Chapter 40%
I smiled faintly. “No, they didn’t. I was always in my sister Lilith’s shadow. She was their pride and joy, while I was… an afterthought. No matter how hard I tried, it was never enough.”
The room was quiet, and I could feel their eyes on me.
“My father never let me speak in council meetings,” I continued. “He silenced me at every turn. Even when I won battles in training, I never got so much as a word of praise. But that didn’t stop me. I trained harder. I learned everything I could. Because I knew one day, I’d have to stand on my own.
Rudina’s words from earlier echoed in my mind. “You’re stronger now.” She was right. I wasn’t the same girl begging for approval anymore.
One of the younger council members spoke up. “Well, I’d say you’ve more than proven yourself, Lady Lyria.”
I glanced at him, surprised.
He smiled. “You’re sharp, resourceful, and clearly dedicated to the pack. It’s an honor to have you here.”
The others nodded in agreement and for the first time, I felt a flicker of pride–not for their recognition, but for how far fd come.
“Thank you,” I said simply.
As the meeting concluded and I walked out, I couldn’t help but smile. My father’s words might have haunted me once, but not anymore. This was my life now and I’d earned every bit of it.
When I got back to my chamber, I closed the door and let out a deep breath. For the first time in a long while, I felt a spark of pride in myself. Today had been different. I stood my ground in the council, showed them what I was capable of, and left no room for doubt.
“Nok would be so proud of me I muttered.
Settling onto the soft cushions by the window. My chest swelled with satisfaction. Td worked hard to get here, and it was finally starting to pay off.
But then, her voice slipped into my mind through the link. My mother.
“Lyria… my daughter, please. I need to talk to you
I froze for a moment, her tone always catching me off guard. It wasn’t commanding or cold like I was used to. It was pleading. Desperate. She wasn’t giving up on having me back!!!
“Lyria, I’m sorry. I’ve been unfair to you. Please, come back home. Let us fix this.
This was the same woman who had ignored my cries for help, who turned her back on me time and time again. And now, she wanted to act like it mattered??
“They must really take me for a foolish pup” I concluded
“You’re too late, Mother,” I replied with no emotion through the link. I’ve already built my home elsewhere.”
“I told you before, I will say it again. Forget about me“?
Her sobs echoed faintly in my mind, but I closed the link without hesitation
