The Rejected Luna (Avery and Kaden) novel Chapter 93

**Between Then and Now by Mark Twain**
**Chapter 9**

**Selene’s POV**

I stood there, my heart heavy yet strangely buoyant, as I watched Julian’s silhouette gradually shrink into the distance, disappearing beyond the imposing gates. The moment his figure vanished completely, I turned away, stepping back into the hollow silence of the house that had once felt so alive.

As I lay down on the cool sheets of my bed, the stillness was abruptly broken by the glow of my phone lighting up on the bedside table. I glanced at the screen, curiosity prickling at my thoughts. A message from Claire.

Despite the turmoil swirling within me, I couldn’t resist the urge to peek. With a swift motion, I opened the message, and my breath hitched as I saw a screenshot—an exchange between Claire and Julian.

Claire: “Julian, I found some old love letters I wrote you. Want to come and see them? If not, I’ll just burn them.”

Julian’s response was almost instantaneous, as if he had been waiting for this moment:

“Don’t burn them. Wait for me.”

My grip tightened around the phone, my knuckles whitening. He had promised he would return soon, yet here I was, grappling with the gnawing silence that stretched over the next two days. No calls, no messages—just the oppressive quiet that filled the void he left behind.

But perhaps it didn’t matter anymore. The final day of the Mate Bond cooling period had arrived, and with it, a sense of liberation. I picked up my phone, my heart racing as I dialed Attorney Li.

“The moon cycle is complete,” I stated, my voice steady. “Is the Severance finalized?”

“Yes,” came the bright, professional reply, the words ringing with finality. “The Pack Elders have ratified the Bond Severance. Congratulations, Miss Hartwell—you’re free.”

“Thank you,” I replied softly, the weight of the words settling over me like a warm blanket.

For the first time in what felt like an eternity, a genuine smile broke across my lips, illuminating my face with a lightness I thought I had lost. Ending the call, another name flashed across my screen: Ethan Caldwell.

In that moment, Julian’s voice echoed mockingly in my mind: “Stay away from Ethan. I know what other men want.” I shook off the thought, determined not to let his words dictate my life any longer. I answered the call, my voice steady.

“Senior Brother,” I greeted, a hint of warmth creeping into my tone.

Nothing Julian had ever said could shackle me from living my life. He no longer held that power over me.

“Selene,” Ethan’s voice was like a comforting embrace, warm and steady. “The moon cycle’s up. Are you ready to depart?”

A real, unburdened smile spread across my face. “I am,” I replied, feeling a surge of excitement. “I can leave today.”

“Good,” he said simply, his tone reassuring. “I’ll be waiting.”

After we hung up, I changed into a fresh, simple outfit, the fabric feeling light against my skin as I prepared to leave for the Pack Syndicate Office. Just as I reached the door, it swung open unexpectedly.

There stood Julian, clad in a black overcoat that seemed to absorb the cold winter air around him. Time froze for a moment as our eyes met—his expression caught between surprise and a wistful longing that tugged at my heart.

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