The interior of the main hall was as imposing as Misery remembered, with its high ceilings and the faint smell of woodsmoke clinging to the air. A long table stretched across the center of the room, surrounded by carved chairs that held the pack’s elders and leaders.
At the far end, Lyra stood beside one of the elders, her silver eyes widening the moment she saw Misery.
The elder, an older wolf with streaks of gray in his hair, leaned forward, his amber eyes narrowing sharply. “State your purpose,” he demanded, his tone leaving no room for hesitation.
Misery stepped forward, her movements measured. The stares of the wolves around her bore into her skin, but she kept her gaze steady. “I am Misery,” she began, her voice strong despite the tension in the room. “I was Eryon’s… it’s complicated. But I’m here because I need to speak to him.”
Lyra took a step closer, her eyes wide with disbelief. “Misery… It can’t be. You’ve been gone for years. We thought you were dead.”
Misery turned to Lyra, her expression softening slightly. “I was,” she said quietly. “But I’m here now. And I need Eryon.”
The room fell into silence, the weight of her words settling over the gathered wolves.
The elder who had spoken first leaned back in his chair, his eyes never leaving Misery. “If you’re lying,” he said, his tone cold and unforgiving, “it’ll cost you.”
“I’m not lying,” Misery replied, her silver eyes locking onto his. “I’ve spent every moment since waking trying to find him. If you doubt me, bring him here. Let him decide.”
Lyra’s gaze flickered between Misery and the elders, her expression conflicted.
“You said it’s about your child,” she said hesitantly. “Do you mean… Adrian’s?”
Misery shook her head firmly. “No. My child. Eryon’s child. And I need his help to find her.”
The elder’s sharp eyes studied her for a long moment before he nodded to one of the guards. “Bring Eryon,” he commanded. “If this is truly Misery, let him see for himself.”
As the guard left, the tension in the room grew heavier. Misery’s chest tightened, but she forced herself to stay calm. She had made it this far, and she wouldn’t let their suspicion stop her now.
Lyra stepped closer, her voice low. “If you’re really Misery, then you know how much this pack has been through. Any mistake, and they won’t forgive you.”
Misery met Lyra’s gaze, her silver eyes unwavering. “I’m not here to harm your pack,” she said. “I’m here to bring my family back together. That’s all.”