Chapter 2

2

The moment we entered the Royal Pack House, the air was thick with celebration.

Sera stood up to greet us personally, her smile radiating warmth and sisterly affection as she took my hand.

"Sister, it's been so long. I've missed you dearly."

She sat us in the seats of honor right next to her.

She casually rested a hand on her belly, beaming at me. "A month ago, I asked Kaelen to pray for a child for me. I never expected the Moon Mother to answer so quickly."

She shot a meaningful glance at Kaelen as she spoke.

The implication was blindingly obvious, but since I was leaving anyway, I didn't care to react.

Seeing my flat expression, she tried to provoke me again.

"Kaelen, where is your congratulatory gift for me?"

Kaelen remained silent for a moment before offering his sacred obsidian prayer beads with both hands.

"I offer these beads. May you and the little prince stay safe and at peace."

Seeing those beads felt like a thousand needles stabbing my heart. I clenched my fists until my knuckles turned white.

I had searched through the most dangerous parts of the ancient forest to find the thousand-year-old wood for those beads. I had carved them myself, day and night, to give to him after the mating announcement.

They were the only token of affection he had ever accepted from me.

Sera grabbed them quickly, running her fingers over them with a triumphant smirk.

"Sister, you look upset. Do you like these beads too?"

I lowered my head immediately. "I wouldn't dare."

Sera burst into laughter, looking like a victor on a battlefield. She stood up and tried to shove the beads into my hand.

"We're sisters, what's mine is yours. If you like them, just take them."

As I reached out to push her hand away, she suddenly let out a sharp cry and collapsed onto the floor.

The room went into a frenzy as guards and servants rushed forward.

"Lyra! I only wanted to share my favorite gift with you! If you wanted them, you could have asked, why would you push me like this?"

Seeing the trap, I didn't hesitate. I dropped to my knees and slammed my forehead against the cold floor.

"My Lady, I was clumsy. I accidentally bumped into you. Please, forgive my ignorance."

I made myself as small and pathetic as possible, pressing my face into the dirt.

Sera finally softened her act.

"Sister, this is the Royal House, not a place for your petty tantrums. I am merciful enough to let this go, but if the King finds out, your life would be forfeit."

Kaelen stepped in immediately. "Her Ladyship is truly gracious. I will make sure my mate is disciplined properly when we return."

"I'll take her home now so we don't ruin the festivities for the other guests."

The moment we left the palace, he turned on me, his voice cold and sharp. "How could you be so reckless in the Citadel? If Sera wasn't your sister, you'd be in a dungeon right now!"

"I know you're angry about the beads, but that's no excuse to push a pregnant female. Those beads were the only gift worthy of her status. Don't ever let this happen again."

Before I could reply, two more messengers appeared.

"Priest Kaelen, Lady Sera feels faint and fears an ill omen. She requests you return immediately to perform a blessing."

I frowned. "Wasn't she just fine a moment ago?"

Kaelen didn't even wait for the messenger to finish. He turned and sprinted back toward the palace.

A few minutes later, one of the messengers doubled back.

He shoved a letter into my hand, saying it was from Sera.

I opened it. It contained only one sentence: "I hope you enjoy having a loyal mate who spends every night in my bed instead of yours."

Kaelen didn't come home that night.