005

LYRA

“Get on your knees.”

“She’s running to the Lycan king, unbelievable.”

Those were the words I heard as I ran towards Damon, but I didn’t stop. To them, he was the Lycan king but to me, he was Damon. The man who had saved me. 

I crouched down before him, my body trembling in fear, his clothes were thick with gold, and I raised my face to meet his gaze, “Please… Save me… Save me from him.” I whispered, my voice pleading. “I’ll do anything, just save me from this pack and their brutality.”

He didn’t respond.

 Instead, he glared at Ian with a look I couldn’t decipher and then, “The lady goes with me.”

A shiver ran down my spine. 

His voice was loud and authoritative. Not the same soft-spoken man that I had an encounter with.

I quietly turned to see Ian and Annabel now standing, all the guards had been dispersed, and the room felt suffocating with Ian’s dangerous glare.

“Forgive me, Lycan Damon for this obstruction. The lady in question is my MATE. And so, I don’t think your request can be granted.”

“I wasn’t asking, Ian. It’s an order.”

“But she’s my mate!”

“The same one you humiliated in front of everyone?” Damon cut in sharply, “I witnessed it myself, you’d said you wanted nothing to do with her, so why should you have a problem if I take her with me?”

Ian's gaze flickered to me, it was so obvious that he was furious, “With all due respect, Lycan Damon. This woman here is not only my mate, but a member of my pack, and it is my responsibility to cater for the wellbeing of all members. What kind of leader would I be if I let you abduct her under my watch?”

“Please don’t listen to him.” I spoke up, my voice barely a whisper, “The only thing I have received from this pack is hatred… I don’t mind going with you. I would do anything you ask, just don’t leave me here.”

Damon turned to him, “To make this fair, why don’t you ask your subject if she would like to leave this pack? But remember, whatever she says, stands!”

Ian stepped forward, a sinister smile on his face, “Lyra darling, what decision will you make? Stay in the pack that you have known all the years of your life? Or go with the ruthless Lycan king who is feared by all? Where you won’t know your fate? He might kill you, do you really know who the Lycan king is?”

A loud guttural growl escaped from Damon’s lips, “You have made your point, let the lady choose.” His voice was thunderous, and I could see Ian retreat back. 

Did I truly know this man? 

What if he was worse than Ian? 

I could feel his gaze fixated on me, and then it hit me, even if he was a devil, anyplace was better than here. 

This pack has subdued me to unhinged hate and here is a chance to escape from it all, how could I refuse?

I cleared my throat, raising my gaze to meet Ian’s, “I will…go with the Lycan king.”

His face dropped into a frown, and before he could respond, Damon beat him to it, “Her word is final. From today, she will cease to be a member of this pack.” He turned to me, “Rise.” I stood up slowly, and he interlocked our hands, I took one last glance at Ian and unwittingly a smile formed on my face. 

We turned to leave when Ian’s voice interrupted us, “We haven’t discussed Lycan Damon. You came here for a reason, have you forgotten?”

Damon didn’t turn back, “Whatever deal I had with you has been nullified. I want nothing to do with you pack and vice versa.”

And with that, we walked out. 

A luxurious car awaited outside and Damon opened the door for me, after which he turned and entered. 

“Drive.” 

This was actually my first time in a car and I couldn’t help but peek at the window, as I looked at the faces of the people who had tortured me, until we reached the borders.

I rested my back in the chair, I should probably thank him. 

He had been silent since the ride started, and I couldn’t help but wonder what he was thinking. 

I swallowed hard, stealing glances at him, he had an unreadable expression on his face, and it was messing with my head. 

After a while, I finally got the courage to speak, “Damon…sorry… I mean, Lycan Damon.” I began, and he turned to me, “You can call me Damon. No need for the formalities.”

I nodded, even though my heart was beating profusely. “I’m sorry…for what happened last night.” I swallowed hard, clearly nervous, “For trying to kiss you, I apologize. It won’t happen again.”

Damon didn’t respond right away. Then his voice came, deep and low. “You don’t need to apologize.”

“But I crossed a line…”

“No,” he interrupted gently. “I should have said something. I left without a word. That was cowardly.” His tone was warm, and I couldn’t help but wonder if this was the same person Ian had described as ruthless.

“But I can at least, appreciate you. Thank you for saving me from that pack, I’ll forever be indebted to you.”

“Actually, you are, and I intend on collecting that debt in full.” 

I paused, the smile departing from my face, “What does that mean?”

“You don’t need to get yourself worked up. When we get to the pack, I’ll explain.”

His words kept replaying in my head as we rode. The car was thick with silence, and my mind wasn’t at rest. 

“We have arrived.” His voice broke me away from my thoughts. The car door was opened, and I came out to see a beautiful mansion. 

The white ambience was radiating, the flowers, the environment, it was neat and quiet, everything was screaming peace and I knew I had made the right decision. 

An elderly woman approached us, and Damon spoke up, “Madam Aurora, will take you to your room, where you will relax, rest and join me for dinner later tonight.” 

I nodded, and he took one last glance at me before walking off. “Come with me, dear.” The woman spoke softly. I smiled as I followed behind her.

We got inside, and the interior was…amazing. 

The painting, the choice of colors, the tiles, everything about the house was golden, and I gaped in shock. 

She led me to the corridor, and I couldn’t help but count the rooms as we passed by. I had counted up to 20 when we stopped, “This is your room. Just next to the Lycan King’s room.” She opened the door and my hands flew to my mouth.

No way. 

This was like a dream come true. 

I was more excited about the bed, after so many years of having to sleep on the cold ground, I now had a bed…to call my own. 

“Lyra.” Madam Aurora called out, breaking me away from my thoughts, and it was then I realized she was still talking. “The maids will be here to assist you with your shower, after which you can rest and come down for dinner.”

She rang a small bell and a train of maids walked into my room. I stood in shock, were all these people going to shower with me? 

I swallowed hard, finding my voice, “Ma’am, I can actually take my bath myself, there’s no need for…”

“Oh no, Lyra. His majesty had instructed that you be treated like royalty and don’t worry, not all will be escorting you to the bathroom.”

Three ladies out of the them came forward, “My lady, we will be helping you with your shower.”

I forced a smile on my face even though I was nervous and hesitantly headed to the bathroom. I knew this was how the royals were taken care of but… I haven’t showered properly in days.

To my surprise, they didn't actually cross boundaries. They just helped with my hair, my legs, after which they exited the bathroom. I didn’t know how long I spent there, but I was determined to remove every dirt on my skin and not to talk about the clean water, I felt relaxed and happy.

I came out with a towel wrapped around my chest and the other maids started with their work, in no time I was standing in front of the mirror…looking magnificent. 

My hair was styled properly, the gown fit my body like glue, the shoes, everything about this look. I wasn’t the same Lyra that had come here, I looked so different.

“Would you like to rest or would you join his majesty for dinner?”

I thought about it, I wasn’t actually tired, and the night was already coming, so I should probably have dinner after which I rest.

“Please lead the way to the dining.” The maid nodded with a smile, and I followed behind her.

We got there and Damon was already seated. He dropped his cutlery immediately and his gaze met mine. His eyes raked my body slowly, and I felt nervous…or perhaps awkward, I cleared my throat loudly.

His face returned to mine, “I apologize. Please join me.” He said, his voice soft.

Damon adjusted my chair and I sat, just beside him. “You look stunning” he continued, and a smile formed on my face, “It’s all thanks to you. Thank you for the warm and generous treatment.”

“You don’t have to thank me. It’s nothing.”

We started eating, and I tried my best to compose myself. I was so hungry and these meals were so sumptuous, “You seem hungry”.

“I don’t seem, I’m actually famished.” I chuckled, reaching for another bite. 

Damon gave a soft hum of amusement, but his eyes didn’t leave mine. The way he looked at me was strange—not threatening, not exactly warm either. It was like he was studying me.

I tried to brush off the tension creeping into my chest, focusing on the rich flavors on my plate. The silence stretched a little too long.

I cleared my throat. “You said something earlier… about a debt?”

His expression didn’t change, but something behind his eyes shifted…guarded now.

“We’ll talk about it later.”

I frowned, chewing slowly. “No. I’d like to know now. If I owe you something for saving me, I’d rather know what it is than be blind sided later.”

He heaved a deep breath before leaning back in his chair, “You sure you want to know?” he asked, voice quiet but carrying weight.

I nodded.

How hefty could the debt be?

“Actually…. It's not a debt. I was joking, I just need your help with something.”

“I’m all ears. In fact, I’m more than willing to do anything to help you.”

He paused for a second and then, “Be my Luna.” 

Huh? 

I choked on my food, clutching my chest as I coughed loudly, Damon reached out for a glass of water, handing it to me. 

I drank it all in a gulp, trying to calm myself. I didn't hear him properly, did I?

“I’m facing some serious troubles here in my pack, and I’m in dire need of a Luna.” 

He wasn’t joking? 

“You have nothing to worry about. It’s not going to be real, it’s just a facade for people to believe. A legal contract will be signed.”

His words were fast, and I tried to digest each and every information but what I couldn’t understand was, why? 

“Why me?” I let out, my voice low. “I mean you can have anyone at your disposal but why me?”

The thought of being upheld as a Luna was a bit frightening. Not any Luna but the Lycan’s king Luna.  

“Because you are capable.” He began, “I needed someone who knows what it’s like to be thrown aside. Someone who isn’t afraid of me. I’ve watched you since the day at the community square and I believe you are the most suitable person.” he hesitated, just for a second, “because I trust you not to betray me.”

That last part caught me off guard. 

I chuckled, more like an unbelievable laughter, “Me? I can’t possibly be, I'm nobody…”

“You’re not a nobody. You’re Lyra and a strong and determined woman. For years, you have been clouded by stupid folks who kept the narrative that you are a nobody. But catching your sight that day and hearing you speak, I knew your status had to be upgraded for you to gain confidence in yourself again.”

“I appreciate the kind words. But it still doesn’t explain my question. Why would you want me to be your contract Luna? What do you stand to gain in all this?”

He heaved a deep breath, “There’s an increasing pressure from the council and the nobles. My pack is under scrutiny, and they’re demanding stability. A Luna gives the appearance of that—strength, unity, order. It’s not about love or marriage for me. It's a strategy. You help me silence the unrest, and in turn, I’ll help you build a life far from what you endured. Respect. Power. Safety. Those things will be yours.”

“Andwhat if I don’t want those things you had just mentioned?”

He spoke up again, “You have a choice, Lyra. I’m not stealing that from you.” His voice was soft, “You can think about it and whatever decision you make, I won’t get angry. My treatment towards you won’t change, and you’ll still remain under my protection.”