ry

h the precision of a trained military unit. They cleared the broken doors, arranged chairs, and summoned three grim-faced elders from our P

the ruin they had helped create. Arthur looked like a ghost, his face pale and slack. Kaila was a cru

change. I chose a simple, severe dress of black velvet. No jewelr

rned, the s

arble floor. His face was a pale, swollen mask of despair. His eyes were empt

ace standing

and executioner, his powerful frame dominating the room. He watched everything with an unn

ost imperceptible nod

ancient laws regarding the severing of a fated bond, his voice quavering in the heavy silence. The wo

ended once more. All eyes turned to Bryson.

A single tear traced a path through the grime on his ch

ence, already

a dangerous, glowing gold. The press

he undeniable power of an Alpha's Command. It wasn't a reques

, his eyes wide and bloodshot. His mouth opened, and t

reject you, Audry

air shimmered and broke. It was a soundless sound,

. He clutched at his chest, his body convulsing on th

longer wanted. It took all my willpower not to cry out, not to show any weakness. I bit down hard

was clear and steady, cu

ney, accept y

lved into nothing. The pain in my chest subsided, replaced by a

ee

shed over me. The chains of a lifetime

g a small, black velvet box. I took it from her and walke

atin, was the antique silver brooch that had se

ox, letting the brooch fall and clatter

id, my voice devoid of all

way. The ceremony was over. The elders were already scurryin

I stopped before him and gave a small, correct bow of

ng before me. His intense gaze searched my face

umble meant only for me. "The grieving, rejected mate. But your eyes...

ped a beat. H

"I'm merely relieved to have thi

his mouth twitching. "But it does make me

falling into formation behind him. He left me standing there, the ch

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