Where the Silver Chalice Shattered
At my bonding ceremony, the Moon Power Crystal suddenly exploded.
I stepped on the shattered silver chalice, and my ankle was instantly sliced open, blood welling from the cut.
Searing pain shot through me as silver pierced my skin. I cried out to my Alpha through the mate bond that was moments from forming, begging for help.
But even though he felt my pain, he ran right past me, rushing toward Willow Hayes in the audience.
The backup moonstone flickered to life, and in its glow, I saw him holding Willow tightly, his voice a low, soothing murmur. "Did it scare you?"
The elder froze on the altar, reminding him softly, "Alpha, Aria is injured, too."
Only then did Jasper Westwood turn his head.
He saw the blood pooling at my feet, and his brow furrowed for just a moment.
"Willow's inner wolf is fragile. Stop being so dramatic."
In that moment, the entire pack fell silent.
Jasper was known as a cold Alpha, but Willow was his one exception.
They grew up together; if she so much as whispered a word of fear, he would drop a crucial pack contract to rush to her side.
And I had been his mate-to-be for three years. I helped him stabilize the volatile energies within the pack and even gave up a coveted opportunity to study at Silvermoon Pack for the sake of Crimson Peak Pack.
He always said, "You're strong, Aria. Not like Willow. She needs looking after."
It wasn't until tonight that I finally understood.
My so-called strength was just his excuse not to comfort me when I was hurt.
It turned out my role as his so-called fated mate was simply to be the one he was willing to sacrifice.