Lyra stared out the window, her thoughts swirling after what had just happened in Kael's office. She had spent her whole life believing she was nothing, that she was wolfless. But that wasn't true. She had a wolf. And someone had taken it from her.
Now, she understood why her parents had always treated her the way they did.
"Lyra, are you okay?" Sarah's voice pulled her back to reality.
Lyra turned to see Sarah walking toward her. She forced a smile. "Yeah. How about you? Do you need something?"
Sarah smiled. "I'm good. Thanks to you, at least everyone here is treating me better—something I couldn't do for you back at the Crimson Fang Pack."
Lyra chuckled. "You're kind, Sarah. Everyone should know that. Let's just forget the past and focus on what's ahead."
Sarah sighed. "I'm still the twin of the Alpha who tried to kill you."
Lyra leaned her head on Sarah's shoulder. "Don't think about him. We're safe here."
For a moment, they sat in silence. Then Lyra spoke again, her voice hesitant.
"Sarah, what if I was never wolfless? What if my wolf was just… hidden? Do you think Alpha Darius would have rejected me?"
Sarah laughed softly. "Honestly? I don't know. But I do know one thing—it would've changed everything for you. And Lyra, I never believed you were wolfless. You have always been strong."
Lyra straightened and faced Sarah fully. "I have something to tell you."
Sarah raised an eyebrow. "What is it?"
Lyra took a deep breath. "I just found out that I was never wolfless."
Sarah stared at her in shock. "Wait… What?"
Lyra nodded. "My parents hid my wolf from me. I don't know why, but they did."
Sarah gasped. "Oh my goddess! I knew it! But why would they do that? That's horrible!"
Lyra sighed. "I don't know. But I'm going to find out."
"Is there a way to bring your wolf back?"
"Yes. Elder Myra found a way, but we still need to test it."
Sarah reached for Lyra's hands, squeezing them tightly. "It's okay. The important thing is we know the truth now. You're not wolfless, Lyra. I'm so happy for you!"
That night, Lyra was called to meet with Kael. Gina accompanied her and Sarah as they made their way to the woods, where Kael and Elder Myra were already waiting.
Elder Myra stood in the center of a circle made of salt, candles flickering around her. She was humming an incantation under her breath, eyes focused on the sky. Beside her was a small wooden table, holding a mirror with intricate carvings and a small knife.
Kael turned to Lyra. "Are you ready?"
Lyra swallowed hard. Her heart pounded against her ribs. "I don't know. I just want to get this over with."
Sarah rubbed her arm reassuringly. "You'll be fine."
Elder Myra turned to Lyra. "Luna, step forward."
Lyra took a deep breath and looked at Kael. He gave her a nod, and she stepped inside the circle. She stood before Elder Myra, waiting.
Without a word, Elder Myra took Lyra's hand and picked up the knife. Before Lyra could react, she made a small cut across her palm. A sharp sting shot through her hand, making her wince.
Then, Elder Myra lifted the mirror and let Lyra's blood drip onto it. She continued chanting, her voice growing stronger. Suddenly, the mirror glowed.
"There!" Elder Myra exclaimed.
She turned the mirror toward Lyra. Lyra hesitated before looking into it. At first, she only saw her own reflection. But then, behind her, a faint glowing line appeared, stretching deep into the woods.
Lyra's breath caught in her throat. "What is that?"
"That," Elder Myra said, "is the path to the artifact. Follow it, and you'll find what was taken from you."
Lyra's fingers trembled as she held the mirror. This was it. The moment she had been waiting for.
"And once I find it, my wolf will come back?"
Elder Myra nodded. "Yes. But be careful, Luna. Whoever holds that artifact has great power. They won't give it up easily."
A shiver ran down Lyra's spine. Kael must have sensed her fear because he stepped closer, his voice firm.
"You won't go alone, Lyra. I'll go with you."
"Me too," Sarah added without hesitation.
Gina raised her hand. "Uh, I'll come too, Luna! You might need an extra set of hands."
Lyra looked at them, her eyes stinging with unshed tears. She had spent so long feeling alone, but now… she wasn't.
Elder Myra smiled warmly. "With the moon goddess watching over you, I believe you will succeed."
Lyra tightened her grip on the mirror and nodded.
Whatever lay ahead, she was ready.