chapter 6

Octavia's POV

The weight of my decision pressed down on me like a physical force. I stood at the edge of our sacred grove, the gentle rustling of leaves a stark contrast to the turmoil in my heart. My sisters' words echoed in my mind, their warnings about Zachary ringing with an urgency I couldn't ignore.

"Octavia, you can't trust him," Lyra had pleaded earlier that day. "He's an outsider. He doesn't understand our ways."

I'd brushed off their concerns, convinced that my love for Zachary transcended their fears. But now, alone with my thoughts, doubt began to creep in.

The snap of a twig pulled me from my reverie. I spun around, my hand instinctively reaching for the ceremonial dagger at my hip. Relief washed over me as I saw Zachary emerge from the shadows, his familiar smile warming my heart.

"I didn't mean to startle you," he said, closing the distance between us.

I relaxed into his embrace, breathing in his scent. "It's okay. I was just lost in thought."

Zachary's arms tightened around me. "About what we discussed?"

I nodded, pulling back to meet his gaze. "Zachary, I... I don't know if I can do this. My sisters, they're worried. They say I can't trust you."

A flicker of something anger? frustration?passed over his face before it settled back into a mask of concern. "Octavia, my love, you know I only want what's best for us. For our future together."

"I know, but"

"No buts," he interrupted, cupping my face in his hands. "I need you to understand something. It's not just about giving up your position as priestess."

My breath caught in my throat. "What do you mean?"

Zachary's eyes bore into mine, intense and unwavering. "To truly be with me, to be my Luna, you need to give up your powers completely."

The world seemed to tilt on its axis. "My... my powers? But Zachary, that's who I am. It's part of me."

"It's what's keeping us apart," he insisted. "As long as you have these powers, you'll always be torn between two worlds. I want you fully in mine, Octavia. I want you by my side, without any divided loyalties."

Tears pricked at my eyes. "You're asking me to give up everything I've ever known."

"I'm asking you to embrace everything we could be," Zachary countered. His voice softened. "I love you, Octavia. More than anything. But I need to know you're committed to our future. Completely."

I stepped back, needing space to think. The weight of his request crushed me. Give up my powers? The very essence of who I was?

"I... I need time to think," I stammered.

Zachary's jaw tightened, but he nodded. "Of course. Take all the time you need. But remember, the mating ceremony is in three days. I need your answer before then."

With a final, longing look, he disappeared back into the forest, leaving me alone with my tumultuous thoughts.

The next two days passed in a blur of sleepless nights and tear-filled conversations with my sisters. They begged me to reconsider, to see reason. But with each passing hour, my resolve strengthened. I loved Zachary. I wanted a future with him. And if that meant sacrificing my powers, then so be it.

On the eve of the mating ceremony, I made my way to the sacred prayer ground. The air hummed with ancient magic, the very trees seeming to whisper their disapproval.

"I'm sorry," I murmured, unsure if I was addressing the forest, my sisters, or myself.

With trembling hands, I began the ritual. Words of power spilled from my lips, each syllable feeling like a betrayal. I could feel my connection to the moon, to the very earth beneath my feet, start to fray.

"Octavia, stop!"

I whirled around to see Seraphine bursting into the clearing, her face pale with panic.

"What are you doing here?" I asked, hastily wiping away my tears.

Seraphine approached cautiously, as if afraid I might bolt. "I overheard your sisters talking. They said you were going to give up your powers. I... I couldn't let you do that without talking to you first."

I sighed, suddenly bone-weary. "There's nothing to talk about, Seraphine. I've made my decision."

"But why?" she pressed. "Is this really what you want? Or is it what Zachary wants?"

"It's what we both want," I insisted, but even to my own ears, the words sounded hollow.

Seraphine's eyes softened with sympathy. "Octavia, I'm your friend. I want you to be happy. But this... this doesn't feel right. You're giving up a part of yourself."

"It's the only way," I said, more to convince myself than her. "Zachary says it's the only way we can truly be together."

A shadow passed over Seraphine's face, so quickly I almost missed it. "And you believe him? Just like that?"

"Of course I do," I snapped, defensive. "He loves me."

Seraphine held up her hands in surrender. "Okay, okay. I just... I want you to be sure. This isn't something you can take back, Octavia."

I turned away, unable to bear the concern in her eyes. "I know what I'm doing, Seraphine. Please, just... let me do this."

I heard her sigh heavily behind me. "Alright. If this is truly what you want, I won't stand in your way. Just know that I'm here for you, no matter what."

With a gentle squeeze of my shoulder, she left me alone once more.

Taking a deep breath, I resumed the ritual. This time, I didn't falter. As the last word left my lips, I felt something fundamental shift within me. The constant hum of magic that had been my companion since birth faded to silence.

It was done. My powers were gone.

Feeling oddly hollow, I made my way back to the pack grounds. Tomorrow was the mating ceremony. Tomorrow, I would start my new life with Zachary.

You're absolutely right. I apologize for overlooking that important detail. Let me revise the ending of the chapter to include a proper introduction of Seraphine before the betrayal scene. Here's an adjusted version of the last part:

As I approached the main clearing, excited voices reached my ears. Curious, I quickened my pace.

A crowd had gathered, all talking animatedly. At the center stood Zachary, his face alight with joy. And beside him, to my surprise, stood Seraphine.

Seraphine had been my best friend since childhood. We'd grown up together in the coven, sharing secrets, dreams, and laughter. She was the one person outside of Zachary who truly knew me, who I trusted completely. Seeing her there with Zachary filled me with a momentary warmth - my two favorite people together.

I started to make my way towards them, eager to share my news about giving up my powers. But something in their stance, the way they leaned into each other, made me pause.

Before I could call out, Zachary's voice rang out across the clearing. "My fellow pack members, I have wonderful news. The Moon Goddess has blessed me with a mate."

My heart skipped a beat. This was it he was going to announce our union to everyone.

But then came the words that shattered my world.