Chapter 4: The Ritual
Lysandra's POV
Pain. That was the first sensation to register as consciousness slowly returned. A dull throb behind my temples, followed by the sharp clarity of worry as memory crashed back.
My hands flew instinctively to my stomach, panic rising in my throat. The twins. Were they safe?
"Don't worry, Lysandra." Dr. Rylan's steady voice cut through my fear. "Your little wolf cubs are fine for now."
I turned toward him, blinking against the harsh hospital lights. He was studying a tablet displaying ultrasound images of the twins. Silver moonlight filtered through the blinds, casting long shadows across the sterile room.
"Was it... was it Tristan who brought me here?" I asked, my mouth dry.
Dr. Rylan set the tablet on the bedside table and approached me, his silver-streaked hair catching the moonlight. "Yes, but he's gone now."
"Does he know?" I couldn't keep the tremor from my voice.
"If you hadn't told him before, he doesn't know now. I recorded this visit as simple exhaustion and dehydration."
Relief washed over me, quickly followed by a wave of nausea that had nothing to do with pregnancy. Tonight was the full moon – the night the bloodline severance ritual would take place. My gaze drifted to the window, where the perfect circle of the moon hung heavy in the night sky.
I noticed my suitcase and purse sitting on a chair by the bed. So Tristan truly meant for me to leave. The finality of it struck me with unexpected force.
"Dr. Rylan, may I ask you something?" My fingers twisted in the sheets, knuckles turning white.
"Of course." He regarded me with kind eyes, one of the few people who treated me like a person rather than a defect.
"Please don't tell Tristan about the twins."
His eyebrows rose. "You haven't told him yet?"
"No, and I never will." My voice grew stronger. "He signed the Severance Scroll. Tonight I'll go through the rite."
His expression turned grave. "Lysandra, do you understand how dangerous that is for someone without a wolf? Let alone while carrying twins?"
"I know the risks," I said, my palm resting protectively over my stomach. "But I'm concerned the ritual might harm them."
"But Lysandra, they're heirs to the Wolfbane bloodline. Tristan has the right to—"
"No." I cut him off firmly. "He would never accept them, which means I need to protect them from him. Please, if you want them safe, help me."
Dr. Rylan fell silent, fingers tapping against the tablet in a rhythm that matched my racing heart. Finally, he turned and walked to a cabinet, retrieving a small cobalt blue bottle.
"This is Twin Shield potion, designed for pregnant women undergoing blood rituals. It will protect your twins during the ceremony, shielding them from most of the pain. But you—" he fixed me with a serious look, "—you will feel everything, possibly more intensely than normal."
He handed me the bottle. "Take it fifteen minutes before the ritual begins. Even with this, the risks remain significant."
I accepted the tiny bottle, holding it as if it contained liquid hope. "I understand. Thank you."
"You know this means you'll become a Rogue. That's dangerous, Lysandra."
"Yes, but I have no choice." I tucked the bottle into my pocket and swung my legs over the side of the bed.
Twenty minutes later, I sat in the back of a taxi, watching the familiar buildings of Silverblood territory slide past the window. The driver kept glancing at me in the rearview mirror, clearly uncomfortable with my destination.
"You're sure about Moon Sanctuary, ma'am?" he asked for the third time, his fingers tapping nervously on the steering wheel.
"Yes, I'm sure."
His eyes widened. "But that's the Alpha family's private residence."
"I'm aware." I kept my voice steady, though I could hardly blame his reaction. I remembered my own awe and trepidation the first time I visited Moon Sanctuary.
The taxi turned onto the private road leading into the forest. Moonlight streamed through the ancient trees, creating patterns of silver and shadow on the forest floor. I could feel the pull of the full moon, its energy pulsing through the air, stronger with each passing minute.
I touched my earlobe absently, a nervous habit from childhood. The small bottle of Twin Shield felt heavy in my purse, a reminder of what was at stake.
When we finally reached the imposing iron gates of Moon Sanctuary, two security guards stepped forward, their silver-gray uniforms bearing the Silverblood Pack emblem. One approached the driver's window while the other circled the car.
"State your business," the guard demanded.
Before the driver could respond, I lowered my window. "I'm Lysandra Wolfbane. I'm here to see Alpha Fenris."
Recognition flashed in the guard's eyes. He stepped back and bowed his head respectfully. "Mrs. Wolfbane. Of course." He gestured to his partner, who immediately moved to open the gates.
The taxi driver's jaw dropped as he watched the interaction.
As the massive gates swung open, Moon Sanctuary came into view – a sprawling stone structure resembling a medieval castle, modernized with subtle elegance. Moonlight bathed its towers and turrets in an ethereal glow, making the entire building seem to shimmer.
I paid the driver, who was still staring open-mouthed at the estate, and stepped out with my suitcase. The cool night air carried the scent of pine and something uniquely Wolfbane – a mix of power, wealth, and ancient magic that permeated the grounds.
The massive oak doors opened as I approached, a female attendant in formal uniform bowing deeply.
"I need to speak with Alpha Fenris immediately." I stepped into the grand hall, my heart racing despite my outward calm.
"The Alpha is resting now. Perhaps—"
"Please inform Alpha Fenris Wolfbane that Lysandra needs to see him," I said firmly to the attendant. "It's urgent."
She hesitated before nodding and ascending the grand staircase.
Left alone in the hall, I studied my surroundings. Every inch of this place screamed power and tradition – everything I'd once desperately wanted to be part of, and everything I was now leaving behind.
Footsteps on the staircase drew my attention. Fenris Wolfbane descended slowly but steadily, his tall frame commanding respect.
"My dear Lysandra," Fenris's voice, though weakened, carried genuine concern. "Why do you look so troubled? What urgent matter brings you here so late?"
I met the eyes of this mighty Alpha, the man who had welcomed me into his family when his son wouldn't. Taking a deep breath, I held the severance scroll out to him.
"Alpha, I need you to perform the severance rite. Tonight."
His eyes widened in shock.
"We've signed it," I continued, my voice steadier than I felt. "But I need the rite to officially cut the bond."
