Bound and Burned by the One I Loved novel Chapter 7

I walked out of the goldsmith’s shop with blood dripping from my chin, but I did not go home. I went to the healers. The receptionist took one look at my face-the glass shards embedded in my forehead, the bruises blooming purple across my jaw-and her eyes went wide with recognition. 

“You’re the one from the network,” she whispered. 

“Treat me or don’t,” I said flatly. “But if I die in your waiting room, the scandal will ruin this establishment.” 

She treated me. 

As the healer stitched my forehead, I sent a message to the investigator. Three words: Confirm the time. The reply came immediately. Moonrise. Three days hence. The Grand Hall. 

I smiled through the pain. 

For three days, I hid in my rented chamber, watching their projections glow across the public channel. Cassian and Eira at the tailors, selecting white silk. Cassian and Eira at the florists, choosing moon- blooms for the altar. Every image was a blade, but I let them cut me. I let the hate sharpen into focus. 

The night of the ceremony arrived. 

The Grand Moon Feasting Hall blazed with light and music. Pack members from across the territory filled the seats, their finest pelts gleaming, their voices raised in celebration. The rescue patrol- Cassian’s own warriors-stood guard at the entrance, two rigid lines of silver uniforms blocking the doors. 

I approached from the shadows, wearing a server’s plain gray tunic, my face hidden beneath a heavy hood. 

“The Alpha didn’t invite you, traitor,” the patrol leader sneered when he saw my flat belly. “If we let you in, 

our bonuses vanish.” 

“I’m just a server,” I murmured, keeping my eyes downcast. “Bringing wine for the bridal chamber.” 

They let me pass. 

Inside, the hall reeked of expensive incense and false joy. I moved through the crowd, offering trays of crystal goblets, while relatives who had attended my own mating ceremony turned their faces away Some threw drinks at my back. Others spat at my feet, calling me serpent-hearted, calling me murderer. 

I smiled and kept walking. 

The ceremony began. Cassian stood at the altar in ceremonial white, looking every inch the noble Alpha. Eira approached in a gown of purest silk, her face radiant with victory, The Elder raised his hands to begin the vows. 

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