Chapter 4 "The Reject Ritual Will Happen Whether You Consent"

Dorian's POV

I watched as Lyra stood frozen before my desk, her face pale as moonlight. The weight of what I was about to do pressed against my chest, but I ruthlessly suppressed any hesitation. She had betrayed me, tried to manipulate our bond with a fabricated pregnancy. Unforgivable.

You're being cruel, my wolf growled deep within. She is still our mate.

"Not for much longer," I muttered.

"The Reject ritual is the only way to cleanly end what we have," I said.

The ancient ritual would tear apart the claiming marks we'd shared for nearly four years. Even as the one initiating it, I would feel the severing like claws ripping through my soul. But it was the only way to be free to bond completely with Seraphina.

She's not our true mate, my wolf snarled. Lyra carries our mark. Our scent. Four years of claiming...

I said. "The trial period was meant to determine compatibility. We both know we've failed."

Lyra finally nodded in agreement.

Just as I opened my mouth to continue, my phone rang, startling us both. Seeing my mother's name, I frowned but answered.

"Dorian," my mother Clara's voice came through, commanding and urgent. "Is everything prepared for tomorrow night's fullmoon ceremony? Have all the honorees confirmed?"

"Everything is proceeding as planned, Mother."

"Good. Remember, this fullmoon ceremony is critical. It’s not like past years. We’re honoring the pack’s brightest students, Lyra included as the foundation’s most promising. This will rally our spirits."

My gaze shifted to Lyra, who was wiping away tears. "Yes, she's on the list."

"Excellent. I look forward to seeing you both. We need to present a united front, especially before next alpha succession. Don't forget, Dorian, you're about to become Alpha."

After ending the call, I looked at Lyra preparing to leave, and a decision formed in my mind. Despite my anger, family interests came first.

"Wait," I commanded. "The Reject ritual can wait until after the ceremony. Go prepare yourself."

Lyra turned, eyes swollen. "Prepare for what?"

"Tomorrow night's Ceremony. You need to attend. As my mate."

Surprise flashed in her eyes, followed by sparks of anger. "Are you joking? After accusing me, humiliating me, then threatening me with the Reject ritual? You still expect me to pretend to be your happy mate?"

She has every right to be angry, my wolf said. We hurt her.

I suppressed the internal turmoil. "This isn't a request, Lyra. It's an order. The fullmoon ceremony is vital to the family, and I need you there, playing your part."

"No," she said firmly. "I refuse. Ask Seraphina, since she's clearly the mate you truly want."

The mention of Seraphina ignited my anger. I stepped forward, towering over her. "You don't have a choice. Remember your place, Lyra. You've enjoyed my family's resources and protection for over four years; now it's time to repay that."

She said. "I remember my place very clearly, Dorian. From the beginning, you made sure I knew I was just a transaction, an arrangement, a tool for your family to expand their influence."

She's right, my wolf snarled. But she's more than that.

Ignoring the voice, I said coldly, "Since you understand so well, then you know what to do. Tomorrow at six, wear the blue gown I bought you. Until then, you may continue staying here. After the ceremony, we'll proceed with the Reject ritual."

I turned away, denying her any chance to argue. I needed solitude, needed to control my emotions and my wolf.

Entering a private room only I had access to, I retrieved a bottle of specially prepared liquid and drank it in one gulp. The bitter substance slid down my throat, bringing temporary relief.

On my way to the underground garage, I received a text from Seraphina: "How was your evening? Hope everything went well. Remember your medication. I worry about you."

I didn't reply, but the message reminded me of how well Seraphina understood me. Only she knew about my "condition". And still, she chose to remain by my side.

The next evening, I drove through the misty streets of Moon Shadow Bay, my thoughts heavy with the weight of tomorrow's ceremony and what would follow. The Reject ritual was not something any Alpha undertook lightly. It would leave permanent scars on both our wolves, a severing so complete that we could never reclaim what we'd had.

Are you certain about this? my wolf asked quietly. Four years of shared marks, shared territory, shared life... all destroyed in one ritual.

"It's necessary," I said. "Seraphina is my true fated mate. What Lyra and I had was always artificial."

By the time I reached Blackthorne Manor, the formal family dinner was already underway. I parked my car alongside the row of expensive vehicles belonging to various family members and straightened my tie before entering.

The family gathering at our ancestral home was tense and formal as always. My mother pulled me aside the moment she saw me.

"Dorian," her voice low and urgent, "it's been four years! Why haven't I seen wolf pups yet? Is there a problem with your Alpha lineage?"

I stood rigid, jaw clenched. "Mother, my private life is not an appropriate topic for discussion."

"This isn't just private life, Dorian. This is about the future of our family. You're the Alpha heir; you need to prove your bloodline is strong. If this arrangement with Lyra isn't producing results, perhaps it's time to consider other options."

I turned away, unwilling to continue the conversation. But I had to admit, when Lyra had told me she was pregnant, for a moment, I'd felt hope and anticipation. Imagining a small life, our child, perhaps bringing new meaning to our arranged bond. But now, that was just a fantasy dissolved into nothing.

My phone vibrated again. Another text from Seraphina: "You look troubled. Can I help? Remember I'm always here for you."

I stared at the message, my thoughts drifting. Seraphina truly was my destined mate. After the Reject ritual, I would complete the real bonding ceremony with her. As long as I was free from this arranged bond with Lyra, the future was still worth looking forward to, wasn't it?