Chapter 9:
LYRA
The night air was cool and quiet in the bushes where I stood, hidden in the shadows opposite the noisy tavern. My personal maid, Thea, stood close by, her small frame trembling as she glanced nervously around.
“Are you sure about this, my lady?” she whispered, her voice shaky.
“Yes, Thea,” I replied, my tone steady.
From where we hid, the sound of laughter and music spilled into the street and I heard the warriors and she–wolves inside, celebrating like there was no tomorrow. I wished I was a part of them but I wasn’t
here for the noise.
I was here because I needed to finally put things to rest.
Moments later, I saw her.
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Jeanette.
Dressed in a red gown, with her breasts pushed up to swell, she rushed toward the tavern. Her long dress swept the ground behind her, while her perfectly styled hair swayed in the wind. My chest tightened, but I forced myself to stay still as she entered the tavern.
“Of course, you‘ d come,” I muttered, removing the magical locket from my neck and opening it to see what’s happening.
“Do you wish to follow her inside?” Thea asked softly.
“No need,” I said. “I’ll see everything from here.” I said, before placing the magical locket on my open palm so Thea could watch too.
Thea already knew about it so she wasn’t surprised when the locket swirled with smoke for a moment, before clearing up to reveal the inside of the tavern.
Then I saw it, through Ragnulf‘ s eyes.
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Jeanette was standing in the middle of the party, looking radiant, with a calculated
smile.
Then something happened.
Jeanette approached Ragnulf, and then she leaned in, and kissed him.
My breath caught and Thea gasped.
This didn’t happen in a corner, nor in
secret.
This happened right in front of everyone!
The scene burned into my mind like a cruel brand, and as Jeanette pulled back from the kiss, her lips curled into a triumphant smile.
To my utter dismay and heartbreak, I watched as the warriors cheered and the
she–wolves beamed.
Everyone knew.
The truth hit me like a slap.
This wasn’t a secret affair. No. Jeanette.
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and Ragnulf‘ s relationship was common. knowledge, an open truth among the pack.
And me? I was the joke. The Luna in name only. The one they whispered about when my back was turned. I could almost hear them now.
‘Look at her, still standing proud while her Alpha parades his lover before the whole pack.‘
My stomach churned, but I refused to look away. Watching them felt like a
punishment, but it was also a reminder of why I couldn’t falter.
“They didn’t even try to hide it,” Thea whispered, her voice trembling. “How can they be so bold?”
“Because they don‘ t fear me,” I blurted out, also realizing the bitter truth myself.
“To them, I’m nothing but an ornament. A Luna in title only.”
Thea lowered her head, but I caught the anger flashing in her eyes. “This isn‘ t
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right. You deserve better.”
My eyes burned with tears and when Ragnulf began to get inappropriate with Jeanette, I curled my free hand into a fist.
This is it. No more hiding. No more playing the quiet, patient Luna. I closed the locket, straightened my shoulders, and stepped out of the shadows.
Thea gasped. “My lady, what are you doing?!”
I turned to her, my expression calm but unyielding. “I’ve had enough, Thea. If they want a show, I’ll give them one they won’t forget.”
Before she could stop me, I strode across the cobblestone path and toward the tavern. The noise grew louder as I neared, the scent of spilled wine and roasted meat wafting through the cracks of the wooden door.
My heartbeat quickened, not with fear but. with determination.
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I didn’t knock. I didn’t hesitate. I placed both hands on the heavy door and shoved
it open with a force that made it slam against the wall.
The music stopped. Conversations died mid–sentence. All eyes turned to me, wide with surprise.
I stepped inside, my gaze sweeping over the room. Soldiers froze in their seats, their goblets half–raised. She–wolves whispered behind their hands, their faces painted with false innocence.
And there, at the center of it all, sat Ragnulf with Jeanette perched on his lap, her fingers trailing lazily across his chest.
The sight stopped me cold. My heart feeling as though it had been pierced by a dagger.
Shock flickered across Ragnulf‘ s face before it quickly hardened into one of annoyance. He pushed Jeanette aside, and got up, trying to buckle his belt.
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“Lyra,” he started, “This is not what it
looks like.‘
My voice cracked before I could stop it.
“Not what it looks like? She‘ s practically naked in your arms, Ragnulf.”
The room remained silent, the tension thick enough to cut. For once, the whispers. were gone and all eyes were on me.
