LOGINLYRA POV The rage inside me was overwhelming. It burned through my chest, making it hard to breathe, impossible to think clearly. I needed to get away from Damon, away from the pack house, away from everything.I stormed out into the courtyard, my feet carrying me without conscious direction. The cool night air hit my face, but it did nothing to calm the fury boiling inside me.Behind me, I could hear Damon calling my name, his footsteps following. But I didn't want to hear his voice. Didn't want to hear any more excuses or explanations or lies."Lyra! Please stop!"I spun around to face him, and all the pain and betrayal I'd been holding back came pouring out."I trusted you!" The words tore from my throat as a scream. "I let myself care about you! I let myself believe this could be real! And all of it was a lie!"And then something inside me broke.Not emotionally—though that had already shattered—but physically. Something deep within my core that had been locked away for years
DAMON POV The moment Lyra burst into my office with that drawing in her hand, my world tilted sideways.She'd found out. Somehow, impossibly, she'd gotten past the guards and into the western wing. She'd seen the drawings. Seen Audrey.My mind raced trying to understand how she'd managed it. Those guards were supposed to be stationed at the door at all times. They had strict orders never to leave their posts. So how had she bypassed them?But that question would have to wait. Right now, I had a furious Luna demanding answers, and I couldn't blame her for being angry.I'd lied to her. I'd kept secrets. Hidden something massive from her whilst pretending our relationship was developing naturally.After I'd sent Eric away and we were alone, I knew I couldn't avoid the truth any longer. I couldn't keep lying to her, couldn't keep deflecting. She deserved to know everything.Well, almost everything. Some truths were still too dangerous to share.I told her about Audrey. About the attack
LYRA POVEven though the room was dimly lit, it couldn't hide what surrounded me. Drawings. Everywhere I looked, there were drawings of me.Me standing in the garden, sunlight catching my hair. Me sleeping, my face peaceful and relaxed. Me walking through corridors, my dress flowing behind me. Me laughing at something, joy captured in careful pencil strokes.My hands shook as I reached out to touch one of the papers. The detail was perfect. Every line of my face, every strand of hair, every small expression—all captured with stunning accuracy. Whoever had drawn these knew my face better than I knew it myself.But who? And why?I moved along the wall, studying each drawing with growing confusion and something else I couldn't quite name. Some were simple sketches, done quickly as if to capture a fleeting moment. Others were elaborate portraits that must have taken hours to complete.All of them were beautiful. All of them were me.Then I spotted something different amongst the d
LYRAI took Damon's hand, feeling the warmth of his palm against mine. Together, we walked back out to the festival grounds where the crowd had gathered, waiting for us.The moment we appeared, cheers erupted. Pack members and visiting wolves alike shouted their excitement, their voices blending together into a roar of celebration.Damon raised his hand, and the crowd fell silent almost immediately. The power he commanded was obvious in that simple gesture—everyone respected him, listened to him without question."Thank you all for gathering here tonight to celebrate the Festival of the Moon," he began, his voice carrying clearly across the grounds. "This is a time of unity, of strengthening bonds between packs, of honouring the Moon Goddess who watches over us all. Tonight, we feast, we dance, we celebrate the peace we've worked so hard to maintain."More cheers. More shouts of agreement and joy."Let the ceremony begin!"Music hit the crowd immediately, louder and more energetic
LYRA The Festival of the Moon was approaching fast, and the entire pack house had been buzzing with preparations for days. It was a huge celebration, apparently — one of the most important events of the year. And as Luna, I was expected to attend and play my part.Damon had made that abundantly clear when he'd knocked on our chamber door yesterday with a dress box in his hands."This is for the festival," he'd announced, setting the box on the bed. "You'll need to wear it tomorrow night."I'd opened it to find a dress that was simple but elegant, it was a deep blue fabric that shimmered slightly in the light, with delicate embroidery along the bodice. It was beautiful without being overly fancy, appropriate for a Luna."Thank you," I'd managed, surprised by the thoughtfulness of the choice.Damon had nodded stiffly and left without another word.That had been typical of our interactions lately. He'd be kind one moment — soft, even — and then distant the next. I couldn't figure hi
IAN I sat in my office staring at the package on my desk like it might explode at any moment. Marcus stood to my left, Annabelle to my right, both of them looking equally wary of the innocent-looking box."You said this was from Damon?" I asked Marcus for the third time, as if the answer might change."Yes. That's what the messenger told me when he delivered it to the border." Marcus shifted his weight uncomfortably. "He was very specific about it being a gift from the Lycan to you personally.""A gift." The word tasted wrong in my mouth. "Damon doesn't send gifts. Damon sends threats. We all know that here.""Well, you won't know what it is unless you open it," Annabelle pointed out, leaning forward with curiosity. "Stop being a coward and just look inside.""I am not a coward Anabelle. And watch your tongue before you get punished. Being my wife doesn't mean you can talk to me as you wish." I spat out angrily, my eyes flashing at her for a second at her."I am sorry. I didn't mea







