Chapter 9
Lyra's POV
The next day.
I arrived at Sera's wedding wearing that navy Chanel suit, my hair styled in loose waves instead of the tight bun I'd worn for three years. From the moment I stepped into the venue, the crowd rippled outward like a pond struck by a stone. Conversations stuttered and died, bodies shifted, heads turned, and gazes converged on me from every direction. I felt the weight of their attention, and something close to satisfaction—or perhaps just recognition—stirred in my chest.
Proof that the version of me that existed before Kael wasn't someone who could be easily overlooked.
Several young male pack members turned to stare, eyes widening with an almost comical recognition, as if they were seeing me for the first time despite having passed me in hallways and ignored me at gatherings for three years.
One of them even stumbled over his own feet, earning a sharp elbow from his companion, and I had to pinch myself to keep from laughing aloud because the absurdity of it all felt too surreal.
Sera found me by the gift table, her face glowing beneath the flattering light of her gown. When I handed her the box containing the carefully selected diamond bracelet, her expression shifted from delight to shock in an instant.
"Lyra, this is too much," she said, hands trembling as she held the box like it might bite her.
I took her hands in mine, keeping my tone gentle. "Sera, you stayed by my side when I was alone. Let me express my gratitude and my blessing with this gift."
She pulled me into an embrace, arms wrapping tightly around my shoulders, and I felt her breath catch with emotion.
"I hope we'll always be together," she whispered, burying her face against my neck. "You're like a real sister to me."
I returned her embrace, though something bitter churned in my chest, because I knew the truth she didn't—that in a few days I would leave Red Fang territory, and her wish was destined to remain unfulfilled.
"Always," I echoed, hating myself a little for the lie.
When I pulled away from the embrace, I found myself surrounded by unfamiliar faces. Pack members I'd never spoken to suddenly developed a keen interest in getting to know me better.
One beta approached with an easy smile and too much confidence, leaning close enough that I could smell his cologne.
"I don't think we've been properly introduced," he said, pulling out his phone. "Could I get your number? Maybe we could grab coffee sometime?"
I was about to respond when Orion's face flashed through my mind.
"I'm getting married soon," I said, watching his face fall with what looked like genuine disappointment.
Kael appeared at the entrance with Mira at precisely that moment. From the way his posture immediately stiffened, I knew he'd heard what I'd just said. His gaze swept over my coat, my styled hair, my carefully applied makeup, and I saw something shift in his expression.
A flash of what looked almost like hungry possession flickered in his eyes, followed by confusion.
Before he could speak, Mira moved to my side.
"Lyra, I almost didn't recognize you. Though I really hope you didn't spend too much effort trying to impress everyone. Overdressing for such a simple pack wedding always feels a bit desperate, don't you think?" She leaned closer, and I felt her warm breath against my ear. "And darling, even though your outfit looks identical to the real thing, fake is fake, no matter how convincing the replica."
I watched the pack members around us react to her words, saw the knowing understanding bloom on their faces. Just another vain bitch in knockoff designer clothes—
The judgment and mockery I'd endured for three years.
I deliberately slowed my movements as I reached into my purse and pulled out the shopping receipt, unfolding it so the boutique's logo, the itemized purchases, and the staggering price were all clearly visible.
I held it up without saying a word, then watched the crowd's sentiment shift again, but this time toward Mira.
"The interesting thing about fakes," I said softly, my voice carrying in the silence, "is that you seem to see them everywhere, Mira. It makes me wonder if perhaps you've bought so many knockoffs yourself that you've lost the ability to recognize the genuine article."
The pack members who'd been so quick to judge me now turned speculative gazes toward Mira.
Mira's expression transformed in a particularly entertaining way.
"I was just trying to help," she said, her voice tight with barely concealed fury. "I was worried you'd gone astray, maintaining appearances through counterfeits, but if this is how you respond to a friend's concern, perhaps I shouldn't bother helping you in the future."
Help me?
The words echoed in my mind with bitter irony, and I had to clench my jaw to keep from laughing.
Before I could formulate a response to her hypocritical and ridiculous statement, Kael inserted himself between us with his usual practiced ease.
"Mira was just concerned about you, Lyra," he said. "You know how she is—she always thinks of everyone. Maybe try to be more gracious about it." He paused, his hand gripping my elbow. "And you don't need to dress like this to push me into finally confirming our relationship. When the time is right, I'll mark you. You don't need to make such a production of it."
I looked at him, this man who had destroyed everything good in my life.
I almost wanted to expose his lies right then and there. But this was Sera's wedding, her most precious moment, and regardless of everything else, she was a member of the Red Fang pack. I couldn't create a scene that would embarrass her.
"Fine," I said, my voice flat and emotionless. "Whatever you say."
I turned away from both of them and walked toward the ceremony area, where chairs had been arranged in neat rows.
I found a random seat in the back and sat down. Around me, pack members settled into their places, their whispered conversations washing over me like white noise.
I forced myself to ignore their words, waiting for this wedding to end.