Chapter 8

Chapter 8

Lyra’s POV

Morning sunlight spilled through the cracks in my drapes, and I couldn't help but notice it was too bright. They got into my eyes, and no matter how hard I pressed them shut, all of did was make me tossle around the bed. I hadn’t slept a wink last night, but I was able to keep myself company by lying still, and watching the shadows move across the floor. While I did that, I almost told myself that maybe they had solutions to my problems.

They didn’t.

A small groan slid past my lips as I sat up slowly, my body heavy with everything I hadn’t said. The first thing that caught my eyes was Xavier’s note and that damned box that still sat on my vanity. It was unopened this time, because if I opened it again, I’d want to feel every memory associated with that night, and I couldn’t afford that right now.

Nor ever, a small voice whispered in the back of my head

No. Today was going to be different. I was done dreaming, done flinching at Xander’s words, and dare I say, done thinking about Xavier and the way his hands moved over my body all the damned time.

I got out of bed, before slipping out of the clothes from yesterday. It hit the ground d with a soft thud, but it didn't exactly rid me of the memories of what had happened in the past. The invasion, Xavier's touch, Xander's ultimatum, all of it.

After a long bath and fresh clothes, I pinned my hair up and stepped out into the hallway. The moment I did, I knew something had shifted.

The corridors buzzed with quiet movement, and the maids weren't idly either . Thety darted around with linen and trays, with their heads hung low. Guards stood straighter than usual, and I could hear voices coming from the far room in the corner. If I didn't know better, then I would have says they were having a meeting of some sort.

“Morning, my lady,” one of the younger maids offered, dipping her head as she adjusted a vase of fresh flowers in the hallway. “I hope you slept well?”

“Why is everyone so busy?” I asked, keeping my tone even. I tried not to stare at them too much, but it was an almost impossible task.

“Alpha Xander gave instructions this morning,” she replied quickly, eyes darting to the side. “He’s ordered a council gathering… preparations are underway.”

“Do you know why?” I asked. Organizing a council gathering wasn't exactly too strange, it was the reason why the meeting was being held that made my stomach churn. “Did he let anything slip? Did you anything?”

“Um.” She hesitated. “I'm not sure it's in my place to speak…”

“Look.” I cut her off in a second. “You know you can tell me, and I promise you're not going to get into trouble or anything.”

“There’s talk of a new appointment.” She finally let out. As she spoke, I didn't miss the pity glinting in her eyes. She felt bad for me, and while that was embarrassing, it made me her trust me enough to say the truth, so I was going to consider it a win.

“A new what?” I couldn't help but echo.

But she had already scurried off, clearly not wanting to be the one to give me any details.

Curiosity bloomed in my chest. It hurt, and that was all the indication I needed to know that something wasn’t right. My eyes scanned the hall one more time. While the servants and maids were still caught up in their business for the day, I made my way towards the direction the voices had been coming earlier.

I followed the trail of quiet tension through the corridors until I reached the council chamber, the long room draped in rich maroon and gold, where Xander held his meetings with the pack’s elders and political leaders.

Voices leaked from the cracked doors and I recognized Xander’s. He sounded strained, like he was holding in the last bit of frustration in him with a pin that was about to break.

Ciurtest demanded that I knocked before walking in,, but I didn’t. I walked in instead.

Seven heads turned to look at me. The seven heads of the powerful families in the pack. While some were surprised, the others were simply weary. And then there was Xander, the man of the hour, seated at the head of the table. It'd been only a couple of days since we last saw each other, but best believe that when I said he looked nothing like he used to, you just had to take my word for ud. He was now a shadow of the man he used to be. His bruises had faded slightly, but the fire in his eyes had not. It was cold, calculated, and a small part of me hurt at the fact that a good number of the negative emotions he was feeling, was directed at me.

“You’re not supposed to be here,” he said sharply. He didn't look up, neither did he hold my gaze, and it only made me feel insignificant.

“I don't remember asking for your permission.” I ignored him and turned to the council members instead. “I heard there’s a new appointment being discussed.”

A few of them shifted uncomfortably, but one man spoke.

“We’re in the middle of sensitive discussions, Luna. Perhaps…” Councilman Dorian, an older man with salt and pepper hair and eyes too tired to pretend, cleared his throat. “Perhaps another time?”

“I’m still Luna, then?” I cut in, voice cool.

“For now.” He hesitated. “But I don't think….”

“What appointment?” I didn't wait for him to finish, before turning back to Xander.

“The council and I are considering…” His jaw flexed as he paused. Whether he was being dramatic or trying to get on my nerves, I wasn't sure. “...expanding parliamentary reach to include more perspectives.”

“More perspectives?” I repeated, incredulous. Amusement danced in my eyes,but it wasn't warm, and Xander could see it. “Say what you mean, Xander.”

“A seat.” He stood so fast his chair screeched behind him. “For Xavier.”

“You’re giving him a seat in our government?” The words hit me like a punch to the gut. I blinked once, then again, and again, but nothing could change thee scene in front of me from changing

“I’m keeping him on a leash,” Xander bit out. “Better to have the wolf inside the pen than lurking at the gate.”

“That wolf already stormed the gates,” I hissed, “he painted them red. And we both know that's you just deluding yourself because you're trying everything to get your mistress….”

“Don't you dare let out another word against her.” He cut me off. His voice was stern and dangerous, and I shivered. “If I had known what Xavier was up there, then best believe you would be the one in her place right now, and not the other way around.”

“You would trade me for a mistress?” I knew we'd already established that fact, but maybe if I heard it one more time, maybe if Xander trodded against my dignity and integrity one more time, and in front of the council, I would finally take his words at the truth. “would you really….”

“It’s politics, Lyra,” he snapped. “Not sentiment. I’ve already agreed to three days of negotiation. If I refuse him outright, he’ll tear the rest of this pack to the ground, with or without your help.”

“My help?” a lump formed at the base of my throat, but I forced myself to keep going. “What does this have to do with me?”

“He wants you.” His eyes narrowed, like he still didn't believe I didn't know Xavier prior to that night. “Don’t act like you don’t know it. And you’ve done nothing to discourage him.”

“You’re unbelievable.” My voice cracked, not with weakness, but fury.

I could feel every pair of eyes on me. I could feel their fear. Their desperation. They didn’t care if Xander bent the knee behind closed doors. They just didn’t want another massacre.

But what none of them realized was this: Xavier didn’t want to be at the table.

He wanted to build the table. He wanted the table, and to burn everything that came before it.

I turned on my heel and walked out, my breath ragged, my heart thundering so loud I thought the walls might echo it. Call me crazy, but I could swear I caught Xander yelling at me to remember our deal.

We hadn't made one, but it was obvious he was referring to the threat of bringing Emily back.

I didn't stop walking till I was back in my bedroom . I collapsed onto the edge of the bed, staring at the little black box. It sat there, still closed, and I hated that I got an idea just by staring at it.

What if I paid dear Xavier a visit?