Lyra paused, considering for a moment before answering evenly: "No, thank you. I've already secured lodging near the academy grounds. I won't need territory housing."
"Understood. We won't reserve a den space for you then. May the moon guide your path."
She ended the connection and was about to push the door open when Fenris's voice came from behind her, tinged with suspicion: "Lodging? Securing what?"
Lyra's hand stilled on the door. She turned slowly to find Fenris supporting Selene by the arm, standing near the den's main corridor. They had just arrived back.
Lyra's fingers trembled against the communication stone. She severed the connection first.
Her gaze fell to their intertwined hands—Fenris's palm wrapped possessively around Selene's, their bodies pressed together in a way that spoke of far more than casual comfort. She had steeled herself for this moment. She knew their bond had withered long ago, that whatever thread once connected them had frayed beyond repair. Yet her heart still felt as though countless tiny fangs were piercing it, the pain so acute it robbed her of breath.
She lowered her eyes, concealing the burning sensation behind them. After steadying the tremor in her chest, she lifted her chin and met their gazes, her tone flat, as though discussing something of no consequence whatsoever. "A packmate asked me to help her locate a temporary den. Why—do you have territory available?"
Fenris's treatment of her had grown colder with each passing moon, even vicious. Even if she did return to Wolfridge Territory someday, she would never allow herself to become entangled with him again. So there was no purpose in revealing her plans to study beyond the borders. Any explanation would be wasted breath on deaf ears.
Fenris's brow drew together at her words, suspicion flickering through his amber eyes like distant lightning. Before he could speak, Selene cut in.
"Oh, sister, what are you saying?" Selene pressed herself against Fenris's broad chest, her voice dripping with honeyed sweetness, though calculation lurked beneath every syllable. "Your packmates are our packmates too, aren't they? I happen to have a small den near the central grounds sitting empty. Why don't I offer it to your friend?"
Lyra offered no response. She simply watched her half-sister in silence.