Chapter 164
THIRD PERSON POV
The Grand Hall of King Dimitri’s Kingdom was carved from obsidian. It was a huge hall with high walls and ceilings that told a story with magnificent images of Lycan royal ancestry. The walls were carved with images of heroes and various gods, making the room appear like something from another worldly realm. The halls echoed with the rich murmurs of the men and women in the hall—all royalty. The hall was illuminated with bright skypods from various sections in the ceiling.
At the far end of the hall, on the raised platform, sat King Dimitri. He watched the gathering with a gaze as cold and sharp as steel. Beside him, Lyra sat looking regal in a red gown that clung to her like fire. Her expression was unreadable, but her fingers curled tightly into her palm, digging through her flesh, drawing blood.
The Council of Elders stood before the dais; their silver hair showed not only evidence of old age but also that of immense knowledge acquired from centuries of wisdom, teachings, and secrets. Behind the council sat Alphas from the Lycan territories in respectful silence. And adjacent to the council stood the five Lycan Alphas waiting to prove why they would be a better fit for a husband to Lyra and a worthy King to rule by her side.
“Begin,” One word from King Dimitri, and the entire atmosphere was charged as though electrified.
The first of the five Alphas to step forward was Alpha Alaric. He was big looking brute with a scar running from the middle of his eye down to his chin in a straight line, giving him a dangerously roguish look. His voice sounded like gravel and thunder.
“I offer strength,” he said, his eyes fixed on Lyra. “My warriors are unmatched. With our forces united, we have no reason to fear an invasion or a challenge against the throne. I seek not just a mate, but a worthy queen to rule beside me.” Then he curtsied with a slight nod of his head and stepped back.
Next came Alpha Baki, lean and sharp-eyed, he had long, deep black hair that seemed to look a deeper shade of blue under the lights.
“My lands border the human territories. I bring trade diplomacy. With Lyra at my side, and her strength combined, together we can usher in a new era of peace.”
Alpha Darius followed; his presence gave off warmth and command. He bowed low, his red eyes gleaming.
“I offer loyalty. My pack has served the crown for generations. I would honor Lyra not only as my mate, but as the heart of my people. Together, we would be unbreakable.” Murmurs of approval rang among the crowd.
Then came Alpha Casper. His voice was smooth, and he had a very handsome face.
“I offer innovation. My land is rich in iron. We have embraced the era of technology and have learnt to infuse these elements together. I’ve built cities where others see wilderness. With Lyra, we could build a future, a dystopian world…something out of a dream that will outlast even the moon.”
Finally, Alpha Herald stepped forward. His aura was dark, his eyes nearly black. “I offer protection,” he said simply. “The kind that keeps enemies at bay. The kind that ensures obedience. And with Lyra, we would forge an empire.” His voice was cold and hard. It sounded almost ancient.
A hush fell over the hall, while Lyra’s heart pounded in her chest. Not from excitement but from the weight of having to decide in front of everyone. Her stomach twisted in knots. Each Alpha had spoken with conviction, each offering a different future. But she didn’t feel anything for these men. None of them made her wolf rise. But that was besides the point. She wasn’t ready for marriage, much less to one under such means.
King Dimitri nodded once, then spoke. His powerful voice boomed in the grand halls.
“The council has heard your words, fellow Alphas. But I believe the choice lies with my daughter.”
Lyra took a deep breath. From the corner of her eye, she could see her father looking straight ahead. All eyes turned to Lyra as they waited for her to speak. She kept an unreadable expression, but inside her was screaming.
How on earth was she going to get out of this arrangement?
While her mind raced at an incredible speed, the doors to the Grand Hall slammed open with ruthless force, and it shook the walls of the hall.
A gust of cold air swept through the hall, sending a chill down everyone’s spine. Shadows danced wildly as the scent of ocean air filled the air.
Lyra gasped as she knew that scent. Her heart was beating wildly while Liora surged forward within her in excitement.
Ryker.
He strode in like a tempest, full of storm and fury. His wolf eyes shone black as they connected with Lyra’s right across the hall. The air around him shimmered with power—ancient, primal, and dangerously wild. The gathered Alphas stiffened, some baring their teeth instinctively. King Dimitri narrowed his eyes, an amused smirk forming on his lips.
Ryker didn’t stop until he stood at the bottom of the dais directly between Lyra and the Lycan King. The five Alphas watched him with interest. But they were not the only ones who watched him curiously.
Ryker’s voice was dangerously low; it carried power and restrained rage. It sounded like a war drum. “This marriage will not hold.” Gasps rippled through the crowd immediately. “She is my mate.”
The words struck like lightning.
Lyra’s breath caught, and her wolf surged forward, howling in recognition inside her. She felt a fire in her bones, and for a moment, she felt a sense of relief that he was here to claim her instead. But it wasn’t for long. The feeling was immediately replaced with anger. Anger from the past…
The council erupted into chaos. Elders shouted, and Alphas growled.
“You interrupt a royal council, Alpha King Ryker.” King Dimitri leaned forward. His eyes were dancing with amusement. From the corner of his eye, he could see Lyra’s shoulder tense and her fingers digging a hole into the armrest of the chair.
“I apologize, King Dimitri. But I had no choice but to do so. Not when my mate is married off to some other Alpha.”
Alpha Alaric snarled. “You have no claim here. The council—”
“The council,” Ryker growled, “does not decide the bond of the moon.” His aura exploded outward, slamming into the gathered Alphas like a tidal wave, causing a loud gasp to erupt in the hall. Lyra’s eyes widened slightly in surprise.
She had never seen Ryker angry before. And had not witnessed the full extent of his powers. Even now, with his aura radiating through the halls, she could feel him controlling his aura.
Lyra’s wolf clawed at her chest, desperate to reach his wolf. But for Lyra, her heart was a storm of confusion, longing, and fury.
“If she truly is your mate, then you’ll have to prove it before the next full moon.”
Ryker’s lips curled into a dangerous smile. “Gladly.”
And then his eyes met Lyra’s—wild, aching, and full of something that made her breath hitch.