Chapter 30: Shattered Bonds

Lyra's POV

The aftermath of Kieran's revelation hangs heavy in the air of Moonhaven. Wolves from both packs huddle in small groups, whispers and wary glances following me wherever I go. I feel like a creature under glass, observed and dissected by those I once called family.

I find myself pacing like a caged animal in Selene's private chambers. My mother – the word still feels foreign on my tongue – watches me with ancient, sorrowful eyes.

"Why?" I finally ask, my voice cracking with years of secrets and lies. "Why keep this from me for so long? Why let me believe I was someone, something else entirely?"

Selene sighs, the sound heavy with centuries of regret. "To protect you, Lyra. To give you a chance at a normal life, at least for a little while."

"Normal?" I scoff. "I've never felt normal a day in my life. Always different, always out of place. Do you have any idea what that's like?"

"More than you know," she replies softly. "I've walked between worlds for millennia, Lyra. Never fu