In the quiet room, a muffled sob broke through the stillness, filling the air with Lyra ’s heartache.

Despite her outward strength in public, she was a different person when the night came, shedding tears in solitude.

Once accustomed to the luxury of an elegant bed chamber, now she found herself in the attic, a place that amplified her feelings of loneliness and isolation.

“Let’s escape,” a voice whispered in the back of

Lyra ’s mind, belonging to Stella, her wolf.

She clutched her pillow tightly, the tears ceasing at the sound of her wolf’s suggestion.

Ever since she turned seven, Stella had been anconstant presence in her thoughts.

Lyra couldn’t explain it, but she knew she’s a special case, she knew her wolf was always looking out for her, however, she only shifted once–there was one time during her coming-of-age when she was all by herself in the woods and managed to shift.

Since then, she and Stella had an agreement not to shift again, at least until the right time has come.

The pack knew Lyra wasn’t wolfless, but they believed that her wolf was weak for her not to be able to shiftnon her own accord.

“And then what?” Lyra asked, her tears shimmering on her cheeks as she brushed them away.

She knew her wolf only wanted what was best for her, having witnessed her struggles, but she wasn’t quite ready to heed her advice just yet.

“We have nowhere to go.nLet’s endure everything for now.”

“Tsk.” Stella’s disapproving response was the last sound Lyra heard before she let out a deep sigh and gazed out of the small attic window.

The moonlight bathed her in a soft, pale glow as a cool breeze rustled the leaves outside.

She closed her eyes, finding solace in the knowledge that she wasn’t locked away, yet couldn’t shake off the feeling of helplessness, a reminder of her childhood struggles.

The next morning, as Lyra opened the attic door, cold, dirty water cascaded over her.

Her eyes widened in shock as she watched the droplets drip from her clothes onto the wooden floor below.

The she-wolf maids, different from those of the previous day, giggled mischievously.

These were the ones who attended Anya.

“Oops, sorry,” the one with black hair offered a mocking apology.

Lyra let out a deep sigh, wiping the droplets from her forehead before standing tall and facing the maids who laughed even louder.

“What’s the matter with you?” she inquired calmly, her voice steady.

This childish behavior had become a regular occurrence, and frankly, she was growing tired of it.

Taking a step forward, she watched as they slowly retreated.

They had heard of how she had dealt with their friend the day before and now sought to teach her a lesson.

Their wounded pride couldn’t bear the fact that they tended to an orphan who turned out to be a fake.

“Why are you still here anyway? Just leave! You don’t belong here!” one of the maids huffed, tossing a wooden bucket in Lyra ’s direction.

It smacked her on the forehead, causing Stella to growl in anger, but Lyra held her wolf back from retaliating.

She knew things could get messy if she let Stella loose.

“Why would I leave? What authority does a maid like you have?” Lyra retorted, a trickle of blood running down her forehead.

The maids gasped, their eyes widening in shock.

“We’ll make sure you leave our pack, so our real future Luna won’t have to worry about your existence!” they spat before scurrying off, leaving Lyra to clean up the mess they’d made.

Sighing, she touched her forehead, wincing at the pain as she looked at her hand, stained with wet, red blood.

“I will kill them!” Stella growled once more.

“Calm down, they’ll regret it eventually,” Lyra reassured her wolf as she finished cleaning the floors.

After tending to her wound and changing into a fresh uniform, she tied her long, red wavy hair into a ponytail and headed to the main mansion to start her work.

Today, she was assigned to serve in the dining hall where the high-ranking pack members gathered for breakfast.

Pushing a cart laden with food, Lyra entered the hall and overheard the Alpha and Luna engaging in friendly conversation with Anya, asking about her well-being, and continued chatting with Rhys, the beta, and his child.

Lyra couldn’t help but purse her lips.

She used to sit where Anya was, but now she was being ignored.

After serving the food as instructed by the head kitchen maid, she stood to the side with the other maids.

Anya’s eyes then locked with Lyra’s, a mischievous grin playing on her lips.

“Hmm?” Anya’s expression turned to shock as she took a spoonful of the soup, only to have her eyes widened moments later.

A red rash spread across her skin as she frantically scratched at it.

“What’s the matter?” Rhys’s voice rang out with concern, echoing the worry of everyone at the table.

“M-my soup has peanuts. I’m allergic to peanuts, w-why–” Anya’s voice broke as tears welled up in her eyes, clutching her stomach. In that instant, Lyra could sense trouble brewing.

“But our soup was peanut-free. I informed the chef of your allergy.” Rose chimed in, puzzled.

“Unless someone tampered with yours.”

[Come to the dining hall,] Alpha Aiden’ command resonated through the pack physician’s mind link.

All eyes then turned to Lyra , who had served the soup.

Suspicion hung heavy in the air, accusing glares aimed her way.

She clenched her fists, knowing her protests would fall on deaf ears, but she couldn’t stay silent.

“I didn’t do anything; I just followed the kitchen maid’s instructions to serve the food.”

“I’m disappointed in you, Lyra . Must you really go this far? You could have harmed Anya out of spite. It’s not her fault she’s Rhys’s fated mate,” Lorena’s words cut deep, causing Lyra to bite her lip.

Even her best friend had turned against her, placing the blame squarely on her shoulders.

“I swear, I didn’t put anything. I don’t even know about her allergy—”

“Enough!” Alpha Aiden’ voice boomed, sending a shiver down Lyra’s spine.

“Be grateful I haven’t banished you yet. Pull a stunt like this again, and I’ll send you back to where I found you 12 years ago.”

Tears threatened to spill from Lyra ’s eyes as the trauma washed over her, but she blinked them away when Rhys splashed tea over her head.

His icy gaze held no emotion, but his clenched jaw spoke volumes as his anger bubbled to the surface.

“Is this the real you? A two-faced wench?!”

Rhys’s accusation hung in the air, but Lyra remained silent, resisting the urge to retaliate.

She knew defending herself would be futile– they had already cast her as the villainess.

“You said you wouldn’t interfere, but here you are,” he growled through gritted teeth.

“Our pack took you in, and treated you well, and this is how you repay us? By harming my mate, the true key to the prophecy?”

“You may have the potential to be a great Luna thanks to my mother’s guidance but let me make one thing clear…” Rhys’s hand gripped Lyra ’s cheeks, forcing her to meet his gray orbs, burning with anger.

“Anya was far superior to you. She was the daughter of a beta from the Silver pack, one of the nobles in the north. Her wolf was strong, unlike yours, which can’t even shift at will.”

Lyra could sense Stella itching to break free, but she expertly kept her in check, all while wearing a poker face.

It was a tricky balancing act, but she had already mastered it.

Even the Alpha wouldn’t be able to catch on.

Besides,there is a strict rule in the Incarnadine Pack that members are not allowed to shift into their wolf forms inside the pack house unless there is a potential threat.

This rule was put in place to protect the human servants who live among the pack members and prevent them from being startled or afraid.

Anyone who breaks this rule faces banishment from the pack.With a dramatic bang, the door swung open,and in march a couple of warriors, their eyes fixed on Lyra .

She felt a chill run down her spine as they seized her by the arms.

Her face paled, fearing Alpha Aiden would do what he had said earlier.

But instead, he coolly commanded them to toss her into the dungeon,nwhere she endured a week of harsh treatment and meager rations of water.

The endless torment didn’t stop there. The past three months had been a nightmare, with pack members’ mistreatment every day, especially Rhys’s emotional assaults and Anya’s relentless schemes to make her life more miserable than it already is.

However, Lyra managed to endure everything just like she did in the past.

After much preparation and anticipation, they were finally setting off towards the Capital where the Alpha King’s Banquet was being held.

Despite owning a car, the Alpha and Luna were cozied up inside the carriage with Rhys and Anya, while Lyra sat beside the coachman.

This was her first time heading to the palace, so it was no wonder she felt a flutter of nerves. After all, she knew all about the Tyrant Alpha King.

There were countless rumors surrounding him, from slaying an entire pack single-handedly to having a hideous appearance befitting someone cursed.

During her lesson on becoming a perfect Luna, she discovered that the curse was passed down to whoever from the royal family would inherit the throne.

For generations, Alpha Kings have been unable to sense or find their mates. As a result, an event called Luna Selection was made, which all high- ranking unmated she-wolves were required to attend.

However, this generation, whoever is chosen by the current Alpha King meets an unfortunate fate–they die before the mating ceremony can even take place. That is because they would rather choose death than become his mate– and this year would be the King’s third attempt to select a mate and Luna.

With a jolt, the carriage came to a stop.

Lyra’s eyes widened in awe as she took in the grand, elegant palace before her. The anticipation was building as she realized she would soon come face to face with this notorious ruler of Verdentia.

Suddenly, the coachman’s booming voice cut through her daze.

“We have arrived.”

“PULL UP YOUR HOOD,” Rhys’s command pierced the air, causing Lyra to startle as they made their way to the main palace’s entrance.

Anya, who nestled closely against him, shot her a taunting smile, her gaze fixated on the red wavy hair cascading down her back.

“We merely wish to avoid drawing unnecessary attention to your appearance.” Anya’s voice dripped with mockery, her smile widening.

“Given the similarity in our hair and eyes, it would be rather embarrassing if anyone were to question your authenticity, especially within the palace walls, don’t you think?”

Lyra simply offered a serene smile, reaching up to draw the hood of her cloak over her head as they wanted.

“I understand,” she said with a knowing smile, fully aware that her obedience was getting on their nerves.

No matter how tough or degrading the task, Lyra always followed their orders without a hint of protest.

She knew they were trying to provoke her, but she refused to give them the satisfaction of a reaction from her.

“We’ll head in first.” Luna Viola chimed in, taking Alpha Aiden’s hand as they gracefully made their way towards the stairs. The night breeze picked up, causing the leaves of the trees outside to rustle and dance freely in the wind as they disappeared from view.

As the silence settled in, the air grew thick and suffocating, almost as if a fog had surrounded the three.

“Make sure you attend to Anya’s every request and don’t even think about standing out,” Rhys warned, his cold gaze lingering on Lyra from head to toe.

Despite her plain dress and cloak, her beauty still managed to catch his eye, much to his chagrin.

He clenched his jaw, unsettled by the unwavering gaze and the smile that tugged at Lyra’s lips.

“Yes, young master,” she replied obediently, causing Rhys to frown before Pulling Anya by the waist and continuing walking.

Lyra sighed and watched them go, unfazed by their treatment after enduring three months of relentless torment.

She had learned to let go of any feelings she once had for Rhys; after all, it was all a facade, and she had no reason to cling to illusions.

Her only focus now was survival, knowing that her life was in danger.

“Wow,” Lyra marveled, her words slipping out in awe as she took in the grand hall, three times larger than Incarnadine’s.

The space was filled with guests, music floating from various instruments, and decorations adorning every corner, creating a breathtaking sight.

It brought back memories of a place she had seen as a child.

“Fetch me some water,” Anya’s demand broke Lyra ’s reverie, prompting her to look at her and spring into action.

She quickly retrieved one glass of water from the refreshment table and turned to find them no longer in the crowd.

Perplexed, Lyra scanned the room, searching for any sign of them amidst the bustling guests.

With so many people around, spotting them was like finding a needle in a haystack.

“Where could they have disappeared to?” she pondered silently, her curiosity piqued.

Suddenly, she caught sight of Anya making her way up to the second floor, heading towards the balcony.

Without a second thought, Lyra swiftly weaved through the crowd, her intuition urging her to hasten her steps.

As she neared the door leading to the balcony, where Anya had vanished, Lyra gently peeked through the curtains and caught a glimpse of her with a mysterious man.

“Is this poison as potent as you claim, Dad?” Anya inquired, prompting Lyra ’s eyes to widen in alarm.

The mention of poison sent a chill down her spine, indicating that Anya meant serious business.

“Of course,” the silver pack beta assured confidently. “One drop and the victim is a goner for good.”

A mischievous grin adorned Anya’s face as she eyed the small bottle in her hands before slipping it discreetly into her purse.

“But who’s the unlucky target?” the beta asked with a hint of curiosity, observing Anya intently.

“Is it that orphan?”

“No… It’s Alpha Aiden,” Anya responded without a moment’s hesitation, leaving Lyra dumbfounded as she eavesdropped on their conversation from a safe distance.

“I’ll frame that wench for the deed and kill two birds with one stone. Once Rhys ascends to Alpha, I’ll become a Luna, and I can finally rid myself of that pest, Lyra. Perfect plan, don’t you think?”

A sinister chuckle escaped the beta’s lips, sending shivers down Lyra ’s spine. Swiftly and silently, she retreated before they could detect her presence, her heart racing in her chest and hands trembling with apprehension.

Taking a deep breath to compose herself, she steadied her nerves and returned to the table, placing the glass of water on which she had been holding all this while.

“What are you doing? Where’s Anya?” Rhys’s voice made Lyra flinch.

She turned around to face him, finding his gaze fixed on her with a serious expression.

A lump formed in her throat as she bit her lip, trying to collect her thoughts.

To spill the beans or not? That was the question swirling in Lyra ’s mind as she pondered what she had overheard. But then again, who was she kidding?

There was no way he would take her seriously. As she racked her brain for a way out of this sticky situation, Anya swooped in, flinging her arms around Rhys.

“What’s going on here?” Anya’s question hung in the air, but Lyra’s gaze darted to the purse in Anya’s hand.

“Are you trying to charm my mate?”

“No way,” Lyra shot back, but before she could explain further, a booming voice echoed through the grand hall, announcing the arrival of the Alpha King.

All eyes turned towards the staircase as the King emerged, flanked by his two royal guards and beta.

Bowing ensued, and silence reigned as he took his seat on the grand chair at the foot of the staircase.

Lyra’s heart raced as she studied the King, his presence sending shivers down her spine.

His long black hair was tied back, strands cascading over his shoulders.

Despite the mask concealing the upper half of his face, she could tell the rumors about him having a hideous appearance were just an exaggeration due to people’s fear of his reputation, as he was known for being cursed and ruthless.

“I don’t have time to waste,” he declared, his voice sending chills down their bones.

“We all know this is my third attempt at choosing Queen Luna. This year, instead of going through a whole bothersome process to find the right candidate, I’m just going to pick from these photos of the unmated she-wolves.”

His beta handed over the photos, and a murmur spread through the halls.

The she- wolves likely dragged to the banquet by their Alphas, trembled in fear, their faces draining of color.

Each one silently prayed to the Moon Goddess not to be chosen by the Alpha King.

As Kian, the King, shuffled the photos like a deck of cards, Lyra ’s gaze shifted to Anya’s purse.

With each breath, her mind cleared, determination sparking within her.

She knew that even if she managed to avoid being framed tonight, Anya wouldn’t rest until

she got rid of her.

With the Silver pack at her back, they wouldn’t stop until Lyra was out of the picture for good.

That much was certain. And so, driven by her desperate need to escape the Incarnadine Pack as soon as possible, she raised her hand, eyes blazing with resolve as she held her breath.

“I volunteer, Your Majesty,” she declared boldly, her voice ringing out with unwavering determination.

All eyes turned towards her, including Rhys’s, who looked like he had just seen a ghost.

“What are you doing?” he hissed through clenched teeth, but Lyra simply shot him a defiant glance before striding confidently towards the Alpha King.

The guests began to murmur amongst themselves, parting to make way for her, but the royal guards stepped in, blocking her path.

Suspicion hung in the air—not only she was wearing a cloak but also because no one had ever volunteered like this before.

“You certainly have nerves, young lady,”Kian’s voice rumbled ominously as he reclined in his armchair, resting his cheek on his knuckles.

“Remove your hood”

“What are you doing?” Stella’s voice echoed in Lyra’s mind, questioning her sanity, but she paid it no heed.

Slowly, she pulled back the hood, revealing her fiery red hair, and met the Alpha King’s gaze unflinchingly.

Her heart raced, drowning out the murmurs of the guests behind her.

“Good evening, Alpha King. I am Lyra, from the Incarnadine pack,” she greeted with poise and grace, earning a chuckle from Kian.

His eyes flickered towards Anya, who flinched,bbefore returning his gaze to Lyra , a sly smirk playing on his lips.

“Ah, so you’re the rumored future Luna of Incarnadine who was replaced by another she- wolf,” Kian mused, studying Lyra intently.

“What is your motive in volunteering yourself?”

“Do you wish for me to speak truthfully, Your Majesty?” she inquired, locking eyes with Kian in a manner that took him aback.

Fear typically prevented anyone from meeting his red eyes, but Lyra seemed unfazed by it.

Her boldness piqued his interest, but it also p*ss*d him off for unknown reasons.

Lyra noticed the displeasure on his face and took a deep breath, steeling herself as she met the intense gaze of the Alpha King.

At that moment, the grand hall seemed to hold its breath, the air heavy with tension and anticipation.

And with a nod of confirmatiom from Kian, Lyra continued, her voice steady yet laced with an underlying current of desperation.

“Because no one is willing to be your Luna, but me,” she admitted, her fiery gaze locking with his, causing the guests to shift uneasily, whispers rippling through the hall.

The she-wolves from various packs watched in a mix of awe and fear, their eyes darting between Lyra nand the Alpha King, uncertain of what the outcome would be.

“So, please make me your Queen Luna.”Lyra’s voice resonated as she added, “I promise I will help you with your duties, all the while proving myself worthy enough to be your mate.”

Rhys stood at the sides, his knuckles white with tension as he watched Lyra ’s audacious behavior unfolds before him.

He was itching to leap forward and yank her out of the hall, but risking the Alpha King’s fury was a whole other story.

“What was going through her mind?” he muttered as he desperately tried to figure out how to put an end to her impulsive antics and make her see reason about becoming the Luna of the Alpha King.

“Dad,” Rhys reached out through their mind link, looking at Alpha Aiden who stood alongside Luna Viola by one of the hall’s pillars.

“Do something–”

But before he could finish his plea, the Alpha King’s voice cut through the heavy silence that hung in the air after Lyra ’s bold declaration.

“Very well,” Kian’s voice boomed, causing a collective gasp to echo through the room.

Lyra stood there, frozen in disbelief.

Had he really agreed so readily?

She had always prided herself on being bold and daring, especially when she volunteered to be his Luna, but she never imagined it would be this simple.

It was as if the universe had decided to cut her some slack for once.

“Are you really going to do this?” David, his loyal beta, questioned with a hint of uncertainty in his voice.

He pushed his glasses up with a finger, his eyes moving from Lyra to Kian.

They had been inseparable since childhood, practically growing up as brothers due to their fathers’ close friendship.

David knew Kian like the back of his hand, so this decision to accept a she-wolf with an unknown background was definitely a curveball.

“What’s the harm? She’s got the right spirit, and let’s face it, nobody else in here is bold enough to step up to be my mate and Luna,”

Kian replied with a smirk that sent shivers down the spines of the unmated she-wolves.

“Excuse me, Your Majesty,” Alpha Aiden interjected, breaking the tension in the room.

He stepped forward, standing beside Lyra.

“I apologize for my pack member’s impulsive decision. While my mate and I raised her after taking her in, Lyra ’s background remains a mystery. Her bloodline is unknown, and she lacks experience in this role. It may not be wise to crown her as Queen Luna without considering these important factors.”

The guests nodded in agreement with AlphaA Aiden’s words.

Despite the King’s eagerness to choose a mate and Luna, they understood the importance of bloodline and experience in such a significant role.

After all, the Queen would not only lead the royal pack alongside the King but also the entire land of Verdentia.

“Did I ask for your opinion? Did I permit you to speak?” Kian’s tone turned icier than it already was, his Alpha aura was intense, filling the air with tension. Lyra swallowed hard, feeling the weight of his authority.

Even the proud leader of Incarnadine couldn’t help but bow in submission to the undeniable power of the Alpha of Alphas.

“I beg your forgiveness, Your Majesty,” Alpha Aiden murmured, bowing his head with utmost respect.

On the sidelines, Luna Viola’s fist clenched tightly, her gaze shooting daggers at Lyra for the embarrassment she was causing their pack leader.

Ignoring the tension brewing around her, Lyra focused on trying to calm her jittery nerves as the atmosphere inside the palace grew increasingly stifling.

“Was she not recently deemed the future Luna of your esteemed pack? Surely, you and your mate didn’t neglect your duty in teaching her the weighty responsibilities that come with such important position within one of the most formidable packs in the nation.” Kian’s question lingered in the air, causing Alpha Aiden and Luna Viola to flinch.

Even Rhys, whose fists were already clenched so tightly they were turning white, felt himself trembling under the King’s imposing presence.

It came as no surprise that Kian was aware of what was happening within their pack, after all, Incarnadine was part of the prestigious ten high-ranking packs of Verdentia.

“Well, I do understand your concerns, so I will test her before entrusting her with the role,” Kian added, prompting Lyra to glance at him, their eyes meeting briefly.

She saw him quickly look away, as though trying to hide the emotions that his gaze held.

“In one week’s time, I will take her to Ardan Woods.” Gasps filled the room at the mere mention of Ardan Woods, the notorious forest teeming with rogues.

It was a place no one dared to enter except for the bravest members of strong packs or particularly powerful warriors.

A treacherous area where the most ferocious, untamed wolves roamed freely.

Lyra felt her heart quicken its pace, her palms becoming clammy, and her face draining of color.

Ardan Woods was where Alpha Aiden had saved her twelve years ago, a place that haunted her past and present, a memory she could never forget.

She swallowed hard as she locked eyes with the Alpha King again, his presence growing more overwhelming with each passing moment.

Her eyes then widened as she noticed his calm demeanor, his face betraying no emotion as he continued to speak.

“If she managed to make it out alive after staying there for three hours, I will make her my Luna, and if not, then at least she’d die an honorable death. After all, she was bold enough to volunteer for this year’s Luna selection.”

As the words echoed in the room, Lyra couldn’t help but shudder.

It was a memory etched in her mind, like a painting she couldn’t erase.

She recalled the day vividly, the day she had sprinted through the dangers of Ardan’s wilderness to escape the clutches of ruthless warriors.

She was so focused on running that she didn’t notice the death coming her way; the rogues had lunged at her with their sharp fangs and claws, threatening to tear her apart.

Not only that but she also witnessed how warrior’s was killed in front of her very eyes.

She was just a ten-year-old with a small body back then, fighting for her life.

If not for the timely arrival of Alpha Aiden, she might not have lived to tell the tale.

The chilling memory haunted her, lurking in the depths of her subconscious.

And now, as Kian rose to his feet, his presence sending ripples of fear through the banquet hall, Lyra felt her heart race.

His every movement seemed to strike fear into the hearts of those around him, a silent threat lingering in the air.

“Well then… Enjoy the rest of the banquet.” Kian announced nonchalantly, his eyes locked onto Lyra .

She swallowed hard, meeting his intense stare once again. “And you, come with me.”

With a forceful declaration that made Lyra ’s heart race, she found herself following the

Alpha King up the stairs without hesitation. Each step felt heavier than the last as if the weight of the world was pressing down on her legs.

Glancing back, she saw Rhys and Anya watching her with expressions of disbelief as though she had suddenly sprouted an extra head.

Yet, they remained silent, knowing that there was nothing they could do to stop her.

Anya clenched her fist, her frustration simmering beneath the surface. Her plan to frame Lyra for Alpha Aldous’ death was now a lost cause.

“What’s wrong? Keep moving,” David’s commanding voice snapped Lyra out of her thoughts, urging her to continue her steps up the grand staircase.

As they reached the door from which the Alpha King had emerged earlier, Lyra was met with a breathtaking sight.

The hallway was lined with paintings of Verdentia’s ancient heroes and beautiful flower decorations, the sight somehow soothing her turbulent emotions. Just as she began to relax in the beauty of the hall, Kian’s sharp voice cut through the air.

“You,” he commanded, halting in his tracks along with the royal guards behind her and the beta standing beside him.

“Remind me, what was your name again?”

“M-my name is Lyra , Your Majesty,” she stuttered, feeling the suffocating intensity of his red eyes now that they were standing face to face. The way Kian looked at her sent shivers down her spine, an unsettling sensation that she couldn’t shake.

“That’s right, Lyra ,” he stated, taking a step closer and looming over her.

“I will give you one final opportunity: do you still wish to volunteer to become my mate and Luna, despite the challenging trial I am about to set for you?” Lyra couldn’t help but flinch, her grip on her cloak tightening as she struggled to keep her balance.

Three hours in Ardan Woods? It was practically a suicide, something only a truly brave–or maybe a crazy wolf would attempt.

But Lyra had made up her mind to become the Luna of the Cursed Alpha King, and she wasn’t one to back down from a challenge.

Besides, she was just ten when she faced the danger of Ardan Woods, she was now different, especially with her wolf Stella by her side.

For the past twelve years, Lyra had been honing her skills in secret, training to fight and defend herself.

And so with a determined look and a deep breath, Lyra faced Kian and answered confidently,

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Kian studied her for a moment before reaching for the mask that concealed his features.

With a swift motion, he removed the mask, revealing a surprisingly handsome face.

There was a youthful allure mixed with a hint of intimidation that made it hard to believe he was called the tyrant Alpha King of Verdentia.

As Lyra laid eyes on his face, her breath caught in her throat. For a brief moment, she found herself forgetting he was the cursed Alpha King, unable to resist blurting out,

“So handsome.”

Lyra felt her cheeks flush as she hastily clamped a hand over her mouth, realizing the unintended bluntness of her words. But to her surprise, he didn’t seem the least bit put off by her slip-up.

Without a hint of mockery, Kian turned to his beta, who looked as shocked as Lyra felt by her own audacity.

“Take her to the west wing where she would be assigned a temporary residence,” he commanded with a regal air.

Beta David nodded obediently, his eyes following the Alpha King as he strode ahead, flanked by his royal guards.

As the silence settled, Lyra found herself standing alone with the beta.