Chapter 67
Lyra’s POV
The time spent with Jack makes me angrier than I can imagine. It stirs up so many emotions that I try my best to suppress, but I just can’t help it.
As I walk through the hallway attached to the dungeon, trying to find my way to my room, I can’t help but wonder: Why is my life so complicated? First, my mother denies the bond I thought I had with her, and now Jack tells me how he hates my dad.
Each step feels like a struggle against the tangled web of emotions swirling within me. Confusion, anger, and a profound sense of betrayal fill my mind.
“My dear, I’ll allow you to ponder on the snippet I’ve told you,” Jack’s words keep ringing in my head like a mantra.
He is responsible for my father’s death, and the fact that Kayla knows about this fuels the raging anger in my heart.
Every time I close my eyes, I see flashes of memories, the moments with my father that were stolen by Jack’s betrayal.
“But how did he do it?” I mutter, my mind racing with questions. Kessler claims he killed my father. Could it be the spell Zachary talked about?
The more I think about it, the more I crave answers. I need to know who the enemy is so I can be wary, because, at this point, I trust no one.
I can’t afford to be naive or trusting in a world where deceit lurks around every corner.
I look up and spot Kessler making his way to the dungeons. My heart begins to race, and a whirlwind of emotions swirls inside me.
As our eyes meet, I can sense his surprise at seeing me there. Our gazes lock for what feels like an eternity, but I make a deliberate choice not to acknowledge him. Though he tries to reach out, I refuse to give him an audience.
I turned away, my jaw clenched. I cannot afford to let sentiment cloud my judgment, especially when there are too many unanswered questions lingering.
I catch a glimpse of hurt and longing in Kessler’s eyes, but I quickly push aside any sympathy. “Let him just leave me the fuck alone,” I think to myself, feeling a surge of frustration. I refuse to be pitied or patronized-I’ve long outgrown that stage.
He made his choice, and now he must face the consequences. Similarly, I’ve made mine, and I’m prepared to accept whatever repercussions come my way.
It’s time for me to take charge of my life, to stand firm in my decisions, and to face the future with unwavering willpower.
Walking a few steps away from Kessler, my attention is drawn to Annie, dressed gorgeously with a crown atop her head.
She radiates confidence, finally achieving the Luna status she’s always desired. Good for her.
But then, she raises her hand to her crown, flipping me off with a smirk on her face. A surge of anger courses through me, and I emit a low growl.
She wisely keeps her distance, I’m sure she can feel the intensity of my fury stemming.
I grit my teeth, struggling to contain the boiling rage within me. But I know better than to let my anger consume me.
As Kessler turns to find out the source of the growl, I ignore him and continue on my way, making my way towards my room.
Julie follows me into the room, concern etched on her face. “Lyra, are you okay?”
I let out a long sigh, frustration simmering beneath the surface. “Does it look like I’m okay?”
Julie takes a step back, clearly taken aback by my outburst. Unsure of how to respond, she stands there hesitant.
Feeling the tension in the air, I take a moment to collect myself, realizing that my outburst may have been unfair to Julie.
“I’m sorry, Julie,” I say, softening my tone. “It’s just been a rough day.”
“Take a deep breath, Lyra. I’m sure you will be fine.”
“I stomp my feet on the floor like a baby throwing tantrums. Oh, Julie, I’m not taking a deep breath. I’m not calming down,” I exclaim, frustration evident in my voice.
Julie nods understandingly, her expression softening with empathy. Despite my initial resistance, she manages to come closer, and I take a deep breath, feeling a sense of calm.
She shook her head and moved closer to me, engulfing me in a warm hug.
I needed it desperately, so I relaxed into her comforting embrace and allowed myself to cry my heart out.
After what felt like an eternity, I finally exhausted my tears, feeling drained and emotionally spent. Wiping the mucus off my nose, I manage a weak smile. “Thank you, Julie. Gosh, I’m such a crybaby.”
Julie responds with a gentle smile, her eyes filled with kindness. “Anytime, Lyra. I’m glad I can be a shoulder for you to cry on.”
Feeling a sense of gratitude for Julie’s unwavering support, I give her a heartfelt nod. “I don’t know what I would do without you.”
Julie’s smile grows warmer, and she squeezes my hand gently. “You don’t have to go through this alone, Lyra. I’ll always be here for you.”
“So, Lyra,” she begins, drawing out my name.
I look at her, uncertain of what she wants to ask.
“Do you care for ice cream? Because ice cream could take your pain away,” she says, laughing.
A smile spreads across my face at her playful suggestion. “Oh, Julie. Ice cream it is,” I reply with a chuckle.
She giggles and leaves my room, the ease she radiates brings a much-needed joy.
Excitement courses through me as I quickly retrieve the phone Shawn gave me to check for any messages. My heart skips a beat when I see that he’ll be on patrol tonight and asks if I’m still interested.
“Hell yes, I am,” I replied eagerly, hurriedly sending the message to him.
Just then, Julie walks in with two big bowls of ice cream, and I can’t help but grin at the timing of her arrival.
“Who says ice cream isn’t bae?” I exclaim, reaching for one of the bowls. “It takes the pain away.”ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .
With a sense of anticipation and gratitude, I dive into the bowl of ice cream, enjoying each spoonful as it soothes both my body and soul.
Julie watches me with amusement, sensing that I’m not in the mood for a lengthy conversation.
Once I finish my ice cream, I excuse myself and head to the bathroom to freshen up and change into my nightie. Returning to bed, I notice Julie’s watchful gaze, but I make no indication that I’m aware of it.
“Good night, Lyra,” she says softly.
“Good night, Julie, and thanks for the ice cream,” I reply, letting out a loud yawn. It’s my subtle way of signaling that I’m ready to call it a night.
With a nod, Julie takes the hint and quietly leaves the room, leaving me to drift off into a much-needed rest.
As the door closes behind Julie, enveloping the room in quiet stillness, I take a moment to listen to her fading footsteps, ensuring she’s truly gone.
“Good, now is the time. Sasha, are you ready?” I inquire, hoping for a response from my wolf, but none comes. Sasha remains silent, still grappling with the pain of losing Dolph.
Rolling my eyes in frustration, I gather only the essentials: my phone and a few other items. It’s time to focus on the task at hand, regardless of Sasha’s mood.
Taking one last glance around the room, ensuring I haven’t forgotten anything important, I leave without tiptoeing to avoid raising suspicion among the pack members.
As soon as I reach the pack borders, I spot Shawn, who gives me a nod of acknowledgment. With a quick exchange, I understand his presence signifies that everything is in order. Without delay, I hurry past him and step out of the pack territory, ready to face whatever lies ahead.