CHAPTER 7: Defying the Alpha
554 Words
Alexander’s threat—“I will punish you, Moon Whisper”—was the fuel that continued to burn in Lyra’s veins. Trapped in a windowless, locked room, confined under Alexander’s watchful authority, Lyra’s need for vengeance doubled. Alexander's protection infuriated Lyra, not because she resented safety, but because she craved power and defiance.
I will not submit to you, Alexander. Not seven years ago, and certainly not now.
Lyra walked to the door lock. She ran her fingers over the wooden surface, feeling the icy prickle of the silver tattoo on her neck. The Moon Whisper power slowly seeped from her mind toward the lock. The power didn't physically bend the tumblers; it froze the lock’s will to function. With a soft click, the bolt retracted. Alexander’s Alpha command had been defeated by Lyra’s Moon power.
Only one Beta guard stood in the corridor. Lyra approached quickly, the silver sheen still visible on her face. The guard tried to stop her, but the icy wave of Lyra’s power crashed over him. The Beta groaned helplessly, collapsing under the pressure of her strength as Lyra swept past him.
Lyra's mind focused on Alexander's frantic words: "The Shadow Claws' main target isn't this. This is a diversion!" Alexander had pointed to the Eastern Tower on the map, but the real threat always sought the most valuable and undefended prize: The heart of the Pack, the Alpha's Home.
Lyra knew Alexander had made a strategic error.
"So far, and no farther," Lyra said, her voice as cold as the Moon’s snow.
The dark wolf turned to Lyra. The savagery in its gaze ignited the vengeance in Lyra’s soul. Lyra suppressed the urge to shift. Her Moon Whisper was more effective than fur and claws. She extended her palms towards the wolf. Waves of silver energy flowed from Lyra’s body toward the werewolf's heart. The wolf howled in pain, but Lyra did not relent. Her power was claiming its will.
Just then, a roar shook the forest. Alexander's wolf was a shadow, larger and more enraged than ever. Alexander had seen Lyra’s defiance.
Taking advantage of the dark wolf’s brief distraction by Alexander’s presence, Lyra sent the last surge of silver energy into its body. The wolf, instead of facing Alexander’s beast, collapsed quickly and painfully under Lyra’s curse. The battle was won. Lyra had saved The Heart of the Pack.
Alexander’s wolf raced towards Lyra and, in a rush of transforming agony, shifted into a muscled, trouser-clad man right in front of her. Steam rose from Alexander’s body. His eyes were fixed on Lyra, a chaotic mix of shock, rage, and uncontrollable relief.
"I told you I would punish you!" Alexander roared. Lyra’s vengeance caught the moment of uncontrollable relief in Alexander’s chest.
Lyra shrugged. "I defied that order, Alpha. Now give me my punishment."
Alexander’s body took a step toward Lyra. His intention to punish could not be blocked even by Lyra’s Moon Whisper power. Alexander stopped right in front of her. His eyes dropped to Lyra's lips.
"The punishment I will give you..." Alexander whispered. Lyra could feel his anger, his desire, and the terror of losing her all mixing together. Alexander’s hand reached out for Lyra’s neck.
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