CHAPTER 34
GRAY'S POV
I removed my lips from hers, and she looked at me with a blush spreading across her cheeks. "Slow down, tiger," she teased, her playful tone cutting through the tension in the room.
I sighed, realizing the need to gather my thoughts. "I need to sit down," I said, walking towards the corner of the room. I retrieved a bottle of whiskey from the cupboards, my hands automatically seeking ease in the familiar feel of the bottle.
I took a gulp from the glass I had poured for myself, I could feel the hotness running down my throat, and my eyes darted round the room and I met her eyes.
“What?” I asked as I took a sip, her eyes following my every move.
"Have you forgotten that I'm here?" she asked, a hint of laughter in her voice. "Are you going to drink without me?" Her words held a playful cha
CHAPTER 35LYRA'S POVWhat remained of my conversation with Helena, was still lingering in the air. We were back on talking terms after a lengthy discussion the previous day, where I had explained everything to her…. Well not exactly everything, but some of the things that Alpha Gray had shared with me."Helena, I need you to understand," I began, my voice carrying a mixture of frustration and vulnerability. "Alpha Gray told me he wants me. He rejected me before because he didn't want to put the spotlight on me, and he needed to choose Raven for the alliance with his pack."Helena's eyes narrowed, a thoughtful expression on her face. "So, he wants you, but he's choosing Raven for the sake of his pack's alliance?"I nodded, the complexity of the situation weighing on me. "Yes, and he doesn't want anyone to know about us… at least not
CHAPTER 36LYRA'S POVThe palace grounds stretched before me, a realm of grandeur and authority. As we walked through the regal surroundings, Helena's presence beside me offered a comforting anchor amid the storm of emotions within.I sighed, feeling the weight of Raven's impending presence. "Lyra, let's not overreact. It's just Raven, no one else." Sheila said suddenly to me.I nodded, understanding the unspoken tension. We bowed our heads as we passed Raven, trying to blend into the background, avoiding unnecessary attention.But as soon as we thought we had slipped by unnoticed, Raven's voice sliced through the air. "Stop."I halted, exchanging a glance with Helena, uncertainty clouding our expressions. Raven approached, her gaze piercing as she fixed her attention on me. "What did you say?" she demanded, a hint of d
Chapter 37HELENAHelena couldn't shake off the feeling of unease that settled within her as she observed Raven walking away with a mysterious smile after instructing Lyra to clean her room. It struck her as odd, for she knew that it was another servant's duty to handle such tasks. Questions swirled in her mind, curiosity fueled by a desire to uncover the truth.As Helena left where we had been standing, she pondered over the possible reasons for Raven's unusual behavior. The palace held its fair share of secrets, but this instance seemed particularly enigmatic. She walked briskly, trailing Raven at a distance, her mind ablaze with speculation.Rounding a corner, Helena glimpsed Raven entering a secluded chamber. The door closed behind her, leaving Helena with a sense of urgency to understand the unfolding events. She contemplated whether she should eavesdrop, but her moral compass hesitated.In the silence of the corrid
Chapter 38LYRA'S POVHis intense gaze met mine, and for a moment, time seemed to freeze. "Is Raven here?" he inquired. I shook my head. "No, she's not.""Good," he said, taking a step closer. I couldn't help but feel a subtle tension in the air. "I was hoping to have a private conversation."A private conversation?.. I asked myself, wondering what that meant,how did he even know that I was here?, let alone to know that I was alone.I nodded, my curiosity piqued. "Sure, what do you want to talk about?"He stepped closer, his eyes scanning the surroundings. "I'll be honest, Lyra. I didn't come here for Raven. I came here for you."“What a surprise.” Sheila's sarcastic voice echoed in my head.*Shhhh.” I blurted out. “What?.” Alpha Gray responded.&nbs
Chapter 39LYRA'S POVAlpha Gray's nonchalant response to the guard's abrupt entrance left me shocked. "Well, that was interesting," he remarked, a smirk playing on his lips. I couldn't fathom how he could find amusement in such a terrible situation.Unable to suppress my frustration, I confronted him, "The guard saw something he shouldn't have. Why are you laughing?"Alpha Gray sighed, his demeanor surprisingly calm. "Lyra, I knew he saw us, but sometimes it's better to look on the bright side of things. We can't change what happened."I ran my hands through my hair, exasperated. "Looking on the bright side? Alpha Gray, this is serious. My reputation in the Palace is at stake."It wasn't as though I had one that was going to be stained, but I was quite comfortable dealing with what they already knew me as. A curse, a weakling. I wasn't ready to be called a prostitute.He leaned back on the bed, his g
Chapter 40LYRA'S POVAs the voice interrupted our conversation, Helena and I turned around swiftly. To our surprise, it was one of the servants—a young girl named Elara. Her wide eyes darted nervously between us.Helena's stern gaze met Elara's, and she spoke sharply, "Were you eavesdropping on our conversation?"Elara stammered, "I didn't have much of a choice. You were talking so loud, and I was just passing by."Helena's expression hardened. "This is none of your concern. Leave now."The young servant, however, replied with a sarcastic tone, "Maybe you should fill me in on what you're discussing. It's not like I wanted to hear it in the first place, I could keep a secret you know.” She said,Helena's patience wore thin. "I don't care what you want to hear. If you don't leave, I'll make sure you don't interfere in other people's business again."With a huff, Elara t
Chapter 41LYRA'S POVHelena walked away to attend to Raven's mysterious request, I found myself standing alone in the corridor. The echoes of our secrets lingered, and the weight of the unknown bore down on me. I took a deep breath, exhaling the tension that seemed to wrap around me like a suffocating shroud.Walking back home, through the Palace grounds, felt like a journey through a landscape fraught with hidden dangers. The moon cast long shadows, and the night air carried whispers of uncertainty. My thoughts swirled with questions about what Raven had whispered to Helena and the enigmatic calmness of Alpha Gray.It wasn't the first time I walked back home alone, but the solitude felt heavier this time. I wondered about the delicate dance we played within the palace walls, where secrets were currency, and trust was a scarce commodity.As I passed the grand gate, a chill ran down my spine. Among the members of t
CHAPTER 42ALPHA GRAYAs Lyra hastily left Raven's room, a sigh escaped my lips. I couldn't shake the feeling of uncertainty, wondering what repercussions the guard who had stumbled upon us would bring. I took a moment to compose myself before stepping out into the palace corridor.The hallways were dimly lit, and the air seemed heavy with tension. I walked cautiously, glancing around to ensure no prying eyes were following me. As I turned a corner, I spotted Raven standing near the entrance, engaged in conversation with the guard who had witnessed the unexpected encounter.Raven's eyes flicked toward me, a subtle smile playing on her lips. She seemed composed, her expression giving away nothing. I approached them, pretending ignorance to the situation."Alpha Gray, there you are," Raven greeted with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "I was jus
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,