Lyra POV
The walk back from the Alpha’s office felt longer than it should have.
Each step echoed louder in Lyra’s ears, as if the entire packhouse had fallen silent just to listen to her retreat. Her chest felt tight, her throat dry, and her hands trembled slightly at her sides—but she refused to let anyone see it.
Not again.
Not in front of them.
Not in front of him.
Nyx stirred uneasily within her.
You’re hurt.
“I’m fine,” Lyra muttered under her breath.
You’re lying.
Lyra clenched her jaw.
Because Nyx was right.
She wasn’t fine.
Not after what Kael had said.
Not after the way he looked at her—cold, distant, as if she meant nothing more than a problem he had to manage.
And yet…
He hadn’t killed Melvin.
That thought lingered.
Unwanted.
Confusing.
He spared him, Nyx whi
