99 Rituals Forsaken, Luna Was Gone Novel – Elara’s POV For five long years, I had stood by my destined mate, Alpha Carron, enduring 98 failed marking ceremonies. Each time, he cut it short—always for another Omega. “Just a little longer, Princess. Please, hold on,” Shaman Tessa’s voice echoed faintly, as though from a distance. My jaw locked, fists trembling. Sweat slid down my cheeks.
The rejection’s backlash seared through me like fire in my veins. This was the 99th attempt. The 99th time I had readied myself to receive Carron’s mark. “Where is he?” My voice rasped, edged with resentment I tried to conceal. Tessa kept her eyes low, dabbing moonpetal salve around my neck. “The Alpha is still… occupied.” I knew all too well what—or rather who—was keeping him.
“The ritual must begin when the moon is at its peak. If not, we wait another month.” I rose to my feet, my white robe rustling with the night breeze. “Perhaps tonight isn’t ideal, Princess,” Tessa murmured. I let out a bitter laugh. “When has it ever been? It’s been five years, Tessa. Five.” Around us, the pack gathered, eyes fixed on me, waiting to see if their Alpha would finally complete the bond. For the last time, I decided to give him a chance.
I reached for Carron through our mind-link. The ceremony is starting. Everyone is waiting. But his reply wasn’t to me. His attention was on the soft, familiar voice beside him. “Relax, Lilith. Just rest, you’ll be fine.” “Carron, it hurts so badly…” she whimpered. “Keep stay. Let me look at that ankle,” he said, his tone tender—gentle in a way he had never once been with me. “Elara?” His eyes finally flicked my way, though his hands remained on Lilith’s twisted ankle. “What’s the rush? She fell from a tree.
I’ll be there in a moment.” The pack’s mocking gazes burned into me. All of them waiting for me to be humiliated yet again. “One chance again,” I whispered to myself, nails digging into my palms. “The final time.” If he failed me tonight, I would leave—and never allow anyone to shatter my dignity again. When the moon reached its zenith, Carron finally arrived, hurried and breathless. He greeted the pack with a nod as the Elders began their ancient chant. “You alright, love?” he asked, offering an apologetic smile. “Focus,” I warned sharply.
“Do not dishonor the Moon Goddess again.” He grinned, squeezing my hand. “This time, I promise. I’ll see it through.” The ritual began. Sacred moonwater was sprinkled over us, and Carron leaned closer, his teeth brushing the skin of my neck. I kept my eyes closed, pulse racing. At last, I told myself. Perhaps this time will be real. The crowd gasped. His breath stilled. His gaze shifted past me. I turned—and saw her. Lilith, collapsing dramatically in the crowd. “Lilith!” Carron dropped my hand at once. “I must take her to the springs.
We’ll finish next time, I swear.” The bond’s backlash flared inside me again, a torment I knew too well. But this time, I made no sound. No pleading. No tears. “It’s fine,” I said, smiling strangely. “Lilith’s wellbeing comes first. She is, after all, the pack’s cherished Omega.” Carron blinked, surprised at my calm. “Thank you, Elara. I’ll bring you mooncakes later—I know you love them.” He ran to her, the last fragment of hope inside me turning to ash. I did’t like mooncakes. They were her favorite. He’d forgotten long ago. Five years, I thought. Ninety-nineceremonies failed. Ninety-nine times my pride was ground to dust. I’d reached my limit. I pulled out the Silverveil Realm’s communicator, a link I hadn’t touched in years. “Father,” I said softly, “I was a fool. I’ll be home in two days.”