Chapter 21: Spies and Ominous MessageLyraeus’ POV: I turned to see Ryker emerging from the shadows, his expression was serious. He glanced at Aria, then back to me, his gaze full of urgency.“What is it, Ryder?” I asked, helping Aria stand upright. “We’ve got an unexpected visitor,” he said. “It’s Akita, Kael’s friend and ally.”Akita’s arrival couldn’t be a coincidence. I nodded at Ryker and turned to shocked and confused Aria. “We need to strategize. Let’s head back to the camp.”As we walked, the air was thick with unspoken tension. Aria stayed close, her presence a constant reminder of the emotions I was trying to suppress. When we reached the camp, Akita was waiting, his eyes sharp and calculating. “Lyraeus,” he greeted me with a nod. “We need to talk.”“What’s happened?” I asked, motioning for him to have a sit in my chambers. Akita’s gaze flicked to Aria briefly he focused on me. “Kael is making moves. I’ve intercepted some of their communications. He’s planning something

Chapter 23: Turmoil and TacticsAria’s POV: As I stood there I felt like my entire body was being ripped apart by Lyraeus’ words. I knew he was right but I never expected those words from him. Ryker was right as well, I should be more serious about my mission, but I just couldn’t take my mind off what he said. What does he mean by ‘He has little time to help around’? Is it related to the curse that consumes him? Would he die? He was my mate, right? As his mate I deserve to know what was going on in his life, but all he did was just block me out of his life. I walked out of his chambers as I headed for the lake, that was the only place I could find peace for my troubled thoughts. Lila was restless, it wasn’t like he rejected me but those words hurt so bad. As I sat there staring at the waters I couldn’t help but shed a tear, there I was thinking of a possibility of having him to myself as my mate… he was the only man I had felt something so strong for. Kael’s connection didn’t feel

Chapter 25: SnareLyraeus’ POV: Sleep eluded me, the weight of my emotions a heavy burden that pressed down on my chest. The argument with Aria replayed in my mind, her hurt expression haunting me. Zephyr was restless, his restless presence in my mind a constant reminder of what I had pushed away. “Why did you have to push her so hard?” Zephyr’s voice echoed, his anger palpable. “I did it for her,” I muttered, staring at the ceiling. “To keep her safe.”“Safe? Or to protect yourself?” Zephyr countered, his tone biting. “What if she finds peace with Ryker? What if you don’t die in three months? What then?”I clenched my fists, trying to block out the questions. They gnawed at me, a festering wound that refused to heal. The thought of Aria finding solace in Ryker’s arms was unbearable, but I had to face the possibility. My time was limited, and I couldn’t afford to let my feelings cloud my judgement. The hours stretched on, and I finally gave up on sleep, rising from the bed with a

Chapter 27: ResolveAria stumbled, her legs weak, but Ryker’s firm grip kept her steady. She leaned on him, finding solace in his presence. For a moment, she allowed herself to rely on him, to let his strength be hers. As they moved away from the room, Lyraeus’ half-conscious eyes followed them. Zephyr’s desperate attempts to break free echoed in his mind, but his body refused to respond. The effect of the portion was still strong. Outside the room, she collapsed against Ryker, my sobs growing louder. He wrapped his arms around her, holding her close. “I’m here, Aria,” he murmured, his voice soothing. “I’m not going anywhere.”Ryker’s mind raced, torn between his duty to protect her and his desire to see me happy, even if it meant with someone else. But seeing her like this, knowing how much she was hurting, he couldn’t just stand by. “You deserve better,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper. “You deserve someone who will always be there for you, who won’t hurt you like thi

Chapter 29: Fate InquiryAria’s POV:The rustling in the darkness grew louder, more insistent. I stood frozen by the lake, my heart pounding so hard it felt like it might burst from my chest. Fear clawed at my throat, making it difficult to breathe. Every shadow seemed to shift and move, every whisper of the wind sounded like a threat. “Who’s there?” I called out again, my voice trembling. There was no response, only the oppressive silence that seemed to press in around me. The hairs on the back of my neck stood on end, and I felt an overwhelming sense of dread. The rustling grew louder, closed as if something— or someone—was moving through the trees, circling me. I backed away from the lake, my mind racing with fear. I could feel my wolf, Lila, stirring weakly within me, sharing in my terror but too drained to offer any real strength. “Please!” I cried out, my voice breaking. “Moon Goddess, if you’re listening, help me! I don’t want to die like this. I don’t want to die at all!”