The journey back to the pack was shrouded in an uncomfortable silence, the tension between Cassian and Lyra palpable. The woods around them seemed muted, the usual rustle of leaves and chirping of crickets replaced by an oppressive stillness.
Cassian walked ahead, his posture rigid and his golden eyes scanning their surroundings, though his focus was far from the path.
Lyra trailed behind him, her silver eyes fixed on the ground. Her thoughts raced, replaying the confrontation with Adrian over and over. The pain in his voice, the betrayal in Cassian’s gaze—it was all too much. The weight of it pressed down on her, suffocating and inescapable.
When they entered the pack’s stronghold, the atmosphere was no less strained. The camp was quiet, the pack members sensing the shift in their Alpha’s demeanor.
Cassian’s anger radiated off him in waves, and no one dared to meet his gaze. Warriors stood straighter as he passed, their eyes averted, while others quickly moved out of his way.
Cassian stopped in the center of the camp, his sharp gaze scanning the area before turning to one of his lieutenants.
“Double the guards around Lyra’s quarters,” he ordered, his tone cold and authoritative. “She’s not to go anywhere without protection.”
Lyra’s head snapped up, her silver eyes narrowing as she stepped toward him. “What are you doing?” she demanded, her voice cutting through the tense quiet.
Cassian turned to her, his expression unreadable but unyielding. “Ensuring your safety,” he said matter-of-factly. “You’re not going anywhere without protection.”
Anger flared in Lyra’s chest, her fists clenching at her sides. “You can’t lock me away like this, Cassian,” she snapped. “I’m not a prisoner.”
Cassian’s jaw tightened, his golden eyes locking onto hers. “You’re carrying my heir,” he retorted sharply, his voice firm. “That’s all that matters now.”
Lyra’s lips parted in disbelief, her chest heaving with frustration. “And what about what I want?” she shot back, her voice trembling. “Or does that not matter anymore?”
Cassian’s expression remained stony, though his eyes flickered with something unspoken.
“What matters is keeping you alive,” he said evenly. “Whether you like it or not.”
Unable to contain the storm of emotions building inside her, Lyra turned on her heel and strode toward her quarters. Her steps were heavy with anger, her breath coming in sharp bursts as she fought the tears threatening to spill.
Cassian’s gaze followed her retreat, his jaw tightening as he turned back to his lieutenant. “Triple the guards,” he said, his tone brooking no argument. “I don’t care if she hates me for it.”
Inside her quarters, Lyra paced restlessly, her thoughts a chaotic swirl of frustration and despair. Her fingers tightened into fists as she stopped by the window, staring out at the moonlit forest.
“I’m not a prisoner,” she whispered to herself, her voice trembling with quiet defiance. “And I won’t let him treat me like one.”