Chapter 8

I woke three days later.

A brazier burned by the bed, its herbal scent filling the room.

I moved a finger.

The silver poison in me was calmed by a gentle Alpha's power.

"You're awake?"

Draven sat at a nearby desk, holding an ancient scroll of hide.

He looked at my pale face, his expression unreadable.

"Three years ago, I was on the cliffs. I saw you take that silver arrow for him."

My whole body went rigid.

I stared at him, stunned.

He let out a bitter laugh.

"I watched you nearly die for him, and get a wound that would never heal. I thought he would cherish you. Instead, he threw you away like you were nothing."

He set down the scroll and slowly walked toward me.

"From now on, I will protect you."

My gaze fell.

A lump formed in my throat, but I couldn't speak.

"Today is the Homecoming Ceremony," he said, changing the subject.

"If you're unwell, I can send word to the Crescent Clan. You don't have to go."

I pushed myself up to sit on the edge of the bed.

"Thank you, Alpha. I'm fine. I have to go back."

I must.

If I don't, Kain will think I was tortured here, too broken to face anyone.

An hour later, I was ready.

I was dressed in the formal attire of the Shadow Mountains' Luna.

Black silk wrapped around me, my hair held up by an obsidian pin from Draven.

He and I were in the same car, heading for the Crescent Clan's territory.

Our car stopped at the entrance just as Kain's procession arrived.

He was helping Sara down from her car.

She was wearing my ceremonial dress.

The Spirit Wolf Pelt on her chest shimmered in the sunlight.

Kain looked up and saw me.

His eyes widened in absolute shock.

He expected me to be wasted away, a wreck. Not regal. Not serene.

"Lyra," Sara cooed, her voice dripping with venomou sweetness.

"There you are. Kain's been worried sick."