Ava's heart pounded violently as Kael approached the ceremonial altar.
The elders stood nearby, ready to witness the sacred declaration that would confirm the bond between destined mates.
A murmur spread through the crowd.
Everyone knew that once an Alpha identified his mate, the pack would celebrate the union.
Ava felt a fragile thread of hope forming inside her chest.
Maybe Kael would accept the bond.
Maybe fate had chosen her for a reason.
Kael turned slowly toward the crowd.
His voice rang clearly through the hall.
"I, Alpha Kael Blackthorn, reject Ava Nightshade as my mate."
The words shattered the fragile hope instantly.
Gasps filled the room.
Ava felt as though the air had been ripped from her lungs.
Pain tore through her chest as the mate bond fractured violently.
The wolves around her began whispering immediately.
"She's just an omega."
"How could she ever be Luna?"
Kael's gaze remained hard and unyielding.
"You are too weak to stand beside me," he said coldly.
The humiliation burned worse than the pain in her chest.
Ava's vision blurred with tears.
Without another word, Kael turned away.
For him, the moment was already over.
For Ava, it was the beginning of everything falling apart.