Chapter 4: The Ritual That Claimed My Life

The Silvermoon guards dragged me into the center of their training grounds before dawn.

Sharp black thorns covered the earth beneath my feet.

Without warning, one of the guards kicked the back of my knees.

I collapsed onto the thorn-covered ground.

Pain exploded through my palms as countless spikes pierced my skin.

The Silvermoon Alpha looked down at me from the platform.

"Since these hands caused my daughter pain," he said coldly, "they can clear every thorn from this field."

The thorns had been soaked in wolfsbane.

Each touch burned like fire.

I silently pulled them out one by one until both of my hands became bloody and numb.

The young warriors surrounding the field laughed as they watched.

"So this is Blackmoon's Luna?"

"She looks more pathetic than a rogue."

"No wonder her own Alpha abandoned her."

I ignored every insult.

Hours later, I could barely stay conscious.

Blood dripped continuously from my fingertips.

Just as my vision began to blur, someone stepped in front of me.

It was Alpha Rowan.

He held a glowing silver branding iron in his hand.

"My daughter suffered three burns," he declared.

"You will receive ten."

The burning metal pressed against my face.

An agonizing scream escaped my throat.

The smell of burnt flesh filled the air.

By the time it was over, tears and blood covered my ruined face.

Three days later, I was finally released.

When I returned to Blackmoon Pack, Ryker didn't recognize me.

He stared blankly until the mate bond made his heart ache.

"Harper..."

His voice trembled slightly.

He reached out instinctively before freezing when he saw the scars covering my face.

"You've suffered..."

"Don't worry," he whispered awkwardly. "After everything is over, I'll spend the rest of my life making it up to you."

I quietly pulled my hand away.

His promise came far too late.

As I walked upstairs, I overheard him speaking with my parents.

"Thankfully only her face was ruined," Ryker said.

"As long as the rest of her body is healthy, she can still complete Ivy's regeneration ritual."

Every word cut deeper than the brands on my skin.

When I entered my bedroom, Ivy was sitting on my bed wearing my favorite silk nightgown.

The moment she saw my scarred face, she burst into laughter.

"Wonderful," she giggled. "Now Ryker won't even want to look at you anymore."

She reached out and deliberately pressed her finger against one of the fresh burns.

Pain shot through my entire body.

"He's all yours," I answered quietly.

"I don't want him anymore."

Ivy blinked in surprise before smiling triumphantly.

Three days remained until the Wolf Spirit Regeneration Ritual.

Three days remained until my death.

When the morning finally arrived, Ryker, my parents, and Ivy escorted me to the ancient witch's cellar.

Standing before the heavy stone entrance, I looked back at them one last time.

"If I never come back..." I asked softly.

"Will any of you miss me?"