~Lyra's POV~
The next evening, Ari informed me she was hosting a small feast for visiting delegates, which meant more work, more humiliation, and more chances to mess up.
"Everything must be perfect," she said, circling me like a predator. "These are important guests. If you embarrass me, you'll regret it."
"I understand."
By the time guests began arriving, I'd been working for fourteen hours straight. My feet ached, my back screamed, and my hands had started bleeding again from rewashing dishes that Ari claimed weren't clean enough.
But I stood straight as I served wine and carried platters of food, refusing to show weakness.
The dining hall was filled with voices and laughter. I moved between tables, refilling glasses, clearing plates, making myself invisible.
Kael sat at the head table with Ari glued to his side, but I could sense his tension from across the room. He hardly touched his food or spoke at all. His jaw was clenched, and his eyes kept darting around restlessly.
"Wine," someone called, and I hurried over with a fresh bottle.
As I poured, I caught fragments of conversation.
"Border disputes in the eastern territories..."
"The Silverclaw delegation should arrive soon..."
"Excellent vintage, Kael. You always choose well."
Kael didn't respond. His attention had shifted to the entrance, his nostrils flaring slightly as if catching a scent.
Then one of the delegates, an older man with greying hair, gestured toward me.
"Tell me, Alpha Kael, what's the story with the human girl?"
The room went quiet.
Kael's hand tightened around his wine glass.
"There's no story."
"Really? Because I could have sworn I sensed something between you two earlier.
The way you looked at her when she dropped those dishes…"
"You're mistaken." Kael's voice could have frozen fire.
"She's a charity case," Ari interjected smoothly, her hand sliding possessively over Kael's arm. "We took pity on her. Nothing more."
I stood there with the wine bottle, forcing my expression to remain neutral even as shame burned in my chest.
The delegate chuckled. "Ah, of course. My apologies for the confusion."
As conversation resumed, I risked a glance at Kael. He was already looking at me, his eyes filled with a fire I couldn't quite identify. I could feel the bond between us, buzzing with energy.
Then Ari touched his hand, drawing his attention back to her, and the moment shattered.
I moved to the next table, my heart pounding.
—
The feast was nearly over when the doors opened again.
A hush fell over the room as a new presence entered. They gave off a vibe of power and confidence, as if they were completely at ease with their authority.
"Apologies for the late arrival," a deep voice said. "The journey took longer than expected."
I looked up from the wine I was pouring and felt the air leave my lungs.
The man standing in the doorway was tall and broad-shouldered, with dark blonde hair that caught the candlelight. His silver eyes swept the room in a calm manner, taking in everything and everyone.
"Alpha Ryland," Kael stood, though his voice held an edge. "We'd given up hope you'd make it."
Alpha Ryland of Silverclaw Pack. I'd heard the name whispered earlier but hadn't expected... this.
"I wouldn't miss it." Ryland's smile was warm, but his eyes were sharp. "I hope I'm not too late for the wine."
"Of course not. Lyra…" Ari gestured imperiously at me. "Wine for our guest."
I approached Ryland's table on unsteady legs, the wine bottle suddenly feeling heavy in my hands. As I reached for his glass, he shifted, and our fingers brushed.
The world tilted.
It felt like being struck by lightning… a sudden burst of connection that was so intense it made my bond with Kael seem small by comparison. This new feeling was different and more solid, but just as strong and impossible to ignore.
Ryland's silver eyes locked onto mine, widening slightly.
He felt it too.
From across the room, I heard a low growl. I didn't need to turn around; I knew it was Kael, and I could tell he was furious.
I didn't want to wait to find out what this was or what would happen next, so after filling Alpha Ryland's cup, I excused myself..
Actually, I fled the dining hall like a coward, my heart hammering so hard I thought it might crack my ribs.
The wine bottle was still clutched in my shaking hands as I stumbled into the kitchen, setting it down before my trembling fingers could drop it. I braced myself against the counter, trying to catch my breath.
What was that?
The connection with Ryland felt had like being pulled underwater. It was intense, consuming, and I couldn't resist it. It was completely different from how I felt with Kael.
With Kael, the connection was intense and hurtful, like grabbing onto something really hot. But with Ryland, it felt different… more stable, like finally finding solid ground after a tumble.
Is it possible he's also my…
"Lyra!" Ari's voice cut through my thoughts.
She appeared in the doorway looking flushed.
"What are you doing hiding in here?"
"I was just…"
"I don't care. Alpha Ryland and Kael are having a private meeting in the study. You're to wait outside the door in case they need anything."
"Yes, ma'am."
My stomach twisted as I made my way through the corridors toward Kael's study. The last thing I wanted was to be anywhere near either of them right now, not when I could still feel that strange energy humming under my skin.
When I got to the study, the door was closed, but I could still hear voices coming through the thick wood. I stood there off to the side, trying not to eavesdrop, but it was hard not to listen.
"I appreciate you making time to see me," Ryland's voice was calm.
"You said it was urgent." Kael sounded tense.
"What's this about?"
"I'm curious about one of your staff."
Silence. Then, "Which one?"
"The one who served me wine when I arrived. Dark hair, brown eyes… human?"
My breath caught.
"Lyra?" Kael's voice turned cold. "She's just a slave. Ari's personal maid. Why would you care about her?"
Just a slave.
The words hit like a physical blow. I knew what I was to him… nothing, less than nothing. But hearing him say it out loud, with such a casual tone, made something inside me crack.
"Well," Ryland replied smoothly, "I have a proposition that might interest you."
"Oh? And what would that be?"
"You know that piece of land on our shared border? The fertile ground you've been asking about for years. I'm willing to deed it over to Shadowfang."
"In exchange for what?" Kael sounded suspicious now.
"Something you consider worthless anyway." A pause. "Give me the slave, and the land is yours."
My hand flew to my mouth, stifling the gasp that wanted to escape.
"Her?" Kael chuckled. "You want to trade valuable land for her?"
"Do we have a deal?"
"You can't be serious. She's worthless. Broken. What could you possibly want with her?"
Worthless. Broken.
I closed my eyes, feeling tears prick at the corners. Even knowing I meant nothing to him, even after the rejection, hearing those words still hurt.
"My reasons are my own," Ryland said quietly.
"Do you accept the trade or not?"
The silence that followed felt like it lasted forever.
"Done." Kael's voice was flat and final. "You can have her."
Just like that, I was sold… again.
I pressed my back against the wall, trying to process what had just happened. I'd been traded like livestock, like property, like something with no say in its own fate.
The door handle turned, and I barely had time to straighten before it swung open.
"Perfect," Ryland said, his silver eyes finding me immediately.
"You're here."
Kael stood behind him, his crimson eyes meeting mine for just a moment before he looked away, with tight jaw.
"You're leaving with me tonight," Ryland said in a gentle voice, despite the words.
"You're mine now."
I couldn't speak. Couldn't move. I just stared at Kael, waiting for... what? For him to object? To claim me? To show any sign that this mattered to him?
But he just turned away, walking back to his desk as if I'd already ceased to exist.
"Go get your things," Ryland said softly.
"We're leaving immediately."
I found my voice, though it came out barely above a whisper. "I don't have much, just… a shawl, knife and one dress"
Something flickered in his silver eyes… anger, maybe, or sympathy. "Get them, and come."
—
The courtyard felt cold and dark, with just a few torches providing light. A group of horses stood waiting by the gates, their breath visible in the chilly night air.
"We have a long journey ahead," Ryland said, leading me toward a smaller mare.
"Can you ride?"
"A little." The words felt distant, like someone else was speaking them. "My father taught me when I was young."
He carefully helped me onto the horse. Then, he mounted his own, a big grey stallion that looked like a perfect match for him.
As we rode through the gates of Shadowfang territory, I didn't look back. There was nothing there for me anyway.
The forest closed around us, dark and quiet except for the steady rhythm of hooves and the occasional call of night birds. Ryland rode slightly ahead, giving me space but staying close enough that I could feel his presence like a shield.
We rode for what felt like hours before he finally spoke.
"I know you have questions."
I did, dozens of them. But only one mattered. "Why? Why did you buy me?"
Alpha Ryland was quiet for a few seconds… maybe up to a minute. When he finally answered, his voice was quiet but certain.
"Because you're my mate."