He Signed My Freedom Now He Wants Me Back Chapter 11
This was more than a child’s birthday party. It was the first time the Alpha heir would publicly receive blessings from the major families.
Before the ceremony began, a pack academy tutor read aloud Noah’s training record, while a Registry clerk verified his paternal inheritance rights and his Hart maternal bloodline. By ancient custom, I was supposed to tie my maternal crest onto his shoulder—a reminder that a future Alpha inherits not only power, but also the duty to protect the weak.
When I stepped forward holding the crest, Noah took a sharp step back.
“I don’t want her to do it.” He pointed at Vivian. “I want Aunt Vivian.”
The clerk looked uncertainly at Lucian. Everyone knew Vivian was neither Noah’s birth mother nor a registered Luna. She had no right to complete a Hart bloodline rite in my place.
But Lucian took the crest from my hand and gave it to her.
Smiling, Vivian tied it onto Noah’s shoulder. Applause broke out through the hall, as if the Alpha publicly breaking tradition was nothing more than the long-awaited reunion of two lovers.
I was still the registered Luna. By every rule, I should have been standing at Lucian’s right side, leading Noah through the rite.
But Noah and Iris took Vivian by the hands, one on each side, and brought her to that exact spot.
Lucian stood beside them, a glass in his hand, and did nothing to stop it.
The guests quickly understood his choice.
“So the Dawncrest candidate has returned after all.”
“The one Lucian’s really wanted all these years has always been Vivian.”
“What does it matter that Evelyn gave him an heir? An unfinished claim will never be a true bond.”
Their voices weren’t loud, but they were loud enough for everyone to hear.
My Luna crest was still pinned to my chest, yet not one person was willing to speak up for me.
Because the Alpha had already given his permission with his silence.