Lyra watched his unhesitating retreat and let out a laugh—hoarse, bitter, mocking. Yet tears surged up despite herself, beyond her control. The Alpha before her began to blur and merge with the seventeen-year-old pup from her memories. That young wolf used to wait for her after lessons with shelter on stormy nights. He'd press the sweetest honeycomb into her palm. He'd hold her hand tight and swear, so earnestly, that he'd protect her forever—that he'd never let anyone harm her.
As if sensing her gaze, Fenris paused for just a heartbeat as he climbed down with Selene in his arms. He glanced back at her. In that look, there seemed to be a flicker of reluctance—or maybe she imagined it.
Before she could read his expression clearly, one of his pack guards called out urgently from nearby: "Alpha, it's too dangerous here! Get the Ashenvale she-wolf out first!"
At the same moment, a hazy voice echoed through Lyra's mind—young, anxious, pleading: Lyra, don't be afraid. Don't trust him anymore...
Fenris didn't hesitate again. He strode toward the exit with Selene secure in his arms.
By now, Lyra's body hung so close to the cauldron that she could almost feel the rim against her skin. Scalding droplets of oil spattered onto her, each one a searing sting. She strained with everything she had, pointing her toes downward until they found purchase on the ground beside the cauldron, barely keeping herself from sliding further. She couldn't spare a thought for how the heat was scorching through her boots.
Selene, still cradled in Fenris's arms, turned her head deliberately to look at Lyra. Her eyes glittered with triumph and malice. She didn't speak—just moved her lips, mouthing the words silently:
See? I win again.
Fenris set Selene down in a safe area and was about to turn back, to rush into the storage den for Lyra still suspended in midair, when her voice cut through from behind him—cold, final, absolute.
"Fenris. Don't bother. Take her and go. From this moment on, there's nothing between us anymore."
Fenris's feet froze mid-step. He stood rooted to the spot, turning to stare at her, his eyes filled with shock.
That was when Selene let out a sharp cry. She clutched her calf, her brow furrowed, tears glistening as she looked up at Fenris. "Fenris! I think my leg got burned by the oil that splashed out. It hurts so much..."