Lyra tried sleeping but it worked though not without the bond fighting it's way through her.
Every time she closed her eyes, she felt Kael, standing outside her door, restrained by duty and pride, burning with everything he refused to say.
By dawn, she was done waiting.
If the palace wanted a decision, she would give them one they couldn't control.
(Lyra POV)
She found Rhydian in the lower training grounds.
That alone was a statement.
Warriors paused mid-motion when they saw her cross the sand. Whispers followed her like smoke.
Rhydian turned, clearly surprised, and pleased.
"You're bold," he said. "Most would send a messenger."
"I'm not most," Lyra replied.
She didn't circle him. Didn't flirt. Didn't bow.
"I heard your offer in the council chamber," she said. "Sanctuary. Choice."
Rhydian studied her carefully now.
"And?"
"I want to know the price."
A slow smile curved his mouth. "Straight to the teeth of it. I respect that."
He stepped closer, not threatening, but intentional.
"Alliance," he said. "Public interest. And eventually... "
"No mating," Lyra cut in.
Rhydian blinked.
"Not now. Not promised. Not implied," she said firmly. "If I accept protection, it's on my terms."
Silence stretched.
Then Rhydian laughed. Not mocking, impressed.
"You drive a hard bargain for an omega."
"I'm not bargaining," Lyra said. "I'm choosing."
Kael Feels It
Kael felt the shift like a blade sliding between his ribs.
Not pain.
Distance.
The bond didn't weaken, but it pulled. Reached outward.
His wolf snarled.
Before his mind caught up, his feet were already moving.
Kael reached the training grounds just as Rhydian extended his hand.
The sight detonated something dark and ancient inside him.
"Step away from her," Kael said.
Every warrior froze.
Rhydian's hand hovered mid-air. "You're late."
Lyra turned.
Her expression wasn't frightened.
That hurt worse.
"I didn't summon you," she said to Kael.
The words were calm. Controlled.
Deadly.
"You're making a mistake," Kael said, eyes locked on her.
Lyra tilted her head. "By choosing for myself?"
"You're playing politics," he snapped. "With men who don't care what it costs you."
Rhydian raised a brow. "Careful, Alpha. That sounds like jealousy."
Kael ignored him.
"You think this gives you freedom," Kael said to Lyra. "It doesn't. It just trades one cage for another."
Lyra stepped closer to Kael, close enough that only he could hear her.
"Then why does it terrify you?"
The bond flared, raw, exposed.
Kael's breath hitched.
Rhydian cleared his throat. "Shall I take that as a yes, Lyra?"
Kael's control snapped.
"No," he growled. "You will not take her anywhere."
Lyra turned sharply. "I am not yours."
The words cracked through the air.
Kael's face went still.
Too still.
The Alpha voice dropped,low, dangerous.
"You feel the bond. You know what you are to me."
Lyra's voice trembled, but she didn't back down.
"Then stop treating me like a secret you're afraid to claim."
Silence.
Absolute.
Rhydian slowly lowered his hand.
"This," he said lightly, "is more volatile than I expected."
After the Crowd Clears
Rhydian left, intentionally.
The warriors dispersed, reluctantly.
Only Lyra and Kael remained.
The air between them crackled.
"You would have gone with him," Kael said.
"I might have," Lyra answered honestly. "If you kept hiding behind your crown."
Kael stepped closer.
Too close.
"Do you know what happens if I claim you?" he asked quietly. "What I lose?"
Lyra lifted her chin.
"Do you know what happens if you don't?"
The bond surged, hot, furious, aching.
Kael's hand came up, stopping inches from her face. He didn't touch her.
Control, bleeding.
"I am running out of restraint," he said.
Lyra's pulse raced.
"Then stop running."