Chapter 4

• New York
• 06:00 am
• As Lyra packed her last bag, her mother stood in the doorway, her face masked with disapproval and worry, and her eyes flashing with of sadness while her voice trembled. "Lyra please reconsider your decision,you're throwing away your future"
• Lyra let out a thin smile "I'm not throwing away my future, I'm just going against your will for me" she scoffed "and someday,you will see that I made the right decision"
• Aurora's face contorted a mixture of disbelief and desperation.
• "what about our family's reputation? Lyra please don't do this" she pleaded and Lyra's jaw dropped.
• "I love you mum, I promise to be back, I just need a little space" she whispered going back to hug her mother tightly, trying to convey her love and appreciation, totally ignoring the words about family reputation.
• "I'll always be you daughter momma" she whispered with guilt laced around her voice and after what seemed like ages,mother and daughter finally broke the hug and with a deep breath Lyra turned around and walked to the car.
• As the drive started, all she could think of was she has finally left behind the only home she'd ever known.
• Creek
• 06:00 pm
• The sun had barely risen over the Creek casting a warm glow over the forests and mansions. The air seemed crisp and clear, filled with the scent of pine. In the heart of the pack's land,Alpha Blake's residence was already bustling with activities, as he sat in his office. Axel his beta knocked on the door and walked in, his expression serious.
• "Alpha Ryker of the Nightshade pack is here,and he requests audience with you" he bowed and Blake's eyes narrowed intrigued.
• "what brings him here? this early?"
• Axel's expression turned to Alpha Blake "he didn't say,but he sounded bothered" Axel explained and Blake nodded after giving it a thought "let him in" Axel walked out to escort Ryker into the chamber.
• Moments later, the two Alpha's were seated in understanding silence, not the regular awkward silence.
• "Ryker, what brings you to my territory?" Blake asked his voice measured but firm.
• Ryker's eyes scanned the room as if searching for something or someone "Alpha Blake I need your help,my pack is in danger and there's no where else to turn" He spoke after a long pause and Blake's instincts prickled sensing the gravity of the situation.
• "what kind of danger?" He asked calmly and Ryker's jaw clenched.
• "Rogue wolves Alpha, they've been attacking our portals and borders" he explained with fear In his eyes "We've lost a good number of wolves and my pack is at the brick of collapse"
• Alpha Blake sighed out,his expression remaining cold "How many?"
• "too many" Ryker muttered his voice cracking "I've lost count, and it's not just the numbers, the brutality too. They're killing my wolves, mutilating them and leaving them in the sun to rot"
• Alpha Blake's eyes narrowed, his anger simmering as his mind flashed back to his own nightmares "I see"
• Ryker got up from the couch he was on and moved closer to Alpha Blake his eyes pleading "I know we've not been the best of friends" He pleaded "but please help me, help my pack, we need your strength and at this point it's only the Blackwood's that can come to our aid"
• Blake stared calmly at Ryker as the air in the room grew thick with tension. Blake began weighing his options,he knew that getting involved in another pack's conflict was very risky but he also knew that he couldn't turn his back on a fellow Alpha in need when they weren't rivals.
• "I'll need to consult my Pack's council, I'm already inclined to agree. I mean, we can't just sit back and let rogue wolves terrorize neighbouring packs when it's a threat to all of us" Blake said finally and Ryker's face lit up with hope, nd his eyes shone in gratitude.
• "But... there's a price to pay" Blake said suddenly, and Alpha Ryker froze "wh..ich is? " he stuttered and Alpha Blake smirked.
• "Let's get rid of the rogue wolves first"
• Ryker nodded, knowing he didn't have any other choice,besides the aura surrounding Alpha Blake screamed authority "I'll do whatever it takes, for the safety of my Pack" he muttered.
• Willow Creek
• 11:45 am
• Lyra's eyes widened as she stepped out of the car and into the winding driveway,her gaze taking in the sight before her.
• The house was was even more beautiful than she had imagined. Its sleek lines and modern architecture blending seamlessly into the lush surroundings, the house agent Mrs. Jenkins, beamed with pride as she led Lyra towards the entrance.
• As they approached, the sounds of bird songs and gentle chirping filled the air. Lyra giggled in excitement as she watched her imaginations come to life. Mrs. Jenkins unlocked the front door, revealing the bright and airy interior with large windows that seemed to bring the outdoors in.
• Lyra's eyes darted across the interior taking in the plush furnishings and tasteful decor.
• A gasp escaped Lyra's lips the moment she beheld the garden at the back, a riot of colourful flowers struggling for dominance in their carefully tended beds. Taking her eyes off the garden, her eyes caught a sparkling pool,glimmered in the sunlight, surrounded by comfortable lounges and a shaded patio area, at that moment, Lyra felt as though she had stumbled upon a tranquil haven, far away from the bustle and hustle of city life.
• After observing her reactions, Mrs. Jenkins smiled "and the better part? the Electricity supply is steady, you'll have neighbors nearby, but far enough to maintain your privacy" She explained and Lyra's mind raced with possibilities. She could already imagine herself lounging around the pool with her guitar, making music. Obviously the stress and tension of her old life will melt away with each passing day, and to her that's a new beginning.
• "Thank you so much Mrs. Jenkins, I really do appreciate" Lyra said at the brink of tears.
• "its nothing child, I only did what you paid me for" she smiled warmly.
• "but how were you able to secure an apartment this perfect with limited time and at such a low cost? Lyra asked reaching out and tracing the petals of a nearby flower, it's softness reminding her of the beauty laying ahead.
• " u..huh so you know this ...environment" she stuttered "is more like a resort and most people would rather live in busy cities and and stop by over the holidays. Anyways I'm glad you like it" She smiled handing the keys over to Lyra."I have to leave now,if you need anything, I'm one phone call away"
• Lyra nodded walking her to the car, and after bidding her farewell, Lyra went back in excitingly.
• Mrs. Jenkins let out a sigh. "I hope she's able to stay, so that what caused all the others to leave, doesn't attack her" She whispered and roaring her car engine back to life she drove off smoothly.