Chapter 165: But I Had To Do This.

AARON. The morning of the ceremony came too soon. I stood in front of the mirror, adjusting my ceremonial tunic, trying to ignore the heavy feeling in my chest. The weight of my decision pressed down on me like a boulder, making it hard to breathe. Dorian's threat lingered in the back of my mind, a dark cloud hanging over what should have been one of the happiest days of my life. I forced a smile as Frida bounced into the room. She was always so full of energy, her little face lighting up when she saw me dressed and ready. 'You look amazing!" she exclaimed, her voice bright and filled with pride. 'Helena's going to be so happy when she sees you." I looked down at her, trying to keep my expression neutral. 'Thanks, Fri," I said, patting her head. 'I'm sure she'll look even better." I knew she would. Frida's eyes sparkled. 'She's going to be the most beautiful mate ever, I just know it!" She gave me a wide grin, her innocent joy cutting right through the knot in my stomach. It hurt to think that today would end with her disappointment, with everyone's disappointment. My parents entered the room then, their faces full of pride. My father clapped me on the back, his usual stern face softened by a rare smile. He was one person I didn't expect to support me at all. But he did. And I was taking it for granted. Would it hurt to come clean now? Would it hurt if I just told everyone what was happening ? Yes. It would. So I forced the thoughts back down, and turned to him with a smile. 'You're ready," he said, his voice full of approval. 'Today is a big day, Aaron. A new chapter." I nodded, forcing myself to meet his eyes. 'Yes, it is." My mother stepped forward, her eyes shining with happy tears. 'We're so proud of you, son," she said softly, her hand resting on my shoulder. 'Helena is perfect for you. We're sure she'll make a wonderful mate." I swallowed hard, feeling the guilt twist inside me. They had no idea. No idea what was coming, what I had to do. I was about to destroy everything they expected from this day. But I had no choice. 'I'm glad you think so," I managed, my voice sounding far calmer than I felt. 'Thank you, both of you." They left me alone then, but Frida stayed, standing by my side. She looked up at me, her eyes full of excitement. 'Aren't you nervous at all?" she asked, tilting her head. I chuckled, a small, hollow sound. 'Maybe a little." 'You'll be fine," she said, her voice full of confidence. 'You're always fine." I nodded, not trusting myself to speak. Frida had so much faith in me. They all did. And that was what made this so hard. When it was time for the ceremony, I joined the rest of the pack outside. The clearing was beautifully decorated, with flowers and ribbons hanging from the trees. The air was filled with the scent of pine and fresh earth, the forest alive with the sounds of nature. Everyone was smiling, excited for the day. Even the elders. Oh God. I spotted Elder Miriam and Elder Garret sitting cross legged at the front of the garden, closest to the podium. They watched me with scrutiny, before nodding and looking away. The knot in my stomach tightened. I stood at the front, the irony of my decision pressing harder with every passing second. My heart pounded in my chest, my thoughts racing. I could hear the crowd murmuring softly behind me, the excitement growing as we all waited for Helena's arrival. My parents stood nearby, their proud faces shining with happiness. Frida was at their side, practically bouncing on her feet with excitement. I couldn't meet their eyes. If I did, I knew I'd lose whatever resolve I had left. I had to keep my focus. I had to go ahead, no matter how much it hurt. The ceremony began, and the pack's consummating elder started to speak, his voice booming through the clearing. But I barely heard him. Fucking hell I couldn't even remember who he was. My mind was elsewhere, trapped between the joy of the moment and the dark cloud of what was to come. Dorian's threat echoed in my head. I knew I had no choice, but that didn't make it any easier. Then, the moment I dreaded and longed for all at once came. The crowd hushed, and I saw her. Helena. Fuck. She was walking toward me, her gown flowing around her like a cloud. The smile on her face was radiant, full of pure happiness. She looked beautiful—beyond beautiful, like a vision. My heart twisted painfully in my chest. That smile... I would never see it again, not like this. She was so happy, so full of hope for our future. And I knew I was about to shatter it all. As she got closer, her eyes met mine, and for a brief moment, everything else faded away. It was just us, standing on the brink of a new life together. But I knew, deep down, that this moment couldn't last. She reached me, her smile still bright, and I took her hands in mine. They were warm and soft, and I had to fight the urge to pull her close, to hold her and protect her from the storm that was coming. The elder continued to speak, but all I could focus on was Helena. She was so full of life, so full of trust in me. And I knew that trust would be broken by the end of the day. But I had to do this. There was no other way. 'Aaron," the elder's voice snapped me back to reality, 'do you take Helena as your mate, to cherish and protect for the rest of your days?" I looked into her eyes, seeing the love and joy there. 'I do," I said, my voice steady, though inside, I felt like I was falling apart. I should have said no, but I didn't. I wanted to savour that particular moment, at least. My inner wolf, having been silent all this while…. whimpered.