CHAPTER 23
Lyra's POV
The warmth of Helena's embrace provided a brief escape, but her words lingered. "I wouldn't be surprised if Raven had something to do with you falling." Her suspicion struck a chord, and for a moment, I dismissed it.
"You think?" I replied, attempting to downplay the idea, but a flicker of doubt clouded my thoughts.
Helena raised an eyebrow, her gaze searching. "Lyra, this is Raven we're talking about. She's always been competitive, and your involvement with Alpha Gray might have triggered something."
I hesitated, unsure if I wanted to entertain the notion that Raven deliberately caused my fall. "I don't know, Helena. It could have just been an accident."
Helena leaned back, studying me. "Accident or not, you're in the midst of pack politics now. You can't afford to be naive, especially with someone like Raven around."
A flash of memory disrupted our conversation. I saw the hall again,
CHAPTER 24LYRA'S POV"You came after all," Alpha Gray said with a smile as he opened the door. His gaze locked onto mine, and for a moment, we stood facing each other, caught up in the weight of an emotional connection that refused to fade."I... I needed to talk," I admitted, my voice betraying a mix of uncertainty and longing.He nodded, a subtle understanding passing between us. "Come in," he gestured, and I entered the room. The cabin felt warm compared to the cool night outside, and the subtle scent of pine surrounded me.As I took a seat, I couldn't help but notice the way Alpha Gray observed me. His intense gaze lingered on my brown hair and eyes, amplified by the red shirt I was wearing. The air between us crackled with an unspoken tension, a reminder of the complicated dance we found ourselves in."Did anyone see you when
CHAPTER 25ALPHA GRAYThe kiss lingered in the air as Lyra pulled away, and I looked at her, our eyes meeting in a shared moment of uncertainty. The mate bond, once cut by me, but not entirely forgotten, whispered promises of what could be.After a moment, I broke the silence. "Lyra," I said, my voice carrying a mix of sincerity and a touch of regret.She looked at me, her expression guarded. "What, Gray?""I know this is complicated," I began, searching for the right words. "But I would love for us to be together another time. We should plan properly so that it will be different from today."Lyra sighed, her gaze wandering as if searching for answers in the room. "I don't know, Gray. This... it's not as simple as planning for another time."I stepped closer, placing my hands on her shoulders, urging her to loo
CHAPTER 26LYRA'S POVThe woods enveloped me in a quiet symphony of rustling leaves and distant whispers of nocturnal creatures. As I walked away from Alpha Gray's cabin, my mind echoed with the events that unfolded. The almost-kiss, the sudden departure, and the complex dance of emotions left me in a state of slight shock.I couldn't believe how close I had come to sharing a kiss with Alpha Gray again. The anticipation, the brief moment when our lips were inches apart, only to hear him bid me goodnight without a peck on the cheek—it left me feeling a strange mix of disappointment and confusion. "Fucking hell," I muttered to myself, my breath visible in the crisp night air.The woods offered a comfort of sorts, a place to process the whirlwind of emotions that surged within me. As I pondered the encounter, a troubling thought surface
CHAPTER 27LYRA'S POVShe kept her eyes on me,she was still demanding an explanation.I remained quiet, unable to find the words to answer her question. I looked at Helena, her intense stare fueling my discomfort. I knew she wouldn't let it go until she found out where I had been."Why are you looking at me like that?" I finally managed to ask her, my tone was defensive.Helena didn't flinch. "Answer the question, Lyra."I sighed, feeling cornered. "Alright, alright. I met with Alpha Gray.""What?!" Helena exclaimed, her eyes widening. Despite her apparent surprise, I could tell she was aware of my actions. She was giving me the chance to confess before she scolded me properly.I met her gaze, the guilt settling in. "Helena, I didn't plan for things to go this way. It just happened."
CHAPTER 28ALPHA GRAYThe echoes of the night remained in my cabin as I lay on my bed, contemplating the delicate web of complications that surrounded Lyra and me.I reached out for my phone, a sudden urge to hear Lyra's voice compelling me. Dialing her number, the anticipation built with each ring until there was an almost immediate response."Hello?" Lyra's voice, a mix of curiosity and caution, echoed through the phone."Hey, Lyra," I greeted, my tone soft yet filled with a longing I couldn't entirely conceal. "How are you?"There was a brief pause before she responded, "I'm okay. I got home a few minutes ago "I sensed hesitation in her words, a subtle indication that she might be keeping something from me. "Is everything alright?" I asked, concerned about coloring my
CHAPTER 29LYRA'S POVI opened my eyes and the morning greeted me with a throbbing headache, a painful reminder of what had happened the previous night. The sheets were rumpled, and the cabin felt empty. Helena wasn't in the room, leaving me alone to face the aftermath of my decisions.I sighed and my hands reached my eyes, attempting to clear off the remainder of sleep, as I tried to stand up, a sharp pain shot through my stomach, causing me to wince and fall back onto the bed. "Damn it," I muttered under my breath, my hand instinctively reaching for the source of the pain. The memory of the vicious attack replayed in my mind, and I couldn't shake off the feeling of vulnerability."Falling apart already, Lyra?" a voice echoed in my mind, a cruel reminder of the consequences of my choices.Sighing, I decided to lie back down for a moment
CHAPTER 30LYRA'S POVI sighed and opened my eyes, greeted once again by the dimly lit cabin. The pain in my stomach had subsided, and I felt a bit better than before. Helena had left me with instructions to rest, and as I sat up, the tray was still on the table, with the remainder of the healing tea that Helena had given me.The room felt quiet, and I hesitated before deciding to get up. As I walked through the hallway, I noticed the sun casting a warm glow through the windows. The throbbing headache had lessened, and I could finally think more clearly.I made my way to the main area, finding a sense of relief in the openness of the space. The couch looked inviting, and I sat down, resting my head against the cushions. As my mind began to clear, I couldn't help but dwell on the events of the previous night.The faces
CHAPTER 31Lyra's POVI halted, staring at the towering trees around me. The idea of unlocking hidden memories felt like stepping into the unknown. But there was an undeniable pull, a desire to uncover the truths that lay dormant within me.A rustle in the bushes snapped me out of my contemplation, and I instinctively tensed. The forest seemed to hold secrets, and I couldn't shake off the feeling that I was being watched.As I scanned my surroundings, the foliage parted, revealing a figure stepping into the clearing. It was Alpha Gray, his eyes locking onto mine. I felt a surge of conflicting emotions — surprise, frustration, and an undeniable attraction that I couldn't deny."Lyra," he called, his voice a low rumble that sent shivers down my spine. "We need to talk."I glanced back at the forest, Sheila's
Chapter 225Lyra's POVAfter the chaos had subsided and Raven was taken away by the guards, I found myself sitting on the forest floor, cradling Dora in my arms. Alpha Gray stood beside me, his gaze soft and comforting as he looked down at us."I'm so sorry, Lyra," he whispered, his voice filled with regret. "I never wanted any of this to happen."I looked up at him, my eyes swimming with tears as I struggled to find the words to express my gratitude. "Thank you," I managed to say, my voice barely above a whisper.He reached out and gently wiped away my tears, his touch warm and reassuring. "I'll always protect you," he vowed, his voice filled with sincerity.I nodded, feeling a sense of peace wash over me as I leaned into his embrace. "I know," I whispered, feeling a weight lift off my shoulders.As we sat there together, surrounded by the tranquil beauty of the forest, I felt a sense of hope stirring inside me. Despite the challenges we had faced, we had emerged stronger and more un
Chapter 224Lyra's POVThe woods echoed with our hurried footsteps as Alpha Gray and I searched frantically for any sign of Dora. Fear clenched my heart like a vise, my mind racing with worst-case scenarios. We had combed through every inch of the pack grounds, but there was still no trace of her."Where could they have gone?" Alpha Gray muttered, his voice laced with frustration and worry.I shook my head, feeling a sense of helplessness wash over me. "I don't know," I admitted, my voice trembling with fear. "But we have to keep looking."We pressed on, determined to find Dora no matter what. As we delved deeper into the woods, the darkness seemed to envelop us, casting eerie shadows on the forest floor.Suddenly, a twig snapped somewhere nearby, causing us both to freeze in our tracks. Alpha Gray tensed beside me, his senses on high alert as he scanned the surroundings."Did you hear that?" he whispered, his voice barely above a murmur.I nodded, my heart pounding in my chest as adr
Chapter 223Lyra's POVI sighed softly as Alpha Gray turned to me, concern evident in his eyes. Standing up, I knew there was something important that I needed to tell him, something that sooner or later was going to come to light. "Gray, there's something I need to tell you," I began, my voice quiet yet resolute.He glanced around the pack hall, sensing the gravity of the situation. "Okay," he replied, taking my hand and leading me out of the hall. We found a quiet corner outside, the moon casting a soft glow over us.Taking a deep breath, I gathered my thoughts before speaking. "I have a child," I confessed, my voice barely above a whisper. "Her name is Dora, and she's been living in the pack, unknown to everyone."Alpha Gray's reaction surprised me; he didn't look surprised at all. Instead, he wore a knowing expression that sent a shiver down my spine. "Why aren't you surprised?" I asked, furrowing my brows in confusion.He sighed softly, his gaze searching for mine. "I knew," he
Chapter 222Raven's POV I stood there with Silver, a mischievous smile playing on my lips, I couldn't help but revel in the sense of satisfaction that came with knowing something he didn't. Despite the turmoil swirling within me, there was a small thrill in having the upper hand, even if it was just for a moment."Maybe you'll find out soon enough," I replied cryptically, my voice dripping with amusement. "But don't worry, Silver. You'll see."Just as our conversation reached a tense moment, a messenger hurried towards us, breathless and wide-eyed."Silver, princess Raven, you're needed at the pack hall," the messenger announced, his voice urgent. "Alpha Gray has called for an important announcement."I turned to Silver, a knowing smile playing on my lips. "Looks like you'll find out sooner than you thought," I remarked, interlocking my hand with his as we began to make our way towards the pack hall.Silver sighed, his expression a mixture of curiosity and apprehension. "What do you
Chapter 221Alpha Gray's POVAs Lyra leaned in and kissed me, a rush of emotions surged through me, catching me off guard. I felt a mixture of surprise, longing, and a tinge of uncertainty. What did this kiss mean? Was it a sign of forgiveness? Or simply a moment of vulnerability amidst the chaos surrounding us?Breaking away from the kiss, I looked at her with a mixture of confusion and curiosity. "I... I don't understand," I admitted, my voice tinged with uncertainty.“What does this mean?.” I asked, expecting a clear explanation from her, something heartfelt. Lyra smiled softly, her eyes sparkling with warmth. "Does it have to mean anything?" she asked, her tone gentle yet teasing.I hesitated, unsure of how to respond. Did this kiss signify a reconciliation between us? Or was it merely just a moment of weakness from her part. Glancing around to ensure that no one was watching, I turned back to Lyra, searching her eyes for any hint of clarity. "Does that mean that...?" I began, b
Chapter 220Lyra's POV Alpha Gray's reassuring smile eased some of the tension coiling in my chest. His comforting presence gave me a sense of stability in the midst of uncertainty."Everything is going to be okay, Lyra," he said softly, his voice gentle yet firm. "We'll get through this together."I nodded, grateful for his words of encouragement. But despite his reassurance, a nagging worry lingered at the back of my mind, like a shadow threatening to engulf me."I'm just... worried," I admitted, turning to him with a furrowed brow. "I don't know why or what exactly, but I'm worried about Raven. She... she isn't taking the news well, and I fear she might do something rash."Alpha Gray's expression softened, understanding flickering in his eyes. "I know Raven," he said with a sigh. "She's headstrong and impulsive, but she's also fiercely loyal to the pack. We'll keep a close eye on her and make sure she doesn't do anything foolish."I nodded in agreement, grateful for his assurance.
Chapter 219Lyra's POVI walked towards the palace, my mind still preoccupied with the weight of the secrets I carried. As I glanced up, I noticed Raven standing by the ledge, her gaze fixed on me. I sighed, feeling a pang of guilt as I wondered what she must be thinking.Shrugging off the uneasy feeling, I pushed open the doors and entered the palace. Climbing the stairs, I made my way through the hallway, expecting to see Raven still standing there, but she was nowhere to be found.With a heavy sigh, I continued walking towards the room where Alpha Gray had said he would be meeting with the rest of the elders. As I approached, the low murmur of voices reached my ears, signaling that they were already in session.Taking a deep breath, I pushed open the door and stepped inside, the weight of their collective gazes settling on me as I entered the room. Alpha Gray looked up from his conversation and gestured for me to come forward."Lyra," he called out, his voice filled with warmth and
Chapter 218Raven's POV I approached the grand entrance of the palace, a sense of loneliness washed over me. I hesitated, unable to bring myself to step inside. It felt as though an invisible barrier stood between me and the life I had always known, a life that suddenly felt unfamiliar and unwelcoming.I knew that something was wrong when I saw the picture of the late Luna, and how she looked so much like Lyra … “you were supposed to be my mother.. not her.” I muttered in anger. I was a fool for thinking that it was just a coincidence. “Fuck!.” I shook my head, trying to dispel the doubts that gnawed at the edges of my mind. "Get it together, Raven," I muttered under my breath, steeling myself for what lay ahead.Taking a deep breath, I pushed open the heavy doors and stepped into the opulent hallway beyond. But instead of feeling a sense of belonging, I felt like an intruder in my own home. Every step I took felt wrong, as though I was trespassing on someone else's territory.I
Chapter 217Lyra's POVAlpha Gray," I said, turning to him with a firm expression. "I think you should go ahead of me. There are some things I need to take care of first."Gray nodded in understanding, though a hint of concern lingered in his eyes. "Are you sure, Lyra?" he asked, his voice filled with genuine worry. "Is everything alright?"I forced a smile, trying to reassure him despite the tumult of emotions swirling within me. "Yes, everything's fine," I replied, my voice steady. "I just need to check on some things. I'll catch up with you later."As Gray moved to leave, I turned to follow him, eager to get started on my own tasks. But before I could take a step, he reached out and gently took my hand in his, halting me in my tracks.I turned to look at him, surprised by the sudden gesture. "Is there something else?" I asked, my curiosity piqued.Gray hesitated for a moment, his gaze searching mine as if trying to read my thoughts. "Are you sure you're okay, Lyra?" he asked again,