The rogue leapt, jaws snapping for her throat.
But this time, Lyra didn't stumble back.
Her vision sharpened, every detail burning clear in the silver light. The rogue's snarling face, the foam at his fangs, the stink of decay on his breath—she saw it all. Heard the pounding of his heartbeat, the shift of his paws against the dirt.
And she moved.
Her arm shot up, claws slicing through the air. She didn't even know she had claws until they slashed across the rogue's face. He yelped, stumbling sideways as blood sprayed the ground.
Lyra stared at her hand, trembling. Nails that had been short and human moments ago were now sharp, glinting talons. Her chest heaved, and deep inside her, a voice thundered.
Yes. Finally.
"Selira," Lyra whispered, tasting the name as though she'd always known it.
I am your wolf. And you are mine. Now stop gawking and fight.
The other rogues circled, hackles raised, but hesitation flickered in their eyes. They had expected prey. Instead, they faced a predator newly born.
The first rogue lunged again. Lyra ducked instinctively, her body moving with a speed that wasn't hers alone. Selira guided her, sharp and commanding. Her clawed hand shot out, plunging deep into the rogue's chest.
Hot blood gushed over her fingers. The rogue let out a strangled snarl before collapsing at her feet.
Lyra staggered back, staring at the crimson staining her hands. She had killed. She, the pack weakling, the mistake.
Her stomach twisted, horror and awe warring within her.
The other rogues hesitated, then howled and charged together.
Left! Selira barked.
Lyra spun, slashing at the wolf that lunged from her side. Claws tore into fur and flesh, sending the beast yelping into the dirt. The other tackled her head-on, jaws snapping inches from her face. She grappled with it, strength flooding her muscles where weakness had always been.
Her claws raked across its throat. Hot blood sprayed. The wolf crumpled.
Her chest heaved, her entire body buzzing with strange energy. She had never felt so alive.
But the danger wasn't gone.
A heavier presence entered the clearing. The air shifted, thick with dominance so strong it pressed against her lungs.
The remaining rogue froze, ears flat, tail tucked low.
A man stepped from the shadows.
He was tall, broad-shouldered, with hair as dark as midnight falling over piercing golden eyes. His aura crackled with raw power, a mix of wolf and something sharper, something untamed. A jagged scar cut across his jaw, only enhancing his dangerous beauty.
The rogue whimpered, backing away.
The man's gaze found Lyra. And when it did, the world stopped.
The bond snapped into place—hot, undeniable, searing through her like fire.
Her knees nearly buckled from the force of it.
Another mate.
The man tilted his head, a slow, dangerous smile curving his lips. "Mine." His voice was rough velvet, both a promise and a threat.
Lyra's heart pounded, her mind spinning. Two mates? Impossible. The Goddess never gave more than one. Yet the bond was real, fierce as the moonlight itself.
The last rogue bolted, tail between its legs. The man didn't even look at it. He only stepped closer to her, golden eyes gleaming.
"Who are you?" Lyra whispered, her voice shaking.
He stopped just a breath away, the heat of him washing over her. He lifted a hand, his fingers brushing her bloodstained jaw with shocking gentleness.
"Kael Shadowfang," he said softly. "King of the rogues. And you… are mine."
Lyra's breath hitched, her entire body trembling. Behind him, the night seemed to darken, the forest itself bending to his presence.
Selira purred inside her. This one is strong. Dangerous. Ours.
Lyra staggered back, shaking her head. "No. That's not— I already…"
She thought of Damon. The bond she had felt, shattered by rejection. The agony of it still lingered like a wound. Yet this—this was different. Wilder. Stronger.
Kael's eyes narrowed, as though he read her thoughts. "The Alpha rejected you, didn't he?" His tone was both mocking and furious. "Fool. He threw away what I would kill for."
Her throat tightened. "Stay away from me."
His smile deepened, sharp and dangerous. "I'll never stay away. You're mine, little wolf. From the moment I saw you bleed, I knew."
Her heart thundered in her chest. Part of her wanted to scream, to run. Another part—Selira's part—leaned forward, hungry, curious.
Kael stepped closer, until his scent surrounded her—smoke, steel, and something wild that made her pulse stutter. He leaned down, his lips brushing her ear as he whispered, "Run if you want. I'll always find you."
Her breath caught, heat flooding through her even as fear tangled with it.