Elara answered.The Elder’s voice was lighter than before.“All the legal procedures are complete,Elara.You just have to endure one more cycle,and you will be completely free of the Claim.”
He paused for a significant moment before suggesting,“Perhaps we can meet at the border neutral zone for a meal?We could celebrate your escape from this sea of silent suffering.”
Elara smiled faintly,the first real,unburdened smile in cycles,as she told him from the clinic.“Let us wait until the severance decree is fully confirmed,Elder.Until then,the Alpha King still holds the title.”
After that,Elara hung up the comm-link and returned to the Healer’s Den ward.
Her Alpha Father had woken up.His face was still pale,showing the weakness of his spirit,but his eyes were particularly firm—the strength of a true Clan leader.
He held Elara’s hand,and in a hoarse but powerful voice,decreed,“Sever the bond,Elara.You must sever the bond with Ryder.”
Elara gently held her Father’s hand back and whispered,“Father,I have already initiated the decree.You do not need to trouble yourself.”