Shadows Of Passing Time – Carter Hughes 102

* Bound by Fate, Fated by the Goddess 

Bound by Fate, Fated by the Goddess 

“You can fight it all you want, little Luna. But you were never meant to belong to anyone else.” – Callum 

Rhea’s POV: 

Claim 

Our pack lands go on forever-seriously, if I had to walk from one end to the other, I’d probably die halfway. Every Alpha in our history has been obsessed with expanding the Ridge Storm Pack’s territory, making it one of the biggest in the multiverse Lycandra. It’s gorgeous-forests that seem to breathe, lakes perfect for swimming, and that ridiculously picturesque waterfall at the edge of our land. But right now? None of that matters. Because my brain is too busy spiralling. 

Ethan, my boyfriend of two years, is driving us back to Silver Ridge Academy. He’s got one hand on 

the wheel, the other resting near the gear shift, and swear he can sense the existential crisis 

brewing inside me. He’s always believed we’re mates; a huge part of me desperately wants that to 

be true. Ethan-“E” when I’m feeling cute-has been my person, the one constant in my chaotic life. 

But the what-ifs won’t stop whispering in my head. 

I was suppose to turn eighteen over the next two weeks, and Ethan is supposed to hit his big-boy birthday today. Well, technically, at midnight-tomato, to-mah-to, same s**t. 

It’s not like we’re saints or anything-I mean, we’ve been toeing the line between sinful thoughts and just one bad decision away from getting caught in a supply closet for years. But f**k, these hormones are out for blood, and by blood, I mean they’re sending a full-on, all-points bulletin for 

some d**k. 

Which is saying a lot coming from me-the girl who’s still a damn virgin. Yep, still rocking the factor y settings, still tighter than a locked iPhone, and still dangerously close to making some questionabl e life choice before the night is over. But the doubts still linger. 

What if we aren’t mates? 

Would we still be friends? 

Would it break him? 

Would it break me? 

“Rhea, you’ve been quiet this whole drive. What’s up?” Ethan’s voice cuts through my thoughts, pulling me back into reality. He glances at me, his dark eyes soft with concern. 

I hesitate before blurting out the thing that’s been clawing at me. 

“Have you ever thought about what happens if we’re not mates? Would you still want me around?” 

The second I say it, he’s pulling into the academy parking lot, shifting the car into park, and turning 

< Bound by Fate, Fated by the Goddess 

Claim 

laughter. As soon as they walk into our suite, Ethan catches my eye in the chaos, his smile soft and familiar, and I swear my heart does something stupid. 

Then Finn opens his big mouth. 

“Alright, my chipmunks, time to suit up! And, Rhea, maybe slip into something a little unforgettable tonight. Our boy Ethan here seems to have some big plans.” 

My face goes nuclear. “Finn, I will end you.” 

“Oh, come on, Rhea.” He winks at Ethan. “Maybe some lace, a little silk… you know, set the mood.” 

Ethan smirks, eyebrow raised. “No pressure, but if you happen to own anything in red, I wouldn’t 

complain.” 

The girls dissolve into giggles. Lila’s practically wheezing. 

“Alright, all of you-out! Before I die of embarrassment!” I push them toward the door but can’t stop the stupid little smile tugging at my lips. 

Just before Ethan leaves, he looks back at me. There’s something wistful in his gaze, something 

that makes my stomach twist. Then, when I glance at Nora, she’s watching him too-her expression distant and sad. 

I shove the weird feeling away. 

An hour later, we’re dressed to kill. Bree’s in a stunning green mini, Nora’s pink dress makes her 

look ethereal, and Lila is glowing in white. And me? The girls have worked their magic. My dark 

brown dress clings in all the right places, my silver hair cascades in perfect waves, and my heels 

make me feel unstoppable. 

“You’re not the only one turning heads tonight,” Bree smirks. 

“Maybe we should bring Ethan a spare pair of boxers,” Lila grins. 

I roll my eyes but can’t help the warmth spreading through me. Then, just as I’m about to step out, I glimpse Nora wiping away a tear. 

I stop, my stomach twisting. “Nora, what’s wrong?” 

She hesitates, fidgeting, eyes downcast. Then, finally, she grips my hand like she’s holding on for 

dear life. 

“Rhea…” Her voice is barely a whisper. “I think Ethan is my mate.” 

My world crashes around me. 

No. No. No. 

Everything inside me screams in protest, but the devastation in her eyes is real. And suddenly, the 

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< Bound by Fate, Fated by the Goddess tightness in my chest makes sense. 

This isn’t just my worst fear coming true. 

This is the beginning of my undoing.