Lyra's POVI was lost in the pages of my book when George returned, looking more troubled than I'd ever seen him. After a quick shower, he reappeared in the sitting room, his face clouded with something he hadn’t yet shared.“How was work?” I asked, trying to sound casual, even though the tension was evident. He forced a smile.“Work was fine,” he replied, exhaling heavily. “But I went by the house today. I couldn’t keep avoiding it forever,” he admitted, running a hand through his damp hair.I placed the book on my lap, pressing my thumb against the open pages to mark my spot. “And I’m guessing your mother had a few words for you,” I replied, my voice sharper than I intended.He gave a quick, humorless smile. “Yeah. Threatened to disown me, even,” he muttered, almost as if he didn’t believe it himself.A pang of sadness hit me, and I felt its weight settle heavily in my chest. No matter what she did, she was still his mother, the one person who should want his happiness more than a
George's POVI couldn’t help but smile, watching her face light up with excitement. She deserved this, a little time away. Of course, she didn’t forget to bring her parrot, chattering away on her shoulder.Before we set off, I had already arranged everything. I’d called ahead and booked us a room at a hotel where we could unwind. On the way, I made sure we had a few stops to pick up snacks or grab anything that caught her eye. I wanted her to feel completely at ease, with nothing to worry about but the moment.The journey quickly turned into an adventure. We took our time, savoring each stop, letting the hours melt away. After four hours on the road, we finally arrived in the state and drove straight to the hotel. The executive suite was stunning. I had thought ahead, though. Using hand towels and tape, I carefully covered anything silver in the room. I knew how little things could matter and affect her.After settling in, Lyra took a long, relaxing shower while I wrapped up a busin
Lyra's POV George led the way, holding the door open with a gentlemanly flourish. As we stepped outside, we turned back to express our gratitude to Professor Kira.“We truly appreciate what you did for us,” George said, his voice filled with sincerity.“Good luck finding what you seek,” Professor Kira replied as she closed her door behind her.Unable to contain my excitement, I let out a squeal of happiness. George responded with a warm smile as he opened the car door for me.Once settled inside, George's gaze locked onto the paper in his hands, intense and focused. “This is actually closer to our place than here,” he explained.“Really?” I asked, leaning closer to get a better look at the paper, my curiosity piqued.“Yes, it’s somehow on the outskirts of our city,” he elaborated, his enthusiasm infectious.“That’s great!” I beamed.“So, do you need anything before we go?” he asked, his eyes searching mine, wanting to ensure I was prepared.“Go? Are you planning for us to head out t
Lyra’s POVAs we approached, George took my hand, guiding me behind him. His movements were cautious, and we walked slowly, each step filled with hesitation.“Hello?” George called out, his voice steady but guarded.The woman, who had been facing her small, weathered house, suddenly spun around with an unexpected force. The abruptness of her movement sent us both stumbling back, and George’s hand instinctively flew to the gun tucked at the back of his trousers.I gently placed my hand on his, signaling him to stop. “It’s alright,” I whispered. “She means no harm.”George hesitated but eventually let his hand fall away from the weapon, his body relaxing just a fraction. He cleared his throat, trying to regain his composure. “You must be the shaman,” he said, attempting to sound confident.Then, leaning closer to me, he whispered, “I thought shamans were supposed to be men?”I shook my head, smiling slightly. “No, they can be women. In fact, they’re mostly female.”He gave a soft, surp
Lyra's POV The shaman settled back in her chair, her eyes drifting between me and George. She took a deliberate, dramatic pause, letting the air grow thick with anticipation.“Thousands of years ago,” she began, her voice a whisper of ancient stories, “humans and werewolves coexisted. They would descend from the mountains into the human world, mingling freely, trading goods, sharing stories. And the humans, in turn, ventured into the werewolves’ territory.” She stopped, watching us, allowing the weight of her words to sink in.“A few among them, young and bold, fell in love. It wasn’t common, but it happened. They found ways to be together, even when their worlds didn’t entirely approve. Soon enough, werewolves were living among humans, and humans were settling in the mountains, making lives together,” she continued, her gaze intense.George and I exchanged a quick glance, feeling a strange chill as we listened, hanging onto every word.“Children born of these two worlds,” she explai
Lyra's POV Ellen took a deliberate sip from her cup, her gaze steady as she prepared to unravel a tale steeped in tragedy and darkness.“On that fateful day, the sky was draped in the haunting glow of a blood moon. The princess had vanished from the palace. The king’s unease grew as twilight deepened; she never roamed the night without word. Panic tightened its grip on the castle as the search began.”“During their frantic search, the guards stumbled upon her lifeless body in the heart of the forest. Her skin, a ghastly shade of pale, was a stark contrast to the crimson pool spreading beneath her. Claw marks etched into her flesh told a story of violence, and a noxious scent lingered in the air, a rogue's stench that twisted the very essence of the night,” she explained.I felt a profound sadness wash over me, even though I had never known the princess.“The king’s brother, her uncle, rushed to inform the king that he had witnessed the princess and the werewolf boy together in the wo
Lyra's POV “I have so many questions,” George said, his voice laced with curiosity and a hint of apprehension as he leaned in closer, his eyes searching hers. Ellen smiled knowingly. “I know. I'll answer them.” He took a breath, gathering his thoughts. “For a start, you said mixed breeds are extinct, but then you mentioned you’ve met two couples before. How is that possible?” His gaze sharpened. Ellen’s eyes softened. “Those two were the last,” she replied. “The few mixed breeds within the werewolf world faced harsh stigma. While a few managed to find acceptance, most felt the weight of that prejudice. Those who were fortunate enough mated with pure bloods, their children did the same, and so did their children’s children.” She paused, her expression distant. “As the years passed, the barriers between pure and mixed blood blurred until they vanished. Eventually, it was as though the mixed blood had been washed out entirely.” George’s brow furrowed as he considered her w
George's POV The shaman’s words sent an icy shiver down my spine. I silently prayed that Lyra would never have to use what we had just discussed, hoping that fate might spare her from it.“When you’ve made your decision, come back to see me,” Ellen said. “I’ll explain the steps we’ll need to take.”Wordlessly, I reached into my wallet, pulling out almost all the cash I had without even counting. I placed it gently on the table in front of her, as if this small gesture could convey the depth of my gratitude. “Thank you for your time and for the herbs. We truly appreciate what you’re doing for us.”She gave a small, warm smile. “You’re welcome, but this is far too much. Take half of it back,” she insisted, nudging the money slightly towards me.“Please, keep it. I insist. Finding these herbs must be no easy task, and I’m sure you need to travel to distant places to gather them.”Ellen’s smile softened. “You’re a kind soul. I hope you both get to live a long, happy life together.”Her
Lyra's POV Four years later…The morning sunlight poured over the balcony of our grand new castle. Today was a special day, my husband was returning from the human world after days of being away.I stepped onto the balcony, letting the breeze carry the sweet scent of blooming roses from the gardens below. My eyes caught Kael in the courtyard, wielding his wooden sword with a ferocity that made me smile. He attacked invisible foes, his movements clumsy but full of determination.“Victory!” he shouted, lifting his sword to the sky, his laughter echoing through the grounds.I couldn’t help but laugh softly. This was my world now, a fairytale I never dreamed possible. With a full heart, I turned back inside to where my newborn baby girl, Athena, lay sleeping in her cradle. She was a picture of perfection, her tiny fists curled by her head, her white hair glimmering in the morning light, just like mine. As I stood by her side, I couldn’t decide who to thank, fate, the ancestors, or si
George's POV With everything seemingly settled, we finally had the time to rest. I decided not to travel for a while, I needed to step back from the whirlwind of drama and just be with Lyra.We explored endlessly, venturing into parts of the packs I’d never fully appreciated before. We wandered through lush forests, marveled at cascading waterfalls, and soaked in the serenity of it all. Every moment with her felt like reclaiming a piece of my soul that had been missing for far too long.I had missed her more than I could put into words, and being in her presence again filled me with a happiness so overwhelming, it was almost unbearable. We decided to escape the noise entirely and camp in the woods, just the two of us.With a shared excitement, we packed only what we needed and set off. When we reached the perfect spot, I built a fire, its flames crackling warmly as I skewered the meat and began roasting it over the heat.After the meal, we drank wine, its warmth spreading through us
Lyra's POV “Damian? Is that really you?” My heart pounded as I rushed to him, disbelief clouding my thoughts.There he was, standing before me, battered and bruised, his body showing the toll of the pain he'd endured. His eyes were tired, his breath shallow, but he was alive.He was holding Kael, his arms trembling slightly from the weight. My heart clenched at the sight of them both, my legs nearly giving way beneath me.“You’re alive!” I cried out, my voice cracking with relief and joy. I threw my arms around him, pulling him into a tight embrace. In that moment, nothing else mattered. I took Kael from his arms, holding him as if I were afraid I might lose him again.Tears of joy welled up in my eyes, falling freely down my cheeks as I clung to them both.Damian’s smiled weakly. “Maximus wanted to manipulate you into coming here. He killed one of his soldiers, poured my blood all over him, and sent him to you.”“What?” My breath caught in my throat, the shock almost unbearable. “T
Lyra's POV “What's funny?” he growled.I stepped closer, my heart pounding but my face betraying no fear. “I’m not afraid of whatever you plan to do with me. But you’ll tell me my son is safe, won’t you?” My voice remained calm.“He’s safe.” His words were short.“How can I trust you?” I demanded, my voice sharper now.“Because I’m Maximus, and I said so.” He shouted the last part, his anger flaring, his fists clenched at his sides.“Don’t you ever raise your voice at me again,” I said, my tone low.For a moment, he stared at me, his nostrils flaring as if measuring the weight of my words. Then, with a brutal motion, he seized me by the neck, his fingers tightening like a vice as he slammed me against the cold wall. “I own you,” he snarled.I gasped for air, the pressure around my throat suffocating. My vision blurred as I coughed violently, struggling to breathe. My hand trembled as I reached up, my fingers finding the sharp, cold edge of the large pin I had hidden in my hair.Wit
Lyra's POV My mother had been revived, her stillness betraying the depth of the miracle that had brought her back. She slept soundly, unaware of my thoughts, as I slipped out of the room, my heart pounding with a heavy mix of anticipation and dread. My father was out, and I knew he would be consumed by his business all day, an opportunity I couldn't afford to waste.With quiet determination, I made my way to my room, my hands trembling slightly as I dressed. My hair, usually unruly, was pinned back meticulously, strands carefully tucked away. I chose a leather jumpsuit. A large, hooded cloak followed, draping over my shoulders, a shield from prying eyes.Everyone was busy, their attention scattered, distracted by their own affairs. It was the perfect moment to escape.I slipped through the door unnoticed, my heart racing as I entered the woods. The occasional rustle of leaves was the only sound, and even when I encountered a few werewolves, I bent my head and pulled the hood tight
Lyra's POV “Mother, please, calm down,” I implored, my arms wrapped around her in a desperate attempt to comfort her. The door swung open abruptly, and my father stepped in. His eyes were wide, scanning the room. When his gaze landed on me, he hurried forward, his expression tight with worry.“Are you okay?” His voice was strained. “Was the process broken?”I shook my head, still clinging to my mother. “I’m fine, father. But what’s happening? Why does everything feel so wrong?”His gaze shifted, briefly looking over my shoulder before locking onto me again. “What about George?” “George is not with me,” I said, my voice faltering with confusion. “Father, please, tell me what’s going on.”“Maximus. He attacked last evening.” The words hit me like a blow. “He wasn’t even focused on the pack.”I felt my heart tighten in my chest. “Is that why the pack is empty?” I asked, my voice barely more than a whisper. “Yes,” my father confirmed, his voice like gravel. “They all used the secret b
Lyra’s POVThey all stood abruptly, distancing themselves from the table as the tension thickened in the air.“What did you do?” Mrs. Elizabeth’s voice cracked, her eyes wide with disbelief and anger.“Oh, nothing, mother,” George responded, his tone cool. “You did this to me. If you’d only accepted Lyra, none of this would’ve happened. But guess what? I love who I am now, and I love it even more than anything you could’ve ever forced on me.”I took a deliberate sip from my drink, my eyes never leaving the scene before me. The raw fear flickering across their faces, mixed with the wonder of it all, it was almost tangible, like I could reach out and touch it.Vera, though, she was different. While the rest of them were caught up in their whirlwind of emotions, she seemed... fascinated, almost like an observer from another world, savoring every word, every reaction, as if it were some strange but thrilling show.“Why? Why? Why?” Mrs. Elizabeth sank back into her seat, her hands clutchin
Lyra's POV I was stunned to learn about this. For so long, I believed I was just an ordinary Alpha's daughter. But now, to think that George and I were part of a prophecy, it was nothing short of shocking. It wasn't even entirely about us, yet somehow, our love made it come true.We talked for hours, sharing our thoughts and fears until the sky surrendered to night. When it came time for the breaking ritual. Ellen prepared a strange, glowing liquid. Its ethereal shimmer sent a chill through me as she instructed me to submerge myself completely, much like the first ritual I’d endured.By midnight, I lay on the floor, surrounded by a strange white substance. To my surprise, there was no pain. Instead, I drifted into a restful dream where I found myself standing face-to-face with Due, my wolf. It felt like we had been separated for an eternity, and the moment we reunited, it was as though a missing part of my soul finally clicked back into place.When I woke the next morning, everyt
Lyra's POV “Finally, the couple that defied fate,” she greeted.“We were lucky,” George replied.Ellen’s smile deepened as she opened the door, ushering us inside her dimly lit space.“What can I do for you?” she asked, her voice calm as we sat.“Well, I’m sure you’ve already guessed,” I began, glancing briefly at George. “George now has a wolf. I’ve broken the rules, and I want the transformation reversed. I want to remain a werewolf.”The room fell silent, and Ellen’s smile vanished. In its place was a piercing, almost predatory stare. “Is that so?” she said, her tone eerily flat.Something in her voice shifted, darkened, and I felt the weight of her presence grow oppressive.Without warning, she giggled. The sound was sharp and jarring, making me flinch. “Of course,” she said suddenly, her voice bright. “That is very easy. I’d gladly do that. But…” She paused, “…we’ll have to wait until midnight, when the moon is out.”“Okay,” I said, nodding.“In the meantime, can we ask questi