Chapter 3 A Proposal No One Expected ( part 2)
803 Words
Chapter 3
A Proposal No One Expected
Lyra's POV (Part 2)
My hands trembled as we followed the Alpha's warriors through the village.
The whispers started the moment people saw us.
"Why is the Alpha summoning Lyra?"
"Did something happen?"
"Maybe they're sending her away."
I lowered my head, pretending not to hear them.
My mother slipped her hand into mine and gave it a reassuring squeeze.
"It'll be alright," she whispered.
I wanted to believe her.
But deep inside, I feared the worst.
The Alpha Mansion stood proudly on the highest hill in the pack, its stone walls glowing beneath the afternoon sun. I had only been there once as a child. Back then, it had seemed magical.
Today, it felt intimidating.
The guards opened the massive wooden doors, and we stepped inside.
The grand hall was silent.
At the far end of the room sat Alpha Marcus, his Luna beside him. Standing to his right was Raymond.
He looked as calm and composed as ever, but when our eyes met, something flickered across his face.
Sympathy.
He quickly looked away.
The captain bowed.
"Alpha, the Willow family has arrived."
"Thank you," Alpha Marcus replied. "Leave us."
The doors closed, leaving only the two families behind.
"Please," Alpha Marcus said, his voice gentler than I expected. "Have a seat."
My parents and I sat on the chairs opposite him.
The silence that followed was unbearable.
Finally, the Alpha spoke.
"Lyra, I know the last two days have been difficult."
I lowered my gaze.
"Yes, Alpha."
"What happened during the Awakening Ceremony was unprecedented."
"I understand."
"No," he said softly. "No one understands."
His words surprised me.
"I have ruled this pack for more than thirty years, and never have I seen the Moon Goddess remain silent before one of her children."
For the first time since the ceremony, someone wasn't blaming me.
Instead, he sounded... concerned.
"I want you to know that you are still a valued member of this pack."
Tears stung my eyes.
"Thank you, Alpha."
He nodded before turning to my parents.
"I have asked you here because I wish to discuss something important."
My father straightened in his seat.
"We're listening."
Alpha Marcus glanced toward Raymond before speaking.
"As all of you know, Raymond will soon become the next Alpha."
I looked briefly at Raymond before lowering my eyes again.
"The time has come for him to marry."
The room fell silent.
I frowned, confused.
Why was I here for this conversation?
Then the Alpha continued.
"I believe that the future Alpha should have a Luna by his side."
My heartbeat quickened.
Something about this conversation felt... strange.
"After much thought," Alpha Marcus said carefully, "I have chosen the woman I believe is worthy of standing beside him."
My breath caught.
He looked directly at me.
"Lyra."
The room froze.
I couldn't believe what I had just heard.
"M-Me?"
My mother gasped.
My father stared at the Alpha in complete shock.
Even Raymond remained silent.
"I know this proposal comes unexpectedly," Alpha Marcus continued, "but I believe this marriage would strengthen our pack."
I shook my head slowly.
"There must be some mistake."
"There isn't."
"But..."
My voice trembled.
"I don't have a wolf."
"You are still one of our people."
"I don't have a mate."
"The Moon Goddess has not declared that you don't have one," the Alpha replied calmly. "She has only remained silent."
I didn't know what to say.
This couldn't be happening.
The Alpha turned to Raymond.
"Is there anything you wish to say?"
Raymond finally spoke.
"I will respect whatever decision my father makes."
His answer sounded formal.
Emotionless.
He wasn't happy about this.
But neither was I.
Alpha Marcus looked back at me.
"Lyra, I am not asking for your answer today."
He paused.
"This is a decision that will change your life."
"I want you to think carefully."
"You have three days."
"If you accept, preparations for the wedding will begin immediately."
"If you refuse, no one will force you."
I nodded slowly.
"I... understand."
The meeting came to an end shortly afterward.
As my parents and I walked out of the mansion, my thoughts were spinning.
Two days ago, I believed no one would ever want me.
Now...
The Alpha wanted me to become the future Luna.
Nothing made sense anymore.
Behind us, Raymond watched silently from the palace steps.
Neither of us noticed the shadow standing among the trees beyond the mansion walls.
Hidden beneath a dark hood, the stranger smiled.
"So..."
"The Moon Goddess's chosen one has finally revealed herself."
He disappeared into the forest before anyone could see him.
Far beyond the Crescent Moon Pack, news of Lyra's existence had already begun to spread.
And someone far more powerful than an Alpha was already on his way.
- Writer
