Chapter 3

• Lyra POV
• Elara froze mid-wipe.
• She stayed silent for a long moment before sighing. “Kid… ever since you left that month, not a single penny, not even a scrap of meat, has come through.”
• What?!
• “And the trades with other clans…”
• “Gone. All gone.” Elara shook her head as tears slid down her cheeks. “They say this place is cursed now, because someone here broke the Moon Pact. No one wants to deal with us anymore.”
• “For the past three years, we’ve only survived because the kids who left earlier smuggled back whatever food they could. Otherwise, we would’ve starved.”
• My sacrifice didn’t just get me betrayed. It nearly dragged my family and these innocent children into the abyss.
• Guilt, rage, and regret crashed over me like a tidal wave.
• I tried to drop to my knees and beg for forgiveness, but old Elara caught me in a tight embrace.
• “Foolish child. You’re back. That’s what matters. You’re back.” She patted my back gently, just like she did when I was little.
• I swallowed down the lump in my throat.
• Now wasn’t the time to break down.
• I rolled up my sleeves and began helping care for the kids. Watching them curl up on thin mats, I felt my resolve harden into ice.
• Late at night, familiar footsteps echoed outside.
• Kane’s.
• I stepped out.
• He was leaning against the car. When he saw me, he straightened and strode over, his expression softening just a fraction.
• “Lyra, come home with me.”
• He reached out to grab me.
• I sidestepped.
• His hand froze in midair before he pulled it back. Lowering his voice, he said, “Maya’s fine. Just mood swings. I’ve already sent her to my parents’ place to rest.”
• “Our house… it’s just us now. Tomorrow, my parents want to see us.”
• I nearly sneered.
• When they need me, I’m the Luna expected to meet the elders.
• When they don’t, I’m the cursed sinner they want to cast aside.
• “Kane.” I pointed at the stone house behind me. “Three years ago, what oath did you swear under the moonlight?”
• “You promised to protect this place with the power of Shadowfen. You swore to treat these kids as your own clan.”
• “And what happened? You cut off supplies, let rumors run wild, and starved these children down to skin and bones. Is that your sacred vow?”
• Kane’s brow furrowed. Impatience flashed across his face, but he sighed anyway.
• “Lyra, I had my reasons. After you left, there was chaos within the pack. Resources were tight. I had to prioritize the core members first.”
• “As for the rumors… I couldn’t control those either.”
• “Hardships?” I snapped, letting out a bitter laugh. “Your so-called hardships are driving a nice car, living in a warm house, spoiling your pregnant Beta, while refusing to spare even a bite for these starving kids?”
• “Take your hardships and get the hell out!” I pointed toward the road. “Tomorrow at sunrise, we’re going to the Elders’ Council to wipe the slate clean.”
• Kane’s face drained of color. “Lyra, don’t be ungrateful—”
• Before he could finish, the door behind him creaked open.
• Elara stepped out, wrapped in a tattered cloak. The children followed, awakened by the noise. They huddled by the doorway, eyes wide and frightened as they peeked out.
• The moment Kane saw them, his expression changed.
• Without hesitation, he dropped to one knee.
• “Lyra, no matter what, this is all my fault.” He looked up at me, eyes heavy with regret. “I failed you. I broke my vows. Please don’t deny what we have. Don’t break the bond.”
• That kneel put me, and all of Greystone Haven, on the chopping block.
• Elara grabbed my sleeve, tears shimmering in her eyes. “Child… the Moon Goddess teaches us forgiveness. The Alpha knows he was wrong…”
• At that moment, Kane pulled out a small comm device and whispered a few words. He then stood and said to Elara, “I’ve just ordered a transfer of ten thousand dollars from the territory. It’ll arrive before dawn. Use it to buy meat and new clothes for the kids.”
• Ten thousand dollars.
• For a place barely hanging on, it was lifesaving.
• Elara’s face flickered between shock and joy, but her eyes pleaded with me in silence.
• I looked at the hungry faces glowing faintly in the dark, and the refusal at the tip of my tongue was forced back down.
• He was using innocent lives to corner me.
• “…Fine.” My voice came out hoarse. “I’ll go back with you.”
• Back at the Pack House
• Kane reached for my old cloak, his voice gentle. “Hungry? I had someone prepare hot soup and roasted meat.”
• “I’ll stay in the guest room on the east side.” I stepped away.
• His brow creased. “I’ll clear out Maya’s things. After everything I’ve done, you’re still making trouble?”
• I shot a cold glance toward the master bedroom. “I don’t want to stay there. It’s filthy. I’m afraid it’ll taint my wolf spirit.”
• “You—” His face darkened, chest heaving, but in the end he forced the words out. “Fine. Calm down.”
• With that, he turned and strode away.
• I lay on the cold stone bed in the guest room, staring at the ceiling until dawn.
• The next morning, he pushed the door open, dressed sharply in Alpha formal wear. He tossed an ornate gift box onto the bed.
• “Change. My parents and the Elders are waiting.”
• His tone allowed no argument. “And remember, keep your emotions and words in check.”
• Inside the box was a pale-colored long dress, carrying the unmistakable scent of Maya.
• I put it on in silence.
• The beast cart rumbled into the valley where the old Pack House stood. The moment I stepped through the gate, former Luna Selene rushed toward me, eyes red-rimmed as she grabbed my hand.
• “Lyra! My poor girl! These past three years must have been hell for you.”
• Former Alpha Thorin sat upright in the main seat, nodding solemnly. “Shadowfen owes you a great debt.”
• I withdrew my hand and inclined my head slightly. “Lord Thorin, Lady Selene, there’s no need to revisit the past.”
• Selene’s expression stiffened briefly before she masked it with warmth and ushered me toward the banquet hall.
• Kane stayed close at my side, his gaze sharp with warning.
• I chewed my food, which tasted like cardboard.
• A few minutes later, noise erupted at the entrance.
• Maya walked in arm in arm with a dignified, middle-aged she-wolf. Maya wore an elegant gown, her makeup flawless, her smile sweet and demure.
• “Kane, Father, Mother. Sorry we’re late,” she said softly. “My mother heard about today’s family feast and came all the way from Morningstar Ridge.”
• Thorin and Selene immediately stepped forward to welcome them.
• The woman introduced as Maya’s mother, the noble Lady Hope of the powerful northern clan Morningstar Ridge, swept her sharp gaze across the room. At last, her eyes settled squarely on me.
• “So,” she said coolly, “this must be Lyra, huh?”