Chapter 4 Breaking Point

• The full moon hung high in the sky, casting a silver glow over the packhouse courtyard. The air buzzed with excitement—tonight was the annual warrior trials, a tradition where the strongest wolves displayed their strength before the entire pack.
• For years, Celeste had stood beside Kieran, watching him lead the trials. This time, she stood alone.
• She kept her head high, despite the murmurs that followed her.
• "She doesn’t belong here anymore."
• "Why is she even trying?"
• "Kieran should have chosen someone stronger."
• She had learned to tune them out. But tonight, the weight of their words pressed harder than usual.
• Rowan appeared at her side, arms crossed. “You sure about this?”
• Celeste swallowed, forcing a steady breath. “I won’t cower.”
• He studied her for a moment, then gave a slow nod. “Then don’t let them break you.”
• Easier said than done.
• As the warriors gathered, Kieran took his place at the front, towering and powerful. His presence still pulled at her, a cruel reminder of what they once had.
• “Welcome,” Kieran’s voice rang out, commanding attention. “Tonight, we test strength, discipline, and loyalty. Our warriors prove they are worthy.”
• A few murmurs of agreement rippled through the crowd.
• “And, of course,” Kieran continued, a smirk curling at his lips, “we’ll see who can endure.”
• Celeste stiffened. Something in his tone sent a ripple of unease through her.
• The warriors stepped forward in pairs, one after another, engaging in sparring matches.
• Then Kieran turned to her.
• “Celeste.”
• A hush fell over the crowd.
• Her spine went rigid as every gaze locked onto her.
• Kieran’s expression was unreadable. “You’ve trained for years. Stand and prove it.”
• It wasn’t a request.
• It was a challenge.
• A trap.
• Celeste’s pulse thundered. She could refuse—but that would only make her look weak.
• Rowan murmured lowly, “You don’t have to do this.”
• But she did.
• So she stepped forward.
• Kieran’s smirk deepened. “Good.” He turned. “Lillian.”
• Celeste’s stomach dropped.
• Lillian stepped into the ring, rolling her shoulders with an easy grin. “I was hoping for this.”
• A chill spread through Celeste’s veins.
• She wasn’t being tested. She was being humiliated.
• Lillian was Kieran’s new favorite. She had trained under him relentlessly.
• And Celeste had barely trained at all in weeks.
• Kieran lifted a hand. “Begin.”
• Lillian moved first—fast, precise, a blur of motion.
• Celeste barely had time to dodge before a strike slammed into her ribs.
• She gasped but stayed standing.
• Pain shot through her, but she gritted her teeth. Focus. Breathe. Fight back.
• She pivoted, landing a glancing hit to Lillian’s shoulder. But Lillian barely reacted.
• A mocking smirk curled her lips. “That all you got?”
• Celeste didn’t respond. She braced herself—
• But she wasn’t fast enough.
• Lillian’s leg swept beneath her, knocking her to the ground.
• The impact stole her breath.
• A collective murmur rippled through the crowd.
• Celeste forced herself up, heart hammering.
• She wouldn’t let this end here.
• She lunged—
• Lillian sidestepped and struck again, slamming her onto her back.
• The pain was instant and searing.
• She lay gasping, vision swimming.
• Then Lillian leaned down, voice just loud enough for the onlookers to hear.
• “Kieran doesn’t want a weak Luna.”
• Celeste’s blood ran cold.
• Lillian straightened, turning to Kieran. “Should I stop?”
• Kieran’s gaze met Celeste’s.
• For one fleeting second, she swore she saw hesitation.
• But then—
• “No.”
• The single word shattered everything.
• Lillian grinned.
• Celeste barely had time to react before Lillian’s foot connected with her ribs, sending her skidding across the dirt.
• Laughter erupted from the crowd.
• Celeste coughed, blood filling her mouth.
• No one helped her.
• No one defended her.
• Not even Kieran.
• He just watched.
• And in that moment, Celeste realized—this was her breaking point.
• She had spent too long waiting for him to see her. Too long holding onto a bond that was already severed.
• She wasn’t his mate anymore.
• She was nothing to him.
• And if that was the case…
• Then she would rise as something greater.
• Slowly, painfully, she pushed herself to her feet.
• The crowd had already begun to turn away, moving on.
• Lillian smirked as she walked past.
• Kieran barely spared her a glance.
• But Celeste wasn’t looking at them anymore.
• She was done looking at them.
• She turned, walked away from the courtyard—each step stronger than the last.
• And for the first time, she wasn’t walking toward Kieran.
• She was walking away.