Chapter 43 Unified Land Registry
Aelira’s POV
Get 5 >
Menu
I freeze as Daelor’s finger stays at the corner of my mouth. His subtle fragrance envelops me, a blend of cedar and something distinctly his own. Those silver–gray eyes hold my gaze, intense and probing.
The moment stretches between us, charged with a feeling I’m not ready to identify.
I quickly withdraw, nearly toppling my water glass in the process. “I should tidy up these dishes.”
“Leave them,” Daelor responds, his voice deeper than usual. “I’ll handle it
later.”
I shake my head, already starting to gather the plates. “You cooked. It’s
only right that I clean up.”
My hands quiver slightly as I pile the dishes. What just transpired between
us? More importantly, why did my wolf react so eagerly to his touch?
113
“You ate quite a bit,” Daelor remarks with a slight smile. “Feeling hungry
today?”
I feel my cheeks heat up. My appetite during pregnancy has me consuming almost double what I usually do.
“I suppose I was famished after work,” I reply, avoiding his gaze. “The herbs we work with at Verdant Moon can really stimulate an appetite.”
Suddenly, my stomach feels uncomfortably full. I discreetly place a hand
my 12.16
21 72%
<Chapter 43 Unified Land Registry
on it.
Of course, Daelor notices everything.
Get 5 >
Menu
“Are you okay?” he asks, a slight frown creasing his forehead. “I have some
digestive medicine if you need it.”
“I’m fine,” I assure him quickly. “Maybe just a walk? I could use some fresh
air.”
Daelor nods, his expression softening. “A walk sounds perfect.”
The evening air is crisp as we step outside. Myrthale’s landscaping is
flawless–meticulously cared for gardens with night–blooming flowers that
emit sweet fragrances, especially appealing to werewolf senses.
“This place is stunning,” I say, relieved to have a neutral topic. “I never
imagined I’d live somewhere like this.”
“It’s convenient,” Daelor replies, strolling beside me with effortless grace.
“Close to everything essential.”
The soft illumination along the pathways casts a gentle light on his
features. In this glow, he seems less like the formidable Alpha King and
more like… just Daelor.
We walk in comfortable silence for a few minutes. My thoughts drift to tomorrow’s appointment at the Unified Land Registry. After years of unhappiness, I am finally on the verge of freedom.
The shrill ringtone of my phone disrupts the serene moment. I pull it from my pocket, surprised to see my brother’s name flashing on the screen.
12:16
21.34%
<Chapter 43 Unified Land Registry
“Jornic?” I respond, unable to conceal my astonishment.
Get 5
Menu
I haven’t spoken to my brother since our mother’s funeral. He had been di stant even before that, disapproving of my marriage to Alarion from the
very start.
“Is it really true?” His tone is icy, a stark contrast to the warm brother I grew
up beside.
“What do you mean?” I reply while signaling to Daelor that I need a moment
alone.
He acknowledges my request, stepping back to provide some space for
privacy, though I’m aware his enhanced Alpha hearing is likely still picking
up much of our exchange.
“Are you involved with Daelor Briarhallow?” Jornic presses. “While you’re
still bonded to Alarion?”
I feel my heart sink. “What? No! Who has been spreading that rumor?”
“Everyone’s gossiping about it, Aelira! The Luna of Thunder Pack is seen constantly with the Alpha of Nightshade Pack. You’re making a scene!”
“It’s not as simple as that,” I insist, turning away from Daelor’s worried look.
“Alarion and I are ending our mate bond tomorrow. Daelor has just been
guiding me through the process.”
Jornic scoffs in disbelief. “Guiding you? Is that really what you call it now?”
“Jornic, please-”
“Do you even realize the implications of your actions?” he interrupts. “Mom
21.41%
Get 5 >
Menu
<Chapter 43 Unified Land Registry
passed away waiting for you and Alarion to hold a proper mating ceremony. She lingered for months, hoping to see you happy, and now
you’re throwing it all away!”
Hot tears sting at my eyes. “That’s not fair. Alarion is the one who turned down the ceremony. He’s the one who has continually deserted me for
Cyrinne. I did everything I could to make our mating work!”
“You didn’t try hard enough,” Jornic retorts sharply. “Mom would be ashamed of you. First, you fail as a Luna, and now you run off with another
Alpha before your mate bond is even severed!”
HEE
His words pierce deeper than any physical injury. “You have no right to
speak to me that way! You weren’t even present when Mom was dying.
You didn’t witness how Alarion treated me, how he couldn’t be there when
she took her last breath!”
“I know exactly what transpired,” Jornic responds, his tone cold as ice.
“Alarion was with Cyrinne when Mom passed. And now you’re repeating
the same mistake with Daelor. You’re no better than Alarion.”
“That’s not true,” I whisper, tears now cascading down my cheeks.
“Mom died because of you, Aelira. Because you couldn’t keep your mating
intact, I will never forgive you for that.”
The line goes dead before I can reply.
I stand paralyzed, the phone gripped tightly in my shaking hand. My wolf mourns within me, distressed by my brother’s harshness, I attempt to call
him back, but the connection fails.
2) 12:16
21.40%
<Chapter 43 Unified Land Registry
Get 5 >
Menu
“Aelira?” Daelor’s voice is soft as he draws closer. “What’s wrong?”
I wipe my tears away, embarrassed to be breaking down in front of him
once more. “My brother,” I stammer. “He thinks… he holds me responsible
for my mother’s death.”
Daelor’s expression darkens. “That’s ridiculous.”
“He mentioned that everyone knows about us,” I continue, unable to
restrain my thoughts. “About how I’m still mated yet always with you. He
believes we’re having an affair.”
“I could talk to him if you’d like,” Daelor offers, his Alpha protectiveness
clear. “Help him understand the situation.”
I shake my head decisively. “No, that would only escalate the situation.
He’s always been inflexible.”
For a moment, we stand in silence. The excitement I felt earlier about my
upcoming mate bond severance has vanished, replaced by a profound
emptiness in my chest.
“Why don’t we go back?” Daelor asks gently.
I nod, suddenly feeling exhausted. The burden of my brother’s accusations,
the presence of my unborn pup, and the impending life–altering meeting
tomorrow weigh heavily on me all at once.
The journey back is silent, each of us absorbed in our own reflections.
Upon reaching my door, Daelor stops momentarily.
“Don’t let your brother’s words get to you too much,” he finally advises. “Tomorrow is about reclaiming your freedom. Don’t let anything rob you of
12.17
<Chapter 43 Unified Land Registry
that.”
Get 5>
Menu
I manage a faint smile. “Thank you, Daelor. For everything.”
He responds with a single nod before slipping into his own apartment.
Once inside, I lean against the door, my hand resting on my stomach where my pup is developing. Jornic is mistaken. I am not responsible for our mother’s passing. Yet, his words stir up old insecurities and lingering pain.
Hours pass without the comfort of sleep.
The next morning, a relentless knocking stirs me from my restless
slumber. I drag myself to the door, already anticipating who stands on the
other side.
“Good morning, soon–to–be–free wolf!” Oriana exclaims cheerfully as she pushes her way past me, loaded with bags of food. “I brought breakfast!
We need to energize for your big day!”
Her enthusiasm shines like a ray of sunshine, breaking through my somber
mood. She busily organizes the kitchen, unloading pastries and containers
of fruit.
“What’s with the long face?” she inquires, finally noticing my expression.
“This should be a joyous occasion!”
I slump down onto a barstool, absently picking at a moonberry pastry. “I
spoke with my brother last night.”
Oriana freezes in surprise. “Jornic reached out to you? After all this time?”
I nod, relaying the details of our conversation. With every word I say,
12.17
21.59%
<Chapter 43 Unified Land Registry
Oriana’s demeanor darkens.
Get 5 >
= Menu
“That self–righteous jerk!” she exclaims once I finish. “How dare he blame
you? He wasn’t even there!”
“He’s still my brother,” I respond softly. “And he loved our mother as well.”
“That doesn’t justify him hurting you like this,” Oriana argues, gently placing
a hand over mine. “Do you have second thoughts about today?”
“About breaking my mate bond with Alarion?” I shake my head firmly. “No,
I’m still convinced about that decision.”
“Then what’s truly bothering you?” she presses, her gaze searching mine.
“Do you still have feelings for him?”
“No,” I reply honestly. “But facing him today, finalizing everything… it feels
like admitting defeat. Like Jornic is right about me.
“Listen,” Oriana says firmly. “You have not failed. Alarion is the one who
failed you. Time and time again. Today isn’t about failure – it’s about taking
back your life.”
Her encouragement lifts my spirits a little. I force myself to eat something,
aware that my pup needs the nourishment, even if my hunger has
vanished.
An hour later, we find ourselves outside the Unified Land Registry. The
imposing stone structure has been the backdrop for countless pack
ceremonies over the years – matings, naming ceremonies for pups, and
Alpha transitions. Today, it will witness the formal termination of my bond
with Alarion.
12:17
TER 21.65%
<Chapter 43 Unified Land Registry
“Are you prepared?” Oriana squeezes my hand.
I take a deep breath and nod. “Prepared.”
Get 5 >
= Menu
Inside, the air is filled with the scents of aged books and ceremonial herbs.
The registry clerk guides us to waiting room three, where mate bond
severances are conducted.
Alarion is already present when we enter. He sits alone, looking more subdued than I’ve seen him in ages. His amber eyes meet mine, and something glimmers within them – regret?
“I’ll stay in the car,” Oriana murmurs, sensing that we require a moment of solitude. “Reach out if you need anything.”
I nod in gratitude as she exits, leaving me alone with the wolf who has
been my mate for the last three years.
Alarion rises slowly. “Here you are.‘
“Of course, I did,” I respond. “Remember, this was your idea?”
He moves closer, and his familiar scent envelops me. My wolf recognizes
it, yet remains strangely calm, as if she has also come to terms with our
separation.
“Aelira,” he says gently, extending his hand toward me. “Do you still love
me?”
His fingers encircle mine, warm and familiar. His face displays hope, almost vulnerability.
“If you want to end this,” he adds, “we can do that. We can step out of here
01217
21.72%
< Chapter
right
43 Unified Lan Registry
now and start over.”
12.17
