chapter 78 Eric's sister
Lyra's POV
A rough cloth was pulled over my eyes before I could see anything else, plunging the world into darkness. The car traveled for about half an hour on rough roads, each bump making me more nervous.
"Where exactly are we going?" I asked again, but no one answered.
The blindfold stayed on as they dragged me from the car. I could hear our footsteps echoing, the harsh sound of metal doors opening, then I was pushed into a space with a lot of echo.
Coarse rope bound my wrists, securing me to a chair. The rope was tight, making my skin ache.
"Now you can," the woman's voice said.
The blindfold was roughly yanked off, and bright light made me squint. As my vision gradually recovered, I found myself in a converted shipping container.
The woman stood in front of me, and in the bright light, I finally saw her face clearly. A familiar feeling washed over me. She had brown hair and sharp brown eyes, facial features that carried something I'd seen before.
"Who are you?" I asked.
"I'm Vera Silvercrest, Eric's sister."
This explained the familiar feeling. She shared similar facial structure with Eric, but her expression was more cold and cruel than any I'd ever seen from Eric.
"Why did you kidnap me?" I asked. "I've never hurt you or your family."
Vera paced in front of me. "You haven't directly harmed us, but your existence has already brought enormous trouble to my brother."
"I don't understand what you mean."
"My brother was injured because of you," she suddenly turned to face me. "He was attacked by rogue wolves during patrol and is still recovering. This is all because he was distracted trying to protect you."
"Eric was injured? Is he alright?"
"You care about him?" Vera sneered. "Your concern comes too late. Because he interfered in the Silver Moon pack alpha couple's emotional disputes, the Northern Territory elders are very displeased with him. They think he overstepped boundaries, interfering in matters that didn't belong to him."
My heart sank. I had never imagined that my existence would bring Eric such great trouble.
She pulled out a piece of paper and a pen from her pocket, placing them on the small table in front of me.
"This is what you're going to do," she said. "You're going to write a letter to my brother, harshly attacking his behavior. Tell him you never needed his help, that his interference disgusts you. Then swear that you'll never have any contact with him again."
I stared at the white paper, shocked speechless. "I can't do that. Eric has always been good to me, he helped me—"
"He helped you?" Vera's voice became sharp. "His help nearly destroyed everything he had! You're a rejected mate, a woman with a bastard child, you don't deserve my brother's attention!"
Her words cut me like knives, but I forced myself to stay calm. "I never asked for his help. I never wanted to hurt him either."
"But you did hurt him," Vera pressed closer to me. "So now you're going to make up for that mistake. Write this letter, or face the consequences."
"What if I refuse?"
"Then you'll discover I'm not as merciful as my brother."
She drew a gleaming silver dagger from her belt. Just as Vera raised the dagger, the container door was suddenly kicked open.
A tall, strong man charged in, his movements swift and powerful. Before Vera could react, he had already grabbed her wrist, forcing her to drop the dagger.
"Enough, Vera," his voice was deep and authoritative. "Let her go."
Vera turned to face the intruder, and I saw her expression change from anger to some kind of complex emotion.
"Kane," she said. "This isn't your business! "
So this man was called Kane. From the powerful aura emanating from him, he must be a high-ranking member of the Northern Territory pack, possibly a gamma warrior.
"Alpha Eric's orders take precedence over everything," Kane said firmly. "He explicitly instructed that this lady not be harmed."
"Eric isn't here," Vera retorted. "He's recovering and doesn't know what's happening."
"But I know," Kane replied. "And I'll ensure his orders are carried out."
He turned to me and began untying the ropes that bound me. "Miss Nightfall, I apologize on behalf of my Alpha. This behavior doesn't represent the Northern Territory pack's position. I'm Kane, gamma warrior of the Northern Territory pack."
When the ropes loosened, red marks remained on my wrists. I rubbed my aching wrists and looked at Kane gratefully.
"Thank you," I said. "Please tell Eric that I'm very sorry for everything he's suffered. I never imagined my presence would bring him trouble."
Kane nodded. "Actually, I bring a message from the Alpha. He wants you to know that regardless of the Northern Territory's political situation, he will protect your right to continue your medical career. As long as you're willing to come to the Northern Territory, he'll ensure you receive the respect and opportunities you deserve."
I was deeply moved. Even when he himself was facing difficulties, Eric was still considering my welfare.
"Please tell him I'm very grateful," I said. "But before I make any decision, I need time to think. And there's one thing I must do."
"What's that?" Kane asked.
I glanced at Vera, who was still standing in the corner with a dark expression, then answered: "Before I leave Moon Shadow Bay, I need to see Dorian. Some things must be made clear."
Kane frowned but nodded. "I understand. How much time do you need?"
“I have to find a way to see him again. however long it takes.”
"Then we'll wait for your decision," Kane said. Then he turned to Vera, his expression becoming stern. "As for you, Vera, this matter won't end here. The Alpha will hear about what happened today."
Vera didn't respond, but the anger in her eyes let me know this was far from over.
As Kane escorted me from the container, I realized my life was once again at a critical turning point. I had to choose between the fresh start Eric offered and my inner attachment to my daughter.
But first, I had to face Dorian and say what I needed to say.