Chapter 22 : The Price of Compromise Chapter 22 : The Price of Compromise David Blackthorne stood frozen in shock upon hearing about his sister's plans to sever her mate bond . His face went pale as the words sank in . " Sever the bond ? " he asked in disbelief , his voice cracking slightly . He wondered if his recent troubles had caused the rift between Elena and Alpha Marcus . The guilt weighed heavily on his chest like a stone . Patricia quickly interrupted , her voice sharp with panic . " David , their mating problems aren't your fault ." She secretly worried that if David learned the real reason - Marcus's affair with Sophia - he might impulsively confront the other she - wolf . That would bring disaster upon their family . Despite her love for her daughter , she saw the Blackwood alliance as their only chance for social advancement . The pack hierarchy was unforgiving to those without connections .. Richard blamed his daughter entirely , his face flushing with anger . " She should be thankful she was chosen as Luna to the Shadow Moon Pack in the first place ! " He grumbled about Elena's ingratitude , viewing her as someone who didn't appreciate their sacrifices . " We secured such a prestigious mating arrangement for her future . " David remained silent , lost in thought about the situation . His sister's unhappiness troubled him more than his parents ' ambitions . ( Elena's POV ) Meanwhile , I had been in a complex healing session since eight in the morning . The cranial reconstruction procedure finally ended in the afternoon . Exhausted from channeling my healing abilities / for hours , I changed out of my healing robes . My shoulders ached from the intensive work . I discovered several missed calls on my phone - some from David and one from Marcus . I chose to return only my brother's call as I left the preparation chamber . David's urgent voice came through the phone immediately . " Elena , is it true about the mate bond severance ? Did Marcus wrong you ? " I massaged my aching shoulders , trying to ease the tension . " David , Marcus and I simply have incompatible values . We want to separate . " I deliberately kept the truth from my impulsive brother . If he knew the real reasons behind our failing bond , he might act rashly . To my surprise , David supported my decision without hesitation . " If you want to sever the bond , then sever it . " His voice carried conviction that startled me . " Our parents are self - deceptive about the Blackwood family's regard for us . " He acknowledged something I hadn't expected him to understand . " They arranged a mating above our station 1/3 Chapter 22 The Price of C to wolves who look down on us . Bond severance might be the better choice ." His understanding touched me deeply . I hadn't expected the family's " rebellious youth " to be the one who truly comprehended my situation . " Focus on your training and build your future through your own efforts , " I encouraged him . " Don't let their stubborn attitudes influence you ." David's voice grew serious . " Elena , my recent fight was triggered by someone spreading malicious rumors about you ." He explained how pack members had seen me visit his training grounds . " They were saying things about my sister after seeing you there . I was defending your honor as Luna . " The irony wasn't lost on either of us . He couldn't Invoke Alpha Marcus's protection since our mate bond was clearly strained . After ending the call with my brother , I was approached by Senior William at the healers ' station . His expression was uncomfortable as he handed me a document . " Elena , this is a duty reassignment report , " he said , avoiding my eyes . " You'll now report directly to Senior Healer Sophia Rivers . " The demotion stung like a physical blow . I had previously held special privileges that exempted me from departmental oversight . The signed authorization from Director Henry Baker made it clear this decision came from someone with significant influence . I immediately suspected Marcus's involvement in my professional humiliation . Senior William couldn't hide his conflicted expression . He had worked at the institute for fifteen years and felt complicated about my rapid advancement . A young healer receiving preferential treatment after only three years had always bothered him . Though he genuinely respected my abilities , learning of Alpha Marcus's disapproval had put him in a difficult position . " Is my emotional state something I need to report to you ? " I asked coldly . I threw the document on his desk and left for my office . Behind me , I heard him muttering about the complicated politics of pack hierarchies . That evening , I returned home exhausted to find Marcus waiting in the Great Hall . He was freshly showered and wearing casual clothes that emphasized his Alpha physique . " Why didn't you answer my morning call ? " he questioned , his golden eyes sharp with displeasure . " And why are you returning so late ? " I responded curtly , my voice flat with exhaustion . " I was in an intensive healing session . " As I headed toward the Master Suite , he followed close behind . " Your temporary placement under Sophia's supervision will help you resolve your misunderstandings . " His tone was matter - of - fact , as if discussing pack business . " You need to work together harmoniously within the pack structure . " The conversation escalated when I challenged his characterization . " Misunderstandings ? Is that what you call our conflict ? " Chapter 22. The Price of G. Marcus's tone grew threatening , his Alpha authority radiating from every word . " Don't test my patience , Elene Wolves can't have everything they want . " The irony wasn't lost on me . I felt I had gained nothing I truly desired from our mating bond . He then offered compensation that made my stomach turn . " I'll promote you to deputy chief healer within two months . A position that would normally take years to achieve . " His voice carried the confidence of someone used to buying compliance . " Consider it compensation for your temporary subordination to Sophia . " ( Marcus's POV ) Elena accepted my terms with apparent calm , her voice steady and controlled . " Very well , Alpha ." But something felt fundamentally different this time . Though she had agreed to my demands as usual , an unease settled in my chest . She took her night clothes and left the Master Suite for another room . I watched her departure with growing discomfort . An uncontrollable thought began growing in my mind's shadows . The possibility that she might actually follow through with severing our mate bond . I quickly suppressed it , convincing myself I was overthinking the situation . 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