The Alpha Weredragon's Favorite
CHAPTER 68

Lyra

I walked into the bustling quad, squinting as the bright morning sun hit my eyes. The air smelled fresh and sweet, like dew-covered grass mixed with the mouth-watering aroma of baked goods from the nearby cafeteria. Students hurried by,

their chatter and laughter filling the space.

"Over here, Lyra!" Sally called out, waving from under a large oak tree.

I made my way over, plopping down beside her on the soft grass. She smiled, handing me a blueberry muffin. "Saved you one before they all disappeared."

"Thanks," I said, taking a bite. The muffin was still warm, the blueberries bursting with flavor.

We sat in comfortable silence for a moment, watching the quad come alive with activity. A group of students tossed a ball nearby, their laughter carrying on the breeze. "So," Sally began, her tone hesitant. "Have you decided about the Luna Trials?"

I sighed, picking at the muffin wrapper. In the light of day, the White Wolf's words seemed like they were meant for someone else. "I'm still thinking about it. I mean... I don't have a wolf... anything goes in these trials. I could very well end up... well... you know, dead."

"Lyra, you're strong and capable, with or without a wolf. And no one has died during the Luna trials in over two centuries."

I shook my head. "It's not just that. What if a miracle occurs, and I'm declared the winner. What about the whispers, the judgment? How can I be Luna when I'm not even a full shifter?"

Sally placed a hand on my arm. "By showing them that being Luna is about more than just having a wolf. It's about leadership, compassion, and strength of character. And you have those in spades."

I managed a small smile. "Thanks, Sal. I just... I need to think about it some more."

"Of course," she said, understanding in her eyes. "But promise me you won't let fear hold you back. You go and show those haters... give them everything you've got."

"Yeah... sure." I said, when I was anything but.

I took a deep breath, preparing myself for what I was about to say. I needed to tell Sally about Whitney and Liam before she heard it from someone else. "Sal, there's something you should know." She looked at me curiously, her brows furrowing. "What is it, Lyra?"

"It's about Liam," I began, my mouth suddenly dry. I was betraying Whitney, because I was also rooting for Sally. "Um... he and Whitney... they broke up."

Sally's eyes widened, a flicker of hope dancing within them. "What? When did this happen?"

"Last night, at Ryan's birthday party," I explained, watching her closely. "Whitney told me herself. It's over between them."

For a moment, Sally was silent, her expression unreadable. But then, a small smile tugged at the corners of her lips, and her cheeks flushed with a rosy hue. "Oh," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "I see."

I reached out, placing a hand on her arm. "Sal, I know how you feel about him. This could be your chance." She shook her head, the smile fading. "No, Lyra. I can't. He's still Whitney's ex. It wouldn't be right." "But you love him," I insisted, my voice filled with conviction. "And I think you need to take your chance." Sally's eyes met mine, a glimmer of hope shining within them. "You really think so?"

I nodded, squeezing her arm reassuringly. "I do. And I think you owe it to yourself to replace out for sure."

She took a deep breath, her chest rising and falling with the weight of her emotions. "I don't know, Lyra. What if he doesn't feel the same way? What if I'm just setting myself up for heartbreak?" "Then at least you'll know," I said gently. "But I have a feeling that won't be the case."

Sally was quiet for a moment, her gaze fixed on the ground. But when she looked up at me again, there was a newfound determination in her eyes.

"You're right," she said, a smile spreading across her face. "I have to take this chance. I have to tell him how I feel."

I grinned, pulling her into a tight hug. "I'm so proud of you, Sal. And I'll be here for you, no matter what happens."

I glanced up from my conversation with Sally to see Whitney approaching our table, her eyes red and puffy from crying. My heart sank as I realized the awkward situation we were about to replace ourselves in. Whitney sat down heavily, forcing a weak smile. "Hey guys," she said, her voice strained. "What's up?"

Sally and I exchanged a quick look, unsure of how to respond. The tension at the table was a thick fog hanging over us.

"Oh, you know," I said, trying to keep my tone light. "Just chatting about classes and stuff. How are you doing, Whitney?"

She shrugged, picking at the sleeve of her sweater. "I've been better, to be honest. This whole thing with Liam... it's been tough."

I nodded sympathetically, feeling a pang of guilt in my chest. Here I was, secretly rooting for Sally to pursue Liam, while Whitney was clearly still hurting from their breakup.

"I'm so sorry, Whitney," Sally said, reaching out to place a comforting hand on her arm. "Breakups are never easy. If there's anything we can do to help, just let us know."

Whitney managed a small smile, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "Thanks, Sal. I appreciate it."

An awkward silence fell over the table, each of us unsure of what to say next. I fidgeted with my muffin wrapper, my mind racing with conflicting thoughts.

On one hand, I wanted nothing more than for Sally to be happy. She had been in love with Liam for so long, and now that he was single, it seemed like the perfect opportunity for her to finally tell him how she felt. But on the other hand, I couldn't ignore the pain and heartbreak that Whitney was going through. She was my friend too, and I hated seeing her so upset.