The garden was quiet, a soft breeze rustling through the leaves as Lyra sat on the weathered stone bench. Her hands rested in her lap, trembling slightly as she stared at the moonlit flowers swaying gently in the night. Her wolf stirred within her, restless and agitated.
"You doubt yourself, don’t you?" her wolf’s voice echoed in her mind, a mixture of strength and sorrow.
Lyra closed her eyes, leaning back against the bench. “How could I not? Adrian’s gone, and now Cassian… He expects so much of me. How can I lead when I can’t even figure out what I want?”
Her wolf’s growl was low but filled with a fierce loyalty. "You’re strong, Lyra. You’ve survived betrayal, loss, and heartbreak. But you need to decide where your heart lies before it tears you apart."
Lyra’s breath hitched as memories of Adrian flooded her mind—his soft voice, his unwavering support. But then there was Cassian, his strength like an anchor in the chaos, his presence a constant reminder of the bond they shared.
“I’m lost,” she whispered aloud, her voice barely audible.
The sound of footsteps drew her from her thoughts, and she turned to see Cassian approaching. His usual commanding presence seemed tempered, his amber eyes softer in the moonlight.
“Can’t sleep?” he asked, his voice low.
Lyra shook her head. “Just thinking.”
Cassian sat beside her, his large frame making the bench seem smaller. For a moment, neither of them spoke, the silence between them heavy yet oddly comforting.
“Do you regret it?” he asked suddenly, his voice so quiet she almost missed it.
Lyra’s chest tightened as she looked down at her hands. “I don’t know,” she admitted. “Everything feels… so wrong. Like no matter what I do, someone gets hurt.”
Cassian reached out, taking her hand in his. His touch was warm and steady, grounding her in a way she hadn’t expected. “You’ve been through so much, Lyra. But this pack needs you. I need you.”
Lyra hesitated, her voice trembling. “And if I don’t know how to be what they need?”
“You’ll learn,” he said firmly. “You’ve already proven your strength. And maybe…” His gaze flicked to her stomach briefly before meeting her eyes again. “Maybe we can give them something more. An heir. A future.”
Lyra’s breath caught. “Cassian—”
He interrupted gently, his voice soft but resolute. “I know your heart is torn, Lyra. Maybe you love him. But you’ll bear me a child, and you’ll love them more than you could ever love Adrian. And through them, you’ll find your purpose.”