Chapter 52
“How dare a nameless whelp like you speak to my blood that way!” Jacob Rivers’s voice thundered across the moonlit hall, a fury rare even for the old Alpha.
“My granddaughter’s worth outweighs your entire line, Sinclair woman! Hold your tongue–or I will drag your father before the council stones and make him beg for your life!” His rage rolled like thunder, and Melissa staggered beneath its weight.
But she laughed, venom curling her lips. “So what if you shield her? Damien is already mine. I am his bound mate.”
With a flourish she flung a heavy scroll onto the altar steps. The seal glowed faintly red–blood–runes of the elder registry. Selene stared, stunned. Across the hide was inked in cruel finality:
MELISSA SINCLAIR–BOUND LUNA TO DAMIEN BLACKTHORN.
And below, Damien’s unmistakable mark.
Selene reeled back, the world tipping beneath her feet. “No… this cannot be. Damien would never–never betray me like this…” Tears blurred her vision as the hall erupted in whispers, a hundred voices of doubt and broken hopes.
Damien’s grandfather strode forward, his voice cutting the din. “To those present, hear me: this spectacle is a stain upon the Blackthorn name. The council will speak in due time.” But though his words sought order, the rite was ruined. One by one, the clansfolk drifted from the sacred chamber, leaving only family and closest kin.
“This is a lie,” Selene whispered, her voice shattering. “The Damien I know–the wolf who would throw himself before blade or fang for me–he could never.”
She lunged at Melissa, seizing her shoulders. “Tell me the truth. What have you done with Damien?”
Melissa spat back, eyes gleaming cruel. “How dare you accuse me, you pitiful sow? When Damien stands as my mate, I’ll show you your place at the bottom of the den.” “Enough, liar!” A new voice split the silence. Adrian strode in, pale as death itself.
At first Selene thought this was some scheme of his–but the hollow in his eyes chilled her blood.
Adrian’s hands trembled as he raised a rune–stone. Light flared, and Damien’s voice poured forth, heavy and cruel:
“Do you think I would ever bind myself to a used woman, let alone her two brats- burdens fit only for pity? I am wed to Melissa Sinclair, heiress worthy of me. Tell Selene I grew bored of her long ago.”
10:06 Sun, Sep 28
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The voice that once whispered comfort in the dark now cut her open like a blade. With each word, Selene’s heart splintered further. Her knees buckled; she would have fallen had Adrian not caught her.
“No… Damien, who never raised a hand against me, who would face death for me- could he say this?” she sobbed. “The wolf who swore to guard me–would he do this?”
But the proof was before her, cruel and absolute. Melissa’s smile gleamed like a victor’s trophy as Selene’s world caved in.
Then–across the chamber–Damien’s grandfather’s talisman stone flared with urgent light. A message from the high council. The hall held its breath, suspended on the edge of revelation.
10:06 Sun, Sep 28 …
Chapter 53
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.