Chapter 56 Guilt
Aelira’s POV
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Sunlight pours through the windows of the Briarhallow estate as Daelor
and I descend the wide staircase. My face still burns from our earlier
exchange–and from the lingering mortification of my dream. I do
everything I can to keep my attention away from the imposing Alpha beside
- me.
When we step into the dining room, Elowen Briarhallow’s silver gaze–so
strikingly similar to Daelor’s–brightens with delight at our arrival. The sly
curve of her smile sends a wave of anxiety twisting through my stomach.
“Good morning, sweethearts,” she greets us warmly. “Did you rest well?”
Jennifer, already seated beside her mate Maelor, doesn’t bother concealing her grin. “Hope the room was to your liking?”
The way she draws out that last word makes my cheeks flare with renewed heat. They know. They all know about the moonberry wine in last night’s meal–and exactly how it would’ve affected Daelor.
“Just fine,” Daelor responds smoothly, pulling out a chair for me. His hand grazes my back, and the light contact sends a shiver rippling through me that stirs my wolf from within.
“Aelira, come sit by me,” Elowen says, patting the seat next to hers. “I’ve got
something for you.”
glance briefly at Daelor, uncertain, but he gives me a reassuring nod. As I settle beside the Briarhallow matriarch, she reaches toward a carved
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wooden box resting on a nearby table.
“I’d like you to take this,” she says, lifting the lid of the box to unveil a breathtaking bracelet made of silver and moonstone. The fine band glows softly, as if illuminated from within by some hidden enchantment.
“I really can’t accept-” I begin, but she’s already fastening it onto my wrist.
“Don’t be silly. This was once given to me by my mate, Daelor’s grandfather,” Elowen says, her hands steady and unexpectedly tender as she secures the clasp. “It’s a legacy passed down through the Alpha line to
their mates. Now it’s yours.”
A pang of guilt tugs at me. I’m not truly meant to be Daelor’s mate. This is all an act–a convenient arrangement to help him avoid his grandmother’s attempts at matchmaking. I haven’t earned the right to wear something so
meaningful.
“I appreciate it, but I really shouldn’t-” I protest once more.
“It suits you perfectly,” Daelor cuts in, his voice firm and resolute, leaving no room for further objection. His silver eyes lock onto mine, silently urging
me to accept the gesture.
The moonstone rests against my skin, radiating a gentle warmth that feels both soothing and constraining. I wonder whether Daelor fully grasps what this gift represents–his grandmother’s formal recognition of me as his
future Luna.
The topic drifts toward lighter subjects suited to the morning. I ease into the conversation, answering Elowen’s questions about herbs, while Daelor updates his uncle about security in the territory. Breakfast is delightful,
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especially the moon–berries, which satisfy the cravings of my pregnant
wolf.
Suddenly, the serene mood is broken by excited voices at the entrance. My
hand halts mid–air, fork hovering as I glance toward the noise.
“If you see who’s here, Alpha Briarhallow’s grandmother, you’ll be thrilled!
“Mary’s voice calls out, moments before she steps into the room.
She enters with exaggerated poise, the sharp click of her heels echoing off the floor. Every step exudes the refined grace of someone raised in the
upper echelons of pack society.
“Grandmother, look who’s come!” Mary says with exaggerated enthusiasm, her eyes flicking between Elowen and Daelor.
Trailing behind her is an exceptionally beautiful she–wolf, her golden hair flawless, her blue eyes striking. Every detail of her designer outfit and polished look screams prestige–equal to that of the Briarhallow family.
“Elowen, I wanted to visit you,” the newcomer says warmly, setting a beautifully wrapped box on the table. “I brought this from the Southern Territory–it’s a regional delicacy. Please enjoy it.”
Elowen offers a faint smile. “Lisa is always considerate.”
So this is Lisa. The name instantly recalls Mary’s remark from yesterday about someone arriving in town. Now it all makes sense–this is the one
they believe should be Daelor’s true mate.
“I’m glad you think so,” Lisa replies, though her gaze has already shifted to
Daelor. Her expression softens, and her eyes shimmer as if on the verge of
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<Chapter 56 Guilt
tears. “Daelor, it’s been a long time.”
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Daelor merely lifts an eyebrow, his face betraying only the faintest reaction -something far too neutral to be called a smile. I bite the inside of my cheek to suppress a grin at how uninterested he clearly is.
Embarrassment flickers briefly across Lisa’s flawless face before she quickly regains composure. Her eyes then turn to me, feigning recognition as though she’s just now noticing I’m here.
“And this is…?” she asks, though the slight narrowing of her eyes makes it
obvious–she already knows exactly who I am.
–
The moment I see her eyes, I instantly understand the expression they hold. This she–wolf is clearly enamored with Daelor. The discovery doesn’t shock me someone like him, a commanding, wealthy, and striking Alpha, likely draws admirers all across the Northern Territory. Still, it’s painfully obvious her affections have never been returned, especially judging by
Daelor’s indifferent demeanor.
“I’m Aelira Sunmere,” I say, offering a courteous smile.
“Aelira Sunmere?” Lisa echoes, her brows knitting slightly as she turns to Mary with exaggerated curiosity. “Mary, why does that name sound so
familiar to me?”
Mary looks caught off guard, as though Lisa’s bluntness wasn’t part of their rehearsed plan. She presses her lips together, faking concern. “I recall someone by that name being involved in a mate bond severance scandal that stirred up the Northern Territory just recently.”
“Oh, that’s right!” Lisa exclaims, clapping her hands as if a lightbulb has
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< Chapter 56 Guilt
gone off in her head.
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I almost laugh out loud at their pitiful performance. They’re obviously
–
younger than I am — either still in university or just graduated recently.
There’s a youthful innocence in their faces, completely unaware of how
transparent their little game is. Do they truly believe their act is convincing anyone here?
I glance at Daelor with a trace of amusement, only to find his dark silver-
gray gaze meeting mine. His face reveals nothing no irritation, no
amusement. I quickly avert my eyes and focus back on Lisa.
“What a coincidence,” I say calmly, “the Aelira Sunmere you’re referring to
is me.”
For a brief moment, triumph flickers in Lisa’s eyes before she quickly
conceals it with a dramatic display of shock. She lifts a hand to her lips,
her expression a masterpiece of feigned surprise. “You are the future ex-
Luna of Alarion Riven?”
And just like that, my identity is out in the open. Oddly enough, a sense of
relief washes over me. Pretending had been draining, and though I still
can’t talk about my pregnancy or the real nature of my bond with Daelor, at least I no longer have to hide this part of who I am.
4
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“I’m feeling a bit fatigued.” Elowen rises suddenly, her warm smile fading into a composed, dignified calm. Though her voice remains soft, the
authority in her presence silences the room.
Lisa now looks genuinely thrown. She clearly didn’t anticipate Elowen
would react with such poise after her theatrical reveal. Worry flickers
across her otherwise flawless face.
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“Elowen, I heard from Mary that Daelor brought this Aelira back as his
chosen mate. She…” Lisa’s voice falters, laced with insincere concern. “Is
there a chance something’s been misunderstood?”
“Yes, exactly!” Mary chimes in eagerly. “What if Daelor was misled
somehow?”
“Mary!” Jennifer’s voice cuts through the room like a whip. She strides
across the space with swift, firm steps, grabs her daughter by the ear, and
gives a sharp tug. “You foolish girl, how dare you behave like this in front of your grandmother?”
I blink in disbelief. Daelor had once mentioned that his aunts were
Enforcers in their prime, but seeing the refined Jennifer transform into this
no–nonsense disciplinarian is nothing short of shocking.
“Mom, what are you doing?” Mary whimpers, her hand grabbing at
Jennifer’s wrist. “It hurts, stop it!”
“Oh, it hurts, does it?” Jennifer mocks her, eyes blazing. Then she turns to
Daelor, her tone turning apologetic. “Daelor, please excuse her. I’ve spoiled
her too much.”
–
“She’s nineteen now – no longer a child,” Daelor replies icily, his voice
sharp and unforgiving. “She’s so clueless that she’s letting herself be manipulated. Clearly, grandmother’s teachings were wasted on her!”
Mary’s complexion drains of color. Though manipulative, she’s not entirely
lacking in intelligence. It’s obvious she now understands that Lisa has
played her, promising to confront me herself, only to trick Mary into
carrying out the confrontation on her behalf.
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“I–I’m just scared, Daelor, that you’ll end up being misled!” Mary exclaims in
desperation. “And that woman breaking her mate bond–she doesn’t
deserve you! You’re an Alpha–you could have any she–wolf you want. Why
choose someone who’s severing that sacred bond?”
Her accusations sting, even though I’ve heard similar sentiments before.
I’ve long grown accustomed to being deemed unworthy–first as Alarion’s
Luna because of my humble lineage, and now as a possible mate to
someone even more powerful: Daelor.
But Daelor’s reaction catches everyone off guard–including me.
“I’m content with my choice,” he states with unwavering conviction.
