The Alpha Weredragon's Favorite
CHAPTER 73

Ryan

I stared at the mountain of paperwork on my desk, but my mind was elsewhere. My wolf and dragon raged within me, howling and roaring for Lyra. It had been three long days since I last saw her, and every moment apart felt like agony. The longing was a physical ache, a constant thrum beneath my skin. My wolf paced restlessly, whining for the soothing presence of its mate. And my dragon flared its wings, the flames of desire burning hot in my chest. Lyra was the other half of my soul, and being separated from her felt like I was missing a vital piece of myself.

Then there was the worry that gnawed at me like a caged beast.

But Lyra was strong, even without a wolf. She would make it...

Stories of trials past came to mind. Broken bodies. Broken spirits. Death. Destruction.

'If anything happened to Lyra... I'

My thought ended as Liam walked in and sat down across from me. "What's on your mind, Ryan?" he asked, leaning forward. I'd mind-linked with him earlier, asking him to meet me. I needed advice, and Liam was the only one who knew everything about me. In fact, I believed he knew me better than I knew myself.

If anyone could steer me in the right direction on how to handle spending six weeks apart from the she-wolf I l—.

'I can't say it... think about it. If I do, I won't be able to last a minute longer without her by my side...'

I sighed and rubbed my temples. "I don't know what to do, Liam. I have... feelings for Lyra. How am I supposed to let her participate in the Luna trials when anything could happen to her.

Liam nodded, his eyes full of understanding. "I know how much she means to you, Ryan. But she's strong, and you have her well-protected during the trials. Besides, if she is to be your Luna, you can't keep her locked away forever-she needs to live her life, as much as it pains you."

I shook my head. "It's not just that. I should be by her side, guiding her through this... I mean, all I can think about is how much I will miss being around her... being able to see her." To taste her, I added silently, my tanks growing uncomfortably tight. "How vulnerable she'll be."

Liam's expression softened. "Ryan, you can't deny Lyra her destiny just because you're scared of losing her. If sShe's meant to be Luna, she will need this opportunity to grow and prove herself." Prove herself...

Not too long ago, I wanted my Luna to do just that, believing my Luna should want to fight for me.

That was no longer true. I just wanted Lyra by my side.

But it was too late for that. What was already set in motion had to play out. No matter my wishes.

At the thought, a sense of resignation washed over me. "You're right, Liam. I can't-and I won't hold her back. But that doesn't mean this is going to be easy. Every day without her close will feel like a piece of my soul is missing." Liam reached out and placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "I know, Ryan. This must be incredibly difficult for you."

His words hung in the air as a memory flashed through my mind. Another time when my soul was crushed.

The day I learned my mother had passed away.

I had just returned from Wolfsong, barely speaking, emotionally numb from the traumatic events. After eighteen hours of fitful sleep, I woke up wondering where my mother was. With a choked voice, my father had to deliver the devastating news - she'd died from injuries sustained while out searching for me. She had come back wet, cold, and gravely wounded with gashes to her side and neck. Heartrendingly, she was never able to tell my father what happened, as if some sinister force had robbed her of her ability to speak...

I turned to Liam, my eyes wide as the connection came together in a flash of understanding. Jacques, my mother, and Lyra-what happened to them all tied together.

I shared the memory with Liam, my voice thick with emotion. "What if the same person who attacked Lyra is the same person who attacked my mother? Prevented Jacques from speaking."

Before Liam could respond, there was a knock at the door. A member of the council poked their head in. "Alpha Thornton, it's time for you to address the Luna Trials contestants." 'Dammit! Of all the times...'

Liam said, "We'll talk later, Alpha." In a flash he was in my mind: "Wista should have answers soon, after that we'll start digging."

Although my men had combed every inch of the spot where Lyra was attacked, they had come up with nothing. Wista had taken samples of the dirt and rocks and chanted over the area. She had warned me that it could take weeks for her spells and potions to reveal anything... if they could. I just had to be patient... but that shit was wearing thin.

***

As I walked out to the Quad of Harbringer University, the sky hung heavy with dark clouds, casting a gloomy pall over the gathered crowd. The wind whipped their hair into a frenzy. Along with the scent of ozone, I could smell the anticipation in the air.

I took a deep breath and stepped up to the podium. The Luna Trial Council followed, taking their seats on wooden chairs behind me.

"Welcome, everyone, to the start of the Luna Trials," I announced, my voice loud and clear despite the gusts of wind. "I understand the hard work and dedication you've poured into preparing for this moment." I paused, scanning the sea of faces. "The competition will span six grueling weeks, pushing you to your physical, mental, and emotional boundaries."

A gust of wind swept through the quad, causing many to shiver and cling closer together. I slid my hands into my pockets, excitement knotting in my stomach.

"First and foremost, there will be a lore test," I continued, "covering every facet of our history and traditions."

The wind picked up, and the first few drops of rain began to fall, causing a murmur to ripple through the crowd. Taking a deep breath, I carried on, "Those who succeed in the lore test will advance to a series of physical challenges."

I raised my voice to speak over the growing wind, "The top twenty candidates from these trials will be split into groups, working together during the next phase where the four winners left standing will face off in the ultimate test - a battle for the title of Luna."

A hushed whisper spread through the crowd at this revelation. Each Luna Trial was different with the games thought up by the Council members. I didn't even know the particulars until the day before.

Before I could speak, a rumble of thunder echoed through the air, and the rain began to fall in earnest. My expression grew solemn as I surveyed the crowd.

"These trials will demand everything you have, candidates. But those who endure..." A proud smile tugged at my lips. "Those who endure will earn the highest honor our pack can bestow."

I hazard a glance at Lyra standing on the fringes of the crowd. She wore leggins and a green workout shirt that matched her eyes, long hair done up in a sleek ponytail. As our eyes met, my heart twisted with longing.

At a cough on the dais behind me, I forced myself to glance around, noting the anxious expressions on the faces of the participants. Some shifted their weight from one foot to the other, while others eyes darted around, sizing up the competition. As the wind continued to howl and the rain to fall, so did the tension hanging over the place like a thunder cloud.

"These trials are a test of your abilities, but also a chance to learn and grow. Give it your best, and may the Moon Goddess guide you."

As I stepped down from the podium, the crowd erupted in cheers. Alone, I made my way back to my office, my mind still reeling from the memory of my mother and the sight of Lyra in the crowd.