Lyra's POV
Darkness wrapped around me like a suffocating blanket, cold and unyielding. My throat was dry, my body aching. I tried to move, but my arms were bound tightly behind me, my legs fixed to a chair. Something heavy covered my head, and I felt like I couldn't breathe.
I screamed. My voice came out weak, raw from disuse or the strain of whatever they had done to me. Pain clawed at my throat, but I forced the scream out anyway.
The fabric over my head was suddenly yanked off, and I squinted as dim light hit my eyes. The room was shadowy, but it was better than the oppressive darkness I had been stuck in.
Two men stood on either side of me, their towering figures intimidating in the half-light.
"Who are you?" I rasped, glaring at the one closest to me. "What do you want?"
They didn't answer.
"You're working for someone. Tell him to stop hiding like a coward and show his face!"
"Shut up," one of them snapped. His voice was sharp and cold. "You'll get your answers soon enough."
I scoffed, the action sending pain ricocheting through my chest. I bit back the groan and slumped against the chair, forcing myself to remain still. My mind raced, trying to piece together what had happened.
The door creaked open.
A man stepped in, his gait purposeful, his aura radiating authority.
"Alpha," both guards said in unison, bowing their heads.
Alpha? No. It couldn't be.
The man stepped into the light, his face coming into view. My heart sank.
"Well, well," he drawled, his voice laced with mockery. "How long has it been, Lyra?"
I stared at him, disbelief mingling with fury. "Adrian," I spat, my voice hoarse. "What the hell do you want?"
Adrian smiled, a smug tilt to his lips. "I must say, I'm proud of you, little sister. You've been making big moves, haven't you? A mate? And not just any mate—a big-shot Alpha."
"Cut the crap," I snapped, though my words lacked strength. "What do you want?"
Adrian ignored me, pacing leisurely around the room.
"You've always been bold, Lyra. Always finding a way to stay relevant, even in other people's homes." He stopped in front of me, his dark eyes gleaming.
"Say what you want and let me go," I demanded.
He chuckled. "Let you go? Oh no, you're not going anywhere."
"Then stop wasting my time!" I growled. "What do you want from me?"
He leaned closer, his smile fading. "Your wolf."
I froze.
Adrian straightened, his expression hardening.
"I've realized that banishing you from Blackwood wasn't a wise decision. Father is dead now. I'm Alpha. And it's time for you to come home."
I stared at him, my chest tightening. "Dead?"
"Yes, Lyra. Father is gone. Which makes me the Alpha now," he said, his tone devoid of grief.
I didn't know what to feel. My father had been a monster, a man who had abused me, called me wolfless, and cast me out when he discovered my lineage. And Adrian? He had been no better, standing by and watching as our father destroyed me.
Adrian's voice pulled me from my thoughts.
"You're a descendant of Nivara, Lyra. You're our strongest wolf. I can't have you running around claiming allegiance to another pack when we need you at home."
"Home?" I laughed bitterly, the sound raw and painful. "You mean the place where I was tortured and thrown out like garbage? That's not my home."
Adrian's jaw tightened. "You don't have a choice. We're preparing for war, Lyra. We can't afford to scout for wolves when we already have you. Your power is unmatched. You're coming back."
"No," I said firmly. "I am not part of Blackwood anymore."
Adrian's eyes narrowed. "You don't get to decide that."
"You're insane," I hissed. "You threw me out, and now you need me? Why should I help you?"
Adrian's lips curved into a mocking smile. "You're weak, Lyra. What happened to you? Why can't I feel your wolf? Where's the great descendant of Nivara now?"
His words hit a nerve, but I refused to let him see my fear.
"My pack will find me. Kael will come for me, and when he does, you'll pay for this." I said through gritted teeth.
Adrian scoffed. "Your so-called Alpha couldn't even protect you. Face it, Lyra. You're better off with me."
"Better off with you?" I snarled, my anger overpowering my weakness. "You watched as Father tormented me. You stood by while he called me a curse and threw me out. And now you want me to help you? You're delusional."
Adrian's expression hardened, his eyes darkening.
"Father was Alpha. His word was law. What was I supposed to do?"
"You could have done something," I shot back. "But you didn't. You're just as guilty as he was."
Adrian leaned closer, his voice dropping to a dangerous tone. "Enough. You're coming home, whether you like it or not. We don't have time to waste. Training begins immediately."
I glared at him, my chest heaving. "I will never help you."
He straightened, his expression calm but cold. "You'll change your mind soon enough."
"Adrian!" I called, my voice hoarse and trembling as he made his way to the door. "Let me go!"
He stopped, turning back to face me. His eyes gleamed with a mixture of mockery and disdain.
"This," he said, his voice laced with venom, "is exactly why Father hated you. You never listened. Always so overwhelmed with pride."
My fists clenched behind me, my nails digging into my palms.
Adrian took a step closer, his presence oppressive.
"That pride and stubbornness of yours?" He shook his head slowly. "It won't work here. You'll do as I say, Lyra. You don't have a choice."
"Go to hell, you stupid fucking cunt!" I spat, lifting my chin despite the burning pain in my throat.
His jaw twitched, but he didn't retaliate. Instead, a cold smirk played on his lips.
"Rest up, Lyra" he said with mock concern. "You'll need your strength."
He turned on his heel, striding toward the door.
"Adrian!" I screamed, but my voice cracked, barely audible.
He paused with one hand on the doorframe. Without looking back, he said, "Oh, and one last thing…"
I held my breath, my heart pounding against my ribs.
"Stop trusting people blindly," he said, his tone soft but menacing. "Especially in your supposed new pack. You should've learned that by now."
My blood ran cold as his words hung in the air.
Adrian glanced over his shoulder, an evil smirk twisting his features.
"Goodnight, little sister." He winked before slamming the door shut with a deafening thud.
The sound echoed in the room, leaving me alone with my racing thoughts, rage, and an unsettling sense of dread.