Chapter 7%
I couldn’t even close my eyes as the sounds of pups laughing and chasing each other echoed outside. Their joy felt foreign in this place. I sighed knowing I would miss their laughter once I left X ·
Though Damon was good with pups, he would never make a good parent to the ones that would have come through me
Moments later, a knock sounded at the door. Before I could answer, it opened, and two omega wolves entered, their arms full of dresses–silks and satins, whites and silvers meant for a luna’s mating ceremony.!!
I shook my head and rolled my eyes. Was it not a dress I had just finished wearing as per Damon’s request? He really thought I was still gullible
“Your mate, warrior Damon sent these,” one of them said, her eyes looking like it was her last days on earth. “He wanted you to choose the one you liked best.
I eyed the pile coldly, my stomach twisting at Damon’s fake gestures to manipulate me. “Pick whichever one you like,” I said flatly, my tone firm. “The rest.. burn them to ashes. And pour the remains at the south riverside, “K
The omega wolves exchanged uncertain glances. “Uh?”
“Do it,” I snapped. “Not a single thread should remain ”
“And if you don’t do it correctly you will face Lyca!“N
They nodded quickly, their movements fast as they gathered the dresses and left.
I stayed still, staring at the empty doorway, the bitterness in my chest growing heavier. Damon thought he could hide his lies with pretty fabrics and empty words, but I wasn’t blind that he would always run to Lilith and given chance.
It was too late. Too late to have me wrapped around his fingers.
A soft knock came again, but this time, it was the next in line beta’s mate, Marion. She slipped inside, her expression troubled. “Lynia,” she whispered, “you didn’t hear this from me, but the pack hunters said they saw Damon near the western cliffs today… with Lilith.”
She was the only person that didn’t fully support Lilith, not that she doesn’t answer to her too.
Her words weren’t news to me, but hearing them aloud felt like a fresh wound “And?” Lasked, keeping my voice steady.
“They said she was laughing, clinging to him. He gave her a gift–a crescent moon pendant. They said it looked like something meant for a luna.”
That’s an abomination it is just 2 days to the last ceremony to make the goddess bless the union, Lyria
“Hmm” I murmured, faking surprise.8
“Sorry you found out this way”
I nodded slowly. “Thank you, Marion,
“Are you okay?” she asked hesitantly.
“I’m fine,” I lied. “You can go now”
Once she left, I exhaled, my hands curling into fists. Damon wasn’t even trying to hide his betrayal anymore.8
My lips curled into a sly smile. So, this is what he was busy with. “situation in the pack?||
A sudden, sharp pull at the edge of my mind made me freeze. It was Jareth, the dangerous rogue who has been working tirelessly on making me vanish without a trace. His voice echoed in my head through our connection.
“Madam, the ship will arrive in two days. Be ready. Say your goodbyes now because nobody will see you again and like I said, even the legendary Rogues and Alphas will not be able to sniff you out“?
Two days.
I stood and walked to the small chest beside the bed. Inside was an ancient moonstone necklace, passed down from one luna to another–a symbol of unity and leadership. It was supposed to be mine, but I wouldn’t let Damon have that satisfaction
The stone shimmered faintly in the dim light as I held it up. “This,” I whispered, “will be their parting gift.“%
When Damon returned that night, his arms were filled with a neatly wrapped bundle of fresh venison, its scent wafting through the room. He held it up with a victorious smile. The one that took my breath away then.X
“Lyria, I hunted this for you. I know how much you love it fresh,” he smiled warmly, stepping closer.!!
I froze for a moment, eyeing the meat. Fresh, yes, but not for me. Lilith’s faint scent clung to it–strong enough to already knew
to confirm wha
I
“Thank you,” I murmured, taking the bundle. My face remained calm, even as my heart roared with anger. He must think I was blind, or worse, still stupid.
Damon’s smile widened. “I thought you’d like it. I made sure it was perfect for my Luna”
I gave him a faint smile, setting the venison on the table. “You’re so thoughtful.”
He moved closer, pulling me into his arms. His touch made my skin crawl, but I let him. Two more days. Just two more.
“Tomorrow, we’ll finalize everything for the mating ceremony,” he said, his lips brushing against my temple. “You’ll be the most beautiful Luna this pack has ever seen.“!!
I chuckled softly, playing my part. “You always know how to make me feel special. I am sorry I judged you”
“I have always loved you, Lyria….we had our differences but you are my mate. My forever moonstone”
221 PM O
I love always love you, Lyle nau vui uniciclives our you die inly indie, my ruseves mane a Damon pulled back, looking into my eyes. “Because you are special, Lyria. You’ve always been.”
I nodded, pretending to be moved. “You’ve always taken care of me.”
“I’ll always take care of you,” he promised, his voice dripping with sincerity. “No one can come between us.”
The words rang hollow that even a pup would know it was a lie. I knew they weren’t meant for me. He didn’t even hide Lilith’s scent on the venison.
“Of course,” I said softly. “You’ve proven that time and again.”
He smiled, satisfied with my response. Til see you in the moming. Get some rest.”
As he turned to leave, I called out, “Damon?”
“Yes, my love?”
“I hope you’re ready for the ceremony. It’s going to be unforgettable,” I said, my voice steady but with an edge he didn’t catch. His grin widened. “I wouldn’t expect anything less.”
m think they’ve won. In two days, they’d see
When he left, I glanced at the venison. My claws itched to shred it, but I held back. Let them who truly had the upper hand
He rushed back in like he forgot another lie–it was the door creaking open with a rush, He was slightly out of breath, his eyes darting around until they landed on me..
“Lyria,” he started, his voice rushed but attempting to sound soft, “I completely forgot to mention something important.”
I looked up from where I sat by the window, a faint smile on my lips “What is it?”
He stepped closer, running a hand through his dark hair. “Before the ceremony, we need to go to the healer’s den tomorrow. You know… for the traditional preparations.”
“Preparations? I asked, tilting my head slightly.
“Yes.” He gave a quick nod. “It’s just something wolves do before being officially mated. You’ll love it–part of our heritage.”
“And the Alpha said it was compulsory and remember, I am a warrior. And you are his daughter. So we have to fulfil all traditional
I held back a bitter laugh, keeping my expression calm. This wasn’t about me; it was about meticulous about maintaining the image of a devoted mate
appearances. Damon was always
I gave him a soft smile, meeting his gaze. “Of course. That sounds wonderful. You would be there right?“8
“Yes, why would I leave you by yourself?” He asked, maintaining his calm tone.
“OK…
His shoulders relaxed as if my compliance was a relief to him. “Good. I’ll come get you early tomorrow. You’ll be ready, right?” “Of course,” I said again, balancing myself and my tone.
He reached out, brushing a strand of hair from my face. “You’re perfect, Lyria. Truly, I don’t know what I did to deserve you.”
Same lines, same lies &
“Lyria”
I wanted to flinch, but I didn’t. Instead, I leaned into his hand slightly playing my y role. “You’re too kind, Damon.”
“My father was the kindest to bless me with someone like you” I lied.X
“The Alpha doesn’t make mistakes. He is wise and full of knowledge” He leaned forward, pressing a kiss to my forehead. “Rest well tonight. Tomorrow is the start of forever.”
As he left, I stayed still, my hands clenched tightly in my lap. Forever? I’d be gone in two days. And Damon and Lilith would be left to reap what they’d sown. Then, they would come outside and do their love openly
As the door closed behind Damon, I waited a moment, listening to his footsteps fade into the distance. When the silence settled, I stood and walked to the mirror on the far wall.
The reflection staring back at me wasn’t the docile, obedient Lyria Damon thought he knew. My lips curved into a slow, deliberate smile, one that didn’t reach my eyes.
“You’re too kind, Damon,” I muttered under my breath, mocking my own words from earlier.
My woll stirred inside me, her presence rippling through my chest like a storm waiting to be unleashed. He thinks he’s in control, she growled, her voice strong and steady. Two days, and we’ll show them.
My eyes glimmered as her energy began to rise. The calm, broken Lyria I was, was gone. In her place stood the wolf I’d been suppressing for far too long.
The next moming came very fast.
