Chapter 2 - A Task More Suited

Lyra

At the front of the square, Lyra watched her father, Alpha Aldric, as he spoke to his advisors. They were preparing the run that would happen after her first shift. Everyone would head into the woods as their primal instincts flowed through their veins, free as only a wild wolf could be.

When their eyes met, Alpha Aldric’s expression was distant, as if she were just another face in the crowd.

“Father… I need to talk to you.” She called.

“Not right now, Lyra…” He turned away as someone offered him a paper that he reviewed as he continued speaking. “Your wolf... will be here soon. I know... you must be eager for that moment.”

The words rushed out. “But Father—Seraphina said—”

He cut her off without a glance. "Don’t let your sister bother you. She’s just teasing. And I’ve got enough to worry about. Besides, your mother said it’s lighthearted."

She hated how small and invisible she felt. But what could she do? 

She reached out, just shy of touching his shoulder, trembling. Even the cool, metallic air resisted connecting with her. She’d always been silent, unnoticed. But she was an adult now, and she would be heard.

“She’s not my mother,” she whispered, her voice breaking. “Please… just listen.”

Aldric sighed, the affection she craved soft in his eyes. Did he still care about her?

"When you shift, Lyra, you’ll step out of your mother’s shadow. You’ll shine. It’s what I’ve always wanted for you,” he consoled her. “Make me proud.”

Her vision blurred with unshed tears, stinging like salt against an open wound. Blinking, she willed them to stay inside. Was this all she was? Her worth reduced to what she might become?

Seraphina strode up, hair catching the moonlight, captivating everyone she passed. King Aldric’s piercing gaze softened, giving a genuine smile as he spoke.

“Seraphina, apologize to your sister.”

Seraphina pouted, her eyes sparkling. “Sorry, sister,” 

Satisfied, King Aldric accepted a box from Chadwick, the youngest adult omega. Behind him, Seraphina stuck out her tongue with an impish smirk. Lyra barely noticed, staring at the delicate pendant in his hands. 

A young advisor murmured reverently, “Lady Elysia’s crescent gem.”

Lyra’s heart skipped an excited beat. This was the moment he’d promised! He would give her her mother’s amulet for her birthday. 

But instead he placed it around Seraphina’s neck. Lyra stood, motionless, unable to believe her eyes.

“It looks lovely on you,” Aldric said, affectionately.

She swallowed hard, her throat closing. It wasn’t just jewelry to Lyra. It was the last piece of her mother. Pressing her hand to the bare skin, the yearning for her mother’s embrace left an emptiness in her chest.

Her stepmother, Selene, glided over, looking through Lyra. The familiar invisibility stung. Lyra knew her place. Beneath them all. She had no voice. No power.

“Close your mouth, dear,” Selene murmured, “At least your mother’s magic was useful. People actually respected her.”

Sadistic delight lit Selene’s eyes. It wasn’t the first time Selene said she was useless. But this time… it had cost her dearly.

She caught herself on the nearest wall. It felt unreal. Like she was slipping away into the void of everything she couldn’t change.

Straightening, she forced herself to be calm. She didn’t need love. Didn’t need praise. Just a chance to be treated as a person separate from her mother’s sins. Was she asking too much? 

“Father,” she said quietly, “is there anything I can do to help with preparations?”

Selene interjected. “Don’t be silly, Lyra. This is your birthday celebration.”

Lyra blinked. She actually acknowledged my birthday?

“I want to help,” Lyra insisted.

Giving Selene a nod, he ordered, “Let her help.” Then he turned away.

Selene’s hand rested on Lyra’s shoulder, warning her to remain silent. 

“Of course, dear. I know exactly how she can help,” Selene replied.

As Aldric walked away, an icy, calculating glare replaced her smile.

“You know,” she scoffed, “these preparations aren’t for someone of your… stature.” Her eyes traveled up and down Lyra. “I have a task more suited to you.”

Moments later, Lyra knelt on the grand pavilion floor, moonlight illuminating the spilled drinks she scrubbed. The beloved gathering spot was open to the night. Its thatched roof and intricately carved beams created a warm, communal space.

As Seraphina approached, apprehension built in Lyra’s chest. For as long as she could remember, Seraphina and Selene had tormented her, and all she could do was take it. Her step-sister tilted her cup, spilling her drink.

“Oops.” she taunted, “I thought you would know better by now than trying to snitch to daddy.”

Over the years, whenever she had tried to tell her father about Seraphina or Selene’s cruelty, he would dismiss it, leaving her open to every once of retaliation they wanted to dish out. She focused on the floor, each stroke harder and faster than the last. 

“It’s such a pity you’re not more like your sister. “ Selene ridiculed her. “Everyone sees how helpful she is.”

“Oh, look at you,” Seraphina drawled. “Maybe you’ll get a promotion to maid soon.”

Lyra held her breath, tucking in her chin. Moon Goddess, help me, she prayed. Make them go…

Selene shook her head. “I don’t think she could handle that.” She laughed softly. “Maybe this time she’ll manage to do something right.”

Seraphina agreed, “Yeah, you can’t even manage the simplest tasks, can you?”

When Lyra remained silent, Selene huffed, turning back to the other guests. 

Walking away, Seraphina sneered over her shoulder, “I guess we’ll see if the Moon Goddess has any use for her.”

“Doubt it,” Sarah commented as they disappeared into the crowd, “She’ll be just as disappointing as ever.”

Lyra squeezed her eyes shut, dragging in shaky breaths. She sat back on her heels. Tears would have eased the pressure. But years of living with these women had dried them up. She had nothing left.