Bound and Broken

_Serena's POV_

The cabin was cold, even though the fire crackled softly in the small hearth. I sat on the edge of my bed, staring blankly at the floor. My heart felt like it had been torn in two, and the pain didn't seem to fade. It was as if a piece of me was missing, ripped away when I spoke the words that severed the bond between Damien and me.

I hugged my knees to my chest, trying to stop the ache. But it was no use. Every breath I took felt heavy, each one a reminder of what I had lost. The rejection bond was a sharp, relentless pain that pulsed through my body.

A soft knock at the door pulled me out of my thoughts. I wiped my face quickly, even though I wasn't crying. Not yet. "Come in," I said, my voice flat.

The door creaked open and Amara stepped inside. Her kind brown eyes softened when she saw me. Amara had been my friend for years, one of the few people I trusted.

"Serena," she said gently, closing the door behind her. She walked over and sat beside me, her warm hand resting on my arm. "You have been in here all day."

"I needed to be alone," I murmured, my voice barely audible.

"I know," she said softly. "But shutting yourself away won't help."

I shook my head. "It's not just the rejection, Amara. It is everything. He chose her. He chose politics over me. Over us."

Amara sighed, her hand moving to cover mine. "Damien made a terrible mistake. But you don't have to stay here and let it keep breaking you."

I looked at her, confusion flickering in my eyes. "What are you saying?"

"You don't owe this pack anything," she said firmly. "You have always put everyone else first. Maybe it's time to put yourself first for a change."

"Leave?" I whispered, the word feeling foreign in my mouth.

"Yes," Amara said. "There is nothing left for you here, Serena. You deserve more than this pain. You deserve to be somewhere you can heal, somewhere you can be happy again."

I stared at the fire, her words sinking in. Could I really leave? The thought of walking away terrified me, but staying hurt even more.

"I don't know if I can," I admitted.

"You can," Amara said, squeezing my hand. "And I'll help you. Whatever you decide, I'll be here for you."

Her words were a small comfort, but the decision felt too big to make just yet. I nodded silently, grateful for her support.

---

The next morning, I forced myself to attend the healer's gathering. It was something I had always enjoyed, but now the thought of being around the pack made my stomach twist. I tried to keep my head down, to avoid drawing attention to myself.

But whispers followed me wherever I went.

"Did you hear? She rejected him."

"Well, it's not like she had a choice. He is with Talia now."

"Of course he chose Talia. She is perfect for him."

Each word was like a dagger, sharp and unrelenting. My chest tightened, and I clenched my fists, trying to block out the voices. But no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't escape them.

"She is just not good enough to be the Luna," someone said, laughing softly.

I turned away, biting my lip hard enough to draw blood. I wouldn't let them see me cry. I wouldn't give them the satisfaction.

As the gathering continued, I caught glimpses of Damien and Talia in the distance. She was at his side, her hand resting on his arm as she whispered something in his ear. He nodded, his expression unreadable but he didn't pull away from her touch.

The sight of them together was too much. The walls I had built around my heart cracked and I felt the pain threatening to overwhelm me.

I slipped away from the gathering, my breaths coming in short gasps as I stumbled into the woods. The trees provided some comfort, their towering presence making me feel less exposed.

I leaned against a tree, pressing a hand to my chest. "I can't do this," I whispered.

The pack no longer felt like home. It felt like a prison, suffocating me with its rules and expectations. Amara's words from the night before echoed in my mind. Maybe she was right. Maybe it was time to leave.

---

That night, I sat in my cabin, staring at the small bag I had packed. It wasn't much—just a few clothes, some supplies, and a necklace my mother had given me.

I looked around the room, memories flashing through my mind. This had been my home for years, but now it felt hollow.

The moonlight streamed through the window, casting a soft glow on the floor. I stood and walked to the window, staring up at the moon.

"I won't let them break me," I said softly. The words felt like a promise, a vow to myself.

I grabbed the bag and slung it over my shoulder. The cool night air greeted me as I stepped outside. The packhouse was quiet, most of the wolves asleep.

I paused at the edge of the clearing, looking back one last time. My heart ached, but I knew this was the right choice.

With a deep breath, I turned and walked into the woods, the moonlight guiding my way. This wasn't the end of my story—it was the beginning of something new.

And I would face it head-on, no matter how much it hurt.