Mute

Chapter 38

Caspian’s POV

Hours later, the once–celebratory atmosphere of the pack’s grand hall had devolved into chaos. Decorations lay in disarray, chairs were overturned, and a heavy tension. hung in the air. My father’s furious voice cut through the silence, echoing off the walls.

“Do you have any idea what you’ve done?” he roared, his face a mask of anger and disbelief. “This was supposed to be a monumental day for our pack, and you’ve turned it into a spectacle of disgrace!”

I stood firm, my jaw clenched and my fists at my sides. “I can’t marry Ellen, Father. I don’t love her. I never did.”

“You picked her!” he shouted, eyes blazing. “You made her your chosen Luna. And now, on the day of your wedding, you humiliate her and this entire pack for what? A moment of weakness?”

My mother, who had been silent until now, stepped forward, her face pale. “Caspian, what is he talking about? You were mated to Aria?”

I nodded, meeting her shocked gaze. “Yes, Mother. Aria was my mate. I rejected her to be with Ellen, but I realize now that it was a mistake. I’ve always loved Aria.”

My mother’s eyes filled with tears, a mix of hurt and confusion. “How could you do this, Caspian? How could you reject your true mate for a union of convenience?”

“It wasn’t just convenience,” I said, my voice rising. “I thought I was doing the right thing for the pack, for our family. But my heart has always belonged to Aria. I can’t deny it any longer.”

My father’s face darkened further, veins bulging at his temples. “You think you can just walk away from this? You think love absolves you of your responsibilities?”

“I’m not walking away,” I snapped. “I’m standing up for what’s right. For what I feel. I will not be forced into,

marriage with someone I don’t love. It’s not fair to me, and it’s

not fair to Ellen.”

Elijah, my loyal beta, stepped forward cautiously, trying to mediate. “Alpha, perhaps we can find another solution. Maybe we need to take some time to-”

“No!” my father barked, cutting Elijah off. “There is no other solution. The union was supposed to solidify alliances and bring stability to the pack. You’ve thrown that all away, Caspian!”

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I glared at him unmoved. “What good is stability if it’s built on a lie? I refuse to live a

where I’m not true to myself or my mate.

My father took a menacing step closer, his fists clenched. “You are an Alpha. Your duty is to the pack, not to your whims and desires.

“My desires are not whims I growled. “They are the bond of a true mate. A bond foolishly severed. But I won’t make the same mistake twice.”

He looked ready to strike me, his face contorted with rage. But my mother placed a hand on his arm, her voice breaking the tension. “Enough, both of you. This is not the time or place for such a fight. We need to think of the pack and the chaos this will

cause.”

I took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm inside me. “I understand the repercussions, but I won’t back down. I love Aria. That’s the truth, and I will not that truth any longer.

betray

The room fell into a heavy silence, the weight of my words settling over everyone present. I could see the disbelief in my mother’s eyes, the fury in my father’s, and the concern in Elijah’s. But I stood my ground, bold in my decision.

“I will make things right with Aria,” I said firmly. “And I will find a way to mend the pack’s trust. But I will not marry Ellen. That is final.”

My father’s face twisted with anger and something else–perhaps a hint of reluctant respect. This isn’t over, Caspian. There will be consequences for your actions.

I nodded, accepting the inevitable fallout. “I understand, Father. But I am prepared to face them, as long as I can be true to myself and to Aria.”

As the tension slowly dissipated, the reality of the ruined wedding set in. Ellen was with her parents, crying, and the guests were leaving in hushed, confused groups. The grand hall, once designed for celebration, now felt like a battlefield.

But amidst the wreckage, I felt a strange sense of relief. I had finally spoken my truth, and no matter what came next, I knew I had made the right choice.

Suddenly, Ellen stormed into the hall, her face streaked with tears and smeared makeup. The intricate design of her once immaculate wedding dress was now marred by dirt and wrinkles, the hem dragging limply behind her. Her eyes, red and putly from crying, fixed on me with a mixture of rage and desperation.

“How could you do this to me, Caspian?” she screamed, her voice trembling with raw emotion. “How could you humiliate me in front of everyone?”

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I stood my ground, my expression unmoved, “I’m sorry, Ellen, I truly am. I was foolish to lead you on, but I can’t marry you. I don’t love you.”

Her face twisted in agony and anger. “Sorry? Sorry doesn’t fix this! You’ve disgraced me and my family. We were supposed to be married, Caspian. You made a promise!”

“I know, and I regret it,” I replied, my voice steady. “I was trying to do what I thought was best for the pack, but I can’t lie to myself or to you any longer. My heart belongs to Aria

Ellen’s eyes flared with hatred. “I don’t care if she used to be your fucking mate! I will not let her have you. I’d rather die than see you with her.”

I remained bold, refusing to be swayed by her outburst. “Ellen, I understand that you’re hurt, but I can’t marry you. It wouldn’t be fair to either of us.”

Ellen’s parents stepped forward, their faces a mix of disappointment and anger. Her father’s voice was cold as he spoke, “Caspian, we trusted you. We welcomed you into our family. How could you do this?”

I met his gaze, feeling the weight of their disappointment. “I deserve your hate. I’ve made mistakes, and I’m truly sorry for the pain I’ve caused. But I can’t go through with. this marriage.”

Ellen’s mother shook her head, tears glistening in her eyes. “You’ve ruined everything. Our daughter doesn’t deserve this.”

Ellen’s voice rose again, shrill and filled with fury. “You will regret this, Caspian. I won’t let you leave me. I won’t!”

“I’m sorry, Ellen, but my decision is final,” I said firmly, my heart aching at the sight of her suffering, “I can’t be the man you deserve, and it would be a lie to continue this.”

Ellen’s parents turned away, their disappointment palpable. I watched as they tried to console their daughter, who continued to sob and shout, her heartbreak echoing through the hall.

As they led Ellen away, her threats and accusations still ringing in my ears, I stood firm. I knew I had made the right decision, even if it meant facing the anger and disappointment of those around me. M

y heart was set on Aria, and I wouldn’t turn back now, no matter the cost.