Chapter 5: Under My Protection

Lyra’s POV 

Her wide, shocked eyes darted between Kieran and me, her lips parted as if she wanted to say something and then, she moved.

Her hand shot out, fingers closing around my wrist with a grip that sent pain jolting up my arm. Before I could even react, she gave me a slap as I staggered backwards, holding onto my cheek with teary eyes.

“You filthy whore,” she hissed. “How dare you? How dare you try to seduce my man?”

I barely had time to steady myself before she yanked me forward, her nails digging into my wrist. My body stumbled after her as she dragged me through the doorway and down the corridors, her pace was unrelenting. My legs scrambled to keep up, the sting of her slap still burning on my cheek.

I didn’t defend myself, I couldn’t. She wouldn’t give me a listening ear.

What audacity did an omega like me have to defend herself against Lady Seraphina? Against the woman who had everything I didn’t, status, power, and attention of the Pack. She was the future Luna. Despite being older than the Alpha, everyone believed they were still a good match for the throne.

She pulled me through the winding halls, past staring servants and warriors who did nothing but watch in silence. My heart pounded harder with every step, knowing that this wouldn’t end well for me.

Then, suddenly, we were outside as we stepped into the courtyard.

Seraphina didn’t stop. She kept dragging me and with a final, vicious tug, she threw me forward.

My feet tangled, my balance lost, and I hit the ground hard. Pain shot up my palms as they scraped against the rough ground, my knees hurting from the fall. I gasped, my breath uneven as I struggled to lift myself up.

She turned on me with a look of pure disgust, standing tall and regal as she glared down at me like I was nothing more than filth beneath her feet. Of course, that was what I was.

“I caught this disgrace trying to seduce the Alpha,” she declared loudly, her voice loud across the courtyard.

Murmurs rippled through the gathered Pack members, whispers of judgment and scorn.

“Such audacity!”

“She needs to be punished.”

“She can’t be forgiven for such a crime.” 

They all aired their opinions as shame clawed at my chest.

I wanted to scream, to tell them the truth that I hadn’t seduced him. That it was Kieran who had marked me, that it was his touch that claimed me, not the other way around.

But the words stuck in my throat. Because who would believe an omega over Lady Seraphina?

I swallowed hard, forcing back the sting of tears. My gaze moved around the courtyard, searching for him.

Where was Kieran? Would he come? Would he stand beside me and tell them the truth? Please moon goddess, where’s he?

He wasn’t here, no sign of him.

Elder Mordecai stepped forward, his expression cold and unreadable.

He eyed me with a look that sent a shiver down my spine. Then, he turned to the gathered Pack members and spoke with a voice of authority.

“Her actions cannot go unpunished,” he said. “She has disgraced herself, attempted to claim what is not hers. Such insolence will not be tolerated.”

More murmurs filled the courtyard as tears rolled down my eyes…

Then, his gaze returned to me, piercing.

“Until Alpha Kieran decides her fate, she is to be thrown into the prison.”

His words sent ice through my veins. The prison? My breath caught.

“Please…” I begged but it fell on deaf ears.

Two warriors stepped forward immediately, grabbing my arms, their grip was rough and tight.

I turned back toward Seraphina, her eyes were cold, filled with rage.

I was being dragged away, my feet barely able to keep up with the guards hauling me toward my punishment.

And still Kieran did not come.

“You’ve been stripped of your title, forgotten?”

The deep, commanding voice cut through the tension and I turned instinctively, my pulse quickening as Alpha Kieran strolled forward, his eyes gleaming at Mordecai.

Elder Mordecai, who had stood firm only moments ago, now had his head bowed low, his shoulders slumped in submission.

“So therefore, your orders are not valid,” Kieran added, his voice calm as he stood in front of Mordecai.

“Free her!” He ordered.

The command was absolute, and without hesitation, the guards released me. My arms dropped to my sides as they took a few steps away from me, bowing in respect to Alpha kieran.

But just as relief began to settle in me, another voice filled with rage pierced the air.

“You can’t spare her!” Lady Seraphina declared. She approached, her fury twisting her face as she strode forward. “She has committed an abomination and needs to be punished!”

I tensed, expecting Kieran to respond, to explain himself or at least acknowledge the accusation. But he didn’t. He didn’t even spare her a glance.

Instead, he took a single step forward.

Closer to me.

“She’s my omega,” he said, his voice lowering, turning possessively, dark. “Under my protection.”

The room fell silent.

His gaze swept over the gathered crowd, daring anyone to speak. No one did.

“No one has the right to punish her except me.”

The words sent a different kind of shudder through me.

I tried to keep my head down, but Lady Seraphina approached, her grip on my arm was firm, almost bruising. Her voice, sharp and desperate, rang out as she faced Alpha Kieran. 

“You cannot do this! Punishment is necessary!” 

I dared not look up, but I could feel the tension. Seraphina tugged at me, her fingers gripping me firmly as she began dragging me out.

Alpha Kieran’s voice cut through in a loud tone. “Enough.” The single word froze her in place. Her hand slackened on my arm. I glanced up. His eyes were cold and intimidating and it demanded obedience.

“You can't speak when I'm speaking Seraphina.”

Seraphina’s lips parted as if to argue, but no sound came. Slowly, she released me entirely. I could see how she feared him.

He took a step closer and stood in front of her. His gaze fell on her for some seconds before he shifted his gaze on me. I could see how she shot me a deadly glare. If looks could kill, I was sure I would be dropping dead right away with the way she looked at me.

Whatever fate awaited me now was inevitable and terrifying.

“Listen up everyone. No one hurts Lyra until I say so.”