05.

LYRA

I stared at the outfit I was gifted by my mother-in-law. It’s a navy blue dress hugging each curve like a second skin.

The dress made my waist look quite skinny urging me to move uncomfortably. It made me feel self-conscious, don’t get me wrong the dress is very beautiful but just not to my taste, I mean I don’t wear exposing outfits.

But I knew better than to protest.

I said adjusting the bun I made my hair into hoping that today goes by smoothly and Sage doesn’t get on my nerves as much as he’s trying to do for the past week.

He just can’t get or should I say accept the fact that I am not afraid of him, he can’t use his power or dominance against me if you look at it, you can tell that he is under my mercy since I have the right to cut things off or not, and as much as I want to do that, it can’t happen.

I mean I still haven’t figured a way out of the reach of not just the Mickelson’s but my uncle.

A knock on my door has me snapping out of my train of thought “Yes, come in” I ushered.

A maid assigned to me walked in with her head bowed low in respect, “The Alpha is waiting downstairs for you”

I nodded dismissing her before doing a final recheck on myself, then stepped out letting out a breath

I stood at the top of the stairs, my heart racing as I reached the stairs.

I took a deep breath and began walking down. eyes fixed on the pack as I bit on my lower lip.

I could feel their stairs on me as I made my way down, specifically Sage.

Sage's face was stern, his eyes narrowed, and his jaw clenched, but I couldn't help but feel his gaze like a physical touch. It made me shiver, and I felt a flutter in my chest.

As I reached the bottom step, Angela rushed forward, a bright smile on her face. "Lyra, you look stunning!" she exclaimed, wrapping me in a warm hug. "This dress was made for you!"

I blushed, feeling oddly "Thank you, Angela. You don’t look bad yourself”

Sage, on the other hand, didn't even crack a smile. "You're late," he said gruffly, his eyes scanning me from head to toe. "We need to leave. Now."

His words stung, and I felt a pang of hurt. "I-I'm sorry," I stuttered, feeling like I'd done something wrong.

Angel shot Sage a warning look, but he just shrugged and turned towards the door. "We're getting late, Lyra. Let's go."

I felt a lump form in my throat as I followed

them out of the house, Sage's rudeness lingering in the air like a dark cloud. Why did he always have to be so harsh?

As we walked towards the car, Axel fell into step beside me. "Hey, don't mind Sage," he whispered. "He's just stressed about the event tonight."

I nodded, trying to shake off the hurt. "I understand."

But as we drove through, Sage's silence and occasional glances in my direction made me feel like an outsider, a constant reminder that I didn't belong in their pack.

Tonight is when Sage announces me to the pack as his new Luna.

I stood beside Sage, my heart racing with fear and a hint of discomfort.

We were surrounded by the pack, their eyes fixed on us as Sage raised his hands for silence.

"My dear pack members," he began, his voice echoing through the hall. "I have an announcement to make. As you all know, our pack has been without a Luna for a while now. But tonight, I proudly present to you our new Luna, Lyra!"

The pack erupted into cheers and applause, their faces beaming with excitement. I forced a smile, trying to hide my discomfort. Sage's hand wrapped around mine, pulling me closer as he led me to the center of the dance floor.

The music began with a slow melody that seemed to match the rhythm of my heart. Sage's eyes locked onto mine, his gaze piercing as we swayed to the music. I felt like a puppet on strings, dancing to his tune.

As the dance went on he didn’t say a word but stared deep within my soul making my heart hammer, Sage's voice whispered in my ear, "You made a big mistake, Lyra, by signing that marriage contract. You don't belong here."

I felt a sting of hurt, but I refused to give him the satisfaction of seeing me crumble. "I didn't want to be here either," I replied, my voice steady. "But I said it before, and I'll say it again, I'm not afraid of you."

Sage's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched in frustration. "You should be," he growled, his voice low and menacing.

I raised my chin, meeting his gaze head-on. "I'm not intimidated by your title or your power, Alpha Sage. And I won't be bullied into submission."

"You're making a mistake, Lyra," he hissed, his breath hot against my ear. "You're playing with fire, and you'll get burned."

I smiled, confidence burning within me. "I'm not afraid of the flames, Sage. And I won't back down."

He just stood there, his eyes blazing with anger and frustration.

Feeling his burning stare mentally strip me and I’d be lying if I said he didn’t have an intimidating look, but I wasn’t going to let him win.

I would say game on.

If he was fire, I'd be the water to quench his blazing arrogance.