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00:00:04my fated mate rejected me at our own mate claim ceremony in three days i'll be handed over to the
00:00:10wolf king's heir as his mate i cassian voss future alpha of black line pack reject nyla as my fated
00:00:17mate maris was the daughter of mara my father's new luna mara had brought her into our pack
00:00:23maris had cried through the whole ceremony the law of silverfeld pack is plain a she-wolf who
00:00:29turns 18 without a mate bond cannot choose the council chooses for her maris had no fated mate
00:00:35hers had died before she ever came of age the half-formed bond had snapped with him losing a
00:00:42mate did not make her unable to bear pups it only left her unprotected nothing stood between her and
00:00:48the council's next decree she crossed the floor toward me her eyes were swollen red
00:00:56nyla don't blame him i have no bond to keep me safe the elders will hand me to the old
00:01:01alpha
00:01:01i won't survive it cassian tightened his grip on her hand he looked at me i'm only saving her
00:01:08she lost her mate the council could ship her off any day once she is safe i will claim you
00:01:14again
00:01:15you are still my luna you always were cassian had forgotten one thing i am older than maris in three
00:01:24days i turn 18 he had just rejected me before the whole pack the pain still pressed down on my
00:01:31chest
00:01:31something inside me felt torn loose in three days i would be the one sent away they would give me
00:01:38to
00:01:38the lycan king's air everyone whispered that he was dying around the hall the pack began to murmur
00:01:45goddess cassian rejected nila for maris what happens to nila now the council will marry her off
00:01:55i watched the looks changed on every face shock softened into pity maris stayed tucked against cassian's
00:02:03chest she was still crying something ugly flickered across cassian's face only now did he remember that
00:02:13law maris leaned into him her voice still trembled but when she glanced at me her mouth curved just
00:02:20slightly i looked at cassian all at once i had nothing left to ask he had already made his choice
00:02:26i lifted my chin i nila accept your rejection cassian boss
00:02:33my acceptance wiped the certainty of cassian's face he finally loosened his hold on maris
00:02:39but maris leaned right back into him the tears started again cassian lowered his voice
00:02:45nila you didn't have to accept
00:02:50i only used the ceremony to block the elders once maris is safe i will claim you again
00:02:59he raised a hand to touch me i stepped back his face went paler
00:03:06i looked at him you rejected me before the whole pack i accepted before the whole pack too
00:03:12this is not something you can take back around us the pack members went quiet they had not expected
00:03:19me to cut the tie maris grabbed at cassian's sleeve nila you already accepted the rejection
00:03:26why humiliate cassian on top of that my father has always shielded you most the elders will never
00:03:32truly punish you cassian stepped in front of her at once maris has begged you this far why can't you
00:03:38wait
00:03:41once she escapes this assignment i will come back for you the voices around us drop lower her father
00:03:47is the alpha nila must still have a way out maris is a different story my father finally spoke
00:03:54cassian are you certain you chose maris not nila cassian did not answer his hand still held maris
00:04:03i understood that was his answer they all thought i still had a way out but a letter already waited
00:04:09in my father's study it carried the lichen royal seal mara came forward and steadied maris
00:04:15stop crying you've suffered enough tonight she looked at me nila it is done don't shame silvercrest
00:04:23pack further at last i understood they wanted me to swallow the betrayal and step aside with a smile
00:04:30just then maris's gaze dropped it landed on the moonstone at my collar tine the necklace was my
00:04:36mother's last gift to me she wiped her tears nila could i borrow your moonstone necklace for one night
00:04:45i looked down at the moonstone necklace it rested against my collar rhone my mother left it to me
00:04:51it was no ordinary jewel tonight the chosen luna wears a family heirloom it is a silvercrest tradition
00:04:59it proves both families bless the claiming i had meant to wear it for cassian's claim now cassian
00:05:06had chosen maris and maris had set her sights on it she reached out tears still on her face
00:05:12nila just one night i have nothing fit for a ceremony cassian chose me i can't shame blackrush pack
00:05:19i did not move my father's hand pressed flat on the table maris that is her mother's keepsake
00:05:25i looked at mara to her i had never counted at all cassian frowned nila don't blow this up it's
00:05:33only a necklace i'll buy you a new one name your price he still did not understand he thought a
00:05:39gift
00:05:39could replace my mother's keepsake how absurd i looked at him you can't afford it maris lowered
00:05:46her head at once i knew it nila still hates me she won't even lend one necklace
00:05:52my father started to speak but cassian moved first he stared at the moonstone on my collarstone
00:05:59his voice turned hard nila give it to her i stepped back
00:06:07don't touch it my hand pressed over the necklace cassian's hand paused for a beat
00:06:13then it kept reaching for me he truly meant to take it in front of both packs he would seize
00:06:19my
00:06:19mother's keepsake the next second his hand closed on the chain the white gold pressed against my skin
00:06:27my fingers snapped tight he had no idea what he was about to break
00:06:34maris stared at my moonstone necklace i was done humoring her
00:06:41maris this one stays i'll have my father pick a new one for you her eyes reddened at once
00:06:48but it matches my gown best one night is that too much cassian frowned
00:06:55nila it's only a necklace why push maris this hard i looked at maris
00:07:01you know it isn't yours so don't reach for it maris lowered her head
00:07:07i know you're upset but cassian chose me tonight i stand at his side
00:07:13without a proper necklace blackridge pack will think he chose wrong cassian's eyes turned cold
00:07:19enough choosing maris was my call blame me if you want
00:07:24give her the necklace i'll replace it with two better ones i shielded the necklace
00:07:28it was not a prop to dress up a new luna it was the last thing my mother left me
00:07:35even if the council sent me away it would go with me maris did not want the necklace
00:07:43she wanted the last thing i had left my mother left me this
00:07:47no one touches it cassian reached out and grabbed the chain my father stepped forward
00:07:54cassian stop this now he yanked it down anyway the chain broke
00:08:01the moonstone necklace fell at maris's feet
00:08:06maris shrewd and stumbled back her heel came down on the moonstone the stone split in two
00:08:11the white gold setting bent under her ceremony hall fell silent maris covered her mouth naya
00:08:17i'm sorry i really didn't mean to i crouched and gathered the broken chain and stone cassian
00:08:23finally spoke nila i'll pay for it i looked at him you can't afford it maris was still crying
00:08:31but she knew what she had crushed my fist around the broken chain this is a debt i will collect
00:08:37myself
00:08:41maris started to explain again i raised my hand and slapped her she froze a hand pressed to her cheek
00:08:48cassian moved to block her at once nila have you lost your mind i did not look at him maris
00:08:55you knew
00:08:55this was my mother's necklace you knew i'd refuse so you broke it on purpose maris's lips went white
00:09:03it wasn't like that
00:09:07i took a step closer dropped the act you never wanted the necklace you wanted me to lose to you
00:09:12in public nila she already apologized i finally turned to him so did you i said don't touch it
00:09:19and you grabbed it he opened his mouth i didn't know it was your mother's keepsake
00:09:23i closed the broken chain in my palm
00:09:28so what i explained you didn't listen
00:09:34understanding it now is too late cassian tried to say my name i cut him off don't call me nila
00:09:39anymore
00:09:41you rejected me in public and i accepted from now on we are nothing to each other
00:09:47my father stepped to my side his voice pressed down over the hall that's enough for tonight
00:09:53cassian take maris out of the silvertrow ceremony hall
00:09:57cassian looked at me this time i did not look back
00:10:00late that night i walked into my father's study a letter sat on the desk
00:10:05it bore the lichen royal seal the name was written plainly
00:10:09rowan veil the lichen king's heir the one rumored to be dying
00:10:14my father pressed his hand on the letter i can have another pack claim you tonight
00:10:20at least you'd avoid the lichen royal house
00:10:22i shook my head it's too late blackridge pack changed their choice in front of everyone
00:10:27silvercrisp pack has no way out now
00:10:29my father held the letter a long time i drew it out from under his hand
00:10:35i accept i'm going to meet rowan vey
00:10:39my fated mate rejected me at our own mate claim ceremony
00:10:42in three days i'll be handed over to the wolf king's heir as his mate
00:10:46i cassian voss future alpha of blackline pack
00:10:49reject nila as my fated mate
00:10:51maris was the daughter of mara
00:10:53my father's new luna
00:10:55mara had brought her into our pack
00:10:57maris had cried through the whole ceremony
00:10:59the law of silverfeld's pack is plain
00:11:02a she-wolf who turns 18 without a mate bond cannot choose
00:11:05the council chooses for her
00:11:08maris had no fated mate
00:11:10hers had died before she ever came of age
00:11:12the half-formed bond had snapped with him
00:11:15losing a mate did not make her unable to bear pups
00:11:18it only left her unprotected
00:11:20nothing stood between her and the council's next decree
00:11:23she crossed the floor toward me
00:11:26her eyes were swollen red
00:11:30nila don't blame him
00:11:31i have no bond to keep me safe
00:11:33the elders will hand me to the old alpha
00:11:35i won't survive it
00:11:37cassian tightened his grip on her hand
00:11:40he looked at me
00:11:41i'm only saving her
00:11:43she lost her mate
00:11:44the council could ship her off any day
00:11:46once she is safe
00:11:47i will claim you again
00:11:50you are still my luna
00:11:52you always were
00:11:54cassian had forgotten one thing
00:11:56i am older than maris
00:11:58in three days i turn 18
00:11:59he had just rejected me before the whole pack
00:12:03the pain still pressed down on my chest
00:12:06something inside me felt torn loose
00:12:08in three days i would be the one sent away
00:12:11they would give me to the lycan king's heir
00:12:14everyone whispered that he was dying
00:12:16around the hall
00:12:17the pack began to murmur
00:12:19goddess
00:12:21cassian rejected nila for maris
00:12:24what happens to nila now
00:12:27the council will marry her off
00:12:29i watched the looks changed
00:12:31on every face
00:12:32shock softened into pity
00:12:36maris stayed tucked against cassian's chest
00:12:40she was still crying
00:12:42something ugly flickered across cassian's face
00:12:45only now did he remember that law
00:12:47maris leaned into him
00:12:49her voice still trembled
00:12:51but when she glanced at me
00:12:52her mouth curved
00:12:53just slightly
00:12:54i looked at cassian
00:12:56all at once i had nothing left to ask
00:12:59he had already made his choice
00:13:00i lifted my chin
00:13:03i nila accept your rejection cassian voss
00:13:08my acceptance wiped the certainty off cassian's face
00:13:11he finally loosened his hold on maris
00:13:14but maris leaned right back into him
00:13:16the tears started again
00:13:18cassian lowered his voice
00:13:19nila you didn't have to accept
00:13:24i only used the ceremony to block the elders
00:13:28once maris is safe
00:13:30i will claim you again
00:13:33he raised a hand to touch me
00:13:36i stepped back
00:13:37his face went paler
00:13:40i looked at him
00:13:43you rejected me before the whole pack
00:13:45i accepted before the whole pack too
00:13:46this is not something you can take back
00:13:49or around us
00:13:50the pack members went quiet
00:13:51they had not expected me to cut the tie
00:13:54maris grabbed at cassian's sleeve
00:13:57nila you already accepted the rejection
00:14:00why humiliate cassian on top of that
00:14:03my father has always shielded you most
00:14:05the elders will never truly punish you
00:14:07cassian stepped in front of her at once
00:14:09maris has begged you this far
00:14:11why can't you wait
00:14:16once she escapes this assignment
00:14:17i will come back for you
00:14:19the voices around us dropped lower
00:14:21her father is the alpha
00:14:22nila must still have a way out
00:14:24maris is a different story
00:14:26my father finally spoke
00:14:29cassian are you certain
00:14:30you chose maris not nila
00:14:33cassian did not answer
00:14:35his hand still held maris
00:14:37i understood
00:14:38that was his answer
00:14:40they all thought i still had a way out
00:14:42but a letter already waited in my father's study
00:14:45it carried the lichen royal seal
00:14:47mara came forward and steadied maris
00:14:50stop crying
00:14:50you've suffered enough tonight
00:14:53she looked at me
00:14:54nila it is done
00:14:56don't shame silvercrest pack further
00:14:58at last i understood
00:14:59they wanted me to swallow the betrayal
00:15:02and step aside with a smile
00:15:04just then
00:15:05maris's gaze dropped
00:15:07it landed on the moonstone at my collar tine
00:15:10the necklace was my mother's last gift to me
00:15:12she wiped her tears
00:15:14nila could i borrow your moonstone necklace for one night
00:15:20i looked down at the moonstone necklace
00:15:22it rested against my collarone
00:15:24my mother left it to me
00:15:26it was no ordinary jewel
00:15:28tonight the chosen luna wears a family heirloom
00:15:31it is a silvercrest tradition
00:15:33it proves both families bless the claiming
00:15:36i had meant to wear it for cassian's claim
00:15:39now cassian had chosen maris
00:15:41and maris had set her sights on it
00:15:44she reached out
00:15:45tears still on her face
00:15:47nila just one night
00:15:48i have nothing fit for a ceremony
00:15:51cassian chose me
00:15:52i can't shame blackrush pack
00:15:54i did not move
00:15:55my father's hand pressed flat on the table
00:15:58maris that is her mother's keepsake
00:16:00i looked at mara
00:16:01to her i had never counted at all
00:16:03cassian frowned
00:16:05nila don't blow this up
00:16:07it's only a necklace
00:16:09i'll buy you a new one
00:16:10name your price
00:16:11he still did not understand
00:16:12he thought a gift could replace my mother's keepsake
00:16:16how absurd
00:16:17i looked at him
00:16:18you can't afford it
00:16:19maris lowered her head at once
00:16:21i knew it
00:16:23nila still hates me
00:16:25she won't even lend one necklace
00:16:27my father started to speak
00:16:29but cassian moved first
00:16:31he stared at the moonstone on my collarstone
00:16:33his voice turned hard
00:16:35nila give it to her
00:16:37i stepped back
00:16:41don't touch it
00:16:43my hand pressed over the necklace
00:16:45cassian's hand paused for a beat
00:16:47then it kept reaching for me
00:16:49he truly meant to take it
00:16:51in front of both packs
00:16:52he would seize my mother's keepsake
00:16:54the next second
00:16:56his hand closed on the chain
00:16:58the white gold pressed against my skin
00:17:01my fingers snapped tight
00:17:03he had no idea what he was about to break
00:17:08maris stared at my moonstone necklace
00:17:11i was done humoring her
00:17:15maris
00:17:15this one stays
00:17:19i'll have my father pick a new one for you
00:17:21her eyes reddened at once
00:17:23but it matches my gown best
00:17:25one night is that too much
00:17:27cassian frowned
00:17:29nila it's only a necklace
00:17:31why push maris this hard
00:17:33i looked at maris
00:17:36you know it isn't yours
00:17:37so don't reach for it
00:17:39maris lowered her head
00:17:41i know you're upset
00:17:43but cassian chose me
00:17:45tonight i stand at his side
00:17:48without a proper necklace
00:17:49blackridge pack will think he chose wrong
00:17:52cassian's eyes turned cold
00:17:54enough
00:17:54choosing maris was my call
00:17:56blame me if you want
00:17:58give her the necklace
00:17:59i'll replace it with two better ones
00:18:01i shielded the necklace
00:18:03it was not a prop to dress up a new luna
00:18:06it was the last thing my mother left me
00:18:09even if the council sent me away
00:18:11it would go with me
00:18:12maris did not want the necklace
00:18:18she wanted the last thing i had left
00:18:20my mother left me this
00:18:22no one touches it
00:18:25cassian reached out and grabbed the chain
00:18:27my father stepped forward
00:18:29cassian stop this now
00:18:31he yanked it down anyway
00:18:32the chain broke
00:18:36the moonstone necklace fell at maris's feet
00:18:40maris shrewd and stumbled back
00:18:42her heel came down on the moonstone
00:18:44the stone split in two
00:18:45the white gold setting bent under her
00:18:48ceremony hall fell silent
00:18:50maris covered her mouth
00:18:51naya i'm sorry
00:18:52i really didn't mean to
00:18:54i crouched and gathered the broken chain and stone
00:18:57cassian finally spoke
00:19:00nila i'll pay for it
00:19:01i looked at him
00:19:02you can't afford it
00:19:04maris was still crying
00:19:05but she knew what she had crushed
00:19:07it's my fist around the broken chain
00:19:09this is a debt
00:19:10i will collect myself
00:19:15maris started to explain again
00:19:17i raised my hand and slapped her
00:19:19she froze a hand pressed to her cheek
00:19:22cassian moved to block her at once
00:19:24nila have you lost your mind
00:19:27i did not look at him
00:19:29maris you knew this was my mother's necklace
00:19:33you knew i'd refuse so you broke it on purpose
00:19:36maris's lips went white
00:19:37it wasn't like that
00:19:41i took a step closer
00:19:43dropped the act
00:19:44you never wanted the necklace
00:19:45you wanted me to lose to you in public
00:19:47nila she already apologized
00:19:49i finally turned to him
00:19:51so did you
00:19:52i said don't touch it
00:19:53and you grabbed it
00:19:54he opened his mouth
00:19:56i didn't know it was your mother's keepsake
00:19:58i closed the broken chain in my palm
00:20:03so what
00:20:04i explained
00:20:05you didn't listen
00:20:08understanding it now is too late
00:20:10cassian tried to say my name
00:20:12i cut him off
00:20:13don't call me nila anymore
00:20:16you rejected me in public
00:20:17and i accepted
00:20:18from now on
00:20:20we are nothing
00:20:20to each other
00:20:21my father stepped to my side
00:20:23his voice pressed down
00:20:25over the hall
00:20:26that's enough for tonight
00:20:27cassian
00:20:28take maris out of the silvertroze ceremony hall
00:20:31cassian looked at me
00:20:33this time
00:20:33i did not look back
00:20:35late that night
00:20:36i walked into my father's study
00:20:38a letter sat on the desk
00:20:39it bore the lichen royal seal
00:20:42the name was written plainly
00:20:43rowan veil
00:20:44the lichen king's heir
00:20:46the one rumored to be dying
00:20:48my father pressed his hand
00:20:50on the letter
00:20:50i can have another pack
00:20:52claim you tonight
00:20:54at least you'd avoid
00:20:55the lichen royal house
00:20:57i shook my head
00:20:58it's too late
00:20:59blackridge pack changed
00:21:00their choice in front of everyone
00:21:02silver crisp pack
00:21:03has no way out now
00:21:04my father held the letter
00:21:06a long time
00:21:06i drew it out
00:21:07from under his hand
00:21:09i accept
00:21:10i'm going to meet
00:21:11rowan vey
00:21:18my fated mate rejected me
00:21:20at our own mate claim ceremony
00:21:22in three days
00:21:23i'll be handed over
00:21:24to the wolf king's heir
00:21:25as his mate
00:21:25i cassian voss
00:21:27future alpha
00:21:27of blackline pack
00:21:28reject nyla
00:21:30as my fated mate
00:21:31maris was the daughter
00:21:32of mara
00:21:33my father's new luna
00:21:35mara had brought her
00:21:36into our pack
00:21:37maris had cried
00:21:38through the whole ceremony
00:21:39the law of silver feldst pack
00:21:41is plain
00:21:41a she-wolf who turns 18
00:21:43without a mate bond
00:21:44cannot choose
00:21:45the council chooses for her
00:21:47maris had no fated mate
00:21:49hers had died
00:21:50before she ever came of age
00:21:52the half-formed bond
00:21:53had snapped with him
00:21:55losing a mate
00:21:56did not make her
00:21:57unable to bear pups
00:21:58it only left her unprotected
00:22:00nothing stood between her
00:22:02and the council's next decree
00:22:03she crossed the floor toward me
00:22:05her eyes were swollen red
00:22:10nila don't blame him
00:22:11i have no bond
00:22:12to keep me safe
00:22:13the elders will hand me
00:22:14to the old alpha
00:22:15i won't survive it
00:22:17cassian tightened his grip
00:22:18on her hand
00:22:19he looked at me
00:22:20i'm only saving her
00:22:22she lost her mate
00:22:23the council could ship her
00:22:24off any day
00:22:25once she is safe
00:22:26i will claim you again
00:22:29you are still my luna
00:22:32you always were
00:22:33cassian had forgotten
00:22:34one thing
00:22:35i am older than maris
00:22:37in three days
00:22:38i turn eighteen
00:22:39he had just rejected me
00:22:40before the whole pack
00:22:43the pain still pressed down
00:22:44on my chest
00:22:46something inside me
00:22:47felt torn loose
00:22:48in three days
00:22:49i would be the one sent away
00:22:51they would give me
00:22:52to the lichen king's heir
00:22:53everyone whispered
00:22:54that he was dying
00:22:55around the hall
00:22:56the pack began to murmur
00:22:59goddess
00:23:01cassian rejected nila for maris
00:23:04what happens to nila now
00:23:07the council will marry her off
00:23:09i watched the looks changed
00:23:11on every face
00:23:12shock softened into pity
00:23:15maris stayed tucked
00:23:16against cassian's chest
00:23:20she was still crying
00:23:21something ugly flickered
00:23:23across cassian's face
00:23:24only now did he remember
00:23:26that law
00:23:27maris leaned into him
00:23:28her voice still trembled
00:23:30but when she glanced at me
00:23:32her mouth curved
00:23:33just slightly
00:23:34i looked at cassian
00:23:35all at once
00:23:37i had nothing left to ask
00:23:38he had already made his choice
00:23:40i lifted my chin
00:23:42i nila
00:23:43accept your rejection
00:23:44cassian voss
00:23:47my acceptance wiped the certainty
00:23:49off cassian's face
00:23:51he finally loosened his hold
00:23:52on maris
00:23:53but maris leaned right back
00:23:55into him
00:23:56the tears started again
00:23:57cassian lowered his voice
00:24:00nila
00:24:00you didn't have to accept
00:24:04i only used the ceremony
00:24:06to block the elders
00:24:08once maris is safe
00:24:09i will claim you again
00:24:13he raised a hand to touch me
00:24:15i stepped back
00:24:16his face went paler
00:24:20i looked at him
00:24:22you rejected me before the whole pack
00:24:24i accepted before the whole pack too
00:24:26this is not something you can take back
00:24:28or around us
00:24:29the pack members went quiet
00:24:31they had not expected me to cut the tie
00:24:34maris grabbed at cassian's sleeve
00:24:37nila you already accepted the rejection
00:24:40why humiliate cassian on top of that
00:24:42my father has always shielded you most
00:24:45the elders will never truly punish you
00:24:47cassian stepped in front of her at once
00:24:49maris has begged you this far
00:24:50why can't you wait
00:24:55once she escapes this assignment
00:24:57i will come back for you
00:24:58the voices around us dropped lower
00:25:00her father is the alpha
00:25:02nila must still have a way out
00:25:04maris is a different story
00:25:06my father finally spoke
00:25:08cassian are you certain
00:25:10you chose maris
00:25:12not nila
00:25:12cassian did not answer
00:25:14his hand still held maris
00:25:16i understood
00:25:18that was his answer
00:25:19they all thought i still had a way out
00:25:22but a letter already waited in my father's study
00:25:24it carried the lichen royal seal
00:25:27mara came forward and studied maris
00:25:29stop crying
00:25:30you've suffered enough tonight
00:25:32she looked at me
00:25:34nila it is done
00:25:35don't shame silvercrest pack further
00:25:38at last i understood
00:25:39they wanted me to swallow the betrayal
00:25:41and step aside with a smile
00:25:44just then maris's gaze dropped
00:25:46it landed on the moonstone at my collar tine
00:25:49the necklace was my mother's last gift to me
00:25:52she wiped her tears
00:25:54nila could i borrow your moonstone necklace for one night
00:25:59i looked down at the moonstone necklace
00:26:01it rested against my collar rhone
00:26:04my mother left it to me
00:26:05it was no ordinary jewel
00:26:07tonight the chosen luna wears a family heirloom
00:26:10it is a silvercrest tradition
00:26:13it proves both families blessed the claiming
00:26:15i had meant to wear it for cassian's claim
00:26:18now cassian had chosen maris
00:26:21and maris had fed her sights on it
00:26:23she reached out
00:26:25tears still on her face
00:26:26nila just one night
00:26:28i have nothing fit for a ceremony
00:26:30cassian chose me
00:26:31i can't shame blackrush pack
00:26:33i did not move
00:26:34my father's hand pressed flat on the table
00:26:37maris that is her mother's keepsake
00:26:39i looked at mara
00:26:40to her i had never counted at all
00:26:43cassian frowned
00:26:45nila don't blow this up
00:26:46it's only a necklace
00:26:48i'll buy you a new one
00:26:49name your price
00:26:50he still did not understand
00:26:52he thought a gift could replace my mother's keepsake
00:26:55how absurd
00:26:56i looked at him
00:26:57you can't afford it
00:26:59maris lowered her head at once
00:27:00i knew it
00:27:03nila still hates me
00:27:04she won't even lend one necklace
00:27:06my father started to speak
00:27:09but cassian moved first
00:27:10he stared at the moonstone on my collarstone
00:27:13his voice turned hard
00:27:15nila
00:27:15give it to her
00:27:17i stepped back
00:27:21don't touch it
00:27:22my hand pressed over the necklace
00:27:25cassian's hand paused for a beat
00:27:27then it kept reaching for me
00:27:28he truly meant to take it
00:27:30in front of both packs
00:27:32he would seize my mother's keepsake
00:27:34the next second
00:27:36his hand closed on the chain
00:27:38the white gold pressed against my skin
00:27:40my fingers snapped tight
00:27:43he had no idea what he was about to break
00:27:47maris stared at my moonstone necklace
00:27:50i was done humoring her
00:27:54maris
00:27:55this one stays
00:27:58i'll have my father pick a new one for you
00:28:00her eyes reddened at once
00:28:02but it matches my gown best
00:28:04one night is that too much
00:28:07cassian frowned
00:28:09nila it's only a necklace
00:28:10why push maris this hard
00:28:12i looked at maris
00:28:15you know it isn't yours
00:28:16so don't reach for it
00:28:18maris lowered her head
00:28:21i know you're upset
00:28:23but cassian chose me
00:28:24tonight i stand at his side
00:28:27without a proper necklace
00:28:29blackridge pack will think he chose wrong
00:28:31cassian's eyes turned cold
00:28:33enough
00:28:34choosing maris was my call
00:28:36blame me if you want
00:28:38give her the necklace
00:28:39i'll replace it with two better ones
00:28:41i shielded the necklace
00:28:42it was not a prop to dress up a new luna
00:28:45it was the last thing my mother left me
00:28:49even if the council sent me away
00:28:51it would go with me
00:28:52maris did not want the necklace
00:28:57she wanted the last thing i had left
00:29:00my mother left me this
00:29:02no one touches it
00:29:04cassian reached out and grabbed the chain
00:29:06my father stepped forward
00:29:08cassian stop this now
00:29:10he yanked it down anyway
00:29:12the chain broke
00:29:15the moonstone necklace fell at maris's feet
00:29:20maris shrewd and stumbled back
00:29:21her heel came down on the moonstone
00:29:23the stone split in two
00:29:25the white gold setting bent under her
00:29:27ceremony hall fell silent
00:29:29maris covered her mouth
00:29:31naya i'm sorry
00:29:32i really didn't mean to
00:29:33i crouched and gathered the broken chain and stone
00:29:36cassian finally spoke
00:29:39nila i'll pay for it
00:29:40i looked at him
00:29:42he can't afford it
00:29:43maris was still crying
00:29:44but she knew what she had crushed
00:29:47my fist around the broken chain
00:29:49this is a debt i will collect myself
00:29:54maris started to explain again
00:29:56i raised my hand and slapped her
00:29:58she froze
00:30:00a hand pressed to her cheek
00:30:02cassian moved to block her at once
00:30:04nila
00:30:04have you lost your mind
00:30:06i did not look at him
00:30:08maris you knew this was my mother's necklace
00:30:12you knew i'd refuse so you broke it on purpose
00:30:15maris's lips went white
00:30:17it wasn't like that
00:30:21i took a step closer
00:30:22dropped the act
00:30:23you never wanted the necklace
00:30:25you wanted me to lose to you in public
00:30:27nila she already apologized
00:30:29i finally turned to him
00:30:31so did you
00:30:31i said don't touch it and you grabbed it
00:30:34he opened his mouth
00:30:35i didn't know it was your mother's keepsake
00:30:37i closed the broken chain in my palm
00:30:42so what
00:30:43i explained
00:30:44you didn't listen
00:30:48understanding it now is too late
00:30:49cassian tried to say my name
00:30:51i cut him off
00:30:52don't call me nila anymore
00:30:55you rejected me in public
00:30:57and i accepted
00:30:58from now on
00:30:59we are nothing
00:31:00to each other
00:31:01my father stepped to my side
00:31:03his voice pressed down
00:31:05over the hall
00:31:06that's enough for tonight
00:31:07cassian
00:31:07take maris out of the silver trove ceremony hall
00:31:11cassian looked at me
00:31:12this time
00:31:13i did not look back
00:31:14late that night
00:31:16i walked into my father's study
00:31:17a letter sat on the desk
00:31:19it bore the lichen royal seal
00:31:21the name was written plainly
00:31:23rowan veil
00:31:24the lichen king's heir
00:31:26the one rumored to be dying
00:31:27my father pressed his hand on the letter
00:31:30i can have another pack claim you tonight
00:31:34at least you'd avoid the lichen royal house
00:31:36i shook my head
00:31:37it's too late
00:31:39blackridge pack changed their choice in front of everyone
00:31:41silver crisp pack has no way out now
00:31:43my father held the letter a long time
00:31:46i drew it out from under his hand
00:31:49i accept
00:31:49i'm going to meet rowan veil
00:31:53my fated mate rejected me at our own mate claim ceremony
00:31:56in three days i'll be handed over to the wolf king's heir as his mate
00:32:00i cassian voss
00:32:01future alpha of blackline pack
00:32:03reject nyla as my fated mate
00:32:05maris was the daughter of mara
00:32:07my father's new luna
00:32:09mara had brought her into our pack
00:32:11maris had cried through the whole ceremony
00:32:13the law of silver feld's pack is plain
00:32:16a she-wolf who turns 18 without a mate bond cannot choose
00:32:19the council chooses for her
00:32:22maris had no fated mate
00:32:24hers had died before she ever came of age
00:32:26the half-formed bond had snapped with him
00:32:29losing a mate did not make her unable to bear pups
00:32:32it only left her unprotected
00:32:34nothing stood between her and the council's next decree
00:32:37she crossed the floor toward me
00:32:40her eyes were swollen red
00:32:44nyla don't blame him
00:32:45i have no bond to keep me safe
00:32:47the elders will hand me to the old alpha
00:32:49i won't survive it
00:32:51cassian tightened his grip on her hand
00:32:54he looked at me
00:32:55i'm only saving her
00:32:57she lost her mate
00:32:58the council could ship her off any day
00:33:00once she is safe
00:33:01i will claim you again
00:33:04you are still my luna
00:33:06you always were
00:33:08cassian had forgotten one thing
00:33:10i am older than maris
00:33:11in three days i turn 18
00:33:13he had just rejected me before the whole pack
00:33:17the pain still pressed down on my chest
00:33:20something inside me felt torn loose
00:33:22in three days i would be the one sent away
00:33:25they would give me to the lycan king's heir
00:33:27everyone whispered that he was dying
00:33:30around the hall
00:33:31the pack began to murmur
00:33:33goddess
00:33:35cassian rejected nyla for maris
00:33:38what happens to nyla now
00:33:41the council will marry her off
00:33:43i watched the looks changed on every face
00:33:46shock softened into pity
00:33:50maris stayed tucked against cassian's chest
00:33:54she was still crying
00:33:56something ugly flickered across cassian's face
00:33:59only now did he remember that law
00:34:01maris leaned into him
00:34:03her voice still trembled
00:34:05but when she glanced at me
00:34:06her mouth curved
00:34:07just slightly
00:34:08i looked at cassian
00:34:10all at once
00:34:11i had nothing left to ask
00:34:13he had already made his choice
00:34:14i lifted my chin
00:34:21my acceptance wiped the certainty off cassian's face
00:34:25he finally loosened his hold on maris
00:34:27but maris leaned right back into him
00:34:30the tears started again
00:34:32cassian lowered his voice
00:34:34nila you didn't have to accept
00:34:38i only used the ceremony to block the elders
00:34:42once maris is safe
00:34:44i will claim you again
00:34:47he raised a hand to touch me
00:34:49i stepped back
00:34:51his face went paler
00:34:54i looked at him
00:34:57you rejected me before the whole pack
00:34:58i accepted before the whole pack too
00:35:00this is not something you can take back
00:35:03or around us
00:35:04the pack members went quiet
00:35:06they had not expected me to cut the tie
00:35:08maris grabbed at cassian's sleeve
00:35:11nila you already accepted the rejection
00:35:14why humiliate cassian on top of that
00:35:16my father has always shielded you most
00:35:19the elders will never truly punish you
00:35:21cassian stepped in front of her at once
00:35:23maris has begged you this far
00:35:25why can't you wait
00:35:30once she escapes this assignment
00:35:31i will come back for you
00:35:33the voices around us drop lower
00:35:35her father is the alpha
00:35:36nila must still have a way out
00:35:38maris is a different story
00:35:40my father finally spoke
00:35:43cassian are you certain
00:35:44you chose maris not nila
00:35:47cassian did not answer
00:35:48his hand still held maris
00:35:51i understood
00:35:52that was his answer
00:35:54they all thought i still had a way out
00:35:56but a letter already waited in my father's study
00:35:59it carried the lichen royal seal
00:36:01mara came forward and steadied maris
00:36:03stop crying
00:36:04you've suffered enough tonight
00:36:07she looked at me
00:36:08nila it is done
00:36:10don't shame silvercrest pack further
00:36:12at last i understood
00:36:13they wanted me to swallow the betrayal
00:36:16and step aside with a smile
00:36:18just then maris's gaze dropped
00:36:21it landed on the moonstone at my collar tine
00:36:24the necklace was my mother's last gift to me
00:36:26she wiped her tears
00:36:28nila could i borrow your moonstone necklace for one night
00:36:31i looked down at the moonstone necklace
00:36:36it rested against my collarone
00:36:38my mother left it to me
00:36:40it was no ordinary jewel
00:36:42tonight the chosen luna wears a family heirloom
00:36:45it is a silvercrest tradition
00:36:47it proves both families bless the claiming
00:36:50i had meant to wear it for cassian's claim
00:36:53now cassian had chosen maris
00:36:55and maris had set her sights on it
00:36:58she reached out tears still on her face
00:37:01nila just one night
00:37:02i have nothing fit for a ceremony
00:37:05cassian chose me
00:37:06i can't shame blackrush pack
00:37:07i did not move
00:37:09my father's hand pressed flat on the table
00:37:12maris that is her mother's keepsake
00:37:14i looked at mara
00:37:15to her i had never counted at all
00:37:17cassian frowned
00:37:19nila don't blow this up
00:37:21it's only a necklace
00:37:23i'll buy you a new one
00:37:24name your price
00:37:25he still did not understand
00:37:26he thought a gift could replace my mother's keepsake
00:37:30how absurd
00:37:31i looked at him
00:37:32you can't afford it
00:37:33maris lowered her head at once
00:37:35i knew it
00:37:37nila still hates me
00:37:39she won't even lend one necklace
00:37:41my father started to speak
00:37:43but cassian moved first
00:37:45he stared at the moonstone on my collarstone
00:37:47his voice turned hard
00:37:49nila
00:37:50give it to her
00:37:51i stepped back
00:37:55don't touch it
00:37:57my hand pressed over the necklace
00:37:59cassian's hand paused for a beat
00:38:01then it kept reaching for me
00:38:03he truly meant to take it
00:38:05in front of both packs
00:38:06he would seize my mother's keepsake
00:38:08the next second
00:38:10his hand closed on the chain
00:38:12the white gold pressed against my skin
00:38:15my fingers snapped tight
00:38:17he had no idea what he was about to break
00:38:22maris stared at my moonstone necklace
00:38:25i was done humoring her
00:38:29maris
00:38:29this one stays
00:38:33i'll have my father pick a new one for you
00:38:35her eyes reddened at once
00:38:37but it matches my gown best
00:38:39one night is that too much
00:38:40cassian frowned
00:38:43nila it's only a necklace
00:38:45why push maris this hard
00:38:47i looked at maris
00:38:50you know it isn't yours
00:38:51so don't reach for it
00:38:53maris lowered her head
00:38:55i know you're upset
00:38:57but cassian chose me
00:38:59tonight i stand at his side
00:39:01without a proper necklace
00:39:03blackridge pack will think he chose wrong
00:39:05cassian's eyes turned cold
00:39:08enough
00:39:08choosing maris was my call
00:39:10blame me if you want
00:39:12give her the necklace
00:39:13i'll replace it with two better ones
00:39:15i shielded the necklace
00:39:17it was not a prop to dress up a new luna
00:39:20it was the last thing my mother left me
00:39:23even if the council sent me away
00:39:25it would go with me
00:39:27maris did not want the necklace
00:39:32she wanted the last thing i had left
00:39:34my mother left me this
00:39:36no one touches it
00:39:38cassian reached out and grabbed the chain
00:39:41my father stepped forward
00:39:43cassian stop this now
00:39:45he yanked it down anyway
00:39:46the chain broke
00:39:50the moonstone necklace fell at maris's feet
00:39:54maris shrewd and stumbled back
00:39:56her heel came down on the moonstone
00:39:58the stone split in two
00:39:59the white gold setting bent under her
00:40:02ceremony hall fell silent
00:40:04maris covered her mouth
00:40:05naya i'm sorry
00:40:06i really didn't mean to
00:40:08i crouched and gathered the broken chain and stone
00:40:11cassian finally spoke
00:40:13nila i'll pay for it
00:40:15i looked at him
00:40:16he can't afford it
00:40:18maris was still crying
00:40:19but she knew what she had crushed
00:40:21it was my fist around the broken chain
00:40:23this is a debt i will collect myself
00:40:29maris started to explain again
00:40:31i raised my hand and slapped her
00:40:33she froze
00:40:34a hand pressed to her cheek
00:40:36cassian moved to block her at once
00:40:38nila
00:40:39have you lost your mind
00:40:41i did not look at him
00:40:42maris you knew this was my mother's necklace
00:40:47you knew i'd refuse so you broke it on purpose
00:40:50maris's lips went white
00:40:51it wasn't like that
00:40:55i took a step closer
00:40:57dropped the act
00:40:58you never wanted the necklace
00:40:59you wanted me to lose to you in public
00:41:01nila she already apologized
00:41:03i finally turned to him
00:41:05so did you
00:41:06i said don't touch it and you grabbed it
00:41:08he opened his mouth
00:41:10i didn't know it was your mother's keepsake
00:41:12i closed the broken chain in my palm
00:41:17so what
00:41:18i explained
00:41:19you didn't listen
00:41:22understanding it now is too late
00:41:24cassian tried to say my name
00:41:26i cut him off
00:41:27don't call me nila anymore
00:41:29you rejected me in public
00:41:31and i accepted
00:41:32from now on
00:41:33we are nothing
00:41:34to each other
00:41:35my father stepped to my side
00:41:37his voice pressed down
00:41:39over the hall
00:41:40that's enough for tonight
00:41:41cassian
00:41:42take maris out of the silvertroze ceremony hall
00:41:46cassian looked at me
00:41:47this time
00:41:47i did not look back
00:41:49late that night
00:41:50i walked into my father's study
00:41:52a letter sat on the desk
00:41:53it bore the lichen royal seal
00:41:55the name was written plainly
00:41:57rowan veil
00:41:58the lichen king's heir
00:42:00the one rumored to be dying
00:42:02my father pressed his hand on the letter
00:42:04i can have another pack claim you tonight
00:42:08at least you'd avoid the lichen royal house
00:42:10i shook my head
00:42:11it's too late
00:42:13black ridge pack changed their choice in front of everyone
00:42:16silver crisp pack has no way out now
00:42:18my father held the letter a long time
00:42:20i drew it out from under his hand
00:42:23i accept
00:42:24i'm going to meet rowan veil
00:42:32my fated mate rejected me at our own mate claim ceremony
00:42:36in three days i'll be handed over to the wolf king's heir as his mate
00:42:39i cassian voss future alpha of blackline pack
00:42:42reject nyla as my fated mate
00:42:45maris was the daughter of mara
00:42:47my father's new luna
00:42:48mara had brought her into our pack
00:42:51maris had cried through the whole ceremony
00:42:53the law of silver feldst pack is plain
00:42:55a she-wolf who turns 18 without a mate bond cannot choose
00:42:59the council chooses for her
00:43:01maris had no fated mate
00:43:03hers had died before she ever came of age
00:43:06the half-formed bond had snapped with him
00:43:08losing a mate did not make her unable to bear pups
00:43:12it only left her unprotected
00:43:14nothing stood between her and the council's next decree
00:43:17she crossed the floor toward me
00:43:19her eyes were swollen red
00:43:23nyla don't blame him
00:43:25i have no bond to keep me safe
00:43:27the elders will hand me to the old alpha
00:43:29i won't survive it
00:43:31cassian tightened his grip on her hand
00:43:33he looked at me
00:43:34i'm only saving her
00:43:36she lost her mate
00:43:37the council could ship her off any day
00:43:39once she is safe
00:43:40i will claim you again
00:43:43you are still my luna
00:43:46you always were
00:43:47cassian had forgotten one thing
00:43:49i am older than maris
00:43:51in three days i turn 18
00:43:53he had just rejected me before the whole pack
00:43:57the pain still pressed down on my chest
00:43:59something inside me felt torn loose
00:44:02in three days i would be the one sent away
00:44:05they would give me to the lycan king's heir
00:44:07everyone whispered that he was dying
00:44:09around the hall
00:44:10the pack began to murmur
00:44:12goddess
00:44:15cassian rejected nyla for maris
00:44:18what happens to nyla now
00:44:21the council will marry her off
00:44:23i watched the looks changed on every face
00:44:26shock softened into pity
00:44:29maris stayed tucked against cassian's chest
00:44:34she was still crying
00:44:35something ugly flickered across cassian's face
00:44:38only now did he remember that law
00:44:41maris leaned into him
00:44:42her voice still trembled
00:44:44but when she glanced at me
00:44:46her mouth curved
00:44:47just slightly
00:44:48i looked at cassian
00:44:49all at once i had nothing left to ask
00:44:52he had already made his choice
00:44:54i lifted my chin
00:44:56i nyla
00:44:57accept your rejection cassian voss
00:45:01my acceptance wiped the certainty off cassian's face
00:45:05he finally loosened his hold on maris
00:45:07but maris leaned right back into him
00:45:09the tears started again
00:45:11cassian lowered his voice
00:45:13nila
00:45:14you didn't have to accept
00:45:18i only used the ceremony to block the elders
00:45:22once maris is safe
00:45:23i will claim you again
00:45:27he raised a hand to touch me
00:45:29i stepped back
00:45:30his face went paler
00:45:34i looked at him
00:45:36you rejected me before the whole pack
00:45:38i accepted before the whole pack too
00:45:40this is not something you can take back
00:45:42or around us
00:45:43the pack members went quiet
00:45:45they had not expected me to cut the tie
00:45:48maris grabbed at cassian's sleeve
00:45:50nila you already accepted the rejection
00:45:54why humiliate cassian on top of that
00:45:56my father has always shielded you most
00:45:59the elders will never truly punish you
00:46:00cassian stepped in front of her at once
00:46:03maris has begged you this far
00:46:04why can't you wait
00:46:09once she escapes this assignment
00:46:11i will come back for you
00:46:12the voices around us drop lower
00:46:14her father is the alpha
00:46:16nila must still have a way out
00:46:18maris is a different story
00:46:20my father finally spoke
00:46:22cassian are you certain
00:46:24you chose maris not nila
00:46:26cassian did not answer
00:46:28his hand still held maris
00:46:30i understood
00:46:32that was his answer
00:46:33they all thought i still had a way out
00:46:35but a letter already waited in my father's study
00:46:38it carried the lichen royal seal
00:46:41mara came forward and studied maris
00:46:43stop crying
00:46:44you've suffered enough tonight
00:46:46she looked at me
00:46:47nila it is done
00:46:49don't shame silvercrest pack
00:46:51further
00:46:52at last i understood
00:46:53they wanted me to swallow the betrayal
00:46:55and step aside with a smile
00:46:58just then maris's gaze dropped
00:47:00it landed on the moonstone at my collar tine
00:47:03the necklace was my mother's last gift to me
00:47:06she wiped her tears
00:47:07nila could i borrow your moonstone necklace for one night
00:47:13i looked down at the moonstone necklace
00:47:15it rested against my collar
00:47:17my mother left it to me
00:47:19it was no ordinary jewel
00:47:21tonight the chosen luna wears a family heirloom
00:47:24it is a silvercrest tradition
00:47:27it proves both families bless the claiming
00:47:29i had meant to wear it for cassian's claim
00:47:32now cassian had chosen maris
00:47:35and maris had fed her sights on it
00:47:37she reached out
00:47:39tears still on her face
00:47:40nila just one night
00:47:42i have nothing fit for a ceremony
00:47:44cassian chose me
00:47:45i can't shame black rush pack
00:47:47i did not move
00:47:48my father's hand pressed flat on the table
00:47:51maris that is her mother's keepsake
00:47:53i looked at mara
00:47:54to her i had never counted at all
00:47:57cassian frowned
00:47:59nila don't blow this up
00:48:00it's only a necklace
00:48:02i'll buy you a new one
00:48:03name your price
00:48:04he still did not understand
00:48:06he thought a gift could replace my mother's keepsake
00:48:09how absurd
00:48:10i looked at him
00:48:11you can't afford it
00:48:13maris lowered her head at once
00:48:14i knew it
00:48:17nila still hates me
00:48:18she won't even lend one necklace
00:48:20my father started to speak
00:48:23but cassian moved first
00:48:24he stared at the moonstone on my collarstone
00:48:27his voice turned hard
00:48:28nila
00:48:29give it to her
00:48:31i stepped back
00:48:35don't touch it
00:48:36my hand pressed over the necklace
00:48:39cassian's hand paused for a beat
00:48:41then it kept reaching for me
00:48:42he truly meant to take it
00:48:44in front of both packs
00:48:46he would seize my mother's keepsake
00:48:48the next second
00:48:50his hand closed on the chain
00:48:52the white gold pressed against my skin
00:48:54my fingers snapped tight
00:48:56he had no idea what he was about to break
00:49:01maris stared at my moonstone necklace
00:49:04i was done humoring her
00:49:08maris
00:49:09this one stays
00:49:12i'll have my father pick a new one for you
00:49:14her eyes reddened at once
00:49:16but it matches my gown best
00:49:18one night
00:49:19is that too much
00:49:20cassian frowned
00:49:23nila it's only a necklace
00:49:24why push maris this hard
00:49:26i looked at maris
00:49:29you know it isn't yours
00:49:30so don't reach for it
00:49:32maris lowered her head
00:49:35i know you're upset
00:49:37but cassian chose me
00:49:38tonight i stand at his side
00:49:41without a proper necklace
00:49:43blackridge pack will think he chose wrong
00:49:45cassian's eyes turned cold
00:49:47enough
00:49:48choosing maris was my call
00:49:50blame me if you want
00:49:52give her the necklace
00:49:53i'll replace it with two better ones
00:49:55i shielded the necklace
00:49:56it was not a prop to dress up a new luna
00:49:59it was the last thing my mother left me
00:50:03even if the council sent me away
00:50:05it would go with me
00:50:06maris did not want the necklace
00:50:11she wanted the last thing i had left
00:50:13my mother left me this
00:50:15no one touches it
00:50:17cassian reached out and grabbed the chain
00:50:20my father stepped forward
00:50:22cassian stop this now
00:50:24he yanked it down anyway
00:50:26the chain broke
00:50:29the moonstone necklace fell at maris's feet
00:50:33maris shrewd and stumbled back
00:50:35her heel came down on the moonstone
00:50:37the stone split in two
00:50:39the white gold setting bent under her
00:50:41ceremony hall fell silent
00:50:43maris covered her mouth
00:50:45naya i'm sorry
00:50:46i really didn't mean to
00:50:47i crouched and gathered the broken chain and stone
00:50:50cassian finally spoke
00:50:53nila i'll pay for it
00:50:54i looked at him
00:50:56he can't afford it
00:50:57maris was still crying
00:50:58but she knew what she had crushed
00:51:01it was my fist around the broken chain
00:51:03this is a debt i will collect myself
00:51:08maris started to explain again
00:51:10i raised my hand and slapped her
00:51:12she froze
00:51:14a hand pressed to her cheek
00:51:15cassian moved to block her at once
00:51:18nila
00:51:18have you lost your mind
00:51:20i did not look at him
00:51:22maris you knew this was my mother's necklace
00:51:26you knew i'd refuse so you broke it on purpose
00:51:29maris's lips went white
00:51:31it wasn't like that
00:51:35i took a step closer
00:51:36dropped the act
00:51:37you never wanted the necklace
00:51:39you wanted me to lose to you in public
00:51:40nila she already apologized
00:51:43i finally turned to him
00:51:44so did you
00:51:45i said don't touch it
00:51:47and you grabbed it
00:51:48he opened his mouth
00:51:49i didn't know it was your mother's keepsake
00:51:51i closed the broken chain in my palm
00:51:56so what
00:51:57i explained
00:51:58you didn't listen
00:52:02understanding it now is too late
00:52:03cassian tried to say my name
00:52:05i cut him off
00:52:06don't call me nila anymore
00:52:09you rejected me in public
00:52:11and i accepted
00:52:12from now on
00:52:13we are nothing
00:52:14to each other
00:52:15my father stepped to my side
00:52:17his voice pressed down
00:52:19over the hall
00:52:19that's enough for tonight
00:52:21cassian
00:52:21take maris out of the silvertroze ceremony hall
00:52:25cassian looked at me
00:52:26this time
00:52:27i did not look back
00:52:28late that night
00:52:30i walked into my father's study
00:52:31a letter sat on the desk
00:52:33it bore the lichen royal seal
00:52:35the name was written plainly
00:52:37rowan veil
00:52:38the lichen king's heir
00:52:40the one rumored to be dying
00:52:41my father pressed his hand
00:52:43on the letter
00:52:44i can have another pack
00:52:45claim you tonight
00:52:48at least you'd avoid
00:52:49the lichen royal house
00:52:50i shook my head
00:52:51it's too late
00:52:53blackridge pack changed
00:52:54their choice in front of everyone
00:52:55silver crisp pack
00:52:56has no way out now
00:52:57my father held the letter
00:52:59a long time
00:53:00i drew it out
00:53:01from under his hand
00:53:02i accept
00:53:03i'm going to meet
00:53:04rowan vey
00:53:06my fated mate
00:53:08rejected me
00:53:08at our own
00:53:09mate claim ceremony
00:53:10in three days
00:53:11i'll be handed over
00:53:12to the wolf king's heir
00:53:13as his mate
00:53:14i cassian voss
00:53:15future alpha
00:53:16of blackline pack
00:53:17reject nyla
00:53:18as my fated mate
00:53:19maris was the daughter
00:53:21of mara
00:53:21my father's new luna
00:53:23mara had brought her
00:53:24into our pack
00:53:25maris had cried
00:53:26through the whole ceremony
00:53:27the law of silver feldst pack
00:53:29is plain
00:53:30a she-wolf
00:53:31who turns 18
00:53:31without a mate bond
00:53:33cannot choose
00:53:33the council chooses
00:53:35for her
00:53:36maris had no fated mate
00:53:38hers had died
00:53:39before she ever came of age
00:53:40the half-formed bond
00:53:42had snapped with him
00:53:43losing a mate
00:53:44did not make her
00:53:45unable to bear pups
00:53:46it only left her
00:53:48unprotected
00:53:48nothing stood between her
00:53:50and the council's
00:53:51next decree
00:53:51she crossed the floor
00:53:53toward me
00:53:54her eyes were swollen red
00:53:58nyla don't blame him
00:53:59i have no bond
00:54:00to keep me safe
00:54:01the elders will hand me
00:54:03to the old alpha
00:54:03i won't survive it
00:54:05cassian tightened his grip
00:54:07on her hand
00:54:08he looked at me
00:54:09i'm only saving her
00:54:11she lost her mate
00:54:12the council could ship her off
00:54:13any day
00:54:13once she is safe
00:54:15i will claim you again
00:54:18you are still my luna
00:54:20you always were
00:54:22cassian had forgotten
00:54:23one thing
00:54:23i am older than maris
00:54:25in three days
00:54:26i turn 18
00:54:27he had just rejected me
00:54:29before the whole pack
00:54:31the pain still pressed down on my chest
00:54:34something inside me felt torn loose
00:54:36in three days
00:54:38i would be the one sent away
00:54:39they would give me to the lycan king's heir
00:54:41everyone whispered that he was dying
00:54:44around the hall
00:54:45the pack began to murmur
00:54:47god is
00:54:49cassian rejected nyla for maris
00:54:52what happens to nyla now
00:54:55the council will marry her off
00:54:57i watched the looks changed on every face
00:55:00shock softened into pity
00:55:04maris stayed tucked against cassian's chest
00:55:08she was still crying
00:55:10something ugly flickered across cassian's face
00:55:13only now did he remember that law
00:55:15maris leaned into him
00:55:17her voice still trembled
00:55:19but when she glanced at me
00:55:20her mouth curved
00:55:21just slightly
00:55:22i looked at cassian
00:55:24all at once
00:55:25i had nothing left to ask
00:55:27he had already made his choice
00:55:28i lifted my chin
00:55:30i nyla
00:55:32accept your rejection
00:55:33cassian voss
00:55:36my acceptance wiped the certainty off cassian's face
00:55:39he finally loosened his hold on maris
00:55:41but maris leaned right back into him
00:55:44the tears started again
00:55:45cassian lowered his voice
00:55:48nyla
00:55:48you didn't have to accept
00:55:52i only used the ceremony to block the elders
00:55:56once maris is safe
00:55:58i will claim you again
00:56:01he raised a hand to touch me
00:56:03i stepped back
00:56:05his face went paler
00:56:08i looked at him
00:56:10you rejected me before the whole pack
00:56:12i accepted before the whole pack too
00:56:14this is not something you can take back
00:56:16or around us
00:56:18the pack members went quiet
00:56:19they had not expected me to cut the tie
00:56:22maris grabbed at cassian's sleeve
00:56:25nila you already accepted the rejection
00:56:28why humiliate cassian on top of that
00:56:30my father has always shielded you most
00:56:33the elders will never truly punish you
00:56:35cassian stepped in front of her at once
00:56:37maris has begged you this far
00:56:39why can't you wait
00:56:44once she escapes this assignment
00:56:45i will come back for you
00:56:47the voices around us dropped lower
00:56:49her father is the alpha
00:56:50nila must still have a way out
00:56:52maris is a different story
00:56:54my father finally spoke
00:56:57cassian are you certain
00:56:58you chose maris not nila
00:57:01cassian did not answer
00:57:02his hand still held maris
00:57:05i understood
00:57:06that was his answer
00:57:08they all thought i still had a way out
00:57:10but a letter already waited in my father's study
00:57:13it carried the lichen royal seal
00:57:15mara came forward and studied maris
00:57:17stop crying
00:57:19you've suffered enough tonight
00:57:21she looked at me
00:57:22nila it is done
00:57:24don't shame silvercrest pack further
00:57:26at last i understood
00:57:27they wanted me to swallow the betrayal
00:57:30and step aside with a smile
00:57:32just then maris's gaze dropped
00:57:35it landed on the moonstone at my collar tine
00:57:38the necklace was my mother's last gift to me
00:57:40she wiped her tears
00:57:42nila could i borrow your moonstone necklace for one night
00:57:45i looked down at the moonstone necklace
00:57:50it rested against my collarone
00:57:52my mother left it to me
00:57:54it was no ordinary jewel
00:57:56tonight the chosen luna wears a family heirloom
00:57:59it is a silvercrest tradition
00:58:01it proves both families bless the claiming
00:58:04i had meant to wear it for cassian's claim
00:58:07now cassian had chosen maris
00:58:09and maris had fed her sights on it
00:58:12she reached out
00:58:13tears still on her face
00:58:15nila just one night
00:58:16i have nothing fit for a ceremony
00:58:19cassian chose me
00:58:20i can't shame blackrush pack
00:58:21i did not move
00:58:23my father's hand pressed flat on the table
00:58:26maris that is her mother's keepsake
00:58:28i looked at mara
00:58:29to her i had never counted at all
00:58:31cassian frowned
00:58:33nila don't blow this up
00:58:35it's only a necklace
00:58:37i'll buy you a new one
00:58:38name your price
00:58:39he still did not understand
00:58:40he thought a gift could replace my mother's keepsake
00:58:44how absurd
00:58:44i looked at him
00:58:46you can't afford it
00:58:47maris lowered her head at once
00:58:49i knew it
00:58:51nila still hates me
00:58:53she won't even lend one necklace
00:58:55my father started to speak
00:58:57but cassian moved first
00:58:59he stared at the moonstone on my collarstone
00:59:01his voice turned hard
00:59:03nila
00:59:04give it to her
00:59:05i stepped back
00:59:09don't touch it
00:59:11my hand pressed over the necklace
00:59:13cassian's hand paused for a beat
00:59:15then it kept reaching for me
00:59:17he truly meant to take it
00:59:19in front of both packs
00:59:20he would seize my mother's keepsake
00:59:22the next second
00:59:24his hand closed on the chain
00:59:26the white gold pressed against my skin
00:59:29my fingers snapped tight
00:59:31he had no idea what he was about to break
00:59:36maris stared at my moonstone necklace
00:59:38i was done humoring her
00:59:42maris
00:59:43this one stays
00:59:47i'll have my father pick a new one for you
00:59:49her eyes reddened at once
00:59:51but it matches my gown best
00:59:52one night
00:59:53is that too much
00:59:54cassian frowned
00:59:57nila it's only a necklace
00:59:59why push maris this hard
01:00:00i looked at maris
01:00:04you know it isn't yours
01:00:05so don't reach for it
01:00:07maris lowered her head
01:00:09i know you're upset
01:00:11but cassian chose me
01:00:13tonight i stand at his side
01:00:15without a proper necklace
01:00:17blackridge pack will think he chose wrong
01:00:19cassian's eyes turned cold
01:00:22enough
01:00:22choosing maris was my call
01:00:24blame me if you want
01:00:26give her the necklace
01:00:27i'll replace it with two better ones
01:00:29i shielded the necklace
01:00:31it was not a prop to dress up a new luna
01:00:34it was the last thing my mother left me
01:00:37even if the council sent me away
01:00:39it would go with me
01:00:40maris did not want the necklace
01:00:46she wanted the last thing i had left
01:00:48my mother left me this
01:00:50no one touches it
01:00:53cassian reached out and grabbed the chain
01:00:55my father stepped forward
01:00:57cassian stop this now
01:00:58he yanked it down anyway
01:01:01the chain broke
01:01:04the moonstone necklace fell at maris's feet
01:01:08maris shrewd and stumbled back
01:01:10her heel came down on the moonstone
01:01:12the stone split in two
01:01:13the white gold setting bent under her
01:01:16ceremony hall fell silent
01:01:18maris covered her mouth
01:01:19naya i'm sorry
01:01:20i really didn't mean to
01:01:22i crouched and gathered the broken chain and stone
01:01:25cassian finally spoke
01:01:27nila i'll pay for it
01:01:29i looked at him
01:01:30you can't afford it
01:01:32maris was still crying
01:01:33but she knew what she had crushed
01:01:35it's my fist around the broken chain
01:01:37this is a debt
01:01:38i will collect myself
01:01:43maris started to explain again
01:01:45i raised my hand and slapped her
01:01:47she froze
01:01:48a hand pressed to her cheek
01:01:50cassian moved to block her at once
01:01:52nila
01:01:53have you lost your mind
01:01:55i did not look at him
01:01:56maris you knew this was my mother's necklace
01:02:01you knew i'd refuse so you broke it on purpose
01:02:04maris's lips went white
01:02:05it wasn't like that
01:02:09i took a step closer
01:02:11dropped the act
01:02:12you never wanted the necklace
01:02:13you wanted me to lose to you in public
01:02:15nila she already apologized
01:02:17i finally turned to him
01:02:19so did you
01:02:20i said don't touch it and you grabbed it
01:02:22he opened his mouth
01:02:23i didn't know it was your mother's keepsake
01:02:26i closed the broken chain in my palm
01:02:31so what
01:02:32i explained
01:02:33you didn't listen
01:02:36understanding it now is too late
01:02:38cassian tried to say my name
01:02:40i cut him off
01:02:41don't call me milo anymore
01:02:43you rejected me in public
01:02:45and i accepted
01:02:46from now on
01:02:47we are nothing
01:02:48to each other
01:02:49my father stepped to my side
01:02:51his voice pressed down
01:02:53over the hall
01:02:54that's enough for tonight
01:02:55cassian
01:02:56take maris out of the silver trove ceremony hall
01:02:59cassian looked at me
01:03:00this time
01:03:01i did not look back
01:03:03late that night
01:03:04i walked into my father's study
01:03:06a letter sat on the desk
01:03:07it bore the lichen royal seal
01:03:09the name was written plainly
01:03:11rowan vale
01:03:12the lichen king's heir
01:03:14the one rumored to be dying
01:03:16my father pressed his hand on the letter
01:03:18i can have another pack claim you tonight
01:03:22at least you'd avoid the lichen royal house
01:03:24i shook my head
01:03:25it's too late
01:03:27blackridge pack changed their choice in front of everyone
01:03:30silver crisp pack has no way out now
01:03:32my father held the letter a long time
01:03:34i drew it out from under his hand
01:03:37i accept
01:03:38i am going to meet rowan vale