Chapter 104 About Time
Aelira’s POV
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“Let go of me, Alarion,” I insist coldly, my voice slicing through the tension, laced with anger. “Our mate bond has been severed. You no longer have any claim on me.”
My harsh words appear to shock him. His amber eyes widen slightly, incredulous that I am addressing
him like this. However, his hold on me only tightens.
“I won’t allow you to go,” he growls, his wolf’s scent surging with possessiveness.
This is the breaking point for Daelor. In a single, swift movement, he positions me behind him, his powerful form entirely shielding me from Alarion’s view. His silver–gray eyes turn icy as he faces my
former mate.
“The lady has asked you to let her go,” Daelor states, his voice deceptively calm. “That makes two
requests.”
Alarion’s face flushes darker with rage. “You’ve taken my mate, Briarhallow. But she still prefers me. This is just a charade meant to make me jealous.”
Daelor utters a brief, mocking laugh. “Look at yourself, Riven. You’re practically vibrating with anger. If there’s jealousy present, it’s clearly coming from you.”
“We were together for over ten years!” Alarion retorts, his composure faltering. “Do you think a few weeks with you can replace those emotions?”
“Ten years of what, exactly?” Daelor counters smoothly. “Neglect? Emotional abandonment? Public humiliation with your childhood sweetheart?”
Alarion’s jaw tightens, his wolf’s fur bristling beneath his skin.
“Furthermore,” Daelor continues with apparent indifference, “Aelira isn’t here for you tonight. She’s here
to witness a rather dramatic spectacle.”
Alarion’s fury shifts to confusion. “What spectacle?”
Daelor completely disregards the question. Instead, he shifts his attention to me, his expression softening as he reaches out his hand. When I accept it, he deliberately weaves our fingers together.
“You’ll know soon enough, little wolf,” he whispers, his silver–gray eyes conveying a promise that
remains elusive to me.
The closeness of the gesture, combined with the way he refers to me as ‘little wolf,‘ ignites an
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< Chapter 104 About Time
unexpected warmth within me that I swiftly try to suppress.
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Daelor guides me back toward the main hall, leaving Alarion alone in the corridor. I sense his gaze piercing our backs, but I refuse to glance behind me.
As we re–enter the venue, I become acutely aware of the attention we attract. Conversations halt as heads pivot in our direction. The sight of the Alpha King of the Nightshade Pack accompanying
Alarion Riven’s former mate is clearly the evening’s most captivating twist.
“Everyone is watching,” I murmur, suddenly uneasy under their scrutiny.
“Let them stare,” Daelor responds nonchalantly, his thumb grazing my knuckles.
As we pass by Dr. Nyven Leyric, he locks eyes with Daelor, wearing a knowing expression and a barely concealed grin. The silent communication causes a blush to creep onto my cheeks, and I attempt to
withdraw my hand.
To my astonishment, Daelor releases me at once, acknowledging my discomfort without hesitation.
“I’m a little anxious,” I say softly as we settle into our seats. “Alarion looked skeptical when you mentioned a ‘show.‘ What if he figures out your meaning?”
Daelor merely shrugs, appearing unconcerned. “He was bound to become suspicious eventually. His instincts aren’t entirely dulled, despite his poor judgment.”
“But this adds more pressure on you,” I protest. “If he starts investigating-”
“Aelira,” Daelor gently interrupts, amusement dancing in his silver–gray eyes. “Stop fretting and enjoy what’s about to happen. Believe me, you won’t want to miss this.”
His self–assurance is contagious, and I find myself easing up a bit. Whatever Daelor has in mind, it’s clear that he knows how to manage the situation.
As the lights dim, a traditional werewolf tune resonates throughout the sound system. The haunting melodies, played on silver–stringed instruments, envelop the hall in an ethereal beauty that stirs my wolf restlessly within me.
Anticipation of what is to come fills me with an uncontrollable excitement.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” the host announces with a booming voice, “please welcome our beloved couple – Alarion Riven, Alpha of the Thunder Pack, and the esteemed healer Cyrinne Wynthor!”
The crowd bursts into polite applause as the main doors swing open. Cyrinne steps in first, radiating elegance in a stunning white gown that highlights her role as a healer. Her auburn locks flow in flawless waves, and her emerald eyes sparkle with genuine joy.
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Alarion follows beside her, looking handsome in his formal Thunder Pack attire. They stride arm–in-
arm toward the raised platform at the hall’s front, embodying the perfect Alpha couple.
However, as they pass our table, Cyrinne’s eyes lock onto mine. Her smile transforms into something
triumphant, almost taunting. She possesses everything she has ever desired – Alarion, his pack, his
stature and she is intent on ensuring that I am aware of it.
S
I maintain a neutral expression, but inside, I relish the understanding that her triumph is about to crumble into nothingness.
The couple arrives at the platform where a microphone awaits them. Alarion moves forward first, but
Cyrinne lightly touches his arm and shakes her head. She wishes to speak instead.
“Thank you all for joining us this evening,” Cyrinne starts, her voice resonating clearly through the
sound system. “This moment is incredibly special for both Alarion and me.
She takes a brief pause, looking out at the crowd with practiced elegance.
“Many of you are aware that Alarion and I were friends in our childhood, separated by the complexities
of destiny and pack politics. For years, we have observed each other from a distance, our hearts longing for reconciliation.”
Her romantic story is expertly crafted to stir the emotions of those present. A few she–wolves in the
audience dab at their eyes with tissues.
However, Cyrinne’s tone then turns more assertive.
“Of course, we must acknowledge Alarion’s soon–to–be former Luna, Aelira Sunmere, who is with us
tonight.”
A collective gasp ripples through the hall.
Immediately, all eyes shift toward me, and I catch whispers circulating in the room,
“Oh my God, she’s actually attending her ex–partner’s marking ceremony.”
“Still, Cyrinne and Alarion make a better pair.”
I feel my face flush and my cheeks heat up; this woman did it intentionally. She calculated how to humiliate me the moment she spotted me. I make an effort to straighten my back so no one notices
my discomfort.
Alarion steps closer to Cyrinne, evidently trying to take the microphone from her, but she skillfully evades his attempt.
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“Aelira’s choices have ultimately led to our reunion,” Cyrinne continues, her emerald eyes locking onto
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mine from across the crowded room. “Her decision to break their mate bond has allowed Alarion to
pursue his true desires.”
The message is unmistakable to everyone present – I have somehow failed as a mate, pushing
Alarion into Cyrinne’s open arms.
༩ ༠
Alarion’s face drains of color. He reaches for the microphone again, this time with greater urgency, but Cyrinne keeps it just out of his reach.
“In fact,” she begins, clearly gearing up to elaborate on my alleged failures.
This time, Alarion successfully grasps the microphone from her, his amber eyes flashing with both
embarrassment and indignation.
“Thank you, Cyrinne,” he states firmly, then promptly gestures to the host. “Perhaps we should proceed
to the blessing ceremony?”
The host, a seasoned professional, smoothly steps in. “Of course! Let us welcome Alpha Roderic Riven
and Luna Esther Riven to give their blessing to the couple!”
Roderic Riven strides onto the platform, radiating pride, his chest puffed out like a peacock showing
off its feathers. His amber eyes, reminiscent of his son’s, shimmer with satisfaction as he surveys the
crowd.
Esther follows gracefully, her smile polite yet lacking excitement. When her gaze meets mine, I detect
a hint of regret emanating from her.
Roderic approaches the microphone, practically buzzing with enthusiasm to address those gathered.
I catch Daelor’s eye, and upon recognition, a faint smile appears at the corners of his mouth as he
rises and walks over to me.
The performance is about to begin.
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