Lyra's POV
As we stepped out of the clothing stall, the cool night air brushed against my skin, but it did nothing to calm the storm brewing inside me. I tightened my grip on the shopping bag. This day was exhausting. First, the humiliating fall. Then the argument.
And now… that awkward encounter inside the shop. I exhaled sharply. "Ugh. This is getting out of hand," I muttered. Kiera glanced at me sideways as we walked through the crowded market stalls.
"I told you to relax," she said gently. "If you had taken a moment to think, you would've realized he didn't follow you. He was already there." I frowned.
"I know that," I replied, though my voice lacked conviction. Because the truth was… I didn't know anything anymore. All I knew was that every time I saw him, something inside me reacted before my mind could catch up.
I hated that feeling. "I don't understand why I lose control whenever he shows up," I admitted quietly. "It's like my body reacts before I even have time to think."
Kiera smirked.
"Maybe that's because he gets under your skin." I shot her an irritated look. "He irritates me," I corrected sharply. "That's all." But even as the words left my mouth, doubt crept in. Was it really just irritation? Or something else?
We continued walking toward the festival grounds, weaving through groups of laughing pack members and glowing lantern displays. Music drifted through the night air. Children ran past us, couples danced, everyone looked happy.
Everyone except me.
"You're acting strange today," Kiera said after a moment. "I'm fine." She studied my face carefully. "Maybe you're just nervous," she said with a teasing grin. "Your eighteenth birthday is coming soon." I rolled my eyes. "If you're about to start talking about fated mates again, save it." She laughed softly. "You say that now," she replied, "but once the Moon Goddess reveals your mate—"
"It's a myth," I cut in firmly. My voice came out sharper than I intended. I folded my arms, staring straight ahead. "I don't believe in that bond," I continued. "How can anyone trust their entire future to fate?" Kiera raised an eyebrow.
"Because it's real." I didn't respond immediately. Instead, a quiet fear settled in my chest. What if she was right? What if the bond existed? And what if—
I ended up tied to someone I couldn't stand? My thoughts drifted back to him. His dark hair, his confident posture. Those piercing eyes that looked like they could see straight through me. I felt my cheeks warm.
When had I started noticing those details? I groaned under my breath. This was ridiculous. I should have been enjoying the festival, not thinking about an arrogant stranger. We finally reached the festival grounds.
The open space buzzed with excitement as wolves from different packs gathered under glowing lanterns. The air carried the scent of roasted meat, smoke, and celebration. I scanned the crowd absentmindedly.
Then… My gaze collided with his.
He stood across the grounds, tall and unmistakable among the crowd. Even from a distance, his presence felt overwhelming, commanding attention without saying a word.
And this time… Neither of us looked away.
A strange tension stretched between us, invisible yet undeniable. My heartbeat quickened. Why did he have that effect on me? Before I could look away, the festival organizers stepped onto the stage, their voices echoing across the grounds.
"Attention, everyone!" The crowd gradually fell silent. The lead organizer stepped forward, raising his hand. "This annual festival is meant to strengthen unity among our packs," he announced proudly. "Tonight, we begin the cooperative challenges." Murmurs spread through the audience. I straightened slightly.
Challenges? That wasn't part of the plan. The organizer continued. "To promote stronger bonds, representatives from different packs will be paired together." My stomach tightened instantly. Something about this didn't feel right.
"Each pair will work as a team throughout the competition." A wave of excitement rippled through the crowd. But unease settled deep in my chest. Because I suddenly had a terrible feeling. And for some reason… My eyes drifted back to him. Kael was already watching me.
His expression unreadable, his gaze steady and unavoidable. A chill ran down my spine. Then the organizer raised a sealed box. "The pairings will be decided by draw." The crowd leaned forward in anticipation. My pulse began to race.
Please…
Not him.
The organizer reached into the box. Pulled out the first slip. And read the names aloud. My breath stopped. Because deep down, I already knew what was coming.