Lyra’s heart swelled with hope when she heard the howls announcing her parents’ return. She rushed to the pack’s courtyard, her silver eyes scanning the group for the familiar figure she’d longed to see. When Draven and Isla emerged from the trees, her relief turned to joy—but the sight of Eryon behind them froze her in place.
Eryon’s presence was undeniable, but he wasn’t the brother she remembered. His once warm amber eyes now glowed crimson, and his movements were rigid, almost predatory. His expression was a mask of cold detachment, and the sight of him sent a chill down Lyra’s spine.
“Eryon?” she whispered, stepping forward hesitantly.
His gaze flickered to her, his voice devoid of warmth. “I’m not who I was, Lyra.”
Her chest tightened, tears welling in her eyes. She reached out as if to touch him, but the distance between them felt insurmountable.
The tension thickened when Cassian approached, his stance wary and his amber eyes locked onto Eryon. “You’re the one who broke Adrian out,” he growled, his voice low and dangerous. “You betrayed this pack.”
Eryon didn’t flinch. In a flash, he closed the distance between them, his hand wrapping around Cassian’s throat. He slammed Cassian against a tree with inhuman strength, his fangs bared. Cassian clawed at Eryon’s grip, his eyes widening with fury and shock.
“Eryon, stop!” Lyra screamed, her voice cutting through the chaos. She clutched her chest, the pain of Cassian’s distress radiating through their bond. “Please, don’t hurt him!”
Eryon froze at her words, his grip loosening. He stepped back, his face a mix of confusion and anger. Cassian stumbled to the ground, gasping for air as he glared up at Eryon.
Lyra turned to Cassian, her voice trembling with desperation. “We need to help him. There’s still a chance.”
Cassian pushed himself to his feet, his jaw tightening. “And what do you propose, Lyra? He’s not the same. He’s dangerous.”
“He’s my brother!” Lyra cried, her tears streaming down her face. “He needs us.”
Cassian’s amber eyes darkened. “And if he poses a threat to this pack, I won’t hesitate to put him down.”