Chapter 50 Be safe
~ Lyra's POV ~
I couldn't believe him when he said that. For a long moment, I simply stared at him, searching his face carefully, trying to find even the smallest crack that would suggest he was lying. I looked for amusement, mockery, or a hint that this was some elaborate joke at my expense. Instead, his expression remained steady and unreadable.
He did not look like a man who was jesting, and neither did he look like someone trying to make fun of me, even though I desperately wanted to believe that was the case. A different thought crept into my mind. Was he trying to test me instead?
“What are you talking about?” I asked, my voice laced with disbelief. “You said I am not allowed to practice magic here, remember?” I reminded him, clinging to the certainty of his earlier words.
“Yet you went ahead and did it without my knowledge,” he countered calmly. “Now that I am giving you the freedom and full permission to do it, you no longer want to?”
“You are permitting me to practice magic?” I asked again, because it sounded far too good to be true. The words felt unreal as they left my mouth. Was that not the very reason he had arrested Taren in the first place? Had that not been the root of all this tension and fear? What had changed so suddenly?
“Yes,” he said without hesitation. “And I am here to watch your practice.”
The joy I had deliberately suppressed earlier, afraid of being disappointed, burst free with such force that I could not stop myself. A wide, foolish smile spread across my face, and no matter how much I tried to restrain it, it refused to fade.
“Go on,” he said, gesturing slightly.
Taren and I turned to look at each other, my excitement bubbling so wildly inside me that I felt lightheaded and almost giddy. It felt unreal, as though the ground beneath my feet had shifted without warning.
Taren gave me a small, reassuring smile as he reached into his pocket to retrieve something. Still, I could not help but notice that he looked stiffer than usual. His movements were more rigid, his posture more cautious, as though he was acutely aware of every breath he took.
“Um, we could not complete the air element the last time we tried it,” he said carefully.
I nodded immediately, even though he had not phrased it as a question. The memory was still fresh in my mind.
“So we will continue with that one until you perfect it,” he added, and with every word he spoke, my belief that this was truly happening grew stronger.
“I still remember a few of the instructions,” I said slowly, thinking it through, “but I may need to see the writings again to be completely sure.”
“Of course,” he replied, pulling out the paper he had taken from his pocket and handing it to me. “Take your time.”
He stepped back deliberately, giving me space and allowing me to focus.
Silence settled over the room as I fixed all my attention on the paper in my hands. I studied the writings carefully, tracing every symbol and every line with my eyes, committing each detail to memory. Time seemed to stretch as I absorbed the instructions fully, repeating them silently until they felt familiar and steady within me. Eventually, confidence replaced hesitation.
“I think I got it,” I said at last, handing the paper back to him as I stood up, my body humming with anticipation.
“Remember, your emotions need to be in check,” Taren reminded me gently. “Take some time to calm yourself before you proceed.”
I nodded in understanding. I closed my eyes and drew in a deep breath, then another, steadying my racing nerves. When I felt grounded enough, I lifted my hands and began the chant.
This time, the energy flowed through me more freely than it ever had before. It felt smoother, more responsive, as though it recognized me. The absence of fear helped, I realized. There was no longer the terror of being caught, no panic tightening my chest. Within moments, I heard the familiar whooshing sound as air gathered around me, growing stronger as it rushed toward my hands. Only then did I open my eyes.
Unlike the last time, I was able to control it. The wind responded to my will without spiraling out of control. It did not lift objects that had no business being lifted, and thankfully, it did not try to tug at my dress. When I finally dispersed it, the air flowed smoothly and obediently out through the open window.
“Yes!” I exclaimed, jumping in place as pride flooded me. “I did it. I got it on the first try,” I added, grinning so widely my cheeks began to ache.
“It is actually the second try,” Taren corrected gently, his tone warm. “But yes, you did perfectly well. Congratulations.”
There was unmistakable pride in his voice and in his eyes, and it made my chest feel tight with emotion.
“Thank you,” I said, pressing my palms together as I swayed slightly from side to side, unable to contain my excitement. “Do you have the next one? I think I am ready for it.”
He shook his head with a small laugh. “I didn't expect you to perfect this one so quickly. I would have brought another page if I had known. I will do that next time.”
I nodded, completely satisfied with that answer.
“If that is all, then you may leave,” Kael’s voice cut in, reminding me abruptly that he had been present the entire time, even though my focus had been entirely on Taren.
“Yes, Alpha. That is all for tonight,” Taren replied with a respectful bow. “Have a good night, my lady.”
He wheeled the food trolley away and exited the room, leaving the door closing softly behind him.
I turned toward Kael, a small pout forming on my lips before I could stop it.
“You smell amazing,” he said, his gaze sweeping over me. “Can you feel your wolf more strongly now?”
The pout vanished almost instantly as I paused to assess myself, searching inwardly.
“Not yet,” I said, shaking my head.
“Dont worry,” he replied calmly. “Your scent has grown stronger again, so I believe she will soon make a full appearance.”
His words surprised me. I blinked at him, wondering when he had suddenly become a motivational speaker.
He stood up and moved closer until he was right in front of me. His presence felt overwhelming at that distance. “Dont you think I deserve a thank you for what I did?” he asked, his voice deeper now, his scent surrounding me.
“Thank you,” I said softly.
He shook his head, his hand sliding around my waist as he pulled me closer to him.
“I don't want words right now,” he said quietly.
“What do you want then?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
“For starters, a kiss will do,” he replied, and my heart skipped a beat.
I had no idea how to initiate a kiss. Courage felt far away, just out of reach. But he waited, patient and unmoving, his closeness and scent clouding my senses until I could no longer think clearly. I finally rose onto the tips of my toes and pressed a light kiss against his lips.
I tried to pull away, suddenly shy, but he would not let me. He caught my lips and kissed me with a hunger that stole my breath, deep and consuming, as though he had been starving. It ended far too quickly. He pulled back abruptly and frowned, leaving me confused and slightly dazed.
“What happened?” I asked softly. “Did I do something wrong?”
“No,” he said firmly. "It's not you. I just received a report that our west border is under attack. I need to go check it out. I will be back soon.”
He kissed me once more, released his hold on my waist, and turned to leave.
“Be safe,” I whispered to the empty room after he was gone, sinking onto the sofa as a fresh wave of disappointment washed over me.