The pack gates loomed ahead, their towering wooden beams casting long shadows in the early morning light. Misery stood at the threshold, her silver eyes scanning the warriors who guarded the territory. Their expressions were cold, their distrust evident in the way their hands lingered on the hilts of their weapons.
“You’ve got no trust here,” one of the guards growled, stepping forward. His amber eyes flicked between Misery and Eryon, his voice sharp. “If you make one wrong move, you won’t leave alive.”
Misery met his gaze without flinching, her voice calm but firm. “I’m not here to harm your pack. I only want to find my child.”
The guard’s lips curled into a skeptical sneer, but he didn’t press further. Eryon stepped forward, his presence commanding as he placed himself between Misery and the pack’s warriors.
“She’s with me,” he said firmly. “That’s all you need to know.”
The guards exchanged glances but didn’t argue. They stepped aside reluctantly, allowing Misery, Eryon, and Lyra to pass.
As they crossed through the gates, Lyra adjusted her cloak, her movements deliberate. The morning air was crisp, carrying a faint chill that made her shiver despite the layers of fabric. Just as they were about to leave the pack’s boundaries, a voice called out from behind them.
“Mother!”
Lyra turned to see a tall, lanky boy running toward her, his youthful features filled with a mix of determination and concern. At sixteen, his frame was lean but already hinting at the strength that would one day make him a formidable Alpha.
The boy stopped in front of her, catching his breath. His sharp amber eyes, a reflection of his father’s, locked onto hers. “You’re leaving?” he asked, his tone tinged with worry.
Lyra placed a gentle hand on his shoulder, her expression softening. “I have to, Keon,” she said. “There’s something important I need to do.”
Keon’s gaze flicked to Eryon and Misery, his wariness evident. “You’re going with them?”
Lyra nodded. “They need my help. But I’ll come back, I promise.”
Keon’s jaw tightened, and he glanced at Eryon. “Make sure she stays safe,” he said firmly, his youthful voice carrying a tone far beyond his years.
Eryon gave a slight nod. “She’ll be safe with me.”
Keon stepped back, his expression reluctant but resigned. “The Elders have been training me,” he said, his voice quieter now. “I’ll take care of the pack while you’re gone.”
Lyra smiled, brushing a hand through his dark hair. “I know you will. You’ll make me proud.”
With a final glance, Keon stepped aside, letting the trio continue on their path.
Misery turned to Lyra as they walked, her expression softening for the first time. “Your son… he’s strong. Like his mother.”