She took a step forward. “Cedar, I stand here tonight to make one thing clear: I reject you.”
The room went silent, every pair of eyes turning to her. She could feel the shock rippling through the air like a wave, and for a moment, she almost doubted herself. Almost. But the fire inside her burned too hot for doubt. She had come this far. She wasn’t turning back.
“I reject the bond we once shared,” she continued, and the words are flowing more easily now. “I reject the promises you made to me, the lies you’ve told. I reject everything that you’ve become. I, Lavender Fields, reject you, Alpha Cedar of Shadowfelt, as my mate!"
Cedar’s face hardened as his gaze shifted from her to Fern, whose expression had gone cold. Lavender could see it now—the fear in his eyes. Not of her, but of losing control. Of losing her.
“I don’t want this life,” Lavender said. “I don’t want a life where I’m just a shadow of someone else’s dream. I am not yours to claim. Not anymore.”
Fern stepped forward, her lips curling into a tight smile, but Lavender saw the fury hidden behind her eyes. She had been playing this game for too long, and now, it was time for her to take what she thought was hers.