Lyra's POV
The moment the ceremony ended, the weight of my decision pressed down on me like a heavy
stone.
I was now Lyra, Luna of the Moonstone Pack.
The title sounded grand, powerful. But all I felt was a creeping sense of unease.
Killian's grip on my hand was firm as he led me through the crowd, his golden eyes gleaming
with satisfaction. He greeted the pack members with a confident smile, his voice deep and
reassuring. Everyone adored him, admired him, worshipped him.
But none of them saw what He did.
The glint of possession in his eyes.
The way his grip tightened whenever I shifted slightly, as if he feared I might run.
"Smile, my love," Killian murmured, his breath warm against my ear. "You don't want our pack
to think their new Luna is unhappy on her wedding day."
I forced my lips into a smile, even as my stomach twisted.
The reception was extravagant, filled with laughter, music, and endless toasts. Yet, I barely
tasted the wine in my glass, barely heard the congratulations whispered around me. My thoughts
were consumed by one thing.
Stefan was gone.
He hadn't returned after our conversation. I searched the crowd, my heart aching for a glimpse of
him, but he was nowhere to be found.
Had I lost him forever?
"Lyra," Mia's voice pulled me back. She appeared at my side, her eyes sharp as they flickered
toward Killian, who was distracted by a conversation with one of the elders.
"You're pale," she whispered. "You need fresh air."
I nodded quickly, grateful for the excuse. "I'll step outside for a moment."
Killian turned toward me, his brow lifting. "Where are you going, my love?"
I swallowed, keeping my voice even. "Just for some air. I won't be long."
His gaze lingered on me for a moment before he nodded. "Don't wander too far."
I barely managed a small smile before slipping away.
The night air was crisp as I stepped onto the balcony, the distant howl of wolves echoing through
the darkened forest.
I exhaled shakily, gripping the railing.
I had made my choice. I had spoken my vows. There was no turning back.
So why did it feel like I had just sealed my own fate?
A rustle behind me made my heart jump.
I turned sharply, only to freeze.
Stefan stood in the shadows.
His blue eyes burned with a mix of anger and something else, something raw.
"You left," I whispered, my voice barely audible over the wind.
"You married him," he said flatly.
Guilt twisted inside me. "I didn't have a choice."
"There's always a choice, Lyra." His voice was cold now, laced with something unfamiliar.
"You just didn't pick me."
Pain sliced through me. "Stefan, please, "
"Don't," he cut me off, stepping forward. "Don't act like this hurts you. You chose Killian. You
stood there and vowed to be his. You belong to him now."
I don't want to.
The words clawed at my throat, desperate to escape. But what was the point?
He was right.
Stefan let out a bitter laugh, shaking his head. "You know, I came here to warn you."
I frowned. "Warn me?"
His jaw clenched. "Killian isn't the man you think he is."
A chill ran down my spine.
"What do you mean?" I asked slowly.
Stefan hesitated, then stepped closer. "There's something about him, Lyra. Something dark. He's
hiding things. I've seen, "
"Lyra."
The sound of his voice sent ice through my veins.
I turned to see Killian standing in the doorway, his expression unreadable.
Stefan stiffened beside me.
Killian's golden eyes flickered between us before settling on Stefan with a calm that was far
more dangerous than anger.
"Is there a reason my beta is speaking privately with my mate on our wedding night?"
His voice was smooth, but I could feel the tension simmering beneath it.
Stefan straightened. "I was only offering my congratulations," he said evenly.
Killian's lips curved into a slow, knowing smile. "How thoughtful."
A silent battle raged between them.
I felt caught in the middle, my heart pounding against my ribs.
"Lyra," Killian finally said, his tone gentle but firm, "come inside."
I hesitated. Just for a second.
But Killian saw it.
His fingers twitched at his side, and something dangerous flickered in his gaze.
I swallowed and stepped toward him.
Stefan's expression darkened, his fists clenching at his sides. But he said nothing.
Killian wrapped an arm around my waist, pulling me close. His grip was tight.
"Enjoy the rest of the night, Stefan," he murmured before leading me away.
I glanced over my shoulder.
Stefan was still standing there, his face shadowed, his eyes stormy.
And in that moment, I knew, this wasn't over.
Not by a long shot.