Chapter 5 Arrived at the Lycan Empire

LYRA POV

Today was the day of my return. Right now, I was in the car, watching the Lycan empire stretch toward the horizon. I should have gone to my Kingdom first, but the Lycan needed me more. The curse was spreading faster there, and every moment counted.

I didn’t know what caused it. I didn’t know why I was the key to solving it. All I knew was that I was needed. Though my training had made me stronger, sharpened my body and magic, I still didn’t know exactly how to break the curse.

That uncertainty knotted in my chest, but I had no choice. I would trust my grandmother’s advice and follow my heart. Since I was chosen, the solution had to be within my control, I just didn’t know it yet.

I didn’t want to go. I didn’t want to face him. My mind flashed with every memory of Kabir, his cold rejection, the way he had crushed my heart, the moment I lost Aira. But I couldn’t watch people die simply because I was afraid. My conscience wouldn’t allow it.

Not after the dreams I had suffered, visions of chaos and destruction, where reason vanished and people turned on each other. Those images haunted me still, burning a sense of urgency into my soul. I could not let that future come to pass.

And then there was Aira. My wolf. My other half. She stirred faintly at my heart, whispering, urging me forward. I would do anything to awaken her. And if Kabir was part of the key to that, so be it. I would set aside every shred of resentment for the greater purpose.

The car slowed, coming to a halt in front of the grand palace. I stepped out, my heels clicking against the stone pathway. I drew a deep breath, letting the morning air fill my lungs. I was no longer the girl cruelly rejected, no longer the one who had dreamed helplessly of a destined mate. I came to save lives, nothing more, nothing less.

A guard stepped forward, waiting to lead me inside. I could feel the weight of the palace around me, the history, the power, the countless eyes that would watch my every move. I learned that the council was in a meeting and wanted to see me immediately. My stomach tightened. I wasn’t here to negotiate or charm anyone. I was here to act.

As we walked towards the meeting hall. I felt the faint tug of Aira inside me, her concern echoing my own. The palace that had once been a place of formality and control now felt alive with danger. My pulse quickened. This was no longer just a journey back to a kingdom, it was the first step into a storm I couldn’t ignore, a storm that would test every ounce of the strength I had gained.

And yet, despite the fear, despite the anger still simmering toward Kabir, I knew one thing for certain: I had grown. I had trained. I was ready to face what awaited me. For Aira. For the people. For the lives that depended on me.

As I walked into the grand hall, my eyes fell upon him, Kabir. The man who had rejected me so cruelly. The man who had indirectly caused Aira’s disappearance. My chest tightened with a mix of anger, pain, and something I didn’t want to name.

He sat on his throne, exhaustion etched on his face, yet he still radiated the strength of an Alpha King. I tried to push aside my feelings, but then I felt it, Aira, faint but insistent, stirring inside me. The mate bond was still there since I don't accept his rejection, lingering, unbroken. Something inside me warned that accepting it now could be dangerous. I must not do that, I reminded myself firmly.

“Good afternoon, everyone,” I said, stepping forward. My voice was calm but carried authority.

“Good afternoon, dear. You’ve changed! I almost don’t recognize you, wow, you look different, but in a good way,” one of the elders said, their eyes scanning me with curiosity.

“Thank you for coming, Lyra. It means a lot,” Kabir said softly, and for a fleeting moment, I caught a glimpse of something unspoken in his gaze.

“I didn’t come for anything else but to save lives,” I said quickly, forcing my words out. “Don’t get your hopes up, I am not here for you.”

“I know, thank you. But you really do look different,” he murmured, letting his eyes roam over me.

“Thank you. Please, can you ask someone to take me to my room?” I asked, keeping my tone polite but firm.

“Sure,” he said, motioning to a guard beside him to lead me.

As the guard approached, his movements were jerky, unnatural, as if something dark had taken hold of him. His eyes burned a deep, furious red, and a low, guttural growl rumbled from his throat.

Every instinct in me screamed danger. I froze for a heartbeat, heart hammering, feeling the air around us thicken with menace. He lunged at me with unexpected ferocity. My heart skipped a beat, and instinctively, I braced myself. Oh no, he might be cursed.