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😭 After a thousand lashes, I could barely stand. My father still called me a disgrace—and ordered me to keep serving under the sister who had replaced me. 😭 Betrayed LYRA’S POV I lowered my gaze to my phone for the fourth time in ten minutes expecting a reply. Still nothing. The message I'd sent Logan half an hour ago remained unread. A small crease formed between my brows as I opened our conversation and scrolled upward. The farther I went, the tighter my chest became. There had been a time when Logan filled my screen with messages from morning until night. He wanted to know where I was, whether I'd eaten, whether I had returned safely from patrol. Sometimes he would come up with the most ridiculous excuses just to start a conversation and keep me talking for a little longer. Now almost every conversation started with me saying good morning and ended with me saying I love you. His messages had gradually become shorter over the past few months. Long conversations turned into brief replies that gradually turned into a few words. Sometimes all I received was a single text for a whole week. “He’s just busy. I should not be a bitch and nag him. After all, he’s training hard to be the next alpha of his pack,” I told myself and tugged at the hem of the long pink dress I am wearing that felt too tight and girly for my muscular body. I sighed. “It’s my fault for being out of his life these past days. I neglected him. As his mate, he should be my number one priority,” I blamed myself. The Blackwood Pack's northern territory had suffered constant rogue attacks for months, and most of the responsibility for protecting the borders had fallen onto my shoulders. I spent countless nights leading patrols through forests and beheading the enemies. There were days when I slept only a few hours before heading back out again. Maybe I had neglected him and maybe he was upset because of that. A worried smile tugged at my lips as I scratched an old exposed wound on my arm. “If that was the case, I should apologize to him.” After all, Logan was my mate. The Moon Goddess had chosen him for me. I love him with all of me. The thought should have comforted me but for some reason, the uneasy feeling that had been haunting me for weeks settled even deeper inside my chest. Around me, the grand ceremonial hall buzzed with celebration. Warriors, elders, and representatives from neighboring packs filled the enormous chamber beneath crystal chandeliers and silver wolf banners. Laughter echoed through the room and music drifted through the air. Tonight was supposed to be a night of joy for the Blackwood Pack for winning against a major battle in the borders and yet I felt strangely detached from it all, as though I were standing outside the celebration and watching someone else's life unfold. “Gosh, is that Bella Blackwood? She’s so fucking pretty. She looked like a fairy with that dress.” “That’s the girl that looks like the moon goddess?” “Yes. She’s so elegant and pure that I was not sold to the idea that Lyra is her sister. I mean, have you seen them together? One would think that Lyra is Bella’s personal bodyguard. That one is the roughest and savagest woman I have ever met!” I can only look down at the stains of blood on my chipped nails and hide them behind my back. Looking up, I can see Bella Blackwood, my younger sister, twirling around elegantly talking to the smitten visitors. She’s the favorite child of the family. The Blackwood Pack's precious princess. My dearest younger sister. She wore the white ceremonial gown embroidered with silver thread that shimmered beneath the lights. That should be mine to wear as the eldest born in the family but since she asked for it, then I willingly gave it to her. Bella is my precious sister. I should give her everything she wants. Pack members surrounded her in a constant stream of admiration and congratulations. The elders smiled warmly whenever she spoke. Warriors bowed respectfully when she passed. Even visiting Alphas seemed eager to gain her attention. The entire hall revolved around Bella. Looking at the scene, no one would have guessed Alpha Blackwood had two daughters. They just see me as this pack’s soldier, one who’s willing to tear anyone apart for our security. But with Logan, it’s different. He makes me feel like I am still a woman. With him, I am soft. With him, I am whole. With him, my wild wolf is tamed. My gaze drifted toward the raised platform where my father stood beside her. Pride radiated openly from his face. It was a look I had spent my entire life trying to earn. When I cleared rogue territories. When I negotiated disputes with neighboring packs. When I nearly died defending Blackwood borders. No matter what I accomplished, that look had never once been directed at me because to Alpha Blackwood, I wasn't a daughter. I was just a very useful weapon to him. Born with a very powerful wolf, I was expected to be their tool of security. “Lyra may not be elegant like Bella in your eyes but she is the reason why you coward twats can still lounge around here drinking!” Sarah, an omega and the only friend I have in this pack, slammed her fists on the table while widening her eyes on the man who is just as surprised as I am. “Lyra has got more balls than all of you combined!” "Lyra." I blinked and turned toward Sarah who’s snorting by my side. "You literally spent the last six months protecting this pack while everyone else slept peacefully. If they can't see your worth by now, that's their fucking problem." Before I could answer, my phone vibrated in my hand. My heart immediately jumped expecting to see Logan’s name only for it to be just a promotional notification. Sarah noticed my disappointment and cursed. “Damn that man. No reply again?" I looked away and cleared my throat. "He's busy." "You always say that." Sarah crossed her arms. "Lyra, when a man wants to talk to you, he'll find five seconds to send a text." I opened Logan's contact before she could continue. "I'll just call him." Sarah sighed but didn't stop me. The phone rang against my ear three times but he never picked up. As I waited, my eyes wandered across the crowded field then I saw him. With his tall height, impeccable physique, and dashing appearance, Logan Ashford of Grayshade Pack is impossible to overlook. He stood among several visiting Alphas near the western side of the room. A few women from different packs lingered nearby, openly admiring him, but he barely acknowledged any of them. The ringing continued and Logan glanced down at the phone in his hand. Relief washed through me when he'd seen the call. Surely he would answer me but then a faint frown appeared on his face before he declined it quickly and put his phone back in his pocket and returned to talking to an elder as if nothing had happened. The line went dead and a deafening silence flooded my ear. Blinking hard, I just stood there staring at him as a cold sensation crept beneath my skin. My wolf snarled wanting to come out but I pushed it back. “Behave, Marina,” I growled and it crawled back in. Something wasn't right. I couldn't explain it. I couldn't prove it but the heat of my instincts are tingling my claws. “Something must have happened. He must have not fully read my name on it and…” Before I could take a step towards him, Bella's personal attendant approached Logan and leaned close enough to whisper something into his ear. His expression changed instantly. His gaze swept across the hall as if checking whether anyone was watching. Then, without another glance in my direction, he turned and disappeared into one of the private corridors leading deeper into the packhouse. My stomach sank in trepidation. The unease that had been building inside me for weeks since I saw those messages on his phone sharpened into one strong intuition. Before I realized what I was doing, I was already moving after him. “Lyra, where are you going? Lyra?!” Sarah called me but I was already running to Logan’s direction, the sounds of celebration gradually fading behind me as I retraced his footsteps with each heavy step bringing me closer to a dark abyss. My heartbeat pounded louder and louder inside my chest until it almost drowned out everything else. Beneath my skin, my wolf stirred restlessly. Marina is agitated as if it’s sensing something I hadn't yet seen. Eventually, I reached a private lounge near the end of the hallway. The door wasn't completely closed and voices drifted through the narrow gap. I inhaled sharply as every muscle in my body went rigid. Slowly, I stepped closer and looked through the opening and peeked through the hole. The moment I did, the world seemed to stop. "I missed you," Bella whispered with affection as she threw herself into Logan's arms. “You've been avoiding me for days." Logan kissed his head first before wrapping his arms around her waist without hesitation. The sight struck me harder than any blade or the fang of the rogue wolves ever could. "I've been busy," he murmured while caressing the back of her head and kissing it again and again. Bella pouted and rested her head against his chest. "Busy ignoring me?" "You were the one who insisted we keep this secret." My blood ran cold. Secret? Bella lifted her head and smiled. "Then maybe I should tell my sister that you are mine now. Do you want me to do that?" Logan immediately stiffened. The reaction alone made nausea twist violently in my stomach. “Do you want her to stop patrolling your borders and let the rogue wolves attack your pack again? Do you want me to personally tell her that you were forced to agree to the bond just because of her wolf? That you never really like her because she looks and acts like a barbaric man?” The floor seemed to disappear beneath my feet as I struggled to keep myself from breathing hard. Logan's expression darkened as he cupped her face. "We agreed not to talk about that. It’s not yet the time, okay? I still have to use Lyra as the shield at the borders. My pack can’t lose her yet." I clenched my claws against my palms and felt blood spilling down my hands soaking the red rug on the floor. "Then make me happy," Bella teased lightly and pouted her lips towards him. "Or I might accidentally reveal everything. You know my parents, my pack, and even my sister. They always give me everything I want.” For a split second, her innocent smile vanished. In its place was something I've always been familiar with. I always see that clear cruelty in the eyes of the rogue wolves I have killed in broad daylight but never have I thought I would see that on my kind innocent sister. “I can murder anyone and I would still be right in their eyes.” The expression disappeared so quickly from her face I almost thought I had only imagined it. "I want a kiss,” Bella huskily murmured and tiptoed to him. “Please, I want to taste you again.” Logan didn't hesitate and lowered his head and captured her lips. I hissed inside my mouth as I felt something inside me shattered. The man chosen for me by the moon goddess, the man who had promised he would never leave me, the man I trusted more than anyone in this world had betrayed me with my own sister who I vowed to protect and love forever. And in that moment, as I stood frozen outside the door watching them kiss each other wildly, I realized the life I thought I had was nothing more than a lie. The people I thought I know turned out to be the very beasts I promised to destroy in this pack. Sacrificed LYRA’S POV My mind went blank as I slammed the door open hard enough to rattle the walls. Logan and Bella sprang apart in shock. Bella gasped, her hand flying to her mouth, while Logan turned toward me so abruptly that the surprise on his face lasted only a second before it vanished. The whole place was gripped in deafening silence as the three of us stared at each other. My eyes went down to Bella's swollen lips and Logan’s possessive hand around her waist. For weeks, my instincts had screamed that something was wrong because he had been uncannily cold to me. I just never thought that he would be warming up to my own sister. "How long?" I spoke, my voice sounding strangely calm even to my own ears. Bella flinched while Logan remained still. "Lyra—" "How long?" I repeated, my gaze locked on him. "Answer me and don't you ever lie to me!" Logan exhaled sharply and ran a hand over his head in frustration. For a moment, he looked irritated rather than guilty which felt more than a punch on my gut. He wasn't sorry I was hurt. He was annoyed that their secret flame had been found out. "Three months,” he answered without any ounce of regret in his voice. “Three months…” I murmured and shook my head to distract Marina when I saw red. Three months ago, I was fighting rogues at the northern border. Three months ago, I nearly bled out after an ambush. Three months ago, I was dragging myself home exhausted every night and wondering why my mate barely spoke to me anymore. While I was risking my life for our packs, they were together stabbing me behind my back. Every memory I had from those months suddenly felt rotten. "Lyra, please don't be angry at us.” Bella's eyes immediately filled with tears as she squeezed herself closer to Logan. “I never wanted you to find out like this. Please, we just love each other." I almost laughed as I looked up at the ceiling to prevent my tears from falling. She moved closer to Logan, clutching his arm as though she were frightened of me like she was the victim in this situation as if I was the one who had betrayed her. The sight made something ugly twist inside my chest. I took a step forward when Logan instantly moved automatically between us in a protective manner. A bitter smile tugged at my lips. "You think I'd hurt her?" Neither of them answered, their silence said more than words ever could. My wolf howled in agony beneath my skin wanting to surface so it could deal with these two snakes. “Lyra, please. No need to get too worked up. Your anger would be useless anyway.” Bella reached up and brushed her hair aside. At first, I didn't understand what she was showing me. Then I saw the silver crescent embedded in her skin. My lungs stopped working. “No…” For several seconds I forgot how to breathe. On her neck appeared an unmistakably fresh mark. A mating mark. “Y-You marked her?" I burst out in disbelief while facing Logan. Logan stays silent but makes sure to keep Bella close to him. "H-How d-dare you mark her, Logan?” The Moon Goddess had chosen Logan for me. He is my mate and yet in some sick play of fate, the sacred mark that should have belonged to me now rested on Bella's skin. I waited for years for him to give that to me but he always said that he will mark me on the night of our wedding when the moon is at its brightest. It’s full moon tonight but it was Bella he marked, not me. “I’m sorry, Lyra, but Logan chose me. I’m now his luna.” I took a step back while swallowing the acid in my throat. My legs felt powerless as my claws slid out as the urge to claw their faces apart surged through me. The sound of raised voices echoed from the hallway and before I knew it, the door was banged open. My father entered first, with my mother close behind. Several guards trailed behind who closed the door after them. Relief surged through me when I saw my parents. It’s like seeing allies in the sea of enemies. Despite shaking all over, I aggressively pointed directly at Bella and Logan. "Father, Logan and Bella betrayed me! They're together. I caught them kissing each other! Bella has Logan’s mating mark even when he is my mate!" I waited for outrage, for anger, and disbelief but there was nothing that came. Instead, I was met by complete silence. My alpha father's expression barely changed as if he’s already expecting this. Rubbing his temples and sighing in frustration, he threw a stern look not at Logan nor Bella but at me. "Must you make a scene tonight, Lyra? You know it’s the night of thanksgiving to the moon goddess! We have visiting alphas and important guests! Are you going to ruin this night for all of us?!" I stared at him with my mouth wide open. Am I… Am I hearing him right? My mother hurried straight past me and wrapped her arms around Bella. "Bella! Oh, my poor girl," she whispered and wiped her tears away. “Stop crying, my poor baby. Did Lyra do anything to you?” I stood there feeling like my heart had been ripped out of my chest. My mate betrayed me. My own sister stole my mate and yet, the poor girl is now Bella, not me? Why is mother comforting her over me? I asked in my head lost in words. Bella nodded while crying into our mother’s shoulder. “She’s angry at me, mom! Lyra is angry at me!” “Lyra is not angry at you, dear,” mother kept on comforting her. “No one can afford to get angry at you, right Lyra?” Tears shot straight into my eyes but I never let them fall. "A-Are you two serious? Why are you siding with her? I am the victim here! I am the one betrayed!" "Lower your voice!" my father said sharply. “We don’t want to invite unwanted rumors! I can’t let you destroy Logan and Bella’s reputation!” "Reputation?" I laughed. "I just found my mate kissing my own sister! They cheated on me and all you care about is their reputation? How about mine?!" "You're strong, Lyra," he replied dismissively as if this is all just nothing. "You've always been strong since you were a child. Bella’s wolf is weak. She can’t survive without us.” I felt sick to the core because I already knew where this was going. "You understand sacrifice and responsibility. You've always put the pack before yourself. This is just one of the lessons you need to learn. Just let Logan and Bella be together. I will find you another suitable mate." "Your father is right, Lyra dear,” mother intervened with tears slowly forming in her eyes. “Bella is different from you. I gave birth to her prematurely. She’s weak like me. She’s sensitive and fragile like your mother. She needs our protection. Please, understand her side, too." Every excuse translated into the same thing. What Bella wants, Bella gets no matter who has to lose. I turned back to Logan who stayed silent the whole time. "Why?" He looked at Bella before answering me, which alone destroyed whatever hopes I have for the both of us. "I care about her from the very start.” My lips trembled but I tried hard to keep my eyes on him. "And me?" I demanded. "What was I to you?" His eyes widened for a few seconds seeing the tears pooling on my eyes. “Father wanted me to take you as a mate for the borders. Your strength is valuable, Lyra. You're one of the strongest wolves in the region but it wasn’t enough for me. I just…” he hesitated for a while, "I cared about you, Lyra." His voice lowered. "But I loved Bella. I tried. I really did. But every time I imagined my future, it was always her." My wolf whimpered scratching at my bruised pride. It wants to come out just to have a taste of revenge but I was too in pain that I completely shut it off. Logan doesn’t love me. I’m just another tool. That was all I had ever been to him. A weapon. The realization stung deeply because it matched exactly how my father had treated me my entire life. I thought he’s different. I thought he accepts me wholeheartedly only for me to know in the worst way possible that he’s just acting. Bella let out a sob and knelt before me. "You've always shared everything with me, Lyra. I know you are mad but I never meant for this to happen. I know this hurts, but please don't make me choose between you and Logan. You're my sister." Tears rolled down her cheeks that mother kept wiping off. "I don't want to lose you too." Something inside me snapped. Looking at her fake tears, the mark on her neck and the ceremonial gown that should have been mine, I remembered the years I loved, protected, and defended her. I’ve given her everything she wanted. I’ve made sure she gets to have all the things in this world so why is she taking the only thing that I can call mine in this world? My voice cracked as I clenched my hands into fists. "Was there ever anything you couldn't take from me? Why do you always take everything from me?!" “Lyra! Don’t talk to your sister like that!” Father growled and stepped between us. “You should not disrespect your sister just because she’s weaker than you, heard me?!” I can only bite my tongue and swallow the blood in my mouth. My mother reached up and touched the mating mark on Bella's neck. Instead of disappointment, pride filled her eyes as though Bella had accomplished something wonderful as if stealing her sister's mate deserved praise. My father straightened his shoulders, a sign that he’s wrapping up the conversation. "This matter is done. Accept the reality, Lyra. Stop embarrassing the pack. From now on, Logan’s official mate would have to be Bella. We will announce it." The pack… yes, it has always been about the pack and never about me even for once. I looked around the room one final time. At Logan whom I have loved with every piece of my soul, at Bella who I have given everything to, at my parents I had spent my entire life trying to please. These are the people I would have died for without hesitation but none of them chose me. For years I thought I was simply overlooked. I thought if I worked harder and protected the pack better with my life, eventually someone would see me. “Yes, of course, father. I definitely agree to that,” I said sarcastically. I understood the truth now. I was never overlooked. I was simply sacrificed for the benefit of everybody but me. Without another word, I turned and walked out of the lounge. The door closed behind me. No footsteps followed while their celebration continued. A Legend on Her Knees LYRA'S POV I didn't know how long I wandered through the forest after leaving the lounge. The cold night air brushed against my skin, but it did nothing to numb the pain twisting inside my chest. Logan's words continued to echo in my head no matter how hard I tried to silence them. Your strength is valuable. The borders need you. My pack needs you. “I'm such a stupid girl,” I murmured into the bright moon above while sitting down beside a large tree trunk hugging myself. He just kept me by my side not because he loved me but because he needed me to protect their borders. For years, I had believed my sacrifice would eventually mean something. Every sleepless night I spent patrolling the northern borders, every scar carved into my skin by the rogues and every mission that left me bleeding and exhausted while the rest of the pack slept peacefully behind the walls I protected; all of them made me believe that they care for me somehow. I had convinced myself that one day my father would be proud of me, that my mother would finally be fair to me, and my mate would always stand beside me. But tonight had destroyed all three of my illusions. I pressed a hand against my face and looked back at how far I've come. Part of me wanted to keep walking until the packhouse disappeared behind me forever. But then Bella would win. She would get everything while everyone assumed I ran away crying. The thought alone made my jaw tighten. “No!” I jerked upward. “I wouldn't give her that satisfaction.” Straightening my shoulders, I turned around and headed back toward the celebration hall with my chin held up. The grand chamber was still overflowing with guests dancing to the music when I arrived. Warriors drank and celebrated while elders chatted happily with visiting Alphas. Nobody was looking for me. No one even noticed that I had disappeared. "May I have everyone's attention?" I froze and turned toward the raised platform at the front of the hall where father and mother stood side by side with Bella with a proud smile on his face. "Tonight," my father announced, raising his glass, "I am proud to present the jewel of the Blackwood Pack, my daughter, Bella Blackwood." Applause immediately erupted throughout the hall as Bella lowered her gaze modestly and clung to his arm. "Father, you're embarrassing me." The laugh that escaped him was warm and affectionate which was something I couldn't remember ever receiving from him. "Nonsense! You deserve every word of appreciation. You have always brought grace, kindness, and honor to this pack. You have a gift for bringing people together and I have no doubt you will become an extraordinary luna to your alpha." Bella’s cheeks reddened at the sudden compliments. “Stop with your praises, father! They’re all looking at me.” "They should be," he said proudly and tapped her head gently. "You've given me and your mother every reason to be proud of you." My mother stared fondly at Bella before kissing her head lovingly. “Your father is right, sweetheart. We are so proud of you. You deserve every appreciation that comes your way.” My chest tightened at the scene. I had spent years fighting for those words through my own blood and sweat while Bella received them effortlessly. A visiting luna from a neighboring pack smiled. "Alpha Blackwood is right. Lady Bella is extraordinary." "She’s beautiful and graceful, too." "And kind! She would be the perfect luna to any pack!” Bella blushed even more and shook her head shyly while accepting their praise. "You're all praising me too much. Stop it!" "Not enough, if you ask me," another guest replied, followed by laughter through the crowd. Then my father raised his voice again. “Let me announce here too that our dear Bella is also the future luna of the Grayshade Pack." My heart sank hearing that from my own father. For a moment, I genuinely thought someone would object. Someone would remember that Logan was my mate and question why the future luna had suddenly changed but nobody did, not even a single person. The applause only grew louder and several guests immediately turned toward Logan. "Congratulations, future Alpha." "You've chosen well." "The Moon Goddess truly blessed both packs." "What a perfect pair and wonderful alliance for the two packs." Bella giggled. Logan smiled. Everybody celebrated with them while I was stuck in my feet falling deeper into the abyss. Nobody asked why the eldest daughter had suddenly been replaced. They simply accepted it like Bella had always been the rightful choice from the very beginning as though I had never existed. Whispers immediately grew among the crowd. "Honestly, Bella fits being his luna better." "Lyra is strong but she's not exactly graceful." "A Luna needs diplomacy." "Bella was always the obvious choice and good thing Logan finally realized it." "Lyra is a great warrior, but ruling is different. She's better suited to protecting the borders." I swallowed the lump in my throat and looked down to prevent the tears from falling. I had nearly died defending these people and that was all I ever was to them. I was never the alpha’s daughter to the pack. I was just their defender. A bitter taste filled my mouth. Coming back here is definitely a mistake. Feeling foolish, I prepared to leave but then my mother's voice cut through the crowd. "Lyra!" The entire hall turned toward me as I closed my eyes briefly. Slowly, I looked up. "Come here and join your sister for the celebration," Luna Blackwood called at me plainly without any hint of sweetness in her voice. I blinked and stared hard at them. Did they already forget what happened earlier that they even wanted me to congratulate Bella for betraying me? “Lyra, quick!” my father egged on me. “You should not keep the guests waiting.” Suppressing a sigh, I started walking toward them in every step that sent pain through my feet. The shoes Bella had given me pinched mercilessly because they had been too tight and uncomfortable on my feet from the moment I put them on. Earlier that evening, she had rushed into my room carrying a box and an excited smile. "Lyra, look what I bought!" Inside had been two identical pairs of glittering silver heels. "We'll be matchy matchy tonight. Won't that be fun?" I should have refused but Bella had looked so happy handing me the shoes and I had spent my entire life giving Bella whatever she wanted so I wore them just like I had given her the dress that I’m meant to wear for tonight. Ultimately, I gave her my time, attention, loyalty and eventually my mate. The irony almost made me laugh. The whispers followed me as I crossed the hall. "Look, she's wearing the same shoes as Bella." "Why would she do that?" "She's trying to compete with her own sister!” A few people laughed. "Competing with Bella? That's quite ambitious." "Heels don't suit her. She's a warrior. Give her armor and a sword and send her back to the borders!” My jaw clenched but I kept walking. The stage was only a few steps away when sudden pain shot through my ankle. The heel snapped and I tripped. Before I could recover, my body slammed into the polished floor. The impact echoed through the room. For one horrible second, silence followed before the whispers came again. “Oh, she’s desperate to get attention.” “I felt sorry for Bella.” "Imagine dealing with this your entire life." More laughter followed as my fingers dug into the floor. Heat rushed into my face and I wanted the ground to swallow me whole given the fact that no one moved to help or defend me, not even my own parents. I can just helplessly lift my head toward the stage. "Father..." I expected him to come to me to offer his hand but he just shook his head in disappointment at me. "Lyra, what are you doing? You are the chief border guard of the pack! Don’t embarrass yourself and get up!" My heart dropped. Sure, I can easily get up but that is besides the point. Even if I am the strongest in the pack, I am still his daughter who was humiliated that he did not bother to help. My mother sighed. "Stand up and stop making a spectacle of yourself, Lyra. You are our most powerful warrior. How can you let yourself be like this?" I stared at her. The disappointment in her voice hurt more than the crowd's mockery because strangers owed me nothing but she did because she is my mother. "Poor Alpha Blackwood." "Tonight was supposed to be about Bella." "She's always been difficult." The humiliation burned hotter and hotter beneath my skin. I had faced rogue wolves twice my size, survived ambushes, endured broken bones and claw wounds but for some strange reason, this hurt more. Maybe because none of those enemies had ever claimed to love me. Swallowing hard, I planted my hands against the floor. I needed to stand so I could leave now but before I could push myself up, a hand appeared in front of me. “You've survived rogues, yet a pair of ugly shoes nearly defeated you. That would be an embarrassing way for a legend to fall." I caught my breath at the unfamiliar voice. Slowly, I lifted my gaze but before I could see the owner's face clearly, the sound of horns thundered throughout the hall. The entire room erupted into chaos. Every head turned toward the entrance. Even my father straightened immediately. A guard hurried forward and raised his voice. "The Alpha of the North has arrived!" The Alpha of the North LYRA’S POV The massive packhouse doors opened allowing several warriors dressed in dark northern uniforms to enter before taking their positions silently at the stranger’s back. Their presence alone was enough to make the crowd uneasy but none of them drew attention the way the man crouching in front of me did. “Get up, Lyra Blackwood. They’re enjoying this far too much.” The deep voice cut cleanly through the suffocating silence of the hall. It doesn’t have any trace of pity in it though. It didn’t even sound comforting to my ears. In fact, it sounded like a mere observation from some stranger standing outside the cruel scene. For a moment, I could only stare at the hand extended toward me. Around us, the hall remained deathly quiet as though nobody even dared breathe too loudly after his arrival. The Alpha of the North looked nothing like the polished nobles that filled our banquet hall. He was tall and broad-shouldered, dressed entirely in black with a heavy fur coat draped over him. Legend has it that it was made from the fur of every enemy he slayed with his bare hands. His features were sharply masculine, his jaw rough with faint stubble, his long dark hair disordered impatiently over his deep set gray eyes. There was something dangerously cold around him enough to silence an entire room without effort. Great. Of all the moments for one of the most feared alphas in the continent to arrive, he chose this perfect time. “I can stand on my own,” I muttered quietly as I became painfully aware of how ridiculous I must have looked at his feet with a broken heel and blood slowly staining my ankle. His brows danced amidst the lights. “Then hold my hand and stand up.” I gritted my teeth and placed my hand in his rough palm and forced myself upright despite the sharp pain shooting through my ankle. He released me immediately as though helping me had simply been the most logical thing to do rather than an act deserving attention. “Alpha Kael,” Alpha Blackwood said warmly as he hurriedly stepped forward to meet the alpha. “Your presence is a great honor to the Blackwood Pack. Had we known you would attend personally, we would have prepared a far greater reception than this.” I stared at him in disbelief. Minutes ago, that same voice had been cold and dismissive towards his own daughter but now it was careful and respectful to eagerly please this man before us. The Alpha of the North, however, remained completely unmoved by the attention surrounding him. He stayed calm and unreadable as his sharp eyes swept across the hall as though he could already see through every smiling face in the room. Alpha Blackwood’s smile remained firmly in place as he glanced toward Logan who had been standing rigidly near the stage ever since the Alpha of the North entered the hall. “Logan,” my father said smoothly, the underlying command impossible to miss. “Go greet your uncle properly.” A subtle shift passed through the crowd at those words. Guests exchanged glances, clearly surprised by the connection. Very few realized the future Alpha of Grayshade shared blood with the most feared alpha on the continent. Logan’s jaw tightened before he finally stepped forward. “Alpha Kael, it’s nice seeing you again here.” Kael regarded him for a brief moment before giving a single cold nod in acknowledgment. “You're here.” That was all. There’s no warmth or even familiarity between relatives. An awkward silence filled the air. Logan’s shoulders stiffened in hatred while the Alpha Kael remained perfectly detached. “This way, Alpha Kael,” my father extended a respectful hand toward the elevated table reserved for honored guests. “Please allow Blackwood Pack the privilege of hosting you properly tonight.” Elders cleared their throat before the alpha who is known for capturing beasts and bringing them to his basement as pets while nearby warriors lowered their heads respectfully when Kael walked past them. “You’re too courteous, Alpha Blackwood,” one of the elders said nervously with a laugh. “Alpha Kael rarely attends gatherings outside his own territory.” “That only makes tonight a greater honor,” my father replied quickly and pulled a seat for him. But just before reaching the table, Kael stopped in his tracks. I thought he was going to address Bella who already has her beautiful smile on her face ready for him but his gaze shifted back toward me. My fingers tightened instinctively around the broken heel still hanging from my hand as his eyes swept briefly over my scraped palms, my swollen ankle, and the pain in my eyes I was trying desperately to hide. It felt less like he was looking at me and more like he was measuring the entire room through me. For reasons I couldn’t explain, that unsettled me far more than the humiliation ever had. “Aren’t you going to sit down, Lyra?” Our eyes locked. My mouth opened up to answer but before I could reply, Bella ran towards me and knelt before me with tears in her eyes. She then reached for my leg with careful precision, stopping just short of touching my scraped skin. “Lyra, are you hurt?” she asked gently in a trembling voice as if she was truly distressed for me. “I’m sorry, Lyra. It’s all my fault. I only wanted us to match tonight. I thought wearing the same shoes would make us look closer. I didn’t know they would hurt you…” I let out a bitter laugh that sounded sharper than I intended before giving her my full attention. “Drop your petty act. I know that you know exactly what you’re doing, Bella. It was you all along.” I bit my lips and sighed roughly. “Why have I never realized this before?” Bella’s expression faltered for only a second before her eyes began shining with tears again as she covered her mouth as if she’s truly hurt. “Lyra… how can you say that? I only care for you. Why are you blaming me for an accident?” “Because I finally saw your true colors,” I burst out, my voice low enough to force the room into silence. “And I'm telling you! This is the last time I will fall for your tricks!” Guests began shaking their heads in disappointment while Bella buried her face against Logan’s chest, crying softly as though she were the one being humiliated in front of the entire pack. “Why is Lyra like that? Bella was only trying to be nice.” “She even apologized immediately.” “Lyra’s always been too prideful to accept kindness.” “She ruined her sister’s announcement over a pair of shoes?” Bella whimpered and tears began cascading down her eyes as Logan comforted her while glaring at me. “Lyra that is enough!” Alpha Blackwood’s stern voice echoed through the halls. “Stop terrorizing your sister and come up here to the table!” I swallowed the bitterness clawing up my throat and forced myself toward the elevated table while the whispers continued to chase me. Every step stung. The shoes still pinched so tightly that my toes had gone numb, but I kept walking anyway because showing pain in front of these people felt worse than bleeding. “She’s just jealous her mate picked her sister over her.” “Honestly, Lyra should’ve accepted it gracefully.” The atmosphere at the main table remained painfully strained even after the music resumed. I sat quietly at the far end of the table with my injured ankle throbbing beneath my dress, painfully aware that Alpha Kael sat only a few seats away while my family acted as though nothing had happened. “Oh no,” Bella said softly, breaking the awkwardness, glancing toward the platter of shrimp. “I wanted to try some but the shells are difficult to remove.” Logan stood up to reach the plate but before he could take it, Alpha Blackwood spoke immediately. “It's fine, Logan. Lyra is meticulous with things like this. She’ll do it for her sister.” My fingers tightened around my fork as I bit my tongue. I guess my father hated me that much, huh. “Father, there’s no need—” Bella began weakly, though she made absolutely no move to refuse the plate once a servant placed it in front of me. “Your sister should learn to take care of you properly,” mother added with a faint smile. “Especially now that you’ll eventually stand beside Logan as his luna. You are precious to your sister so she'll definitely do it, right Lyra?” I saw Alpha Kael arched his brows as his chalice stopped inches away from his mouth. My face hardened as I picked up one of the shrimps and began peeling it while conversation resumed around me as though I were some obedient servant instead of Alpha Blackwood’s eldest daughter. “So,” Alpha Kael said lazily as he swirled the wine in his glass, his eyes settling on Logan with a glint of rage, “how is the relationship between you and Lyra progressing?” The entire table went silent. My hands stopped moving while Bella looked like she'd been bitten by a snake. Alpha’s Demand LYRA’S POV Alpha Kael completely abandoned the glass on the table to give Logan his full attention. “I was just wondering as your uncle since you two have been going on it for years. When are you going to propose to Lyra, Logan?” The silence after Alpha Kael’s question tightened around the table like a noose. The shrimp shell punctured the charred skin on my finger and blood dripped out but I barely felt the physical pain. Logan’s expression darkened across from me. Beside him, Bella straightened subtly, but I still caught the brief panic flashing through her eyes. Logan forced a calm smile and cleared his throat. “Lyra and I have known each other for years. Our packs share a strong understanding. Whatever it is, I don’t think you are in a position to ask.” Kael rested lazily against his chair and took back the glass and swirled the contents. “It’s interesting that you didn't answer the question. I asked about your wedding though, not your territories.” Several elders dropped their gazes into their cups while Logan’s jaw flexed. “Some matters should remain private, Alpha Kael. It concerns my personal life, not yours.” Kael lifted a brow at him. “If a simple question threatens your relationship with her then I don't think it's privacy you should be concerned about.” I squeezed the shrimp harder until I felt it deeper into my flesh and made Marina whimper. The pack doesn't want to reveal to Alpha Kael that Logan already took on a new mate for an obvious reason. Bella quickly let out a soft laugh to try to diffuse the situation just like she always does using only her charm. “Alpha Kael seems to enjoy making people nervous.” Kael turned his eyes toward Bella without any hint that he’s affected by her charm. “Do I?” She melted instantly under his intense deep gaze and turned to father for help. Alpha Blackwood caught at it and tried to calm the situation. “Alpha Kael only wants to check up on you, Logan. After all, he is your uncle. He cares for you. As for your inquiry, alpha, the younger generation still needs guidance. Marriage is still not on the table.” Kael took another slow sip of wine without breaking eye contact with Logan. “Clearly my nephew needs emergency guidance because he seemed to forget basic northern manners.” Logan clenched his hand tightly around his glass across the table while Kael watched him with stern expression, completely unbothered by the tension suffocating the room. Then he moved on towards me, his trained eyes dropped briefly beneath the table, landing on my swollen ankle and the thin streak of blood still staining my skin. He studied it for a second before lifting his eyes back toward Logan with the same cold composure. “You allowed your mate to crawl across the floor. Are you really the son of my older brother? Northern wolves usually kill for less humiliation than that.” The entire table fell silent while I was just blankly staring at Alpha Kael. What is the deal with this man? Why is he still pushing the topic as if I am some miserable distressed weak omega that needs some saving when I could easily butcher an entire pack of wolves? Logan snarled in annoyance before he answered in a flat tone. “I don’t think it’s fair for you to judge me right away. You weren’t here when that happened. You misunderstand the situation, Alpha Kael.” Kael took another swig of alcohol. “It’s like asking if I have eyes even when they’re staring right at you, Logan.” His tone remained passive but the pressure behind those two words tightened around the room like a hand around someone’s throat. Logan’s features darkened. “Lyra injured herself accidentally. Nobody humiliated her.” Bella quickly wrapped her fingers around his arm as if to protect him. “Alpha Kael, please don’t misunderstand. Lyra and I simply had an unfortunate accident tonight. She’s always been sensitive, so emotions escalated a little—” Kael turned toward her, his single long glance is enough to cut Bella off immediately. “I did not ask you,” he said flatly, unaffected by her soft glass eyes. Bella’s lips parted before she dropped her eyes down in embarrassment realizing that she cannot simply sway the alpha using her grace and beauty. I grinned across the table seeing her red cheeks flaming. That felt so satisfying. Sensing the tension hardening in the air, Alpha Blackwood quickly let out a smooth laugh. “Family misunderstandings happen in every pack, Alpha Kael. Mine is not an exemption,” he spoke warmly as though the atmosphere had not turned suffocating moments ago. “It’s just some sibling’s petty fight. Bella and Lyra are simply adjusting to changing responsibilities.” My father poured another drink to Kael. “Here. Let's just toast for another victory for the pack for successfully defending our borders once again.” Kael remained silent after accepting the drink. Resting his one arm against his chair, his gray eyes drifted toward Bella seated beside Logan. “Is she now your pack’s future ruler?” he went on, not letting the distraction drop the subject. “I believe you and my brother have an understanding that whoever Logan takes as mate will be your pack’s leader.” The room stiffened again. Alpha Blackwood nodded afterwards and proudly gestured at Bella. “Yes. Bella will officially stand beside Logan moving forward.” Bella shyly looked away while Logan placed a protective hand over hers, though the tension in his shoulders never eased completely beneath Kael’s attention. Kael’s expression barely shifted when he looked my way. “And Lyra? How about her? What will happen to her? She is Logan’s mate, right?” I clenched my fists under the table as my wolf growled inside me wanted to come out. Ever since I sat, I was never able to utter a single word while all of them seemed to decide things for me. Hearing that, Alpha Blackwood’s smile weakened. “Lyra remains a valued member of Blackwood Pack, of course. She's my daughter and our precious protector. We value her so much.” I can only lower my head so they won't see how I sucked back the blood that flowed out of my mouth from biting my tongue too hard. “Interesting.” Kael’s irritated voice pierced my ears. “In my pack, we usually do not discard useful wolves so carelessly, especially someone with a very special wolf.” I tightened my grip sharply around my glass hard enough for it to nearly crack and focused my eyes toward the untouched food in front of me because hearing someone acknowledge my worth so casually somehow hurt far more than the insults did. Bella let out a chuckle amidst the tension. “Alpha Kael, Lyra has always been stronger than I am. She was never truly interested in luna duties anyway so I volunteered so she could focus on the borders. I want to support her so I’m stepping in to help her.” Kael studied her quietly in his signature nonchalant demeanor before he broke out into a cruel grin. “And you know this because I assumed that she told you this or is it because everyone decided it for her? That's her birth right as the eldest daughter of the alpha. Are you sure it's fine for her to give it up?” Bella froze instantly before she smiled sweetly and turned to me. “Let’s ask my sister, shall we? Do you mind, Lyra? You begged me to take your role as Logan’s mate, remember?” I wanted to scream, to shout at her face at the lies that she so carefully weaved but I remained quiet with my head bowed and fists clenched. This time, my mother butted in. “Alpha Kael, Bella has always possessed the temperament better suited for diplomacy while Lyra excels more in enforcement and strategy. Bella is more suited to be the next luna and I hope this will not create any problem with your pack, Alpha Kael.” Kael gave a faint nod as though acknowledging the explanation. “Diplomacy. That's indeed a useful talent for a luna to possess and no, Luna Blackwood, it won't create any problem with my pack.” The tension around the table eased up. “We appreciate that, Alpha Kael.” Kael lifted his gaze again to meet mine that was brimming with unshed tears. “Though I value loyalty more than anything else.” The atmosphere immediately turned cold again. Logan gritted his teeth wanting to react but Bella held his hand under the table and quietly shook her head at him. Even my father’s smile became noticeably strained because everyone understood exactly who Kael had just condemned without needing to say the name aloud. “All I'm saying is,” Kael finished the content in his glass and put the glass back down roughly on the table, “if Lyra is now useless to you, then can I ask her to be handed over to me instead?” I gasped inwardly as I jerked my face up to see if he’s serious. For a second, I genuinely thought I had misheard him. My fingers tightened instinctively around the edge of my chair while heat rushed violently into my chest. Every pair of eyes at the table turned toward me so suddenly that I felt trapped beneath their attention. They were doing it again. Passing me around the table like I was some kind of territory to negotiate over instead of a person sitting right in front of them. First Logan. Then Bella. Then my father decided where I belonged based on whichever alliance benefited the pack most. And now Kael stood there asking for me with the same calm tone powerful alphas used when discussing trade routes and military assets. Did any of them remember I was sitting here too? Did any of them remember I spent years guarding Blackwood borders while they sat comfortably inside these halls deciding my future for me? My wolf stirred violently beneath my skin, restless and furious. She hated weakness even more than I did, and nothing humiliated her more than being treated like something tame enough to hand over between packs. Having more than enough of their manipulation, I growled at Kael as my pulse hammered hard against my veins. “I’m not a bargaining chip...