Lyra

I watched as the drunken stranger stumbled back, hands raised in fear as soon as Kyle appeared in front of me, coldly looking at him. His red eyes glowed, which also made me freeze, along with the drunken stranger who suddenly sobered up after seeing the Alpha.

"Kyle." I whispered in relief that he appeared, and fear when I saw his red eyes.

It reminds me of what happened three years ago.

He didn't answer. His eyes swept onto the people that was watching us. For a moment, I saw him squint his eyes.

Before I could even react, he already turned his back on me, and he grabbed my wrist, firmly, as he dragged me out of the hall. The energy he radiated made my breath hitch.

I wanted to pull away my grip, and tell him that there's no need to drag me off since I will follow him if he wants me to-but my voice was already torn from fear, but at the same time, a small longing for his affection.

He dragged me out of the hall, down to the corridor, and through the doors leading to the parking lot, where there were no other wolves that could disturb us. The cold night air hit my skin, but I couldn't feel the coldness at all.

Instead, I felt warm.

I barely had the time to catch my breath when he dragged me again toward the black SUV, and his grip on my wrist tightened enough to leave a bruise on it.

I was about to open my mouth when he yanked the door open and pushed me inside.

I flinched as I watched the door slam shut as he went to the driver's seat, sealing both of us inside. Without hesitation, he started the engine and pulled out of the driveway. I couldn't help but watch as the lights of the pack house blurred behind us.

"W-Where are-"

Before I could finish my words, he already slammed the steering wheel so hard that the horn honked.

"Why did you come?" His voice was raw. "Who told you to show up?"

The warmth I felt earlier had slowly dissipated as I watched his face darken.

"I.It was Rhea who used your phone.I thought."

I also wanted to ask him if Rhea was now his new mate.but how could I ask such an obvious thing?

"Thought what? Thought that I'd want to see you? The woman who had killed my Luna?" He let out a mocking sneer that made my hands tremble.

Every time I dared to lift my hopes, the world came crashing down, leaving me with nothing but disappointment.

Right. how could I forget that in their eyes, I am the one who climbed my way up to become his Luna.

And in his eyes, I was the one who killed his beloved Luna.

Whenever I look at his eyes, and see nothing but anger and disgust towards me.I wanted to disappear, to melt into the ground, and leave this pain behind, but I couldn't move. All I could do was stare at him, tears blurring my vision.

"You know that I didn't kill her." My voice barely had the strength, but it was enough for him to hear.

His eyes coldly looked at me and chuckled. "Are you still denying after all these three years? If it wasn't because of you, she wouldn't die."

Tears burned behind my eyes, and I couldn't help but laugh. "Right.and it was also my fault for always getting my hopes up, thinking that you'd listen to my explanation."

He scoffed. "What's the need for your explanation when the evidence was already laid out?"

I let out a heavy, broken laugh as I looked at him, the man whom I had loved after all these years. "To think that even after all these years, I still love you. Isn't that pathetic?"

His eyes flicked to mine, and he let out a sneer. "It is."

I bit my lower lip. His words cut straight to my heart, and all the hopes that I have for him start to crumble.

The ache in my chest was so suffocating that it was hard for me to breathe. I could only see the blurry figure of him, but I knew he was still looking at me with those cold eyes.nothing like the man who used to love me.

Indeed. I am pathetic for still longing for his love.

"Stop the car," I managed to say, yet it was more like a plea than a command.

However, he didn't listen and even stepped hard on the accelerator.

My hands gripped the edge of the seat, knuckles white. "I said, stop the car!"

I thought that he would turn a deaf ear to my words, but this time, he stepped onto the brake, his face was dark, and his jaw was clenched. "What is it?"

The car lurched as he slammed on the brakes, but I couldn't care about it. My last trace of hope had died down. There's no use in these feelings of mine.

"End the bond between us." Despite that, it felt like there was a tear in my throat when I said it, but I still said it.

His hands froze on the wheel, and this time, he looked at me. His teeth were clenched, and if looks could kill, I'd be a corpse now.

"You are not the one who decides that, Lyra."

"Then decide now, Alpha. Let me go."

The glow returned to his eyes-red now, and his wolf clawing at the surface.

"Do you think that I'd believe you? You climbed onto my bed, drugged me to be my Luna, and now you wanted me to let you go?" His sneered. "What are you playing this time, huh?"

I lifted my chin and forced my gaze to be steady as I repeated my words. "Let me go."

"Bullshit!" He roared. His fist slammed into the side window, and it shattered instantly.

I flinched, but I didn't back away. For once, I wasn't afraid.

Because somewhere deep inside me, I long for freedom. To be away of this pain.to stop enduring humiliation I've endured for years out of guilt.and out of love.

This time, I want to choose myself for once.

"And where would you go? Do you think you can survive out there?" His voice was trembling from restraining his rage. "For fuck's sake, Lyra! You're an Omega with no pack, no rank! You'll crawl back to me the moment you realize no one else wants you! You think I'd accept you again if you come back?!"

His words cut deep, but for once, they didn't break me. I met his glare head-on, feeling something stir inside me. It was a different rhythm that didn't belong to an Omega.

My wolf, who had been dormant since the night three years ago, stirred, stretching her limbs after years of being forced to submit. It had been a secret that I kept since that night-that the Omega they branded as whore, murderer. had awakened as an Alpha.

And for the first time, I didn't look at him with affection.

I met his gaze, my hand tightening on the door handle. "You're right," I said coldly. "I'm an Omega. An orphan. A slut. A murderer-you name it."

A bitter smile curving my lips as I looked at him, whose gaze was dark. "But one thing's for sure, Kyle. I'll never crawl back to you again."

I didn't give him the chance to speak and directly opened the car door and stepped out. The night wind whipped through my hair, which made me take a heavy, deep breath as I closed my eyes for a brief moment to feel this unfamiliar feeling.

Without hesitation, I started walking toward the forest. It was a good thing that he had driven me here, as if this all was planned by fate.

"Lyra!" I heard him shout after me.

But I hardened my heart this time. I didn't turn back. I stopped myself from turning back.

'You finally open your eyes, Lyra.'

I paused after hearing the cold tone of my wolf, but at the same time, I seemed to feel her relief.

The corner of my lips raised. "I let you watch my desperate side for the whole three years."

'Where do you want to go now?'

I let out a heavy sigh and shook my head. "I don't know either. But maybe I'll use my talent for singing."

'So, what are you sighing for?'

"His family controls every major industry. It will be hard for me to have a fresh start." I murmured. "But for the meantime, maybe I could find my sister.for help, or maybe I could hide my identity to earn a living by singing online."

'That's a fresh start. We could do that.'

I let out a hollow chuckle, knowing that music that was once my freedom would only awaken the memories I fought hard to forget.

Lyra

The night air was cold against my skin as I roamed around the forest-not quite sure where my legs would take me, but I kept on running as if someone was chasing after me-as if I were sure about the track that I took.

Each step away from Moonfang territory that I had spent my three years, felt heavier. I would be lying if I say that I was about to turn my back easily as if those three years that I stayed there.didn't leave any lingering attachment to me.

It just that, they were the first to easily turn their back on me-or more like because of the incident three years ago-there was none in that pack who showed me warmth.

And for the first time in years, the weight of chains that bind my legs, arms, and neck-was finally broken free as soon as I turn my back without looking back and without regrets.

By the time dawn had appeared across the horizon, my legs were already trembling, my clothes were already torn from the branches along the way, and my hands were numb from the cold. Yet, it made me feel strangely.relief.

'I think I saw a light ahead. Just keep on going,' my wolf murmured softly in my mind.

I nodded weakly and didn't plan to stop walking despite the trembling of my legs.

Though, I feel helpless about my situation. I didn't bring anything with me. I forgot to take my phone either. I have no plan, no money.I don't know how to start from the start either.

After hours of walking, the trees finally thinned, and I finally saw a buzzling place.

Ravenfall City.

A neutral ground that lay between the territories of several packs. I took a deep breath, watching as the city was buzzingly even early in the morning. I could hear the roaring of the engines, the towering buildings that scraped at the clouds-totally different from what I imagined. It seemed that a lot had changed during these three years.

I never thought that I would end up reaching here.

All my life, I've been staying in Moonfang territory and never got the chance to properly see what the outside look like.

I adjusted the hood over my head, masking my scent with the herbal suppressant I carried for emergencies-and it was a good thing that I asked the healer about this before, otherwise, if every wolf within a mile would know who I was-the disgraced Luna of Moonfang-I don't know if I could start a peaceful life over.

Kyle's last words still hunt me.

I clenched my fist and took a deep breath.

I will never crawl back to him.even if I die.

I followed my instincts and also from what I remembered and it finally lead me to a familiar place.

The small apartment complex was exactly as I remembered-cracked walls, flickering hallway lights, and the faint scent of detergent. It seemed that this was the only one that remains even after three years.

I stared at the door, hesitating before knocking on the door.

It opened halfway. A familiar scent washed over me-comforting and laced with worry when her gaze fell on me.

"Lyra?"

A bitter smile appeared on my lips as I nodded my head. "Hm. I.I don't have a place to stay anymore."

I saw her paused for a brief second before her eyes widened. "Moon above, what the hell happened to you?!"

I was about to open my mouth to answer when she grabbed my wrist and pulled me inside. I stumbled into the warmth of her tiny apartment-the scent of bread and coffee lingering in the air-and finally let myself breathe and lower my guard down.

"You didn't tell me your sister was coming," Mira's husband, Damon, appeared from the kitchen and his eyes narrowing.

"She just arrived," I heard my sister said softly while her hand still hovering near me.

Damon crossed his arms. "I heard what happened, Lyra. You shouldn't be here. The Moonfang pack won't jus ignore your disappearance. If they track you-"

"She's my sister," Mira snapped, her voice were trembling. "Besides, this is a neutral city."

His lips curved into a bitter smirk. "Neutral doesn't mean safe. You know how big the connections of the Moonfang and if they knew, what would happen to us? And feeding another mouth isn't cheap. Especially one that used to live in luxury."

The sting of his words made my throat tighten. But, he was right. If I stayed with them, given at how the Moonfang hates me-I might implicate them.

Mira turned to me, her eyes gentle yet weary. "Don't listen to him, Lyra. You can stay. I'll take care of everything."

I smiled faintly, though it hurt. "Thank you, Mira. Please don't let me cause you to argue. I won't stay long. I just need time-to find work, maybe somewhere to live."

~

The next morning, I borrowed one of Mira's old coats and wandered through the city streets. Job boards flickered on digital screens-waitresses, cleaners, pack couriers.but it wasn't what I wanted to do.

I keep on walking until I reached a street lined with glass buildings and luxury cards. A music sign gleamed faintly on one window.

'We are hiring! Feel free to walked in and give your best shot!'

Music. That word alone made my heart tremble. I hadn't sung since the night everything was taken from me, but the thought of making a living using my voice still made me hesitate. Music alone left a lot of nightmares for me, and I'm not sure if I could perform well in that area I used to love.

Beside that poster was another hiring sign.

'Howl Entertainment Corporation is recruiting assistants and staff. Discretion required.'

My fingers trembled as I read the description. It wasn't just an ordinary company-it was owned by Alpha Zane of the Silvercrest Pack, one of the most powerful in the Council.

An assistant position didn't sound so bad. Maybe I should give it a try.

I skimmed through the rest of the description, then decided to head straight to their building.

Taking a deep breath, I stepped inside. As soon as I stepped my foot in, the receptionist looked up.

"Application?"

I nodded and accepted the fill-out form she handed me. I filled out everything carefully-address, age, qualifications-until my pen stilled at the line marked surname.

My fingers tightened around the pen.

Moonfang.

The surname felt heavy even in thought, as if writing it down would pull me back into a life I had already walked away from. That name no longer felt like mine-it was a brand, a reminder of chains I was still struggling to break.

I hesitated only for a moment before crossing the invisible line in my mind. I didn't need permission. I didn't need papers to tell me who I was becoming.

Slowly, deliberately, I wrote Lyra Vale.

The name looked unfamiliar. yet strangely right. Not officially recognized, not yet acknowledged by law or pack-but it was a quiet declaration. A promise to myself that I would no longer live as someone else's possession.

I handed the form back before doubt could creep in. Anyway, everything would be over this afternoon. Once Kyle signed the document, I'd reclaim my own name.

"Mr. Zane's secretary will call you," the receptionist said. "If you're chosen."

"Thank you," I sofly whispered before I turned to leave and I could even hear the loud thump of my heart.

For the first time again in years, I felt a spark of purpose.

~

And later that afternoon while waiting for the call, I went to the Pack Council Bureau to file a bond-severance request.

While waiting for the officer who was scanning the file, I saw him frown.

"Is there something wrong, officer? Did he sign it?" I asked, hopeful.

He look up at me and shook his head. "Alpha Kyle of Moonfang hasn't signed the approval. Without it, the bond between you remains active."

I froze. "He.refused to sign?"

"I called and according to his assistant, he's away on an international pack alliance mission. You'll have to wait for his return to request the bond-severance again."

My nails dug into my palm. Did he plan this? The question echoed relentlessly in my mind. Kyle knew-he had to know-that I wanted the bond broken. And yet, instead of refusing outright, he vanished.

A bitter chuckle escaped my lips. Of course. This was his answer.

I couldn't understand his motives at first, but the more I thought about it, the clearer it became. This wasn't negligence or coincidence-it was revenge.

Kyle would never trust me again, nor would he ever pass up such a legitimate opportunity to punish me.

As long as the bond remained, he could keep his hold on me without saying a word.

The thought made my chest ache. He intended to consume my entire life, little by little, never granting me freedom-only reminding me that I was still his.

"A. Are you okay?"

I snapped back to reality and hurriedly thanked the officer before I left. When I stepped outside, the rain had already poured down.

It soaked my coat within seconds, but I didn't move.

Or rather, I couldn't move at all-none of this was up to me.

Lyra

As soon as I arrived back at my sister's place, drenched from head to toe, Mira hurried toward me with a towel.

"Where have you been? You're going to catch a cold at this rate!" she exclaimed, gently wiping my hair.

"I'm fine," I said, forcing a smile onto my lips. "I just. needed some air."

Her hands paused for a fraction of a second. Mira looked at me closely, her eyes searching my face. I knew she saw it-the stiffness in my smile, the way my gaze wavered-but she didn't push. She never did.

"I already applied for a job," I added quickly, as if that alone could erase the heaviness pressing on my chest.

She hesitated, guilt flickering across her expression. "I'm sorry."

I shook my head and gave a small chuckle. "Don't be. If anything, I should be the one apologizing for troubling you and Damon."

The words sounded light, but she knew better.

Mira always did. Though she didn't know the details-didn't know about Kyle's refusal, about the bond still tying me down-she stepped closer and squeezed my hand anyway.

Family never needed explanations. They simply stayed.

"I'll take a bath," I said softly, changing the subject before my voice could betray me.

She nodded. "Come eat later. I cooked your favorite."

The corner of my lips lifted, and I nodded gratefully before heading upstairs.

After finishing my bath, I went downstairs and found Mira pacing back and forth in the living room, her phone clutched tightly in her hand.

I was about to ask what was wrong when she noticed me. Her eyes lit up instantly, and she rushed over, pressing the phone into my palm.

"It's for you," she whispered, excitement barely contained.

Before I could ask anything, a composed, professional voice came through the line.

"Good afternoon. This is Mr. Zane's secretary from Howl Entertainment Corporation. May I speak with Lyra Vale?"

My heart skipped.

"Yes-this is Lyra Vale," I replied, suddenly aware of how fast my pulse was racing.

"We've reviewed your application earlier today," she continued. "Mr. Zane would like to invite you for a personal interview."

An interview.

The word echoed in my mind.

"The interview will be conducted by Mr. Zane himself," she added calmly. "Please arrive tomorrow at six o'clock sharp."

I swallowed.

Alpha Zane-someone who rarely involved himself personally-was willing to meet me.

"Yes," I said quickly. "Thank you. I'll be there."

After the call ended, I stared at the phone for a moment, barely breathing.

Then Mira let out a squeal.

"You did it!" she cried, pulling me into her arms.

"I-It's just an interview," I said, though my voice trembled.

"Lyra," she said, her voice breaking as she held me tighter, "do you know how rare that is?"

I did. And that was what made my chest ache.

We laughed and cried at the same time, clinging to each other as joy finally spilled over. Mira wept openly, and I felt my own eyes burn.

In that moment, everything Kyle had taken from me-every cold word, every silent punishment-felt distant.

This was love.

Grieving for your sorrow. Rejoicing in your happiness.

And as my sister held me, all the heartache he left behind was softened-if only a little-by the warmth of family.

~

Early in the morning, I left Mira's apartment wearing the neat formal clothes I had borrowed from her.

The fabric felt stiff against my skin, unfamiliar-like I was stepping into a role I hadn't fully accepted yet.

The moment I entered Howl Entertainment's building, the receptionist from yesterday looked up. Recognition flickered across her face.

"Interview?" she asked, her smile polite but distant.

"Yes."

She tapped something on her screen, then gestured toward the elevator bank. "Top floor. Elevator D."

My heart thundered with each passing floor.

By the time the doors slid open, I could already feel it-the pressure in the air, heavy and unmistakable. Alpha territory.

The top floor was all glass and steel, the city stretching endlessly beyond the windows.

Power lingered here, not loud but absolute, vibrating through my bones. Every instinct I had recoiled and bowed at the same time.

A tall man stood waiting outside the office doors. When our eyes met, his gaze flicked briefly to his watch, then back to me with pointed precision.

"Lyra Vale?"

"Yes."

"You're early." There was no warmth in his tone-just assessment.

"I prefer it that way."

Something shifted in his expression. Not quite approval, but acknowledgment. "Alpha Zane will see you now."

The doors opened before I could steady my breathing.

The office was nothing like Kyle's-no clutter, no lingering musk of dominance meant to overwhelm. It was minimal, composed. Controlled.

Every surface gleamed. Every angle deliberate.

Zane stood by the window, a cup of black coffee in hand, his back turned to me. Sunlight carved sharp lines across his shoulders, but he didn't move.

"Miss... Vale," he said without looking. His voice was quiet, cutting.

That brief pause when he addressed me seemed to signify something, but before I could dwell on it, his reproach followed swiftly: "You're late."

I blinked, glancing at the time on the wall. Early by three minutes. "The elevator stopped on every floor."

"Excuses." He still didn't turn. "How very omega of you."

The word landed like a blade between my ribs. I forced myself to breathe evenly, to keep my voice level.

"Good thing I'm not one, then."

That earned his attention.

He turned slowly, gray eyes settling on me with an intensity that made my skin prickle.

It wasn't just appraisal-it felt as though he was peeling layers away, seeing far more than I had offered. His gaze lingered on my face, my posture, the borrowed clothes that didn't quite fit.

"Interesting," he murmured, setting his coffee down with deliberate care. He took a step closer. Then another. "Do you know why you're here?"

"For an interview."

"Among hundreds of applicants." Another step. He stopped just inside my personal space-not quite threatening, but close enough to test. "Most with credentials far exceeding yours."

My throat tightened, but I held his gaze. Refused to step back.

"Then I assume you're looking for something credentials can't provide."

His brow arched, faint amusement tugging at the corner of his mouth. "And what would that be?"

"Someone who won't waste your time pretending to be impressed."

The silence that followed felt charged, electric. His eyes narrowed slightly, reassessing.

"Do you know what I expect from my assistant?" he asked, voice dropping lower.

"To keep up."

"And can you?"

I tilted my chin up a fraction. "We'll find out."

The air shifted-subtle, dangerous. His gaze sharpened, something predatory flickering beneath his calm exterior.

For three heartbeats, he said nothing.

Just watched me with the focused stillness of a wolf deciding whether to chase.

Then, unexpectedly, he stepped back.

"You're hired," he said. "Trial basis."

Before I could process it, he continued. "Tonight, you'll accompany me to the Lunar Crest Banquet."

My breath caught.

Lunar Crest.

"Council members. Alphas. Investors." His tone remained even, clinical. "You'll observe, take notes, and speak only when necessary. Consider it your first test."

Lunar Crest. Moonfang's allied circle. The very people who would recognize my face-or worse, my name.

My chest tightened, but I forced my expression into calm resolve.

There's no way I'm going to let those people make me miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

"I understand."

"Good." He moved back toward his desk, dismissing me with the gesture. Then paused, glancing back over his shoulder. "You'll wear what's been prepared for you. Everything will be sent to your address."

Prepared? I opened my mouth to question it, but his expression stopped me.

"I expect you to represent Silvercrest appropriately," he added, each word precise as a scalpel. "Do not disappoint me."

"I won't."

The corner of his mouth lifted-not quite a smile, but something close. Something that suggested he found my confidence either admirable or amusing. Perhaps both.