Chapter One

Aria’s P.O.V

“I can’t do this anymore. I’ve endured this long enough!”

I didn’t even know what words I could possibly say. Was there even any point in doing that? I looked around at all the eyes fixed on me. The room was filled with murmurs and hushed whispers. They were all looking at me, pointing at me like I was some spectacle.

I’d always thought I’d have a long and fulfilled life with my mate, Carden. We were supposed to grow old and rule this pack together. That was what he promised me at least. So why was he looking at me with so much hate and disgust in his eyes?

“I don’t understand why you’re doing this.” My voice is barely above a whisper.

“You won’t understand even if I spell it out for you, Aria.” He chuckled bitterly. “I can’t do this anymore.”

Today was supposed to be a ceremonial event for the pack. Every single member of the pack had assembled for this event. They were all here and I stood on the stage with Carden as Alpha and Luna. I never expected him to start saying all this.

“Are you actually serious right now?” I looked at him incredulously. No. There was no way this was actually happening. I didn’t want to believe that he was actually doing this.

I shifted on my feet, trying not to put too much pressure on my crippled leg. It got tiring trying to find the right posture to stand in. Carden’s gaze followed the small gesture I’d done and the look of disgust on his face increased.

“You’re a cripple for crying out loud, Aria. What do you think that says of me as an Alpha?”

He threw up his hands in frustration. I’d never thought I’d have to see his eyes filled with so much hate. Worst of all, it was all directed at me.

He moved closer to me even though he didn’t have to. The whole hall was silent as all attention was focused on the two of us. I’d never been so embarrassed in my life before. I wanted to hide from their judgmental stares and harsh glares. They probably shared the same sentiments with Carden with the way their eyes seemed to agree with him.

Carden had an unreadable look in his eyes as he continued. “I’ve tried to endure being your mate as much as I can but I don’t think I can continue to do this anymore. My reputation has suffered enough irreparable damages all because of you.”

He moved even closer to me as he continued to speak. “I think you’ve done quite enough already. NightCrest Pack needs a strong Luna and that’s obviously not you.”

I couldn’t help the bitter laugh that escaped my lips. What baffled me the most wasn’t the harsh words leaving his mouth. It was the fact that he’d decided to do this publicly. He’d decided to do this to humiliate me in the worst possible way.

“This is hilarious.” I wiped a stray tear from the corner of my eyes. “Of all the timings you could have said this to me, I find it funny that you decided to do this now. In front of so many people.”

“Better late than never.” He replied coldly.

It was hard to deny the way my chest felt like it was on fire. My heart was burning and it was almost like there was nothing that could possibly put it out. His grey eyes looked so beautiful. I used to love staring into them. I never thought I’d have to see them filled with so much disgust for me.

I couldn’t fight back the tears that fought their way out of my eyes anymore. I never thought he could do this to me. He’d promised to love me and give me the world on a platter if I ever asked. What happened to that? What happened to all the beautiful nothings he would whisper into my ear when we spent amazing nights in each other’s arms?

I still remember the day we’d met. It was at a meeting in the werewolf council. Immediately my eyes had fell on him, I knew he was the one. I couldn’t help the pull I felt towards him. Carden had felt the same and didn’t relent in his advances. Though I had been initially skeptical about the whole thing, I eventually gave in when he wouldn’t give up in chasing me.

Ours was a love story straight out of the books. We were meant to grow old together and possibly die together as well. Or at least that was how I’d planned it out in my head. The Carden standing in front of me right now however was a completely different person. He wasn’t my Carden.

“I think we’ve dragged this for long enough, Aria. It’s time you cut your losses and realize that you left me with no choice in this.” Carden let out a breath.

“Can you even hear yourself?” I laugh incredulously. “You’re making absolutely zero sense and it’s pretty obvious you need someone to cut it straight to you.”

I slowly limp closer to him. He follows my limp and locks gazes with me. I didn’t see even a tiny bit of remorse in his eyes and it broke my heart even more to realize that he truly didn’t care.

“This isn’t you, Carden.” My voice was deathly low but I was sure they could all hear. I didn’t care. Let them hear.

“See how you had to limp just to come closer to me? Pathetic. I don’t need a burden as my mate anymore.” He spat bitterly.

My lips trembled as I took in all the words he’d said. Without thinking, I slapped him hard across the face. He barely even flinched at that, his gaze still fixed on me.

“I hate you.” The tears fell freely down my cheeks as I stared at him.

“The feeling is mutual. I don’t think I should drag this on any further.”

His gaze never wavered even once as the next words left his mouth.

“I, Carden Ember, reject you, Aria Leloras as my mate and Luna of this pack.”