Chapter 5 – Quick Decision

• Kael’s POV
• They actually dared to hang up on me before I finished speaking. I clenched my phone tightly, my gaze fixed on the screen.
• “Kael, who was that?” Freya’s soft voice floated out from the bedroom.
• I slipped the phone into my pocket and walked in as though nothing had happened. Sitting by her bedside, I tucked the blanket around her and said, “No one important. Just take your medicine first.”
• Freya’s pale face tugged at my heart. She held my hand and murmured pitifully, “This medicine is so bitter, it makes me feel awful.”
• I arched a brow, the corner of my mouth lifting into a dry smile. “Didn’t you once tell me you weren’t afraid of bitter things back when we were pen pals? Come on—take it, so you can recover.”
• Her large, watery eyes flicked up at me, and she whispered sweetly, “Alright. I’ll listen to you, Kael.”
• After all, Freya had been in a coma for six years. Her body was weak, her skin pale, and her personality still felt frozen in her school days.
• I couldn’t help but feel sorry for her.
• “Next time, I’ll have Lucas bring you some candy. That way, you won’t have to struggle so much with the taste.”
• Her lips curved into a delighted smile as she wrapped her arm around mine. “Kael, you’re always so good to me.”
• Leaving her room, I headed downstairs, where my mother was approaching with a steaming bowl of chicken broth. “How’s Freya? Feeling any better?” she asked warmly.
• “She just finished her medicine and is talking with her parents,” I answered.
• My mother nodded approvingly. “Kael, Freya’s father is the Alpha of the Umbraclaw Pack. He agreed to let us bring her here, which means he’s also approving of your union. We mustn’t neglect her in our family.”
• Her fond expression made me recall Isadora’s illness last year.
• Back then, my mother had been furious, throwing things in a rage, while Isadora—sick with a cold was the one who cooked dinner.
• I caught myself before the thought could linger. That woman had deliberately pushed Freya, taken advantage of her vulnerability, and schemed to become my mate. Everything was her fault.
• Mother’s voice cut into my thoughts. “Where’s Ryder? Haven’t seen him all day.”
• Just as she finished speaking, the front door burst open. Ryder walked in with a stormy expression.
• “Ryder, what’s wrong?” my mother asked, rushing over.
• “I’m fine, Mom,” he muttered, brushing her hand away. Then he looked at me, hesitation flickering in his eyes. “Bro… I saw Isadora at the bar today. She was getting cozy with a male model. It wasn’t casual.”
• My jaw tightened. That woman had broken the destined bond with me, only to run off with another man?
• “With who?” I asked coldly.
• “His name’s Caleb. Zane was with them too.”
• “What?” my mother snapped, her face darkening with fury. “She dares to cheat? That shameless girl! Where is she? I’ll tear her apart myself!”
• “Isadora said she broke the bond with my brother,” Ryder added cautiously, glancing at me. “Is that true?”
• I didn’t reply. She was right, Isadora was no longer my mate. I had no right to control her.
• But my mother smiled bitterly, her tone dripping with disdain. “All the better! She knows her place. To me, Freya is the true Luna of our Nightfang Pack. Isadora is nothing.”
• Her venomous words grated on me. “That’s enough,” I said flatly.
• Shrugging into my coat, I walked out of the house without looking back.
• The following evening, I dressed with purpose.
• From the back of my closet, I pulled out the fitted black dress Kael had once mocked as ugly. I hadn’t touched it since. Tonight, I wore it proudly, pairing it with bold makeup and crimson lipstick, radiating confidence.
• Kael and I arrived at the Nightfang Pack’s altar.
• I forced a bright smile. “Let’s go, Alpha Kael. I don’t have time to waste.”
• His eyes narrowed. “In such a hurry because of that model?”
• I blinked, startled, before realizing Ryder must have told him about what happened at Neon Nights Bar.
• I lifted my chin. “My personal life isn’t your concern, Alpha. Isn’t that right?”
• “Do you like him?” His tone was clipped, almost biting.
• “Yes. I like him. Satisfied?” I snapped. “Now can we complete the ceremony?”
• His lips thinned, his face carved in ice, but he said nothing more. Under the elders’ guidance, the ritual to dissolve our bond was swift.
• Walking out beneath the full moon, my chest tightened.
• I had never received the Moon Goddess’s blessing. All these years of devotion had been meaningless. From now on, Kael and I were strangers. I no longer had to bend myself for him.
• I swallowed the ache in my throat, forced a radiant smile, and lifted my head high.
• Just then, a sleek black car pulled up. Caleb stepped out, his jacket draped loosely over his broad shoulders, a dazzling grin lighting his face.
• “I’m here to pick you up,” he said easily.
• “Zane was supposed to come,” I murmured.
• “He’s at the bar setting up. Said he wants to celebrate with you tonight, so he asked me to get you first.” He took my bag with a casual charm. “Come on, sis. Let me take you somewhere special.”
• His teasing expression made me laugh despite myself. “Tell me where first, then I’ll decide.”
• He chuckled. “If I tell you, it won’t be a surprise.”
• Rolling my eyes, I climbed in anyway.
• As we drove, I caught sight of Kael’s car disappearing down the road. My chest gave a pang—but I shook it off.
• For the first time in years, I was truly free.