Kael stood rigid, his golden eyes locked on Lyra with unmistakable frustration.
"You're not coming," he said, voice low and firm.
Lyra lifted her chin, refusing to back down. "Yes, I am."
Kael's fists clenched. He had expected this, but it didn't make it any less frustrating. "It's too dangerous."
"So what? You think I'm safer here?" Lyra gestured toward the village, where wary eyes peered from the shadows. "We're already cursed, Kael. Sitting here and waiting isn't going to change that."
Sarah, standing with her arms crossed beside them, sighed. "She has a point, Alpha."
Kael shot her a look, and she shrugged. "Hey, I'm just saying—Lyra's stubborn. You're not gonna win this argument."
Gina, ever the peacemaker, stepped forward. "We'll protect her. All of us."
"Is it because I'm wolfless?" Lyra asked. "Are you worried that I'll be a burden to you?"
Kael clenched his fists. "You know that is not what I meant, Lyra."
