Chapter Six

Lyla's POV:

              ** Three Months Later**

Three months ago, I was saved by an old friend, Justin Frost. We grew up together in the village with my late parents. He was our neighbor's son, a timid boy who was often bullied for liking things others deemed "girly." I was his shield, his protector. I fought the street kids to defend him, even when I came home bruised and scolded for my troubles. 

The last time I saw Justin was the day before I was sent to the orphanage after my parents' death. I can still remember his tear-streaked face as he begged his parents to adopt me. They couldn’t, though—too poor to afford another mouth to feed.

When I asked Justin why he never reached out to me all these years, he shrugged, a faint smile playing on his lips. “I’ve always known where you were.” He said. “I watched you rise, from your marriage to Lucian to becoming the High Luna of Lucina’s Kingdom. But… I didn’t think I had the right to interfere.”

How foolish.

The mention of Lucian’s name stirred something dark within me. Memories flooded my mind: The betrayal, the pain, the blood. I vowed to bring ruin to everyone who caused my suffering. Everyone responsible for the death of my unborn child.

---

I stirred awake, sunlight filtering through the curtains. The room was simple but comforting. A soft, cream-colored bedspread adorned the mattress, and the walls were painted in a soothing shade of pastel green. A small bookshelf stood in the corner, stacked with old novels, and a wooden wardrobe occupied the opposite side of the room. A vase with fresh daisies sat on the nightstand, its fragrance mingling with the faint scent of lavender.

I got up and stretched, padding to the bathroom. The tiles were cool beneath my feet as I stopped at the sink. My reflection stared back at me. I smiled, running my fingers through my brown hair. Three months ago, I was a modest, quiet girl with mid features. Now, I was different. My hair, once blonde, was now dyed brown. My round eyes, plump lips, and diamond-shaped face gave me an allure I’d never possessed before. Amber eyes and a radiant smile completed the transformation.

A different face. Soon, a different identity.

After brushing my teeth and taking a quick shower, I dressed in blue shorts, a white top, a brown sweater, and white slides. The smell of pancakes wafted through the air as I descended the stairs.

Naomie, Justin’s housekeeper, was already setting the table. She glanced up and smiled. “Good morning, Lyla. Justin stepped out urgently but said he’d be back soon.”

“Did he go to the hospital?” I asked, pouring myself a glass of orange juice.

Naomie shook her head. “No, he said he’d return before heading there.”

The sound of the doorbell interrupted us. Naomie wiped her hands on her apron and went to answer it. Moments later, Justin walked in, holding a brown envelope. He joined me at the dining table, his usual warm smile in place.

“Where were you?” I asked, biting into a pancake.

He slid the envelope across the table. “What you asked for.”

I immediately opened it, flipping through the documents. A new identification card, birth certificate, driver’s license—all with my new name and face.

“River Anderson?” Justin asked, raising an eyebrow. “Why that name?”

I shrugged. “It felt convenient.”

Justin leaned back, a shadow of concern crossing his face. “Are you really doing this?”

I met his gaze and nodded. “I have to.”

About a month ago, during my research, I found a name. The Ruthless Knight. A Mafia Lord whose identity was shrouded in mystery. He was a rebellious man who challenged Alphas but had never confronted Lucian, the Lycan King. Perhaps he could bring down my father, Alpha Donovan of the Silver Fang Pack, and his family. And as for Lucian… I would ruin him myself.

---

That evening, I stood before the mirror, applying makeup. My hair was pulled into a sleek ponytail, and I slipped into a short black dress paired with white sneakers. Smiling, I grabbed my clutch and stepped out of the room. Justin was seated on the couch, his expression unreadable.

“Stay safe.” He said, his voice soft.

I nodded, giving him a reassuring smile before leaving.

The nightclub, named the Red Room, was alive with energy. After submitting my ID and ticket, I stepped inside, I was overwhelmed by the loud beats of the music. The room was bathed in crimson light, dancers moved to the rhythm on the crowded floor, waiters weaved through tables, and drunken laughter echoed from every corner. A group of women danced atop a table, their movements were wild and erotic.

I whispered to myself. “If my sources are correct, he should be here tonight. But how do I know who he is among this crowd?”

My eyes scanned the room, landing on a man staring directly at me. His gaze was intense, unyielding. I bowed my head, forcing a smile, and began to move. But as I turned, I bumped into someone.

“Sorry.” I muttered, stepping back.

The man approached the one who had been staring. I strained to hear their conversation.

“He’s just arrived and is requesting your presence. Follow me.” The stranger ordered.

“Do you know why?” The first man asked.

“You made him upset. You know how ruthless he can be. Just follow me and stop asking questions.”

Ruthless. My heart raced. Could they be talking about the Ruthless Knight? I followed them discreetly as they made their way upstairs. The corridors were dimly lit, each turn more secluded than the last. They stopped at a door, and I hid in the shadows. A group of people entered, and I slipped in behind them.

The room was filled with men in suits, surrounded by naked women. I moved deeper, drawn to a rope curtain at the far end. Pressing my ear against it, I heard faint whispers. I crouched low, sneaking in and hiding behind a couch.

The sound of a whip cracked through the air, followed by muffled cries for mercy. My heart pounded as the whipping stopped, replaced by silence. Footsteps approached, and I barely had time to react before two bulky men grabbed me.

And threw me to the ground at the centre of the room. “Who sent you to spy on me?” A familiar voice demanded.

I looked up, my breath catching in my throat. Lucian Knight, my husband, the Lycan King, sat on the couch before me.

It suddenly made sense.

The Ruthless Knight, Mr. Knight. He was Lucian Knight.

He was the man I once loved. The man who had betrayed me.