Lyra's POVThe party's remnants lay scattered across the living room like the wreckage of my life – empty cups, crumpled napkins, and the lingering scent of too many bodies in too small a space. I move mechanically, gathering trash and straightening furniture, desperate for any distraction from the storm raging inside me.But even as I try to focus on the mundane task, I'm acutely aware of his presence. Xander is my mate, my sister's boyfriend, and the source of both my greatest joy and deepest pain.He's across the room, helping my mother move a heavy bookshelf back into place. The muscles in his arms flex with the effort, and I find myself mesmerized by the play of light across his skin. As if sensing my gaze, he looks up, our eyes locking for a breathless moment.The intensity in his hazel depths sends a jolt through me, like touching a live wire. I quickly averted my eyes, cheeks burning, but the damage was done—our mate bond hummed with renewed vigor, a constant, annoying reminder
Lyra's POVThe great hall of the Shadowmoon Pack thrums with tension as I slip through the ornate double doors, my family in tow. Wolves from every corner of our territory have gathered, their hushed whispers creating a cacophony of anticipation. At the far end of the room, seated on an intricately carved wooden throne, is Alpha Blackthorn – Xander's father and our pack's formidable leader.I try to make myself as small as possible, acutely aware that I don't truly belong here. This gathering is to discuss succession – Xander's future as Alpha. My presence feels like an intrusion, a painful reminder of the mate bond we both desperately try to ignore."Stand up straight," my mother hisses, nudging me gently. You're representing our family. Try not to embarrass us."I bite back and retort, forcing my spine to straighten. Across the room, I spot Xander standing beside his father. Our eyes meet briefly, electric, before we both look away, the unspoken tension between us palpable even from
Lyra's POVThe full moon hangs low in the sky, a silver eye watching the sleeping world. But sleep eludes me, my mind a chaotic whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. The events of the pack meeting replay on an endless loop—the unexpected praise, Elara's threats, and Xander's words that felt too much like hope.With a frustrated growl, I throw off my covers. I can't stay in this room for another second. Nova, my wolf, paces restlessly within me, yearning for freedom.'Run,' she urges. 'Let's run until we can't think anymore.'For once, we're in perfect agreement. I slip out of the house silently, padding across the dew-dampened grass. As soon as I reach the tree line, I let the shift take me. Bones crack and reform, fur sprouts across my skin, and in moments, I'm no longer Lyra the girl but Lyra the wolf.I take off into the forest, reveling in the feeling of the earth beneath my paws and the wind in my fur. The physical exertion helps quiet the tumult in my mind, if only temporarily. I r
Lyra's POVThe morning sun filters through my curtains, but its warmth does nothing to dispel the chill that's settled deep in my bones. I've barely slept, the mysterious man's threats echoing in my mind like a sinister lullaby. As I drag myself out of bed, my phone chimes with a new message. My heart leaps into my throat as I read:"Enough games, little wolf. It's time we met face to face. Tonight. The old willow by Moonstone Creek. Come alone, or there will be consequences."My hands shake so badly I nearly drop the phone. This can't be happening. How did it come to this?"Lyra? You up?" My best friend Mia's voice calls from the hallway. "We're gonna be late for training!"I quickly hide my phone as Mia bursts into the room, her usual exuberance faltering as she takes in my haggard appearance. "Whoa, you look like you've seen a ghost. What's wrong?"The concern in her eyes breaks something inside me. Before I can stop myself, I'm spilling everything – the mysterious gifts, the threat
Lyra's POVThe tension in Alpha Blackthorn's office is thick enough to cut with a knife. I stand before his imposing desk, flanked by Xander and Elara, feeling like a prisoner awaiting sentencing. The Alpha's steely gaze sweeps over us, his expression unreadable."Explain," he says, his voice low and dangerous.Elara immediately launches into a tirade, her words a poisonous mix of accusations and crocodile tears. "She's trying to steal Xander from me, Alpha! That photo proves it. She's been seducing him behind my back, trying to worm her way into the Luna position-""Enough," Alpha Blackthorn cuts her off, his eyes fixed on his son. "Xander. What do you have to say about this?"Xander hesitates, conflict clear in his eyes. "Father, I... It's not what it looks like. Lyra and I ran into each other in the forest. We were talking. Nothing happened.""Nothing happened?" Elara screeches. "You were about to kiss her!""We didn't-" I start to protest, but Alpha Blackthorn silences me with a ra
Lyra's POVThe great hall buzzes with anticipation as pack members file in, whispers and speculative glances flying like arrows. I slump in my seat, trying to make myself as small as possible. After the events of the past few days – the mysterious photograph, the overheard conversation about my parentage, the cryptic messages – I want nothing more than to disappear.But there's no escaping the weight of expectation hanging heavily in the air. Alpha Blackthorn stands at the front of the room, his imposing presence commanding silence as he raises his hands."Thank you all for gathering on such short notice," he begins, his deep voice resonating through the hall. "As you know, our pack is entering a time of transition. My son, Xander, will soon take on the mantle of Alpha. And with that comes the need for a strong, capable Luna by his side."My stomach churns as I catch Elara preening in the front row, already sure of her victory. Standing beside his father, Xander keeps his expression ca
Lyra's POVThe packed house is eerily quiet as I go down the deserted hallway. It's late – most wolves are on patrol or tucked away in their beds. But sleep eludes me, my mind a chaotic whirlwind of thoughts and emotions after the events of the Luna challenge.As I round a corner, hushed voices catch my attention. I pause, recognizing Elara's nasty tone."...can't let her get away with this," she hisses. "That little bitch thinks she can just waltz in and steal everything from me? My mate, my future, my pack? I don't think so.""But what can we do?" another voice – Sarah, one of Elara's cronies – asks. "Alpha Blackthorn seemed impressed by her ideas.""We discredit her," Elara says with a cruel smile. "Make the pack see her for the fraud she is."My blood runs cold as Elara outlines her plan: doctored financial records, planted evidence, and a carefully crafted trail leading back to me. It's devious, thorough, and terrifyingly plausible."By the time we're done," Elara concludes, "the
Lyra's POVThe old willow by Moonstone Creek looms before me, its gnarled branches reaching out like grasping fingers in the pale moonlight. My heart pounds a frantic rhythm as I approach, every rustle of leaves and snap of twigs setting my nerves on edge."Hello?" I call out, hating how small and afraid my voice sounds. "I'm here. Show yourself."For a long moment, there was nothing but eerie silence. Then, a figure emerged from the shadows. Tall, broad-shouldered, his face obscured by a hood, it was the mysterious man who'd been haunting my life for months."Ah, little wolf," he purrs, chilling my spine. "I knew you'd come. You always were too curious for your good."I stand my ground, fists clenched at my sides. "Enough games. You said you could help me. Prove it."He chuckles, the sound low and menacing. "So impatient. But very well. I can indeed clear your name, Lyra. I have evidence that proves Elara's deception. One word from me, and your innocence will be unquestionable."Hope