All Chapters of The Bride Who Returned From Death: Chapter 41 - Chapter 50

Lyra’s POVThe inner chambers of the Northern pack were nothing like the public meeting halls.This room was smaller, more intimate, designed for family discussions rather than pack business. Dark wood paneling covered the walls, and heavy curtains blocked out most of the natural light. A single chandelier cast shadows across the faces of everyone present.Alejandro and Isabella sat in high-backed chairs that might as well have been thrones. Their expressions were carved from stone, impossible to read. Rafael and Marisol stood behind them, along with Vicente. Even the twins were present, though they looked uncomfortable being here.Killian and I stood in the center of the room like defendants awaiting judgment.My wolf was still restless from the heat, still pulling toward Killian despite everything that had happened. But I forced myself to focus. To push down the physical needs and concentrate on the very real political disaster we’d created.The silence stretched until it became unb

Lyra’s POVThe Riverstone pack territory felt hostile the moment we crossed the border.Guards watched us with cold eyes as our car passed through the gates. Pack members stopped what they were doing to stare, their expressions ranging from curiosity to outright hatred. No one smiled or offered welcome.We were enemies here, not guests.The main building loomed ahead, all stone and sharp angles, built more like a fortress than a home. Appropriate, given how we were being received.Killian’s hand found mine as we stepped out of the car. The contact steadied me, reminding me I wasn’t facing this alone.Two guards escorted us inside without a word. They led us through corridors that felt deliberately maze-like, probably meant to disorient visitors. Finally, we stopped at a heavy wooden door.One guard knocked twice, then pushed it open.The room beyond was austere. A single window let in weak afternoon light. Medical equipment lined one wall, and in the center stood a man who radiated au

Lyra’s POVAdrian’s eyes found mine through the window.For a moment, we just stared at each other across the distance. Then that familiar smug smile spread across his face, and he started walking toward the building.My heart raced as I backed away from the window. I should have known he’d show up here. Of course he would see this situation as an opportunity.A knock sounded on my door minutes later.I opened it to find Adrian standing there, looking entirely too pleased with himself. He’d cleaned up since the scandal… new clothes, freshly styled hair, that confident posture he wore like armor.“Hello, Lyra,” he said smoothly. “Fancy meeting you here.”“What do you want, Adrian?”“Just thought I’d check on my ex-fiancée. See how you’re settling into your new… situation.” His eyes swept over the sparse room behind me. “Not quite what you’re used to at the Northern pack, is it?”“Get to the point.”He leaned against the doorframe, still smiling. “I want you to know that I’m going to do

Killian’s POVShe was lying on my bed, wearing one of the lingerie sets I’d bought for Lyra. The emerald green one that had looked so perfect on her.On Mona, it just looked wrong.“What the hell are you doing in my room?” I demanded.She sat up slowly, arranging herself in what was probably meant to be a seductive pose. “I thought you might need company. You’ve seemed so tense lately.”“Get out.”“Killian, please. Just listen.” She stood, moving closer. “I know you’re worried about Lyra. But she’s not here, and you have needs. We could comfort each other.”Anger flared hot and immediate. “You think I’d touch you while my mate is in another pack’s territory?”“Your mate who walked into a meeting in heat and caused this entire mess?” Mona’s voice took on a harder edge. “Who’s now apparently pursuing dangerous magic without consulting anyone? She’s reckless, Killian. You deserve better.”“I deserve better than someone who breaks into my private chambers and puts on my mate’s clothes, th

Adrian’s POVMy informants spread whispers through the Riverstone pack. Nothing direct that could be traced back to me. Just carefully placed doubts.“Did you hear she’s been researching forbidden magic?”“Why would the Northern pack send her here if not to weaken us further?”“Convenient timing, isn’t it? Right when we’re vulnerable.”Meanwhile, I made sure to be visible around Riverstone territory. Attending public events, being respectful and courteous, slowly building my own reputation as a reasonable alternative.When the whispers had spread enough, I arranged a “chance” meeting with several Riverstone pack members at a local establishment.They were already talking about Lyra when I arrived.I sat nearby, pretending not to listen at first. Then one of them noticed me and called out.“Adrian Massimo, right? The one who was supposed to mate with her?”I turned, affecting a slightly pained expression. “Yes, that’s me.”“Can we ask you something?” The speaker, a middle-aged warrior,