Lyra stood in the mini-arena, bewildered, trying to make sense of the situation around her.Everyone gathered in groups, some in pairs or more, eagerly awaiting the opening of the grand hall. Most of them desired a toast with the Cursed Alpha king, Alpha Alexander is believed to be under a curse since he hasn't found his mate for years now but no one dared to say it to him.Lyra stood still, lacking any interest in meeting the so-called Alpha King, yet she dared not move from her spot, fearful of the wrath of her uncle, Mr. Donald.She leaned against the wall, resting her head, waiting for the grand hall to open."What's taking so long?" a voice behind her whispered. Lyra didn't bother turning because she knew the woman wasn't addressing her."I don't know! If he isn't coming out yet, he should let us all go," another voice chimed in."That's harsh, you know..." She stopped halfway, then intentionally reduced her voice to a whisper, "He might be looking for his fated mate to break his

Alexander spotted Lyra as she stepped out of the car with Jack. He smiled as he sat in his chair, adjusted his clothes, and went to his guest room."Good afternoon, Alpha," Donald bowed.Alexander remained silent in response to his greetings. His brows furrowed, and his face turned fiery red. He then turned to Jack."Why is he still here?""Erm... I thought it was unnecessary," Jack stuttered.Alexander didn't flinch but smirked."It seems someone is incompetent. You now disobey my orders and do your own thing, huh?""No, sir!" Jack growled pleading but Alexander wasn't accepting his apology. He turned and fixed his gaze on Donald."Why did you choose to defy my orders?" "I'm sorry. Forgive me, my lord," Donald begged as he trembled in fear,his hand shaking."You're sorry? You're begging?I don't need any apologies," Alexander scowled."Then what can I offer you, my lord?"Alexander pointed at Lyra and said, "I want her as my slave." Lyra's eyes widened in astonishment. She prayed it wa

Alexander clenched his fists and looked down through the veranda of his palace; he still couldn't believe Lyra was gone. He paced back and forth in the sitting room as if he were about to lose control. The sound of the door snapped him back to the present, and he turned his gaze to it."Sir," Jack said slowly, knowing how angered Alexander was. "You've got some visitors who want to see you; they said it's really urgent," he added."Do they have anything to do with Lyra?" He turned to him swiftly, hoping for a positive response, but Jack shook his head disapprovingly."Sir, it has to do with the pack," Jack said slowly as he watched his master seethe silently. Alexander waved at Jack, who promptly left, knowing his master wasn't in the right state of mind to attend to any visitors.Alexander sat on the plush couch in his private chambers, and memories of Lyra began to flood back. He pushed himself closer, leaning his back on the couch as he sniffed Lyra's scent. He gnashed his teeth as

A few hours later, they arrived at Scarlet's house. Lyra trudged along, following Scarlet closely, the weight of fatigue settling over her. Her eyes were heavy and red, evidence of her exhaustion. Yawns escaped her, showing just how tired she was.When Lyra finally entered the house, she sank into one of the plush couches near her. She took in the opulence of Scarlet's apartment: the pink plush couches, similar to the one in her office, suggesting a Scarlet's penchant for pink; the beautiful chandeliers and magnificent lights that illuminated the space. Scarlet had an impeccable taste."Have some," Scarlet offered, placing a steaming cup of coffee on the table in front of Lyra. Lyra stared at it for a moment, her reflection of her shattered life visible in the cup. Eventually, she reached for it, took a sip, and placed it back on the table. She wasn't in the mood for coffee."You need it to calm your nerves," Scarlet urged urgently, as if begging. Lyra remained still, staring blankly