The Praise Moon Festival, open to all unmated beastkin in the tribe, was held once every three years. Whoever caught a moonflower could enter a binding contract ceremony.
I had planned to stay home.
But Ash, my fiancé, loved a spectacle. He signed me up without asking.
So I pulled my brother James and my childhood friend Liam aside.
“Tomorrow, three females will toss their moonflowers at the same time. If Ash can’t catch mine, you two need to make sure you grab it for me.”
They both nodded and promised.
But when my moonflower fell, they charged toward Chloe—a rabbit beastkin from our tribe—and helped Ash catch hers instead.
My moonflower landed squarely in the hands of Rex, a lone dragon beastkin who’d lost three mates and was about to leave the territory for good.
My heart hammered with panic. I went straight to the Elder to negotiate the return of my moonflower and cancel the binding contract.
But at the corner of the hall, I overheard the three of them whispering.
James spoke first, addressing my fiancé.
“Ash, you caught Chloe’s moonflower. By tribal law, you’ll have to enter a contract with her. What are we going to do about my sister?”
Ash cradled Chloe’s moonflower like something precious.
“What can we do? It’s just a ceremony. It’s not like we’d have to register it with the Alliance. It’s a fake wedding, nothing more.”
“At least this way, Chloe’s mother will stop pressuring her to marry.”
“As for Iris—worst case, she throws a fit, refuses the contract, and gets her tribal mark erased. She’s a female avian beastkin. What difference does it make whether she stays on the Clan Register or not?”
Liam chuckled in agreement. “”Iris has always believed in the Moon God’s blessings. Just sweet-talk her a little, and she’ll go along with your contract with Chloe.””
I stood frozen in place, a bitter smile pulling at my lips.
They’d all forgotten.
Staying on the Clan Register to inherit my mother’s land was the dream I’d carried my entire life.
It was the reason I needed to marry in the first place.
And now the Moon God had given a sign. How could I possibly refuse?
Abandon You Choose Dragon Chapter 07 By tribal custom, the groom wasn’t required to attend the blessing ceremony. He was supposed to wait until the bride received her blessing, then come to the sanctuary to collect her. But Chloe had clung to him that morning—”Ash, I’m scared”—so he’d come along. He walked to the old
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Abandon You Choose Dragon Chapter 06 “Wait—wait a second…” Ash lurched forward half a step and nearly tripped over the threshold. Liam’s hand shot out and clamped down on his arm. “What are you doing?” he hissed. “The ceremony isn’t finished. You can’t barge in and interrupt the Moon God’s blessing—” “It’s Iris.” Ash’s voice
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Abandon You Choose Dragon Chapter 05 Two days later. The brides from the Praise Moon Festival were to receive the Moon God’s blessing in the sanctuary. The sanctuary entrance was packed with people. My father stood in his formal attire, laughing and chatting with the Elder and the tribal council. His voice boomed, his brows
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Abandon You Choose Dragon Chapter 04 The yard went half-silent the moment they saw me. Ash still had an unlit cigarette between his fingers. Chloe scurried over and grabbed my sleeve, her rabbit ears quivering. “Iris! You’re back! I was just about to come find you—” I raised my hand to pull free. She tumbled
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Abandon You Choose Dragon Chapter 03 I stayed out until late. No one came looking for me. When I returned, they were all gathered in the yard around a bonfire, setting off fireworks. Beside them sat roses, wine, and grilled meat that Ash had prepared. Chloe held a sparkler, her face lit by the glow.
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Abandon You Choose Dragon Chapter 02 I walked out into the yard. The moon hadn’t risen yet. Only the stars scattered coldly across the sky. “Iris.” Ash followed me out, a half-smoked cigarette between his fingers. “You barely ate. Are you angry?” “Yes.” Honest as always. He laughed once and stubbed out the cigarette. “Don’t
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Abandon You Choose Dragon Chapter 01 The Praise Moon Festival, open to all unmated beastkin in the tribe, was held once every three years. Whoever caught a moonflower could enter a binding contract ceremony. I had planned to stay home. But Ash, my fiancé, loved a spectacle. He signed me up without asking. So I
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