Chapter 3

The door opened, and a man stood there.

I was still trying to tell—was it Kael, or Ronan—

He spoke first.

“Lyra, tomorrow is our marking ceremony. Are you ready?”

The moment I wondered why he suddenly sounded so warm, his thoughts slipped straight into my mind.

【Lyra… tonight, I’ll take you first. Let Kael choke on it.】

【She’s getting marked by him tomorrow anyway. If I don’t touch her tonight, I’ll lose the chance.】

A cold smile flickered inside me.

So it’s you.

He didn’t know—

I couldn’t hear Kael’s thoughts at all.

Before I could react, his hand was already at my waist, pulling me toward him with a firm tug.

Just like last time.

I forced the panic down. I knew I couldn’t break free by strength alone.

I swallowed the disgust and let my posture soften—becoming Mira.

My voice turned light. “Kael? I… I’m Mira.”

Ronan froze for a second, instinctively letting go.

“Mira?”

I kept going, mimicking her tone.

“Lyra stepped out. I’m helping her pack.”

He looked at me, suspicion flickering.

I stepped closer, rising on my toes, arms slipping around his neck.

Like Mira would.

Soft. Clingy.

I leaned in and whispered,

“Kael… so it’s you. I’ve liked you for a long time.”

Ronan’s face darkened. His hand lifted—then stopped midair.

He remembered.

Right now, he was “Kael.”

He forced the anger down, straightening his expression.

“Mira, do you even know what you’re doing?”

“This is shameless. You’re Ronan’s fiancée, and you’re trying to seduce me?”

【Slut. Hiding it well, huh? So this is what you really are.】

I smiled sweeter, my fingers brushing lightly across his chest.

“You’re the Alpha. The one above all.”

“Ronan is just a beta. How could he ever compare to you?”

I tilted my head. “Come on. Just one kiss.”

Ronan recoiled immediately. “Get a grip.”

【So that’s it, huh. You’re this kind of woman.】

I stepped closer, lowering my voice.

“Once I marry into his side…”

“I can help you.”

He stared at me.

“Help me with what?”

I met his eyes and spoke slowly.

“After I marry Ronan, I can break him for you.”

“Make him spend the rest of his life at your feet.”

The air froze.

Ronan’s face went dark.

【So it was never me. It was the Alpha’s power you wanted.】

He shoved me back.

“He’s my brother!”

“How can you say something so disgusting?”

I steadied myself, smile still in place.

“Then it’s settled.”

Bang.

The door was thrown open.

A cold figure stood against the light.

Kael.

His gaze swept over Ronan’s pale face.

“What’s settled?”

Ronan’s expression cracked. He stumbled back.

“I… I went into the wrong room…”

I widened my eyes in mock surprise.

“You… you’re not Alpha?”

“Then why are you in Lyra’s room?”

Ronan couldn’t hold it together anymore. He grabbed my wrist.

“Come with me.”

Kael spoke. “Hand.”

Ronan froze.

Kael looked at him. “Let go.”

Ronan released me instantly, breath uneven.

Kael’s eyes flicked over him again.

“A beta. Entering a Luna’s room.”

“The rules?”

Ronan inhaled slowly, then raised his hand.

Smack.

The slap landed across his own face.

Silence fell over the room.

Kael didn’t look at him again.

“Out.”

Ronan didn’t dare say another word. He turned and left.

The door shut.

Only Kael and I remained.

I lowered my head.

“Alpha, I’ll go find Lyra.”

“Stop.”

I froze, not turning around.

Kael’s voice dropped.

“You’re not her.”

I turned slowly to face him.

“Go on,” he said.

“What exactly did you want to ‘settle’ with me?”