Chapter 5%
The sun was barely peeking over the horizon when Damon appeared at the cabin door, his presence as commanding as ever. But they don’t move me any more. His brown eyes locked onto mine, his expression blank unlike when looking at Lilith. I sat at the table, sharpening the edge of my ceremonial dagger, the metallic scrape filling the silence between us.
“We leave today,” Damon said, stepping inside. His tone was brisk, as if he expected no argument. “We’ll meet with Alpha and Luna first. After that, we’ll travel to my parents‘ territory to finalize the arrangements.”
I didn’t look up. Instead, I dragged the blade along the stone one more time, loving the way the sound grated against his words.
“Lyria,” he pressed, his voice growing sharper.”
I finally raised my eyes to meet his, a slow, cold smile spreading across my lips. “Of course, Damon. I’ll be there.“I
He frowned, his gaze narrowing. “Be ready in an hour. We can’t afford to keep the Alpha waiting.”
I set the dagger down deliberately, leaning back in my chair. “You go ahead” I said sweetly. “I’ll follow shortly.”
His jaw tightened. “We leave together.”
I tilted my head, letting the silence stretch. “I said I come soon.” My smile didn’t waver, though the edge in my voice was unmistakable.
Damon stared at me for a long moment, his frustration could not be mistaken. Finally, he turned toward the door, muttering under his breath, “Don’t be late.
“I wouldn’t dream of it I murmured, watching him leave.
“Damon,” I whispered to the blade, “this time, I’ll let you have it all. The pack, the power–everything. I’m done fighting for scraps of your attention.”
The memory of that night with Jareth resurfaced as I prepared myself. It was only a week ago, but the details were as vivid as if they had happened moments ago. His sly grin, the map spread across the stump, the whispered promises of escape–everything about that encounter had solidified my mind. I was leaving
I’d leave with the first wave of wolves heading to the journey of no return, a distant land I had dreamed of exploring for as long as I could remember. Once I crossed the river, I would finally be free of this suffocating life.
Jareth had said “Once you set sail, no wolf–Alpha, Beta, or rogue–will be able to find you.”
The packhouse was bustling with activity by the time I arrived. Wolves in their pelts moved about, preparing for the upcoming hunt, the Moon Festival and our last mating ceremony. Damon was waiting near the grand oak tree where the Alpha and Luna often held court. his posture rigid as he spoke with a few warriors.
I approached slowly, my footsteps deliberately soft. He didn’t notice me until I was nearly beside him.!!
“You’re late,” he hissed, his tone low but seething.
I shrugged, brushing past him. “I am sorry, Damon… I just wanted this ceremony to happen and be yours completely “Been bonded for years, in a few days, the moon goddess would bear witness too I added in a soft voice, the one he was used to. “Lyria,” his voice was softer than usual, almost coaxing. I felt as though I was Lilith. I turned to see him stepping closer to me, his broad frame filling the tiny space between us. His piercing brown eyes locked onto mine, and for a fleeting moment, I thought I saw something in them–regret, maybe.
But then his lips curled into that familiar smirk. He reached out, taking my hand in his warm grip 8
“You’ve been busy,” he said, glancing at the other wolves immersed in activities.
“I’ve been preparing,” I replied flatly.”
Damon laughed, a low, rumbling sound that sent a shiver down my spine. “You don’t have to work so hard. Once you’re mine, take care of everything for you. You won’t have to lift a paw.”
My chest tightened, and I forced a smile. “Yours?” The words tasted bitter on my tongue!
He leaned closer, brushing his lips against my ear. “You’ll be the perfect mate. Just wait.”
I nodded, stepping back and clearing my throat.
“Come, let’s go meet the Alpha and Luna..” He held me softly by the hands, leading the way while I trailed behind.!
Damon and I arrived at Elder’s den–a large clearing beneath the towering oaks where elders often held their meetings. I dreaded it the moment I arrived!
The pack’s best pelts lined the seating area, and garlands of wildflowers adomed every comer. Lilith sat at the center, draped in a blood–red ceremonial robe. Her dark hair shine under the sun as if the goddess herself had blessed her.
Before Damon could speak, the Alpha stepped forward, his massive frame casting a big shadow over us. The Luna stood beside him, her presence no less commanding despite her smaller stature.
“Damon. Lyria,” the Alpha greeted, his voice a deep rumble. “I trust you’re prepared for the journey?”
“Yes, Alpha” Damon responded, bowing slightly.
The Alpha’s eyes lingered on me for a moment longer before he nodded. “Good. Then let’s not waste time. Damon, ensure everything is in order when you reach your parents‘ territory. This alliance depends on it.”
Damon nodded eagerly. “It will be done, Alpha T
Damon was not aware that I had already packed the little I owned in this pack. A small satchel sat by the door, its contents carefully
2:21 PM –
is in order when you reach your parents‘ territory. This alliance depends on it”
Damon nodded eagerly. “It will be done, Alpha.”
Damon was not aware that I had already packed the little I owned in this pack. A small satchel sat by the door, its contents carefully
chosen: a precious locket, a wom journal, and the ceremonial dagger I had been gifted as a pup.
We arrived at Damon’s parents‘ temitory. The gates opened, and Damon didn’t even glance at me. I followed behind, silent as we walked up to the large house.X
On the porch, laughter filled the air. I froze. Lilith was there, sitting with his parents, draped in a fine fur cloak. I wasn’t surprised she had her clothes changed too.
“Damon!” His mother stood, rushing toward him with open arms. She hugged him tightly, ignoring me completely.
“You’re here, finally!” His father joined her, clapping Damon on the back.
Lilith smiled, standing gracefully. “Damon….. I even got here before you and my sister,” she said, her voice sweet and warm.
“Why is she here?” I asked sharply, glaring at Lilith
Lilith smirked, “Oh, Lyria, didn’t you know? Damon’s parents invited me. They’ve always treated me like family. And besides, you are my sister–I can’t just leave you to come to another territory alone“:
“Unlike some wolves, Damon’s mother added coldly, not even looking at me.
I turned to Damon, my voice low. “How did this happen?”
He didn’t answer. Instead, he stepped toward Lilith, offering her a polite nod.
“This fur is beautiful” He complimented her
“You’ve grown more radiant, Lilith his mother said, taking her hand. “If only Damon had been blessed with you as his mate.
I stiffened, my nails digging into my palms.
“Exactly,” his father agreed, his tone sharp as he cast a glance my way “If Damon had mated with Lilith, our pack would be stronger than ever Instead, he settles for.. His voice trailed off with disdain as he waved a hand in my direction. “A stray.”
The word hit me like a slap, but I kept my head high
Damon’s jaw tightened, but he said nothing, his eyes fixed on the ground 8
The insult was too heavy for me but I forced myself to stay calm, though my blood boiled. Lilith’s smug smile only deepened, and I realized this wasn’t just a visit. Lilith had turned this around too in her favor.
Of course. Everything was always about Lilith. She was everything I wasn’t–charming, radiant, and most importantly, a pureblood wolf. Unlike me, the orphaned stray they had taken in because of their goodwill.3
Lilith laughed lightly, resting a perfectly manicured hand on Damon’s arm. “Don’t be upset, sister. I’ll make sure they remember your kindness.
Damon stood beside her, silent but smiling like a stupid pup.
The meeting dragged on, the conversation revolving around Lilith’s contributions to the pack, her beauty, and her inevitable union with Damon. I sat silently, my hands clenched into fists beneath the table.
“Lyria, if only you were as lively and charming as Lilith,” Damon’s mother said again, her tone dripping with false concern. “Then maybe you wouldn’t seem so out of place here.”
I forced a tight smile, my heart pounding with the urge to retaliate. But Lilith, ever the gracious one, leaned forward with a practiced look of sympathy. I wondered if she spent her childhood pretending in front of the river.”
The meeting finally ended as the sky darkened. A sudden downpour began, very intense like it wanted to wash away my past. “Lilith, you’ll catch a cold,” Damon said immediately, shrugging off his fur–lined cloak to wrap it around her. She smiled up at him, and I saw the adoration in his eyes.
The sight made something inside me snap.
I turned on my heel and walked away, the rain plastering my hair to my face. Damon didn’t call after me. Of course, he didn’t.
