The Alpha Weredragon's Favorite
CHAPTER 60

Lyra

My feet felt heavy as I walked slowly toward the clearing. Ryan's words repeated over and over in my mind, each one hurting me deeply. Was Killian really tricking me this whole time? Had I been so silly and blind to his lies? In the fading sunlight, the clearing came into view. Killian was already there, stretching his strong legs. As I got closer, he looked concerned as if he sensed my worry and doubt.

"Lyra," he said warmly, standing up to his full, impressive height. He took a few long steps toward me. His silver eyes intense.

Killian gently touched my arm, his warm fingers lingering in a comforting caress. "You seem deep in thought," he said softly, tilting his head as he looked at me. "What's on your mind, Lyra?"

I swallowed hard, feeling my bottom lip tremble as tears started in my eyes. Meeting his concerned look was difficult. "Killian, I...I don't know what to believe anymore," I finally admitted in a shaky whisper. "Ryan... he told me that you've been lying to me this whole time. That you're just using me for some secret reason."

Pain flashed across Killian's face and his eyes darkened with anger for a moment before softening again with compassion. "Did he now?" he responded quietly, his hand still a reassuring weight on my arm. "And what do you believe, Lyra? What is your heart telling you?"

I took a shuddering breath, my head spinning as conflicting voices clashed inside me. Ryan's harsh accusations, laced with distrust and venom, battled violently against the familiar, comforting voice that had guided me through all the years of struggle and pain.

"He...he said you're just filling my head with fantasies and false hopes," I confessed, hot tears spilling over as sobs wracked my body. "That you're using my d-desire to replace where I belong against me for your own benefit. He asked why you would wait until now to tell me everything about my past and not have come to replace me before?

Killian's jaw tightened slightly as I revealed Ryan's accusations, but his touch stayed warm and steady on my shaking arm. "Lyra," he began, his deep voice soothing my frayed nerves even as its quiet power washed over me. "I understand why Ryan would be skeptical and doubtful. But the real question here isn't about believing me over him, or the other way around. It's about believing in yourself - in the visions and guidance you've received, and the inner voice that has been with you... guiding your life."

My breath caught at the reminder of that voice, the constant source of strength that had carried me through my darkest times when all other support failed. Killian stepped closer, his tall frame and piercing eyes compelling me to hold his gaze as he gently lifted my chin with one rough finger.

"Look inside yourself, Lyra," he urged, his steady stare sparking that familiar inner warmth inside me again. "Your heart has always known the truth about who you are and where your path is leading. It's your mind that casts doubts and fears at every turn."

I looked at him helplessly as he spoke, seeing only sincerity and certainty reflected back at me. "But...Ryan has been there for me," I protested weakly, remembering the times he protected or comforted me in his own gruff way. "In his way, he's tried to care for me."

Killian nodded slowly, his expression thoughtful. "Yes, he has tried, in his limited way," he conceded evenly. "But really think about this, Lyra. If Ryan truly cared for you and wanted to be with you, wouldn't he have made his intentions completely clear by now instead of sending such mixed messages? Wouldn't he sacrifice his precious Alpha status to make you his Luna instead of putting you through the grueling trials?"

Removed my chin from his soft grip, unable to hold his gaze any longer as my intimate times with Ryan flashed through my thoughts. Killian was right, from the time in the woods when we found each other again, Ryan has been giving me mixed signals. Hot and cold. He was all over me one moment and pushing me away the next. All the false-start moments and empty promises left me constantly confused about where we really stood.

"Ask yourself why Ryan has chosen to keep things so unclear between you two, Lyra," Killian pressed gently. "And then compare his empty words and mixed actions to the visions and the voice that has patiently, faithfully guided you without faltering. The presence that has never wavered or led you astray in its promise of helping you uncover your true self."

Instinctively, I looked down, tears streaming unchecked as his words struck deep, resonating with the parts of me that remembered and longed for that inner guidance. My mind was a storm of doubt, anger, fear...and most of all, an aching desire to finally know the full truth about myself that had been denied for so long.

"And as for me..." Killian's deep voice made me meet his piercing gaze again. "My purpose has never been to manipulate you, Lyra. Only to protect you and help guide you onto the path that will allow you to fully realize your potential, no matter where that may lead." His expression was earnest, sincere in a way that both reassured and terrified me. "The choice will always be yours. You can let Ryan's doubts and fears cloud your sight....or you can choose to believe in the remarkable strength and power I know you possess."

I struggled to replace my voice past the storm raging inside. "I...I just don't know what to believe anymore, Killian," I managed in a trembling whisper, fresh tears falling. "I want to trust the visions and what you've shown me but..."

But Ryan's angry dismissals and pointed accusations had shaken me to the core, rekindling every self-doubt and insecurity I'd carried for years. Killian gently grasped my shoulders, his strong palms radiating comfort that temporarily anchored my spiraling thoughts.

"Take all the time you need, Lyra," he said, giving me a tender, sad smile. "Search your feelings, dig deep inside yourself...and have faith that you'll replace the answers you're looking for. I'll be here whenever you need me."

I could only nod, sniffling as I tried to regain control. Part of me longed to give in to the warmth and assurance Killian offered, but Ryan's scathing remarks kept replaying, fueling the doubts that gnawed incessantly.

Sensing my inner conflict, Killian released my shoulders and took a step back, though his eyes stayed locked on mine. "Perhaps some space will provide clarity," he said gently. "Go clear your head, Lyra. I'll be right here when you're ready to talk more."

Another jerky nod was all I could manage before turning and trudging back the way I'd come, mind and heart a jumbled mess. As I departed, I could have sworn I heard Killian's voice in my head, echoing that same patient, calming presence that had guided me for as long as I could remember.

"Trust yourself, Lyra. You know the truth deep down, if only you'll listen..."