Twist of Fate

The Day Before

Lyra's POV

"Lyra! Are you paying attention to what I'm saying?"

Mia's voice cut through the haze clouding my thoughts. I blinked, zeroing in on her features, youthful, smooth, her green eyes shining with what I believed was true enthusiasm.

At last I recognized it for its nature. Strategy.

"Sorry " I murmured, managing a smile that felt unnatural, on my face. "I'm simply... Overwhelmed."

We found ourselves in my childhood bedroom, the place I had awoken an hour earlier after being returned by the Moon Goddess. The wedding gown was draped over my wardrobe door, white silk that now resembled a burial cloth.

"Feeling overwhelmed?" Mia chuckled, grasping my hand gently. Her touch sent shivers through me. I didn’t withdraw. Not now. "Tomorrow is your wedding day, Lyra! You should be excited!"

Tomorrow. I had a single day to transform everything.

"I understand, " I replied cautiously. "It’s all unfolding quickly."

"Quick?" Mia's arched eyebrows lifted. "You and Killian have been destined partners since the day you were born. If anything this has dragged on forever." She approached the dress trailing her fingers over the embroidered bodice. "Moreover every woman in the pack would give anything to be where you are. Tying the knot with the alpha, in the region? You're incredibly fortunate."

Fortunate. The term felt bitter, as venom.

"Mia " I began cautiously gauging her reaction "could it be... Am wrong?"

Her hand paused on the dress. When she looked at me her face remained deliberately impassive. "What do you mean?"

"I mean, suppose Killian isn’t an option? What if…"

"Lyra." Mia's tone was steady now nearly cutting. She moved swiftly across the room holding my shoulders tightly. "Don't begin with this. Not, at this moment. You're simply anxious. Jitters. Every bride experiences them."

". Suppose it's something beyond that?" I insisted, observing her expression intently. "What if my heart desires something…or someone…"

A shadow flickered across Mias face briefly before she composed herself returning to a look of worry. "You mean Stefan."

The name hung between us as if it were a dagger.

"I..." I feigned uncertainty appearing torn. "I care for him, Mia. More than I ought to."

"Oh, darling." Mia embraced me with the hug feeling like being encased in brambles. "Stefan is amazing.. He isn't your destined partner. Killian is. The Moon Goddess selected him for you. Resisting that fate will just cause you suffering."

How paradoxical listening to those words come from her mouth. The woman who was involved with my destined partner. The woman who aided in planning my downfall.

"You're correct, " I murmured, stepping away. "I'm simply being foolish."

"That’s my girl." Mia’s grin shone brightly triumphant. "Now let’s discuss tomorrow. I was considering…"

A tap at the door broke her concentration.

"Lyra?" called my mother. "Someone's here to see you."

"Who…"

Before I could complete my sentence the door swung open. I felt my breath hitch.

Stefan was positioned in the entrance.

Observing him at this moment while holding all my recollections of the future felt as though I was staring at a person. He was undeniably good-looking. His dark hair was a bit messy. His blue eyes had always appeared genuine and reliable. Dressed in attire, a plain shirt and jeans, he bore himself with the subtle assurance typical of a beta.

However I noticed the reasoning lurking in his eyes. The manner in which his look darted to Mia briefly a quiet exchange happening between them.

"Stefan " I uttered, keeping my tone calm. "You caught me off guard."

"I understand." He entered the room, his presence occupying the area. "Apologies, for the disturbance. I simply... had to see you before tomorrow."

Mia headed to the door. "I'll leave you both alone for a while."

"No " I responded swiftly, catching them off guard. "Remain. Please."

A brief flash passed over Stefan's face…irritation perhaps?

…yet he agreed with a nod. "Certainly. If that’s your wish."

He inched nearer. I resisted the impulse to retreat. In my recollections this was the man I had adored. The man I trusted more than anyone.. Now with what I was aware of being close to him was, like standing beside a poised serpent.

"How do you feel?" he inquired gently. "Regarding tomorrow?"

"I was anxious, " I confessed. That part was accurate.

"You don't need to do this." His tone softened, becoming more personal. "You're aware of that aren't you?"

There it was again. The identical discussion we'd experienced previously. The same phrases intended to sow uncertainty to make me doubt my marriage while he and Mia collaborated to make it a reality.

However on this occasion I grasped the game.

"What are you trying to say?" I inquired, allowing bewilderment to tint my tone.

Stefan looked at Mia more before turning his attention back to me. He extended his hands toward mine. I allowed him to hold them despite my skin wanting to pull away.

"What I'm saying is you have an option, Lyra." His thumbs moved in circles on my palms, a motion I once found reassuring. "Destined partners... Often that's only what others say we ought to desire. Not what we truly wish for."

"Stefan," Mia spoke with a tone.

"She ought to be aware that she has choices " Stefan stated, keeping his gaze fixed on me. "Don’t you agree?"

I softly freed my hands. "Choices? The wedding is set for tomorrow. Everyone’s anticipating it. My family, the pack…"

"Ignore them." Stefan's fervor intensified. "What do you desire, Lyra? Not what others long for. What is it that your soul truly craves?"

This was the instant. In my life this discussion has shattered me. It left me feeling confined, bewildered and remorseful for thinking about Stefan when I was on the verge of marrying Killian.

Now I recognized it for what it was. A scheme. A tactic to unsettle me making sure I entered my marriage with the sense that I had already betrayed my partner. Already convinced I earned whatever followed.

"My heart, " I said, locking eyes with him "desires to act rightly."

". What’s right?" Stefan insisted. "Tying the knot with someone you don’t love? Pretending to be something you’re not?"

"I never claimed that I didn't love Killian." The words flowed more naturally than I had anticipated. "I'm simply anxious. Like Mia mentioned, every bride experiences feet."

Stefan's jaw clenched. "Lyra…"

"I appreciate your concern " I cut in my resolute tone. "Thank you both for your friendship. However, my choice is final. I am marrying Killian tomorrow."

The quiet that ensued was heavy and strained.

Stefan looked at me as if I were a stranger. Perfect. Let him question what was different.

"If that’s your choice " he at last spoke, his tone deliberately measured. "Then I’m glad, for you."

Liar.

I said, "Thank you."

He stepped toward the door then hesitated. ". Lyra... If you ever reconsider if you ever require someone I'll be there. Forever."

"I understand." I. This time it was genuine. Because I truly understood. I was fully aware of where he would be…hiding in the shadows manipulating events planting words into my husband's ear.

But not this time.

This time I will observe. Anticipate. Strategize.

After Stefan departed Mia remained. Her green eyes examined me with a focus that caused my heartbeat to race.

"That felt strange, " she remarked gradually.

"What was it?"

"You." She inclined her head. "You appeared... Changed. More confident."

I. Walked over to my vanity feigning to fix my hair while looking into the mirror. "Perhaps I simply needed to voice it. To solidify my decision."

Through the mirror glass I observed Mias expression. Observed the thoughts spinning behind those eyes.

"Well I'm happy you took the step " she eventually replied. "Killian is fortunate to have you."

"I'm fortunate to have him " I amended, the falsehood leaving a taste.

"Alright." Mia picked up her purse from the seat. "I need to leave. Let you relax ahead of the day.. Lyra?"

"Yes?"

"Don't do anything, " she said with a chuckle. There was firmness beneath. "You're choosing correctly. Believe me."

Once she had gone I remained seated, on my bed my hands trembling a little.

One day. I had a day to discover how to alter my destiny without revealing my intentions prematurely.

The Moon Goddess’s voice resonated within me: *Trust nobody. Doubt everything. Prioritize yourself.*

I. Moved toward the window gazing out at the woods beyond. Out there Killian was getting ready for our wedding. Thinking he was about to wed a trusting girl who would be simple to manipulate and easy to shatter.

He was wrong.

They were all wrong.

I placed my hand on the glass and for the first time since rising earlier I experienced an emotion apart from fear or rage.

I experienced strength.

Tomorrow I will stroll down that aisle. However I won't be stepping into a snare.

I would be stepping into battle.

And this time, I intended to win.