The rain was pouring and cold, like how I felt as I stood there. Easton walked over to the car, holding the umbrella high for Elena, snuggling against him. He didn’t care that he was getting wet.

I watched them as I got completely drenched. I clenched my fists, and when I felt my nails dug into my palms, I forced myself to move. I sprinted through the rain and went inside our car, shivering.

Easton got out of Elena's car and slid into ours. He glanced at me, looking momentarily shocked, but his usual grin returned.

"Ardyn, you're soaked! Why didn’t you wait for me to help you?”

I just stared at him, struggling to control my anger.

“Elena’s always been a bit fragile. If she gets caught in the rain, she could get sick. I really just wanted to make sure she was okay first. You’re not mad, are you?”

“It’s fine,” I replied casually.

His face lit up with relief. He didn’t even notice how my hands were tense in my lap or how I clenched my jaw. Everything was fine to him as long as I didn’t make a fuss. But he failed to realize that the feelings I used to have for him, any hope or love that lingered, withered away a long time ago.

Once we got home, Easton’s excitement was hard to miss. He pulled out a bag and opened it.

“I knew you didn't like Elena wearing your ceremonial gown, so I found other choices. But these gowns are only the best, I assure you. C’mon, you gotta try them on!”

I looked at them and the gowns were gorgeous, but they felt as empty as his enthusiasm.

“This one would look stunning on you,” he said, pulling out a gown with beautiful and intricate laces.

“Go on, try it!”

I nodded numbly and made my way to the bathroom to change. When I went out, Easton was on the phone. His voice was soft, barely audible, but I heard every word.

“Do I have to come now? I’m helping Ardyn with some stuff for the mating ritual," he said, pausing for the other line to speak.

“Okay, fine. I’ll be there soon.”

He hung up and turned to me, that carefree smile plastered on his face.

“Ardyn, you look amazing! But something’s come up at work. Just pick whichever you like, alright?”

I nodded; my expression unreadable. I didn’t even have to ask who he was rushing to meet. It was all there in his hurried movements and the slight tremor in his voice. Once he was gone, I called an omega housekeeper.

"Burn them all,” I ordered, pointing to the neatly hung gowns.

She hesitated, glancing at me like she didn’t quite get it. But my tone left no room for argument. That evening, the gowns went up in flames. Watching them burn felt like shedding a part of my old self.

Later that night, while scrolling through my phone, I stumbled upon Elena’s post. There she was, beaming, showing off designer shoes and a handbag that Easton had obviously bought her. My heart broke, but I forced a smile. If she wanted him so bad, well, she could have him.

“Look what I brought for you,” Easton said, holding the pack of strawberries like a trophy as if he didn’t realize that he came back the next day afternoon.

“I’m not hungry.”

“C’mon, don’t be like that. I know I’ve been busy, but everything’s gonna be perfect. You’ll see. Tomorrow, we're scheduled for the traditional checkups’ healers ordered. Then, after two days, it's our mating ritual ceremony. Isn't that exciting?"

“Sure,” I replied flatly, pulling away.

He frowned but quickly masked it with another grin.

“You’re always so calm. That’s what I love about you. Elena could learn a thing or two.”

I kept my face neutral despite being hurt at the mention of her name.

The next day, I got a text saying that food, water, and other necessary things would be ready inside the cruise ship in three days.

"Ardyn, we need to leave. We don't want the healers to be waiting for us," Easton said.

I quickly kept my phone. When I looked up, Easton was standing, looking handsomely prepared. He smiled at me, and for the first time in days, I genuinely smiled back at him.

“Ardyn, you really need to relax. They’re probably gonna take some blood for the mating ritual, and I know how much you hate needles. Don’t worry. I’ll be with you the whole time,” Easton said, wrapping an arm around my shoulders.

I looked up at him, trying to decipher what was going on behind those eyes. For just a moment, I thought maybe the strong Alpha-to-be wasn’t just all tough exteriors. Maybe there was still a bit of Easton that cared. But then, Elena slipped into my mind.

As the healer ready the needle, I turned my head away. Easton held my hand tightly, his thumb making little comforting circles on my skin.

“You’re doing great,” he said softly, his voice almost tender.

I could see his brow furrowed, and for just a moment, it seemed like he was genuinely worried.

“Does it hurt? Ardyn, if it’s too much, just let me know.”

I almost laughed, but it was bitter. His phone rang, breaking the moment.

“I have to take this,” he said, already stepping back.

“Elena? What’s up? I’ll be there soon.”

Those words hit like a punch. He didn’t even look back as he walked out the door.

“I’ll just be a minute,” Easton said, almost dismissively.

I stared at the spot he had just vacated, feeling this numbness creep in.

Then, the healer cleared her throat, bringing me back to reality. I let her finish the blood draw in silence. The prick of the needle was almost a relief—physical pain was easier to deal with than the mess swirling in my mind.

Easton didn't return that day, even the following day. Elena posted in the pack's group chat another picture that hit me like a slap. She was sitting in a restaurant, behind her was Easton, and she captioned it, "With the ones who truly matter.”

I slammed my phone down. But I forced myself not to shed a tear.

And then the messages started flooding in.

“Can’t wait for your mating ritual ceremony tomorrow!”

“Ardyn, you and Easton are just perfect together!”

“Luna Ardyn does have a nice ring to it.”

Perfect? They had no idea. There was nothing perfect about being second place to the one person Easton couldn't let go of.

By noon, the operator of the cruise ship messaged me.

"The cruise ship would be ready by dawn. Will you board before sunrise?”

I quickly typed back, “Yes.”

This was it. My chance to break free. To leave behind a connection that felt more like a prison. Let Easton and Elena have their messed-up relationship; I was done being the patient, compliant Luna-in-waiting.

Then, I heard the door creak open behind me.

“Ardyn,” Easton said, his voice soft and almost desperate.

“Would you like to eat outside?”

Once upon a time, that might’ve melted my heart. But now, it felt empty.

“No, thanks,” I replied, keeping my voice steady.

Easton frowned, clearly confused.

“You’re upset. I understand, but tomorrow’s the mating ritual ceremony. It’s all going to be perfect; I promise. I’ll be right by your side. Work can wait.”

I wanted to scream at him. To let him know how absurd that promise sounded when he couldn’t even stay with me for a simple blood draw. But instead, all I could manage was a cold, distant smile that didn’t reach my eyes.

“Sure, Easton. Tomorrow,” I murmured, turning away from him.

By the time dawn came, I’d be long gone. Tomorrow might be the big day for the mating ritual ceremony, but it wouldn’t be my day. It never was.

And when Easton finally figured that out, well, it’d be way too late. And I would leave a surprise for him and Elena.

My phone buzzed every ten minutes, filled with well-wishes from the pack members counting the hours before my supposed mating ritual ceremony. I didn't bother to respond to any of those texts. Instead, I went to the venue for the last time.

The grand hall looked elegant, draped in soft whites and blush pinks, just like I’d always dreamed it would be. But now it felt like a stage set for a show I had no interest in being part of.

I went to a table where a photo of Easton and me was displayed. We looked so happy, like the perfect mates the pack expected us to be. Before I could think much about it, I grabbed that photo and ripped it in half. The sound echoed through that empty hall, almost satisfying, though it didn’t quite erase the sting of betrayal.

“Get these down,” I said to the attendant without glancing at her.

I sounded calm despite the burning rage inside me. The attendant just nodded, probably too polite to ask questions. I bet she thought I was one of those future Luna having cold feet. If only she knew the real story.

"Why are you angry this early?"

I tensed as I heard that familiar voice. It's Astrid, my adoptive mother. Her tone dripped with sarcasm, her eyes scanning the room like she was judging a bad play. She stood there, arms crossed, waiting for an explanation.

“Shouldn’t you be a bit more composed? You’re about to become Luna,” she said, smirking.

“I didn’t ask for your opinion,” I snapped.

Her smirk widened.

“Still got that fiery temper, huh? You should learn to control it by now. A Luna should know when to keep quiet.”

I didn’t even bother responding. Instead, I turned my focus back to the hall, but Astrid wasn’t done with me.

“Oh, I almost forgot,” she said, pulling a small box from her bag and shoving it toward me.

“A gift from me.”

I stared at the box, hesitant to take it. My mother didn’t give gifts unless there were strings attached. And when I opened it, my breath caught in my throat. A diamond necklace sparkled in the light - gorgeous, cold, and meaningless. It was the necklace promised to me as a kid but never given. Instead, it went to Elena on her sixteenth birthday. Seeing it now felt like a slap in the face. I stared at the necklace for what felt like forever before tossing it into the trash can.

The hours that followed were spent packing my stuff and double-checking everything. Tomorrow, I was supposed to walk down the ceremonial grounds with Easton. But nope, that was definitely not happening.

I took one last look at my phone. A message from Elena lit up the screen. “Wishing you a blessed mating ritual ceremony, Ardyn. I hope you find joy always.”

I forced a smile because I knew Elena was lying. I bet she was snuggled up in Easton’s arms at this second, celebrating her little victory. I quickly typed a response.

"Thanks for the blessing, Elena. I’ll always find my happiness. Oh, and I got you a little something. You will receive it tomorrow."

Elena would receive it at the mating ritual ceremony. I specifically instructed the courier. I chuckled, imagining what she would look like when she saw it. Then, I also sent one last message to Easton.

"Sorry, I canceled our mating ritual ceremony. Please attend your and Elena's mating ritual ceremony."

I attached the candid photos I had taken when they were being carelessly unaware while being intimate. Once I stepped onto the ship, those messages would be sent automatically. The pictures would even be forwarded to the pack's group chat for everyone to see. It would serve as my final goodbye.

I arrived at the dock and looked at the amazing cruise ship I owned. It was enormously beautiful. I felt the weight of the things I was letting go of but did not back down.

“Excuse me, Miss Ardyn. I am Paolo, the ship's captain, where would you like to go?” a voice pulled me from my thoughts.

I turned and smiled.

“Wherever this ship takes me.”

I glanced at the sea. And for the first time, I wasn't afraid of what would happen next. I was actually excited.