The grand hall of the castle buzzed with anticipation as Lyra prepared for her first official gathering as a royal. The event, arranged by the King himself, was intended to further solidify her presence as a Princess and future Queen. It was a chance to meet the kingdom’s subjects, listen to their concerns, and strengthen the bond between the crown and the people.Standing in front of the mirror in her chambers, Lyra adjusted the delicate silver tiara resting on her head. Her gown, a soft lavender trimmed with silver embroidery, flowed gracefully around her, a perfect blend of regal elegance and approachable warmth.“I feel like I’m playing dress-up,” she muttered, glancing over at Kane, who stood leaning against the doorway, watching her with a soft smile.“You look every bit the Princess,” he said, his voice steady and reassuring. He crossed the room and gently placed his hands on her shoulders, meeting her gaze in the mirror. “They’ll love you, Lyra. Just be yourself.”She turned t
The moon hung high in the velvet sky as Lyra and Kane retreated to the sanctuary of their private chambers. The evening’s gathering had left them both drained yet exhilarated, the weight of their roles momentarily lifted as they closed the heavy doors behind them.Lyra let out a deep sigh, leaning back against the door. “I thought my head would explode if I had to hear one more ‘Your Highness.’”Kane chuckled softly, crossing the room to pour them each a glass of wine. “You handled it beautifully, Lyra. They’re beginning to see you as I do - strong, confident, and irresistible.”She raised an eyebrow as she took the glass he offered. “Irresistible, hmm? Is that a royal decree?”“Absolutely.” His voice dropped to a low rumble, the playful glint in his eyes shifting to something darker, more intense.Lyra felt a shiver race down her spine, her pulse quickening as Kane closed the distance between them. He took her glass and set it aside, his hands sliding to her waist.“All night, I’ve b
The first light of dawn spilled into the castle, illuminating the intricate carvings on the walls and the gilded edges of the furniture in their chamber. Lyra woke slowly, her body still relaxed from the night before. Kane’s arm was draped possessively around her waist, his warmth enveloping her like a shield.She shifted slightly, careful not to disturb him, but his golden eyes flickered open almost immediately. A soft smile tugged at the corners of his lips as he tightened his hold on her.“Good morning, my mate,” he murmured, his voice still husky from sleep.Lyra smiled, running her fingers lightly over his chest. “Good morning.”They stayed like that for a while, basking in the quiet intimacy of the moment. But as the sun climbed higher in the sky, reality began to intrude on their sanctuary. The castle was waking up, and with it came the responsibilities and challenges they couldn’t ignore.After a quick breakfast in their private dining area, a knock at the door signaled the ar
The morning dawned bright and crisp, with a clear sky that promised good weather for the days ahead. Lyra awoke to the sound of bustling activity outside her window - servants preparing for the festival, guards making their rounds, and the steady hum of life in the castle.She stretched lazily, her wolf stirring in her mind. Another day to prove ourselves, Thalia said, her tone both resolute and encouraging.Lyra smiled faintly. Or another day to dodge scrolls being thrown at us, she quipped back, earning a soft chuckle from her wolf.Kane was already up, fastening the last clasp on his tailored tunic. The deep green fabric brought out the molten gold of his eyes and his broad shoulders filled the room with an air of authority. He looked every bit the commanding prince, his sharp features softened slightly when his gaze landed on her.“You were peaceful in your sleep,” he said, a hint of a smile playing on his lips as he walked toward her.Lyra rolled her eyes and slipped out of bed.
The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm, golden glow over the castle gardens. Every corner of the grounds had been transformed into a breathtaking scene of celebration. Lanterns floated in the air, casting soft, flickering light over the flowers blooming in vibrant hues. Tables adorned with fine linens and golden candelabras framed the walkways, and musicians played a lively tune that danced on the cool evening breeze.Lyra stood before her mirror, her heart pounding with anticipation and a touch of nervousness. The gown she wore shimmered in shades of silver and midnight blue, its intricate embroidery glinting like the stars themselves. The fabric cascaded down her frame, elegant yet powerful, perfectly suited for her first festival as a princess. Her hair was swept into an intricate braid, adorned with small, glowing crystals that reflected the light around her. The final touch was a delicate tiara resting atop her head - a symbol of her newfound place in the kingdom.Behin
The festival had quieted to a murmur as the kingdom’s citizens dispersed, leaving the royal family and their closest advisors to retreat to the castle’s grand war room. Despite the exhaustion that tugged at Lyra’s body, her mind raced with the images of her father and the ominous army she had seen during her vision. Kane’s steady hand rested on her lower back as they entered the chamber, his presence as comforting as ever.The war room was an imposing space, its walls lined with ancient tapestries depicting victories of the past. A massive oak table dominated the room, surrounded by high-backed chairs, each one reserved for key members of the royal council. Maps and documents were spread across the surface, detailing territories, trade routes, and military outposts.The King was already seated at the head of the table, his expression a mixture of concern and resolve. Queen Seraphina sat beside him, her sharp eyes studying Lyra intently. Several councilors, including the ever-critical
The castle was alive with preparation. Servants moved with determined efficiency, guards patrolled with heightened vigilance, and the air buzzed with a mix of anticipation and tension. As dawn broke, casting a soft golden glow over the castle grounds, Lyra and Kane stood side by side on the balcony of their chambers, surveying the activity below.Lyra clutched the stone in her hand, its warmth a steady reminder of the power she carried. Her thoughts, however, were elsewhere - on her father, Alpha Killian, and the fortress where he was held.“We’ll find him,” Kane said softly, his voice cutting through her thoughts.She turned to look at him, taking in the resolute set of his jaw and the unwavering determination in his eyes. “I know,” she replied, though the weight of uncertainty still pressed on her chest. “But the Shadow Order… they’re not just any enemy. They’re organized, powerful and...”“And they’re no match for us,” Kane interrupted, his tone firm. “We’ve faced threats before, L
The first rays of dawn stretched across the horizon as Lyra and Kane prepared to leave the castle. The courtyard was a hive of activity, with warriors mounting horses, scouts finalizing their gear, and servants ensuring provisions were secured. The cool morning air carried a sense of anticipation, tinged with the weight of the mission ahead.Lyra adjusted the strap of her pack, her fingers brushing against the stone nestled securely against her chest. Its faint warmth was a constant presence, a reminder of the power and responsibility she carried.Kane approached her, his tall frame casting a protective shadow as he handed her a small dagger. “For backup,” he said, his golden eyes meeting hers.Lyra took the weapon, sliding it into the sheath at her side. “I already have the stone. Do you think I’ll need this?”Kane smirked, the corner of his mouth lifting in a way that made her heart skip. “The stone’s powerful, but I’d rather you have something more... immediate.”“Fair enough,” Lyr
Lyra POV Ekreth was gone again. For a long moment, she simply sat there, the weight of the world pressing down on her shoulders. Duty waited outside that door. An entire kingdom will look to her now - broken, battered, but victorious. They had won the war. The Harbinger was gone. The seal was locked and nothing should get through to this world.And Kane… Kane was gone too.The thought carved another raw wound through her heart. She pressed a trembling hand against her chest, as if she could hold the pieces of herself together a little longer. She was Queen. There was no one else. She can't hide here.The heavy cloak of authority settled around her shoulders. She did not look at Nyxar. She couldn’t. Not yet.A soft knock stirred the heavy silence.Lyra blinked slowly, pulling herself out of the half-daze she'd sunk into. Her fingers still curled around Nyxar’s, reluctant to let go. She didn’t want to move. Didn’t want to face whatever waited beyond this quiet, broken moment.Th
Lyra POV The door clicked softly shut behind Ekreth, leaving her alone with Nyxar and the sound of her own heartbeat.For a long time, she didn't move.She sat there, hands folded on her lap, staring at the slow, steady rise and fall of his chest beneath the blanket. Each breath was a fragile miracle. A proof that he still lived - that he hadn't slipped away entirely into whatever place gods went when they died."You stayed", Thalia murmured inside her, voice warm and thick with emotion."I had to."Lyra answered numbly."No, Lyra. You chose to."Lyra's chest ached at the words.She hadn't thought about it. Not really. When Nyxar’s light began to break apart, when the world had turned inside out - she had moved without hesitation. Without calculation. As if something inside her had already decided long before she knew it herself.But that didn't mean she understood it. Or that she wanted to.A heavy silence filled her mind."He matters to you", Thalia said softly, without accusation.
Lyra POV The silence that followed didn’t feel like peace. It felt like the world had forgotten how to breathe.Stone dust hung in the air like smoke, fine and pale, drifting slowly down in spirals from the vaulted ceiling above. Runes that had once blazed with ancient light were now dark and broken, their power spent. Cracks split the floor like veins across a dead heart.And at the center of it all, Lyra sat on her knees in the ruins of the seal - her hands tangled in Nyxar’s coat, her breath coming in ragged, uneven pulls.He was warm. That was the only thing she could hold onto.He was warm.His chest rose and fell beneath her fingers, slow but steady. His body, usually tense with power, now felt strangely soft in her arms - boneless, weighty. And his face…His face looked peaceful.Not serene. Not untouched. There were shadows under his eyes, ash on his skin, and gold still faintly glowing at the corners of his mouth. But there was no pain now. No fight left in him.Just… peace
Nyxar POVThe earth still quaked when the light began to fade. Not with the blinding fury of battle, nor with the blood-red chaos of war - but with something quieter. Heavier. Like the echo of a heartbeat after it stops.A sacred breath held too long… finally exhaled.Nyxar stood at the heart of the chamber beneath the castle - boots braced against fractured stone, the runes beneath his feet flickering like dying stars. The seal pulsed in front of him, threads of gold and shadow unraveling into the dark like veins torn open.Ekreth stood beside him, tall and monstrous in his truest form - wrought of shadow and old bone, his wings hunched tight against the low ceiling, scraping stone as they twitched.The air thrummed with old power. The kind that didn’t belong to the world above.Nyxar didn’t flinch.And before them in one moment the gate was gone. No fire. No rupture. No tearing in the fabric of the world. Just… closed. Like it had never been there at all.Nyxar’s chest was a war dru
Lyra POV - Dawn The sky held no warmth when morning came.It broke over the horizon like a blade - pale and cold, slicing through the hush that had settled over the city. No birds sang. No bells rang. Even the wind seemed to hold its breath.Lyra stood alone in the highest tower, watching the first light seep into the edges of the world. The city still slept below, curled into itself like a creature trying to heal. She could see the rooftops where ivy climbed, the market square where sweetbread had been shared, the fountains where pups had splashed. All the places that had made her heart ache the night before.Her eyes were dry now. Her chest hollowed and quiet, the way it always felt after grief had burned itself down to embers.The shirt she’d held all night was gone. Folded. Left behind. Like a prayer she couldn’t take with her.She wasn’t bringing Kane into this. This was hers to carry. This was her moment to end what First Queen couldn't. Gave up what gods turn her into.The rit
Lyra POVThe city pulsed like a living thing.Not with war drums or warning horns, not with screams or smoke. But with something gentler. Steadier. Like a heartbeat finding its rhythm again after the chaos had passed.She walked its cobbled streets alone, the sky soft and bruised with dusk, her cloak drawn close against the cool wind.She didn’t want to be recognized.Tonight, she wasn’t the Queen. Not the warrior. Not the widow.She was just a woman - a ghost, maybe - drifting through the bones of a city that had outlived too much death.The streets were cracked and uneven where the stone had split from the last quake. Ivy had begun to creep over the ruins. Not the kind born of darkness and shadow like before - but living ivy. Green. Hopeful. Unafraid.It clung to burned-out walls, softening them. Claiming them.And everywhere she looked, life had begun again.A child ran past her, barefoot and shrieking with laughter, trailing a cloth banner behind her like it was a cape. Another pu
Lyra POVThe embers still glowed behind her.Lyra didn’t look back.The scent of ash clung to her skin, tangled in her hair, curled in the back of her throat. Kane’s name lingered there, unspoken. His memory pulsed with every breath.But she did not allow it to take her. Not yet.Later, she told herself, jaw locked so tight it ached. I will mourn him later. When the war is done. When I am alone. When I am allowed to shatter.But not now.Now, there were still choices to be made. Kingdom to hold together. Monsters to face.And one of them waited for her in human form - standing beside another creature just as ancient, just as terrifying.She found them where the Hollow Grounds bled into the broken remnants of the forest - where the warded stones gave way to open earth and the burnt sky cracked with thin threads of gold.Ekreth stood with arms crossed, tall and impossibly still. The last rays of dusk caught the edges of him, casting long, sharp shadows at his feet.He had taken a human
Lyra POV The pyre stood at the edge of the Hollow Grounds, where even shadows seemed afraid to linger.Smoke curled upward in slow, lazy spirals, black against a bruised sky. The earth beneath Lyra’s boots felt scorched, barren - like it remembered too. The scent of charred wood, old blood, and unspoken goodbyes clung to the air, suffocating.She stood alone.The others waited behind the circle of warded stones, where the barrier shimmered like a ghost in the dying light. Not one of them crossed it. Not Nyxar, not Elara, not the witches who still whispered her name like a half-broken prayer. They knew this was not a moment meant to be witnessed.Grief, Lyra had learned, wasn’t something that could be comforted. It wasn’t something you wrapped in soft words or shared through tears. It was a blade, and she had been holding it for days - bleeding quietly from the inside.Now it was buried in her chest, where no one could see it but her.Kane’s body lay wrapped in his old wolfhide cloak
Lyra POV The battlefield had gone silent. Smoke drifted in slow spirals, carrying the scent of charred magic and iron. The fires were still burning, but no one moved to put them out. The witches stood frozen in their circles, eyes wide. Warriors clutched weapons they would never raise. Because all eyes were on her and on him. Kane knelt at the heart of the broken ring, cracked stone glowing with sigils that no longer pulsed. His hands dug into the earth, breath coming in ragged gasps, and his back arched in pain as the Harbinger’s presence writhed inside him - like a second heartbeat made of shadows and fire. But it was still Kane’s face. Still his eyes. Lyra stepped forward slowly. She couldn’t feel her feet. Couldn’t feel her hands. Only the pulsing ache in her chest - the last thread of their bond, frayed and bleeding. Ekreth stood to her right, arms folded, waiting like a vulture made of smoke and starlight. His wings curled inward as if to shield her from what came