Chapter 35%
I tried to hide my smile behind my cup. “She’s not wrong,” I said, enjoying the way Nok’s cheeks flushed slightly
“You’re both ganging up on me now,” he said, shaking his head.”
“Get used to it,” Febby said. “That’s what family does.
For the first time in my life, I felt like I had one.
“You’re stuck with me now,” I said, teasing Nok.8
He leaned closer, his voice low and serious. That’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”
I looked away, my heart racing again. How did he always manage to do that?
Febby watched us, her smile still there painting forevermore. “You two are going to be just fine,” she said softly
Nok held my hand, his thumb brushing gently over my knuckles as we sat together. His mother smiled at us warmly, sipping her tea. I was about to tease Nok about the way he stared at me again when I heard my name.
“Lyraf
Both Nok and I turned at the same time. My heart dropped. Damon stood there, his couldn’t believe his eyes. Beside him was my mother, the Luna, her eyes showed she just finished crying
I wasn’t moved
“What are you doing here?” I asked, my voice sharp as I stood, stepping closer to Nok.!
Damon’s eyes roamed over me, landing on my short hair. “What happened to your hair? Why would you cut it?”
Before I could answer, Nok stepped in front of me, his voice calm but firm. “Don’t touch her,” he said, blocking Damon’s path. “She’s my mate–to–be.”
Damon’s jaw lightened. “We’re still bonded,” he said, ignoring Nok’s waming. “Lyria, I never stopped thinking about you. I’ve been searching everywhere-”
“It’s too late,” I cut him off, my voice steady. “Whatever bond we had, it’s gone. I don’t want it
My mother stepped forward, tears streaming down her face. “Lyria, please. We’re sorry. Come back home. Things will be different
I promise.“}
“I have dealt with Lilith. Your father has also banished her She rushed her words.X
I was trying to hold back the emotions threatening to burst “Home?” I said bitterly. “You mean the place where I was always in Lilith’s shadow? Where I was nothing but an afterthought?”
“Where you sing to my ears that I wasn’t your heir?”
She fell to her knees, sobbing. “I made mistakes. We all did. But we love you, Lyria. Please, come back.”
I shook my head, stepping behind Nok’s mother, seeking the warmth and safety she always gave me. “No,” I said firmly. This is my family now. Nok’s mother treats me with the love you never gave. She’s my mother now.”
Febby put a protective arm around me, her expression calm but strong. “She’s right,” she said, her voice steady. “Lyria is part of this family now. You had your chance, and you falled her“!
Damon dropped to his knees, desperation in his eyes. “Lyria, please. I’m begging you. We’re still bonded. I can feel it. You’re mine… You’ve always been mine.“B
I stared at him, unmoved. “No, Damon. I was never yours. You chose Lilith. You treated me like I was nothing. Now, I’m finally with someone who sees me, who values me.”
Is that too hard for you to see?” I asked.}
Nok stepped forward, towering over Damon. “You’re wasting your time,” he said coldly. “Lynia is with me now. And I’m everything you’re not–an Alpha, stronger more dominant, and someone who actually deserves her.”
“If you don’t leave thus territory respectfully, I will have them throw you out“!
Damon looked up at Nok, his eyes filled with anger and pain. “You don’t understand–“–
