Chapter Five: He Owns Me
I stretched my arms and yawned, feeling a sense of freedom as I left the room I’d been cooped up in for two days. The sunlight streaming through the windows illuminated the beautiful, natural surroundings, and I felt a sense of peace wash over me as I walked down the halls. The soft rustle of my clothes and the creaking of the wooden floorboards beneath my feet were the only sounds breaking the silence. As I walked, I couldn’t help but admire the intricate carvings on the walls, depicting scenes of wolves and forests. The air was fresh and clean, filled with the scent of pine and earth. I breathed deeply, feeling invigorated and refreshed. My playful spirit took over, and I swung my hands and body as I walked, my long hair bouncing behind me. I twirled around, taking in the grandeur of the high ceilings and the sparkling chandeliers. The paintings on the walls seemed to come alive, telling stories of ancient battles and mythical creatures. As I approached a room, I heard voices raised in argument. My curiosity piqued, I slowed down, trying to eavesdrop. I recognized Lyraeus’ voice, Ryker’s, and a lady’s voice, her tone sharp and authoritative. I leaned in, trying to make out what they were saying. "...Can’t just keep her here, Lyraeus,” the lady said. “She’s a liability.” “She’s not going anywhere,” Lyraeus growled. I felt a shiver run down my spine at his possessive tone. Who was this lady, and why were they arguing over me? I leaned in closer, my ear pressed against the door. The lady’s voice rose, her words becoming clearer. “You can’t just keep her here without the consent of the pack, besides she’s a Blackwood, half of the pack would want to tear her apart judging the history.” “Consent?” Lyraeus snorted. “She’s a Blackwood. She should be ready for the anger of the pack members.” My eyes widened at his harsh words. Who was this lady, and why were they discussing me? Just as I was getting into the conversation, Lyraeus’ sarcastic tone cut through the air. “Ah, perfect timing, Aria. We were just discussing how to handle our little eavesdropper.” The doors swung open with a forceful creak, and I stumbled inside, pushed by some unseen force. I regained my balance, looking up to see Lyraeus’ piercing gaze, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes. “Welcome to the meeting. Aria,” he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “We were just discussing your… accommodations.” I looked around, taking in the tense atmosphere. Ryker stood beside Lyraeus, a neutral expression on his face. The lady, a stunning beauty with piercing red eyes, glared at me from across the room. Her long, straight hair cascaded down her back like a waterfall of gold, and her full lips were pursed in disapproval. The lady’s gaze was like a cold breeze, sending shivers down my spine. I felt a sense of unease, like I was an intruder in a private conversation. Lyraeus’ eyes never left mine, his expression unreadable. “Aria, this is Kaida Darkhunter, our rising star,” Ryker said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “And Kaida, this is Aria Blackwood, our… guest.” Kaida’s eyes narrowed, her gaze piercing through me like a dagger. “So, you’re the one who’s been causing all the trouble,” she said, her voice laced with venom. I stood tall, meeting her gaze head-on. “I’m not causing any trouble. He brought me here himself,” I added pointing at Lyraeus. Kaida snorted. “You really need to leave this place, Aria. You’re a member of Blood Moon pack and a Blackwood. You’re a threat to our pack.” I felt a surge of anger, but Lyraeus’ hand shot up, silencing me. “Enough, Kaida. We’ll discuss this later but for now I say she stays here with me.” Kaida’s eyes flashed with anger, but she nodded, her jaw clenched. “Fine, Lyraeus. But this isn’t over.” The tension in the room was palpable, like a living, breathing creature. I felt trapped, caught in a web of secrets and lies. Lyraeus’ eyes never left mine, his gaze burning with an intensity that made my skin prickle. “Ryker, show Aria to her new quarters,” Lyraeus said, his voice low and husky. “And Kaida, we’ll continue this discussion later.” Ryker nodded, his expression neutral. “Follow me, Aria.” I hesitated, unsure if I should stay back here. But Lyraeus’ gaze was like a command, forcing me to move. Later that night, I stood on the balcony, staring up at the starry sky. Tears streamed down my face as I remembered the happy moments when everyone wanted to be around me. I was the center of attention, the life of the party. But now, I was like a plague, avoided by all. I felt a presence behind me and knew Lyraeus was there, watching me. I didn’t need to turn around to know he was reading my mind, his telepathic powers allowing him to sense my thoughts. After a few moments, he walked towards me, his footsteps silent on the balcony floor. He stood beside me, his eyes fixed on mine. “What’s your plan, Aria?” he asked, his voice low and husky. I stared at him, my mind blank. I had no plan, no idea how to escape or fix the mess I was in. I just shook my head, tears continuing to fall. Lyraeus’ expression didn’t change, but his eyes seemed to bore deeper into mine, searching for answers. He stood there for a few moments, then turned and walked away, leaving me alone with my thoughts. I wondered what he was thinking, what he wanted from me. But I knew one thing— he owned me. He would never let me go but I couldn’t trust him. He was a Lycan, a creature I’d been taught to fear and hate. And yet, there was something about him that drew me in, something that made me want to believe he wasn’t like what I was told. But I knew better. I couldn’t trust anyone, not even myself.Chapter Six: Reflections Lyraeus POVI sat in my study, surrounded by paperworks that I needed to get to quickly. My mind however, was distant, lost in thought. As I drummed my fingers on the armrest, my mind wandered back to the events that had led me to this point. “Aria Blackwood,” I whispered, stroking my chin with my fingers.I thought of the day she fled into the woods in her wolf form. She looked majestic with her piercing yellow eyes. Her wolf form dripped of power and grace, an evidence she's of an alpha's bloodline. That very day, I was in the woods, enjoying the serenity of nature, when I heard a rustling. My sensitive ears picked up the sound, and I prepared myself for a potential threat. But then, a scent wafted through the air, intoxicating my wolf, Zephyr. The scent was unlike anything I had ever smelled before—a heady mix of wildflowers and moonlight. Zephyr, usually a calm and collected wolf, had growled a single word: “Mate!”My eyes narrowed as I reca
Chapter Seven: Plans Lyraeus’ POVI summoned Ryker to my study, my expression grave. “Ryker, I need you to undertake a crucial mission. Aria’s revenge depends on it.”Ryker nodded, his eyes locked on Lyraeus. “What do you need me to do, Lyraeus?”“I want you to spy on the Blood Moon Pack for me,” I said, my voice low and calculated. “Gather every piece of information you can. I need to know their numbers, their strengths, their weaknesses… everything.”Ryker’s eyes narrowed. “And what about Aria? She’s still unsure about her revenge.”My smile was cold. “Leave Aria to me, Ryker. I’ll handle her. You focus on getting me the intel we need to take down the Blood Moon Pack once and for all.”Ryker nodded, his mind already racing with strategies. “I’ll leave immediately, Lyraeus. But what about the pack’s current state? How weak have they become without Aria?”My expression turned thoughtful. “That’s precisely what I want you to find out, Ryker. I have a feeling they’re more vulner
Chapter Eight: Fear and FateAria’s POV:I watched in horror as Lyraeus’ body began to contort in agony, blood flames dancing across his skin. His eyes locked onto mine, filled with a desperate plea. “Lyraeus! Oh no, what’s happening?” I rushed towards him, my heart racing. He tried to speak, but his voice was barely audible. “Aria…help….it's consuming me….”I felt a surge of fear watching me. I didn’t know what he meant and what was wrong with him, but one thing I knew was that I couldn’t let him die, not now, not when we had just started to…to what? I didn’t know, but I couldn’t lose him.I grasped his hand, and a jolt of electricity ran through both of us. The blood flames faltered, and Lyraeus’ body relaxed slightly. “Keep holding on,” I urged, my voice firm. “I won’t let go.”As I held his hand, I felt a strange connection, like our bond was the only thing keeping him tethered to life. The darkness in his eyes receded, replaced by a glimmer of hope. “Lyraeus, stay with me,”
Chapter Nine: Care Amidst HateAria’s POV: As we turned to face the newcomer, our hearts still racing from the intense argument, I saw a tall, imposing figure emerging from the shadows. His piercing eyes locked onto Kaida, then shifted to me, and finally rested on Lyraeus’ motionless form. “Ryker,” Kaida spat, her voice venomous. “Perfect timing, as always.”Ryker’s gaze never wavered. “Kaida, Aria, what’s going on here?”I took a step forward, my voice firm. “Kaida was just leaving, Ryker. She was concerned about Lyraeus’ well-being, but I assured her he’s in good hands.”Ryker’s eyes narrowed, his gaze flicking between us. “I see.Aria, how’s his condition?”Kaida’s face twisted in anger as she spun on her heel and stormed out of the room, leaving Ryker and me alone with Lyraeus. I took a deep breath and approached Ryker, my voice shaking. “Ryker, I was so scared. I didn’t know what to do. He just collapsed and started convulsing…I thought I was going to lose him.”Ryker’s expres
Chapter Ten: The Tyrant’s ReignKael’s POV: I sat on my throne, a sly smile spreading across my face as I laughed wickedly. My eyes gleamed with malevolence, and my sharp teeth seemed to glint in the dim light of the room. I was now the alpha of the Blood Moon Pack, and I reveled in the fear and suffering I inspired in my subjects. As I laughed, the door to my throne room creaked open, and Eliana walked in. Her hips swayed seductively as she approached me, her eyes fixed on mine with a knowing glint. She was my accomplice, my partner in crime, my wife and Luna of the pack. “Ah, my dear Eliana,” I said, my voice dripping with sarcasm. “Come join me in my merriment?”Eliana smiled, her lips curling upwards as she reached my throne. “I couldn’t help but hear your laughter, my love,” she said, her voice husky. “What’s amusing you so?”I beckoned her to come closer, my eyes gleaming with excitement. Eliana obliged, her movements graceful as she climbed onto my lap. She wrapped her arms
Chapter Eleven: The TruthAria’s POV: I sat beside Lyraeus, his chest rising and falling with labored breaths. Ryker stood nearby, his eyes watchful. I reached out, taking Lyraeus’ hand in mine. “Ryker, I’m so sorry… I never meant to put Lyraeus in danger. I was so stupid to run off like that.”Ryker’s expression softened. “Aria, it’s not your fault. Lyraeus’ condition has nothing to do with you. He’s been struggling with a curse, and his mind is playing tricks on him.”I frowned, confusion etched on my face. “What curse?” Ryker’s lips pressed into a tight line, his silence telling me he wouldn’t elaborate. I turned my attention to Lyraeus, his words still echoing in my mind. “What did Lyraeus mean, Ryker? What did he mean by my pack causing the rift between our packs?”Ryker’s eyes narrowed, his gaze piercing. “Are you sure you’re ready for the truth, Aria?”I steeled myself, my heart pounding. “Yes, I’m ready, I need to know.”Ryker’s expression turned grave, and he nodded, his e
Chapter 12: Thawing IceAria’s POV:Lyraeus sat up, his eyes lingering on mine, his expression unreadable. I gazed back at him, tears still welling up in my eyes. “I’m sorry, Lyraeus,” I whispered, my voice cracking. “I’m so sorry for causing you pain, for being a part of the pack that destroyed your family.”Lyraeus rolled his eyes, a sarcastic smile twisting his lips. “Oh, spare me the tears, Aria. You’re not responsible for the sins of your pack.”But then his gaze softened, his voice taking on a hint of care. “But if you want to fight back for what’s rightfully yours, stop crying about it and do something. You’re not a victim, Aria. You’re a survivor.”I sniffled, feeling a surge of determination. “But I don’t know how to defend myself against Kael, Eliana, and the traitors in the court.”Lyraeus stood up, his movements fluid and graceful. He walked over to the couch and turned to Ryker. “What do you think we should do, Ryker? Sit around and twiddle our thumbs or gather some allia
Chapter 13: The Search BeginsLyraeus’ POV: As the night wore on and the darkness threatened to consume me once more, Aria’s voice cut through the haze, her touch a comforting anchor amidst the storm raging within my mind. “You’re not alone, Lyraeus,” she murmured, her words a gentle reassurance as she held my trembling hands in hers. “It was just an illusion, a trick of the mind. You’re here with me, safe and sound.”Her words were a balm to my wounded soul, a reminder that even in my darkest moments, I was not alone. With her guidance, I found the strength to push back against the shadows that threatened to consume me, to reclaim control over my fractured mind. With Aria’s steady support, we made our way back to the safety of the house, where Ryker awaited us with a watchful gaze. As we entered, I couldn’t shake the lingering sense of unease that clung to me like a second skin—a reminder of the darkness that lurked just beneath the surface, waiting to strike when least expected.