The Alpha Weredragon's Favorite
CHAPTER 72

Lyra

Ryan pressed a gentle kiss onto my forehead.

We stayed holding each other for a long moment, neither wanting to let go. As all things must end, eventually Ryan stepped back with a pained expression.

"We should go," Ryan said sadly. "Before someone sees us."

I refused to cry. "Okay."

He took my hand, and together we walked back towards the path. As we neared the edge of the woods, we heard voices. Ryan pulled me behind a tree, pressing a finger to his lips. I held my breath, straining to listen. It was Liam and Sally, their voices intense.

"Sally," Liam was saying, his tone gentle, "I'm flattered, really. But I can't return your feelings."

There was a pause, and then Sally spoke, her voice trembling and filled with defeat. "I understand. I knew it was a long shot."

"You're a lovely she-wolf," Liam continued, "but I'm not looking for a relationship right now. I need to focus on my duties as Beta."

"Of course," She sounded so lost... I wanted to cry. "I'm sorry for bothering you."

"You didn't bother me," Liam said quickly. "I value you as a member of the pack, Sally. This won't change that."

"That's good to know," Sally assured him, but I could hear the pain in her voice.

There was a rustle of leaves, and then silence.I looked at Ryan and he nodded. Letting me go with a small smile, he disappeared into the trees.

I waited a moment before stepping out from behind the tree. Sally was walking away, her shoulders slumped and her head bowed.

"Sally!" I called out, running to catch up with my friend.

Sally turned, her eyes red and puffy from crying. "Oh, Lyra," she said, her voice breaking. "I made such a fool of myself."

I pulled her into a hug, rubbing her back soothingly. "No, you didn't," I said firmly.

I held Sally close, letting her cry into my shoulder. My heart ached for her pain. I knew all too well the sting of rejection from the one you loved. After a few moments, Sally pulled back, wiping at her eyes. "I'm sorry," she said with a sniffle. "I didn't mean to fall apart like that."

"Don't apologize," I said, squeezing her hand. "That's what friends are for."

Sally gave me a watery smile. "Thanks, Lyra."

I took a deep breath, gathering my courage. "Actually, there's something I wanted to ask you."

"What is it?" Sally asked, her brow furrowing.

"I was hoping...well, I was wondering if you'd be my second in the Luna Trials," I said in a rush.

Sally's eyes widened. "Me? Really?"

I nodded. "There's no one I trust more. I know you'll have my back, no matter what."

Sally was quiet for a moment, considering. Then, a slow smile spread across her face. "I'd be honored, Lyra. Of course I'll be your second."

Relief washed over me. "Thank you, Sally. You don't know how much this means to me."

"I think I have an idea," she said wryly. "But are you sure about this? The Luna Trials are no joke."

"I'm sure," I said firmly. "I want you with me- through thick and thin," I said dramatically, earning another watery smile from Sally.

"Come on," I said, linking my arm with hers. "Let's go and strategize. We've got a competition to win."

***

I dodged Killian's attack, my breath coming in sharp gasps. We'd been training for hours, and every muscle in my body screamed in protest. But I couldn't give up. Not now. "Again," Killian barked, circling me like a predator. "Your form is sloppy, Lyra. Focus!"

I gritted my teeth, trying to ignore the sweat stinging my eyes. Sally watched from the sidelines, her face etched with concern.

"I'm trying," I panted, lunging at Killian.

He sidestepped my attack easily, sending me sprawling to the ground. Pain shot through my shoulder as I hit the dirt.

"Trying isn't good enough," Killian said with a touch of frost. "Do you think your competition will go easy on you? Do you think Ryan wants a weak Luna by his side?"

At the mention of Ryan's name, something ignited inside me. A fierce, burning determination that consumed every doubt and fear.

I pushed myself to my feet, ignoring the protest of my battered body. "Again," I said, my voice steady and strong.

Killian raised an eyebrow, a glimmer of respect in his eyes. "Very well."

We clashed again, our movements a blur of speed and power. I could feel something awakening inside of me. It was the strength of the White Wolf.

I ducked under Killian's arm, spinning to deliver a kick to his ribs. He grunted in surprise, stumbling back a step.

"Good," he said, a rare smile tugging at his lips. "You're learning."

I didn't have time to savor the praise. Killian was on me again, his attacks relentless. But I met him blow for blow, driven by the love burning in my heart.

As we fought, images of Ryan flashed through my mind. His beautiful smile, the warmth of his embrace, the taste of his kiss. He was my anchor, my reason for pushing past the pain.

"Enough," Killian said finally, holding up a hand. "That's enough for today."

I stood there, chest heaving, every inch of me aching. But beneath the exhaustion, there was a fierce pride. I had given it my all.

"Same time tomorrow?" I asked, managing a tired smile.

Killian nodded, something like approval in his gaze. "Rest up, Lyra. You're going to need it." He left Sally sitting on a log and me laying in the grass.

"I'll move... maybe... in a minute."

Sally's laugh was cut short by someone clapping as if they were at a bad play.

I froze at the sound, my heart sinking as I turned to see Brittany emerging from the trees, flanked by four of the largest she-wolves I had ever laid eyes on. Their muscles rippled, and their eyes glinted with malice. "Well, well, well," Brittany sneered, her voice dripping with disdain. "Look what we have here. The little wolfless wonder, playing at being a warrior."

I pushed myself to my feet, ignoring the protest of my aching muscles. "What do you want, Brittany?" I asked, my voice steady despite the fear churning in my gut.

"Oh, I just thought I'd come and see what all the fuss was about," she said, her lips curling into a cruel smile. "You in the Luna trials...as if you stand a chance." Her cronies laughed, the sound harsh and grating. I felt Sally, smaller than I was, tense beside me, ready to spring to my defense.

"I have just as much right to compete as anyone else," I said, lifting my chin.

"Right," Brittany scoffed. "Because Ryan would really choose a mate who can't even shift. Face it, Lyra. You're only going to embarrass yourself."

With each word, she and her goons stalked closer, their movements predatory. I braced myself, knowing I was outmatched but refusing to back down.

Just as Brittany was almost within striking distance, she and the other she-wolves suddenly crumpled to the ground, their bodies convulsing in pain. I stared in shock, my mind struggling to process what I was seeing.

I heard a rustling sound and from the trees, a figure emerged. It was Wista, her arms raised and her eyes glowing with an otherworldly light. Power radiated from her in waves, making the hair on the back of my neck stand on end. "Enough," she said, her voice ringing with authority. "You will not lay a hand on her."

Brittany and her followers writhed on the ground, their faces contorted in agony. I watched in a mix of awe and horror, realizing the extent of Wista's power.

After a long moment, Wista lowered her arms, and the she-wolves went limp, their chests heaving as they gasped for air. Brittany struggled to her feet, her eyes blazing with hatred.

"This isn't over," she spat, before limping away, her followers close behind.

I turned to Wista, my heart still racing from the confrontation. "Thank you," I said, my voice shaking slightly. "I don't know what I would have done if you hadn't shown up." Wista gave me a small smile, her eyes still glowing faintly with power. "You don't need to thank me, Lyra. I was just following orders."

I frowned, confused. "Orders? From who?"

"From Ryan, of course," Wista said, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. "He has many eyes on you, Lyra. He's made it clear that your safety is a top priority."

A warmth spread through my chest, my feelings of gratitude so intense they nearly brought tears to my eyes. Despite our complicated past, despite the obstacles that stood between us, Ryan showed that he cared for me. He was still watching over me, even from afar.

"I don't know what to say," I murmured, blinking back the moisture in my eyes.

Wista placed a gentle hand on my shoulder. "You don't need to say anything. Just know that you have people in your corner, Lyra. People who believe in you and want to see you succeed."

I nodded, swallowing past the lump in my throat. "Thank you, Wista. Truly. I won't forget this."

Wista gave me one last smile before turning to leave.

I turned to Sally, who had been watching the exchange with wide eyes. "Come on," I said, my voice strong and steady. "We have work to do."