The change began before anyone announced it.
Lyra felt it in the way the door opened that morning.
Not abruptly.
Not uncertainly.
Carefully.
Like whoever stood on the other side already knew who she was becoming.
She sat upright as three women stepped inside.
Dressed in soft, flowing fabrics, their movements quiet but purposeful.
They didn’t hesitate.
They didn’t question.
They bowed.
“Alpha Queen.”
The title landed before she could prepare for it.
Lyra stilled.
It wasn’t official yet.
Not fully.
And yet
it was already happening.
“I’m not,” she started.
But the words didn’t finish.
Because even she no longer believed them.
The women exchanged brief glances before one of them stepped forward, carrying a tray.
On it
flowers.
Not arranged.
Not chosen.
Waiting.
“For
