LOGINShare
Chapter 6 - Aunt Maris Is Gone
Last Updated:
2025-01-13 14:57:00Lyra
The ground fractured. Dark clouds spiraled in a vicious storm. Buildings cracked and crumbled beneath the force of the wind, stones tumbling into the abyss. The scent of smoke and ash smothered everything except the howls of the wind. The world was splintering.
Through the chaos, she saw a man. A tall pillar of strength amidst the collapse. His arms raised, body straining. He held the line between destruction and salvation. Their eyes met. Quiet desperation marked his features, restraining something far darker than the storm. A tense understanding neither fully grasped passed between them.
Lyra’s heart beat a fierce staccato. Darkness grew, engulfing the realm, and sweeping away her father, stepsister, and stepmother. Silence swallowed Lyra’s screams.
The storm’s center drew her forward. Despite the blinding glow, she couldn't look away. In the chaos’s nexus, a woman stood, obscured by the brilliance that radiated from her. But her power was undeniable. The Moon Goddess…
As the darkness enveloped Lyra, the goddess exuded a mysterious, elusive promise.
****
Lyra startled awake, woodsmoke and damp earth filling her nose. Her vivid dream festered in the back of her mind. What did it mean? She shook her head, trying to push the images aside to concentrate on where she was and how she got here.
She blinked as her surroundings came into focus. Shadows slithered across the tent canvas, illuminated by the moonlight’s glow slipping through the cracks.
Bear skin blankets were draped over her, soft and musky, they chased away the lingering unease from her dreams. Brushing the coarse fur, Lyra tested its reality. A luxury she would never have been provided before. The ground’s coolness seeped through a thin mat beneath her, making her shiver.
Muffled voices filtered in from outside. She lay still, straining to hear. The crackle of a campfire punctuated their exchange.
“We can’t afford another delay. The patrol’s already behind schedule,” one said, irritation sharpening his tone.
As they talked she looked around, noticing stacked bags and supplies in the corner. A light draft whispered through the tent opening, brushing against her cheeks.
“You want to tell Veyron that? Be my guest,” another replied dryly.
Pushing the blanket aside, she sat up.
“Not unless you want me cleaning latrines for a week,” the first muttered.
A pause, then a resigned sigh. “Fine, let’s break camp. We’re not waiting much longer.”
Questions flooded her thoughts. Who were these people? Where was she? Most importantly, what was going to happen to her?
She pulled the blanket around her shoulders. If they meant her harm, would they have given her blankets? No, she’d be in a metal cage. She watched the entrance, torn between staying hidden and stepping out to face whatever awaited her.
Then the tent flap rustled, and Lyra scooted back. Panic coiled in her belly as light spilled in, casting a malevolent shadow on the coarse fabric walls. She imagined a stern, accusing patrol guard stepping inside. She tensed, ready to flee.
Until the figure crouched down, and she recognized the kind face.
“Aunt Kyline?” she whispered, her voice trembling.
Kyline’s lips twitched into a smile as she handed Lyra a small wooden bowl.
“You’re awake. Good. Here, eat this,” she said.
Relief flooded Lyra. Releasing her anxiety with a shaky exhale, she hesitated before taking the bowl. The stew smelled earthy and rich, with a faint smokiness that reminded her of long-forgotten home-cooked meals.
Kyline watched her closely, her expression softening. “Eat,” she urged again.
Lyra took a small spoonful, the savory stew warming her insides. “I thought…” She muttered, “I thought I’d never see you again.”
Kyline placed a hand on her shoulder. “I’m here now,” she said, comfortingly.
“Aunt Maris said… she said you were with him. With Veyron.”
Kyline didn’t immediately answer. Her face tightened, but she gestured for Lyra to keep eating. “Finish your supper,” she murmured.
Lyra looked down at the stew, appetite dulled by grief. “She’s dead,” she whispered. “Aunt Maris is gone.”
Kyline’s shoulders sagged, her composure slipping. “I know,” she said sorrowfully. “There wasn’t anything we could do.”
“She told me to save them.” Lyra’s voice wavered as tears stung her eyes. “What does that even mean?”
Kyline’s gaze grew distant. “Maris always saw further than the rest of us,” she said after a long pause.
“What do I do?” Lyra pressed.
Kyline placed her hand lightly on Lyra’s cheek, brushing away a tear. “Rest,” she encouraged. “You’ll need your strength for what’s ahead.”
Before she could object, Kyline stood abruptly, her fur-lined cloak brushing against Lyra’s arm. “Goodnight, little wolf,” she said, adjusting the tent flap as she stepped outside.
Lyra stared at the empty bowl in her lap, left alone with a whirlwind of questions.
Latest chapter
The Princess in the Shadows Chapter 72- Territorial Magic
LyraThe ride stretched on for the better part of the day, the steady rhythm of hooves against the earth a distant hum beneath their conversation. The forest behind them thinned into dry scrub, the scent of pine giving way to dust and sunbaked stone. Grass grew sparse. The air thickened with heat. In this desert, the land shed its vibrant green skin, surrendering to shades of ochre and gold.But as they crossed the invisible threshold marking the edge of Veyron’s domain, Lyra felt… lighter. The grip of his territorial magic released her like a breath she didn’t know she was holding.Yet Vespera’s magic still itched beneath her skin like a fever, her body betraying her with a thrum of desire any time her mind strayed too close to him, or she found herself the center of attention. Every bump in the road made her thighs clench tighter, her face hotter, her patience thinner. Yet, she tried to focus on Daphne’s teachings.“The more influential a werewolf is, the more land they can hold,”
The Princess in the Shadows Chapter 71 - Time To Pack Up
LyraWarmth. That was the first thing Lyra noticed as she drifted toward wakefulness, a pleasant heat cocooning her against the chill of the morning air. Then came the slow, steady rise and fall of breath—not hers. The rhythmic motion rocked her slightly, comforting in a way that sent her sinking deeper into the warmth before realization struck her like a bolt of lightning.Her eyes snapped open, and she stiffened.Oh gods.She was curled against Rivenn, his arm draped lazily over her waist, their legs tangled as if they’d spent the entire night like this. Her cheek on his chest, his steady heartbeat thrummed beneath her skin.What happened last night?Flashes of hazy memories surfaced—the warmth of the fire, the way the liquor had made her dizzy and giggly, the laughter that had bubbled up so freely. She remembered the taste of Brann’s awful liquor, the way they had cheered her on. But had something happened with Rivenn?Her gaze darted around the campsite, taking in the disarray.Da
The Princess in the Shadows Chapter 70 - Like A Damn Pup
VeyronVeyron stalked through the woods, his steps heavy, controlled, yet aimless. He didn’t know where he was going—only that he needed to move. To breathe. To get away from the sight of Rivenn’s hands on her, the sound of her laughter mixing with Brann’s deep, rumbling voice.His jaw ached from clenching it so hard. She’s laughing with them. The gate murmured. At us.His fists clenched, nails biting into his palms. A rustle behind him had him slowing, scenting who it was before she spoke.“You good, Veyron?” Eryssa’s voice was calm, but her eyes took him in with quiet scrutiny.He exhaled through his nose. “Just taking a damn piss.”She quirked a brow but didn’t push. “Right.”Another set of footsteps approached, and Veyron tensed as Delvin stepped into view.They know why you’re here. Eryx warned, low and wary. They know you’re upset over the girl. They’ve come to check on you—like a damn pup.Veyron sighed, rubbing a hand over his face. Delvin slung an arm around his shoulder. “Y
The Princess in the Shadows Chapter 69 - Poison
LyraLyra turned to Brann, flashing him a playful smile. “So, Brann, tell me—are all warriors as fearless as you, or are you just special?”Brann, caught mid-drink, nearly choked on his ale. “I—I suppose I’m just special?”Rivenn barked out a laugh. Across the fire, Veyron finally looked up.His eyes flashed feral, his muscles coiling with restraint. She smiled, letting her fingers graze Brann’s arm, a bolt of heat shot through her at the contact. If Veyron wanted distance, she would give it to him. But she wasn’t about to disappear into the shadows.Veyron abruptly stood. His shoulders rigid as he stalked away from the fire, disappearing into the darkness beyond its glow. Silence fell over the group.Brann hesitated before speaking, quieter than usual. “I’m worried about him.”Delvin nodded solemnly. “Yeah.” Rivenn exhaled, rubbing his jaw. “He’s much darker than we’re used to. More moody. More volatile.” Genuine concern replaced his teasing lilt.“We need to keep an eye on him.” E
The Princess in the Shadows Chapter 68 - Embellisment
Lyra The fire crackled, sending embers swirling into the night as laughter rolled through the camp. Brann was mid-story, tankard in hand, weaving an exaggerated tale with the kind of energy only he could muster.“And then…” Brann’s voice boomed over the crackling fire, “Veyron, not even flinching, just leaps right at the beast, his cloak billowing behind him like the wings of some dark omen! He—get this—grabs its horns and yanks it to the ground like it’s nothing! He looked like some ancient god of war, practically glowing in the moonlight!”Delvin gave a dry smile, his arms crossed, leaning slightly away from Lyra as she sat dwarfed between him and Rivenn, who casually stroked a lock of Daphne’s hair with one hand and subtly brushed the back of Lyra’s.. “He looked more like a man trying not to die, if you ask me.”Brann shot Delvin a glance, but didn't let it derail him. “No, no. His shirt shimmered under the light of the fire. It was magnificent, really.”Rivenn leaned in closer t
The Princess in the Shadows Chapter 67 - Back To The Fire
VeyronThe warmth of the fire heated Veyron’s back, the crackling flames filling the tense silence. “What did you say to her?” Delvin asked. “To make her run off like that?”Veyron clenched his jaw. “I said nothing, Delvin,” he snapped. He didn’t want to discuss it.Delvin hesitated, studying him. “She really needs to be careful in these woods,” he said quietly. “There are wild creatures out here. It’s the border of your territory, not sure what might wander over. Just… stay alert. We’ll find her.”If he came looking for her, she would run. A vision of Lyra fleeing from him flashed before his eyes. Her face full of fear as she ran, with the wolf in him chasing, taking over. The excitement that tore through him at the thought twisted in his stomach, nauseating him.“Do you need me to help?” he asked, the words heavy.Delvin shook his head, gaze softening. “Nah, we’ve got it. You just stay here. We’ll bring her back.”With that, Delvin turned and joined the others in the search for the
You may also like
My Alpha's Mark
JP Sina659.7K viewsAlpha Jax
C.J. Primer784.2K viewsThe Alpha King's Hated Slave
Kiss Leilani1.2M viewsThe Dark Side Of Fate
Karima Sa'ad Usman2.2M viewsBelonging to my Fiancé’s Dad
Berry_bella22 viewsBound By Magic And Moonlight
tanyanortje09549 viewsChosen for the Lycan
Maye384 viewsOnce His Luna
Rakel178 views
