Lyra's POV
Then a hush fell over the field.
The wind whistled through the trees, brushing through the tall grass like it was trying to warn us to turn back now.
But it was too late for that. I had already stepped forward, the weight of every eye behind me pressing into my back.
Then Ben stepped out from among his soldiers like a king approaching the gallows.
I squared my shoulders and locked eyes with him.
“Well, well, well,” Ben’s voice carried across the open field like oil over water. “So Orion sent the little girl in his place. The big, bad Alpha chooses to cower behind a woman’s legs. Typical.”
I clenched my fists, jaw tightening, but I didn’t look away.
“I suppose I should be merciful,” he continued, spreading his arms. “Since Orion has chosen to be a coward and shy away from
