Chapter 26%
“The name is Nok.” He said as I trailed behind him.
“Lyria.” I said too, allowing the silence to do the talking.
I watched Nok, my eyes narrowing. “Is it nice?” I asked, my voice dripping with a bit of sarcasm. “Not welcoming traveling wolves who want to explore your territory?“?
Nok chuckled, his lips curving into a smile. The sound of his laughter was soft, almost like he didn’t mind my question. “Maybe it is,” he said, looking at me with a playful glint in his eyes. “But you’re different, Lyria.”
“Yeah,” he said, his smile widening. “You’re not just… your wolf too. You’re both crazy. And delusional.”
I tilted my head. “Crazy and delusional? I laughed, rolling my eyes. “My wolf hasn’t ripped you apart. yet. What if she does, what term would it be?“}
He shrugged, still not bothered. “You know what I mean.” He met my gaze, his voice softening. “I meant it as a good thing.”
Lyca stirred inside me, not liking the joke one bit.
“To a traveling wolf, we have to make your stay a pleasant
ant one….don’t you think?“%
“Well, your territory’s first impression was beautiful but yours was not up to par. It was too low. Picking on lone wolves?“!
“You don’t seem lone to me..you eyes carried fire. The big one, it’s like you just come to term with this version of you” He commented like he knew me and what I did In the ship!
Before I could respond, Nok glanced toward a young she wolf standing nearby. She couldn’t have been much older than me. “You’re staying with her tonight,” he said, pointing to the she–wolf. “She’s around your age. She’ll take good care of you‘
“Maybe she would make you love our territory more and make you join our pack
The she–woll’s eyes brightened as she noticed us. “Really? You’re staying with me?” Her voice was filled with excitement. “I’ve always wanted a sister
ing I’d never had.
| shifted uncomfortably at the word “sister” It felt strange, like something
I didn’t want another Lilith.
But I quickly covered it with a smile. “Sure,” I said, trying to hide the discomfort “Til stay.”
“I will manage here” I smiledil
Nok nodded, looking pleased. “Good. fl see you tomorrow“:
Rudina, the young she-wolf, led me to her den, a small place with a fire crackling inside. The warmth from the fire was a relief after the cool evening air. Rudina was practically bouncing with excitement. Tm so glad you’re here!” she said, her eyes sparkling. Tve always wanted a sister. Someone to talk to, someone to share my things with ”
“You are here to stay right?”
Her excitement made my chest hurt, a strange feeling I couldn’t quite name. “It’s nice to meet you too,” I said softly, giving her a small smile. I wasn’t sure how to respond–this wasn’t something I was used to anymore
We settled by the fire, and Lyra kept talking, telling me about her life here and how she longed for someone like me.X “Everyone had a female companion and the Alpha had promised I would get one too before my mating ceremony. “I
I nodded,
“You would be there, right?” She pulled at the edge of
my
clothes.!
“Uh?” I was confused
“Where?” I wanted to be sure.
“My mating ceremony” She squinted her eyes
“I like her” Lyca leaped inside of me.X
“Can’t wait to be hos” Rudina voice came again and I nodded absentmindedly. Again.
I kept nodding along, trying to keep up with her energy, but my mind kept drifting back to Nok. He seemed nothing like Damon
The morning light hit my face, and I groaned. Rudina was already talking again. She never seemed to stop.
“Lyrial Finally! I thought you’d sleep all day,” she teased, standing at the entrance of the den.
“You talked all night, Rudina,” I muttered, sitting up. “I needed some peace.”
She laughed. “Come on! Let’s go pick flowers. The meadow is beautiful in the moming.”
“Flowers?” I raised an eyebrow. “Do I look like the flower–picking type to you?
She grinned. “Nope. But you’re coming anyway. Get up!”
I wanted to tell her I just arrived and would want to sleep a little but decided against it as I saw her face.
I sighed and followed her outside. The meadow wasn’t far, and it was nice. Colors everywhere, soft scents in the air. Rudina ran ahead like an excited pup.
“Look at this one!” she called, holding up a bright yellow flower. “It’s perfect, don’t you think?”
“It’s fine,” I said, grabbing a random flower.
She rolled her eyes. “You have no taste. What about this?” She showed me a blue one.“)
