Autumn endured five silent years as Ethan's secret mate, patiently believing his hollow promises that their formal union would follow once he secured clan leadership. Instead, after taking over his deceased brother's responsibilities, Ethan repeatedly beds the widowed sister-in-law, finally announcing their lavish mating celebration when the widow conceives.
Watching her young daughter wander through the opulent festival decorations, Autumn decides she has suffered enough humiliation. Packing their few belongings, she severs the mystical bond and slips into the forest, leaving Ethan to realize too late that his political obsession cost him the only family that ever mattered.
