Chapter 9: The Breaking Point

Three weeks passed in uneasy silence.

Life inside Silvercrest continued, but nothing truly felt normal.

Kael buried himself in council meetings, patrol reports, and border inspections. Every spare moment was spent trying to silence the bond pulling him toward Moonvale.

Seraphina noticed the effort.

She also noticed it wasn't enough.

The distance between them grew a little wider every day.

One morning, while reviewing supply records in her office, a servant hurried inside.

"My Luna," he said breathlessly, "a messenger from Moonvale has arrived."

Seraphina's hands paused over the parchment.

"Send him in."

A young warrior entered and bowed respectfully.

"Greetings, Luna Seraphina."

"Welcome to Silvercrest."

"I bring an urgent invitation from Alpha Orion."

He handed her a sealed letter.

Breaking the wax seal, Seraphina quickly read the contents.

"The Winter Alliance Gathering..." she murmured.

Every allied Alpha would attend.

Including Lyra.

Her heartbeat slowed.

She folded the letter carefully before walking toward Kael's office.

He looked up the moment she entered.

"Is everything alright?"

"We've been invited to Moonvale."

Kael immediately understood.

"The gathering."

"Yes."

Neither of them spoke for several moments.

"We have to attend," Kael finally said.

"I know."

"Will you come with me?"

Seraphina looked at him quietly.

"As your Luna... it's my duty."

Two days later, Silvercrest's delegation arrived at Moonvale.

The fortress was magnificent.

Snow covered the surrounding mountains while thousands of crystal lanterns illuminated the courtyard.

Guests from dozens of neighboring packs filled the castle with conversation and laughter.

Everything appeared festive.

Only Seraphina knew how much she dreaded being there.

As they entered the grand hall, Lyra stood among Moonvale's nobles greeting guests.

The instant Kael crossed the doorway, the mate bond reacted.

He visibly stiffened.

Lyra lowered her eyes, struggling against the same invisible force.

Several nearby Alphas noticed.

Whispers spread almost instantly.

"That's the Silvercrest Alpha."

"The one with two mates."

"Poor Luna..."

Seraphina heard every word.

She smiled politely as if none of it mattered.

Inside, another piece of her heart quietly shattered.

The banquet began shortly afterward.

During the meal, an elderly Alpha stood to deliver a toast.

"To peace between our packs!"

Everyone raised their glasses.

After the applause faded, another noble laughed loudly.

"Alpha Kael certainly has the Moon Goddess's favor."

"One Luna wasn't enough. She blessed him with another."

Several nobles chuckled.

Others looked away uncomfortably.

Kael's expression darkened.

"Enough."

The hall immediately fell silent.

"Do not speak about my Luna with disrespect."

The noble quickly bowed.

"My apologies, Alpha."

Kael glanced toward Seraphina.

She offered him a grateful smile.

But it never reached her eyes.

Later that evening, while everyone enjoyed music and dancing, Seraphina quietly slipped onto a balcony overlooking the snowy valley.

The cold air stung her cheeks.

She welcomed it.

"You always hide when you're hurting."

She turned around.

Lyra stood in the doorway.

"May I join you?"

Seraphina nodded.

For a while, neither woman spoke.

"I never wanted any of this," Lyra finally whispered.

"Neither did I."

"If I could break the bond... I would."

"Would you?"

Lyra answered without hesitation.

"Yes."

"Because every time I look at Alpha Kael... I see the pain in your eyes first."

Seraphina studied her carefully.

There wasn't a trace of deception.

Only sorrow.

"You're a good person," Seraphina said softly.

"So are you."

"Maybe that's why this hurts so much."

A servant suddenly rushed onto the balcony.

"Luna Seraphina!"

"Alpha Kael is looking for you."

She thanked him before turning back toward Lyra.

"Take care of yourself."

"You too."

As Seraphina walked back inside, she found Kael searching through the crowded ballroom.

The moment he saw her, relief filled his face.

"I've been looking everywhere."

"I just needed some air."

"Without telling anyone?"

"Must I report every step I take?"

Kael sighed.

"That's not what I meant."

"Then what did you mean?"

"I'm afraid you'll disappear."

Seraphina looked at him for a long moment.

"Perhaps one day... you won't have to be afraid anymore."

Before Kael could ask what she meant, she walked away.

That night, after everyone had retired, Seraphina quietly opened her travel bag.

Hidden beneath several books lay the mysterious parchment marked with the black crescent moon.

She unfolded it once more.

"When your heart can bear no more... follow the northern stars."

For the first time...

She didn't wonder who had written it.

Instead, she found herself wondering whether she was finally ready to follow it.