into the room without an invitation.
"I know exactly what you're doing," she hissed.
I stayed by the bed, folding a sweater. "And what is that, Emily?"
"You're using your son as an excuse to stay close to Aiden. You think if you're just down the road, you can wiggle your way back in. But let me tell you something, Alina: once you leave this house, I will never let you back in."
I looked at her, my expression calm, almost bored. "Who said I wanted to come back? I don't owe you an explanation for why I need to be with my son."
"That's a lie!" she spat, her face reddening. "You want Aiden. You had three years to make him yours and you failed. What makes you think you can do it now? You're pathetic."
I straightened up, facing her fully. "Pathetic? That seems to be your favorite word lately. But look at us, Emily. I'm packing my things to leave. You're the one standing in my room, shaking with rage. You're about to be the next Luna—why are you so worked up?" I tilted my head. "Unless... you're doubting that he actually wants you?"
Her eyes flashed with malice. "I will be the next Luna. And I'm making this clear: stay away from Aiden. Forever."
She turned on her heel and slammed the door behind her. I scoffed, tossing the last of my things into the suitcase. She didn't need to worry about me. Aiden was the last thing on my mind. From now on, Leo was the only thing that mattered.