Chapter 1

Before the Moon Altar, Damian and I had once sworn to the Moon Goddess: we would enter the Lunaris Training Camp together and train so that the people of the Sliver Moon Pack would no longer be harried by Rogues or enemy packs.

He was the first to break that oath—because of another woman.

On the application list, I drew a hard line through “Lunaris” and chose Ravenstone Training Camp, a world away from him. My chest clenched, reminding me that this was truly a parting from Damian. I didn’t hesitate. I set down that form—steady, final.

I gathered up everything that had ever been “ours”: the silver‑smith’s chain, the moon‑stone pendant, scraps covered with our vows, and a photo from the hunting grounds. My fingers brushed the glossy surface; heat stung my eyes.

In my head, my wolf Ava snarled, impatient and raw: “Aria, he’s already betrayed us.”

I shut my eyes. It felt like a rip tore through my chest.

At first light, I carried a wooden box into the Vale estate. The warriors saw me and dipped their chins: “Miss Aria.” Their respect had nothing to do with Damian; they had seen me single‑handedly fell three Rogue wolves and bring home their loved ones.

I saw Damian sat shoulder to shoulder with Lyra, absorbed in a game console at one glance. Screen‑light washed their faces; their smiles were seamless. Lyra’s controller nearly slipped; Damian steadied it for her. She glanced up, laughter still caught at the corners of her eyes.

At Lyra’s throat hung a bone talisman—one I’d bled to earn on the border and put into Damian’s hand. Now it hung on her.

“You’re amazing, Damian!” Lyra’s voice was syrupy, breathless in worship. “I’d been stuck on this level forever. You cleared it in one go!”

She felt my eyes and smiled, self‑satisfied. Fingers toyed with the talisman still tacky with my memory of blood. “Aria, you seem to like this. Damian gave it to me. If you want it, I can let you have it.”

I ignored her and looked only at Damian.

He finally lifted his gaze, his tone as cold as any stranger’s. “What are you doing here? Our bond is dissolved.”

I drew a breath and set the wooden box down with a dull thud. “Exactly because it’s dissolved, there are things I should return.”

His brows knit, irritation shadowing his face. He glanced at the box with open disdain. “Trash like that should be dumped. No need to bring it here and put on a show.”

My mouth tugged into a brief, scathing smile. “Fine.”

I tipped the entire box into the hearth. Flame flared up, swallowing every last piece.

Lyra flinched—then her smile deepened.

Damian finally set the controller aside. His eyes narrowed on me; his voice came out frosted steel. “Aria, you really mean to cut this clean?”

I held his stare, my voice shaking with anger. “Clean? How many times did I forgive your betrayal? Did you ever change?”

He shot to his feet. Alpha aura roared out in a crushing wave. Lyra blanched and ducked her head.

Damian’s laugh was contempt made sound. “Who do you think you are? I’m the Alpha heir. If fate hadn’t handed you to me as my mate, what could your low bloodline ever amount to?”

Rage rattled my bones. I ground out each word: “Alpha heir? In my eyes you’re just a traitor who can’t even keep a Fate‑Mate vow.”