George's POV After what happened with Sonia that day, shame and guilt weighed heavily on me, clawing at my conscience. I couldn't shake the memory of her deceit. I had thought Sonia had a boyfriend, that she'd moved on, but no, it had all been a calculated ploy to get to me. The realization left a sour taste in my mouth, and I wrestled with the uncomfortable truth of how deeply Lyra would be hurt by my actions.Strangely, Sonia hadn't reached out since that day. Not a single message or call. Her silence was deafening, yet I found myself unwilling to contact her. I pushed the turmoil aside, choosing instead to channel my energy into something more important: finding Lyra.Work had become a low priority; I showed up sparingly, my mind perpetually elsewhere. That evening, after another distracted day at the office, I returned home feeling the weight of my unspoken regrets. Needing an escape from the confines of my thoughts, I decided to sit outside for a while. There was a bench ben
George's POV I arrived at Vera’s school, knowing her schedule well enough to catch her before she left. Just as I parked, I spotted her getting into a car to head home.Without hesitation, I stepped on the gas, overtaking them and forcing the driver to pull over abruptly. From an outsider’s perspective, it might have looked like an attempted abduction.I approached her window and rapped on the glass. She hesitated before rolling it down, her eyes narrowing as they met mine.“Get out,” I commanded, my tone leaving no room for debate.Without a word of protest, she obeyed, stepping out of her car. I opened the passenger door to mine, gesturing for her to get in. She did, her movements stiff but compliant, and I drove off without another word.“I was planning to come see you,” she stammered after a moment, her voice faltering under the tension in the air.I ignored her, my focus fixed on the road. The silence between us was heavy, the only sound was the hum of the engine. After a while
George's POV When I pulled up in front of the house, my hands clenched the leather steering wheel so tightly that my knuckles turned white. The pressure grounded me, but the churning in my gut refused to settle. I wanted to storm inside, to confront my mother, to demand the truth behind her lies. But there was something heavier weighing on me, something that demanded I prioritize my time. And Vera, if I lingered too long, I risked dragging her into something she didn’t deserve.I didn’t even realize she’d been talking until her voice cut through the fog in my head.“I said, goodnight. Please take care,” Vera repeated gently, a hint of worry in her tone.Her words pulled me out of my thoughts, and I managed a stiff nod. Without another word, she turned and disappeared inside.I exhaled slowly. Then, steeling myself, I started the car and drove toward the outskirts of the city. The sun had dipped below the horizon. Darkness crept in quickly, but I barely noticed.The journey felt end
George's POV I barely slept for two hours. My mind churned relentlessly, teeming with questions and possibilities that refused to let me rest. When morning came, I felt more drained than rejuvenated. Yet, the urgency coursing through me pushed me to my feet.“You’re up early,” Ellen’s voice broke the silence as she stepped out of her room.“Yes,” I replied, my words clipped with impatience. “Can we go now?”Ellen chuckled softly, her calm demeanor a stark contrast to the storm raging within me. “Good morning to you too,” she teased.I paused, realizing how brusque I sounded. “Sorry, I must be rushing you,” I muttered, scratching my head. My exhaustion and eagerness had left me frayed, my emotions too raw to hide.“I understand,” she said. “But you need to rest more. I have to grab something before we leave.”I opened my mouth to protest but thought better of it. “Okay,” I said instead, swallowing my frustration.“Help yourself to the kitchen and make some breakfast,” she added casu
George's POV Nervously, I chuckled, the sound shaky and unnatural. “Hello?” I managed, my voice barely above a whisper.The wolves didn’t respond, their eyes glazing over momentarily as if receiving silent orders. Without another glance, they turned and disappeared into the shadows.I exhaled sharply, my hand clutching my chest as my heart thundered against my ribcage. Relief barely settled before the uncertainty of my situation returned. I kept moving, aimlessly wandering through the forest, each step heavy with unease. The towering trees loomed above, their gnarled branches in the evening breeze.As twilight deepened, I stumbled upon a man standing amidst the woods. For a fleeting moment, I forgot where I was and the dangers that lurked here. He seemed... human.“Hello, please, I need your help,” I called out, my voice trembling. He tilted his head slightly, signaling me to continue.“I’m trying to get to the Wildfire Pack. I’m... new around here,” I explained, recalling Lyra’s st
George's POV We strolled through the heart of the town, and it felt like stepping into a vivid dream. It was unlike anything I’d ever seen or imagined, nature thrived in every corner, spilling its vibrant colors into the streets. The air was alive with the mingling scents of flowers, damp earth, and the faint aroma of baked bread wafting from nearby homes.As we passed a wide, open field, my gaze lingered on the domestic animals grazing peacefully, their coats glistening in the sunlight. Children laughed and chased each other barefoot across the lush grass, their joy ringing out like a melody against the rustling leaves. It was a scene of pure serenity, so picturesque it could have been plucked straight from the pages of a storybook.The houses were masterpieces in themselves. Most were built from sturdy stone, their walls adorned with vines and blossoms that seemed to grow as if by magic. Polished wooden beams framed the structures, and through open windows, I caught glimpses of
George's POV I made my way around the side of the castle and approached the front door. The domestic staff watched me closely, their gazes full of uncertainty and curiosity.The door itself was immense, its heavy frame resisting my every push. I had to summon all my strength just to make it budge. When it finally creaked open, I drew in a sharp breath.The scene before me was nothing short of breathtaking. The interior was a sprawling, luxurious waiting room, draped in gold and adorned with rare gems that sparkled like they were alive. On one wall, a massive portrait of Lyra’s family commanded attention, their gazes stern and timeless.Fresh flowers were artfully arranged around the room, their fragrance rich and intoxicating. A thought tugged at my mind, how did they manage to keep them so pristine? Was it the staff’s constant care, or did they replace them daily to maintain the illusion of perfection? Everything about this place exuded an overwhelming sense of wealth, nature, and
George's POV I slowly opened my eyes, startled by the weight of a gaze upon me. Damian stood there, watching me intently.I hadn’t even realized I had drifted off in the bathtub, and now, the soft light of the evening seeped through the window, casting shadows over the room.“You’re too relaxed for someone who has only a few days left to live,” he said, his voice cold, as he turned and walked out of the bathroom.I froze for a moment, before shaking the haze from my mind. I quickly rose from the tub, the water sloshing around my feet. Grabbing a towel, I wrapped it tightly around my body, my movements automatic as I followed him.Damian gestured towards the bedroom, his eyes unwavering. When I opened the door, my gaze landed on the bed, where clothes were neatly laid out. The fabric of the vintage shirt felt soft against my skin, the loose trousers hanging comfortably. There was a strange satisfaction in how it fit. This world was so foreign and lavish.On the bed beside me, a bottl
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