CHAPTER SIX: OBSIDIAN RIDGE AND THE EIGHTEENTH BIRTHDAY

Lyra’s P.O.V.

The wind on Obsidian Ridge was cold, but it smelled fresh, like pine trees and flowers.

Riding my black horse Shadow beside Mum and Dad helped clear my mind. Up here, high above our pack's land, everything was peaceful and quiet.

"Look at that view," Mum said softly, stopping her horse at the cliff's edge.

Dad stopped beside her and took her hand as they looked down at the valley. I slowed Shadow down and watched them. Their deep love for each other had always made me feel safe.

"This is much better than sitting in school, isn't it?" Dad asked, looking back at me with a warm smile.

"A lot better," I agreed, taking a deep breath.

Dad’s smile faded, replaced by a serious look. He rode his horse a little closer to mine. "You've been quiet lately, Lyra. It feels like something is weighing on your mind."

I looked down at my horse's mane and held the reins tighter. I didn’t tell anyone about the strange woman at the mall store because I didn't want to worry my parents or make them think I wasn't happy with them. But ‌I always wondered about where I came from.

"I just wonder sometimes, Dad," I mumbled. "About who I was before I came here. How I got this scar, or if anyone out there knows who my real parents are."

Mum reached over and gently took my hand. "Sweetheart, wanting to know about your past doesn't mean you love us any less. We always knew you would have questions one day."

"The world outside our borders is complicated, Lyra," Dad added, and his voice grew deeper and more serious. "Not every pack is peaceful like ours. There are old rivalries and dangerous leaders out there."

He stopped for a second, looking north toward the cold, snowy mountains in the distance.

"Take the De Luca pack, for example," Dad said, his jaw tightening. "Our pack has kept peace for years, but the De Lucas control north of here. They are a ruthless pack focused only on power and war. Their young Alpha, Alessandro De Luca, took over after his father died in battle. Everyone fears him. He thinks showing emotion is a weakness."

I felt a sudden chill, as if the wind had gotten colder. "Alessandro De Luca..." I repeated his name softly. "Is he dangerous?"

"Very dangerous," Dad warned. "He rules with total control and trusts no one. That is why we keep our borders locked. There are dangerous wolves out there Lyra. My job is to protect you from men like him until you are ready."

I nodded. Hearing about Alessandro made the world outside feel scary, but sitting up on the ridge with my parents made me feel safe. Whatever my past was, I knew I wasn't alone.

The peaceful feeling didn't last long. The rest of the week went by fast as we prepared for the biggest night of the year.

Tonight was our senior prom, but it was also my eighteenth birthday. In our world, turning eighteen was a massive deal. It was the exact night a wolf became a full adult and could finally feel and find their destined soulmate—their mate. To mark both milestones, my Dad decided to host the prom and my birthday celebration together in the grand hall.

I stood in front of the full-length mirror in my bedroom and smoothed down the gown I had bought at the mall. The long black dress with dark-violet accents gave me an elegant, mysterious look. The velvet top fit comfortably, and the dark silk skirt flowed smoothly down to the floor. My hair, styled in loose curls, left my neck exposed and my right cheek completely uncovered.

For the first time in my life, I didn't feel the need to hide my scar.

Someone knocked softly on the door, and Mum walked in. She stopped instantly, her hand moving to her mouth as tears filled her eyes. "Oh, Lyra... You look so beautiful, my sweet girl."

"Mum, don't make me cry," I said with a soft laugh. "I spent a long time on my makeup."

Mum walked over and gently cupped my cheek. "Eighteen years ago, you came into our lives like a little light. No matter where life takes you, you will always be my daughter."

Dad appeared in the doorway wearing a black suit. He tried to act tough, but I could see how proud he was. "You look like a queen, kiddo," he said warmly, wrapping an arm around Mum. "Though I'm not happy about all the boys who will be looking at you tonight."

"Dad!" I groaned, but I couldn't stop smiling.

"He's not joking," Ethan said, leaning against the doorframe in a sharp suit. "Your dad told Elliot and I, to guard you all night."

The pack hall was decorated with glowing lights and filled with music. Friends, family, and guests from nearby packs gathered in the grand room to celebrate senior prom and my eighteenth birthday party all at once.

For the first few hours, everything was amazing. I danced in my black and violet dress with Ethan, Elena, Maya, and Elliot until my feet hurt. We ate snacks, laughed, and had fun.

Then, right around midnight—the exact moment I officially turned eighteen—the entire room went completely quiet.

The music stopped. The laughter died down instantly. The guards standing by the big front doors suddenly stood up straight.

An Alpha had walked in.

The heavy doors opened, and a small group stepped inside. Walking in front was a tall young man who carried himself with so much power it made my heart race.

He moved like a hunter—strong, confident, and sharp. He had broad shoulders, a strong jaw, and eyes as cold and grey as a winter sky.

"Who is that?" Maya whispered, holding my arm.

Elliot leaned in and whispered. "That's him... Alpha Alessandro De Luca. He came as a visiting guest because your dad invited him."

My breath caught in my throat. Alessandro. The dangerous Alpha my dad had warned me about on the mountain. He didn't know anyone in our group, and he walked through the crowd looking like a king inspecting a room full of strangers.

Then, his sharp grey eyes swept across the room—and locked directly onto mine.

BOOM.

A shockwave ran straight through my chest. The entire room went silent. The scent of rain, fresh air, and dark wood filled my senses. A wave of heat rushed through my body, pulling me toward him.

Mate. My inner wolf shouted the word in my mind. Mate! Mate! Mate!

He was my soulmate. The Moon Goddess had chosen Alessandro De Luca for me.

A hopeful smile formed on my face, and I took a small step toward him in my long black dress.

Alessandro stood just a few feet away, tall and unmoving. His grey eyes met mine, sharp and cold like ice. Slowly, his gaze dragged across my face, stopping directly on the jagged scar on my right cheek. His jaw clenched so hard the muscles flexed, and his entire expression hardened into absolute disgust.

He took three heavy steps forward. The surrounding air grew freezing, heavy with a crushing Alpha aura that made it hard to even breathe. He looked down at me from his towering height, his face completely devoid of warmth or pity.

"No," he said.

His voice didn't just carry across the hall; it shattered the quiet like breaking glass.

"I, Alpha Alessandro De Luca," he growled, his tone ringing out with brutal power, "refuse to be tied to a broken, useless distraction. I reject you as my mate and as my Luna."

A violent, tearing pain exploded in the center of my chest. It felt as if a vital piece of my soul was being ripped away by force, leaving behind a burning, hollow wound. Hot tears rushed to my eyes, but shock held me completely still.

I searched his face for a tremor, a blink, any sign of hesitation.

There was nothing. His eyes remained as dark and lifeless as frozen iron.

Gasps echoed through the room. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Dad lunge forward with a roaring snarl, his claws extending. I heard Mum's heartbroken cry, and Ethan shoved his way toward us with rage in his eyes.

Everyone in the hall was staring at me, their eyes wide with shock, pity, and horror.

Tonight was supposed to be my celebration. Instead, in front of my family, my friends, and my entire pack, a stranger had just publicly discarded me and crushed me under the weight of his cruel words.

I didn't stay to hear Dad attack him. I couldn't stand under the burning weight of everyone's pity for another second.

I gathered the dark silk skirt of my dress, turned away from him, and ran out into the dark, silent night.