Chapter 7

As I stood before the statue of the Moon Goddess, preparing to sever the sacred Mate bond with Derek, nearly the entire SilverMark Pack gathered at the border to witness the unprecedented event. Murmurs rippled through the crowd: "How dare she profane the sacred union blessed by the Moon Goddess?" "Poor child, so young to lose his family..." "She's so selfish, not thinking of the child at all!" Derek stood nearby, expertly playing the role of the abandoned Mate, effortlessly winning the pack's sympathy. Only I could see the challenge glinting in his eyes. I wiped away tears, my voice choked but resolute. "I would never choose this path unless driven to utter desperation. Arthur saved Derek's life, a debt I will forever acknowledge." "But Derek became obsessed. He was determined to give away our newborn child to Arthur. On the very day I gave birth, he conspired with the tribe's witch doctor and nurses. They lied, telling me my child had died, while secretly giving him away." "If