Lyra stood rigid, her fingertips ice-cold against the stone railing. She had already decided to let go. One moon-cycle and she would be free of this prison. But hearing those words, her heart seized like something had lodged itself inside her chest, pressing until she could not draw breath.
What would he say? That he had stopped feeling the pull of their intended bond long ago? That his wolf had always yearned for Selene instead?
Why else would he have thrown her reputation to the rogues again and again? Given all the tenderness and protection meant for her to someone else? Destroyed her standing in the territory with his own actions just to shield Selene's rising star?
A bitter laugh caught in Lyra's throat. Her lips curved into a self-mocking smile. She turned to slip away, unwilling to witness any more of this nauseating scene.
But she had barely taken a step when she saw Fenris reach out and carefully draw Selene into his arms. His voice was softer than she had ever heard it—and utterly certain: "Selene, even if I complete the mating bond with Lyra, I will protect you for the rest of my life. No wolf will ever harm you."
"So if my sister agrees... I can stay by your side forever?" Selene's head snapped up. The wounded look vanished from her eyes, replaced by naked triumph that made her pupils gleam gold.
Lyra's heart plummeted. She stepped back instinctively—and her foot caught the stone banister with a soft thud.
The sound cut through the great hall like a blade.
Selene's head whipped toward the stairs. The instant she spotted Lyra, something vicious flashed in her eyes, her wolf surging forward. She strode to the nearby table, snatched up a heavy ceremonial vase carved from mountain stone, and charged.
CRACK—
The dull impact echoed through the hall. The vase smashed into Lyra's forehead with brutal force.
Shards of stone scattered across the steps. Warm blood spilled down her face, blurring her vision and filling her nose with the copper scent of her own injury.
Lyra staggered back, grabbing the banister to keep from falling. She wiped the blood from her eyes with a trembling hand—and found herself staring directly into Selene's twisted, gloating face.