The Alpha Weredragon's Favorite
CHAPTER 82

Lyra

I made my way along the path to the training fields, my sneakers crunching on the gravel beneath me. The sunlight had faded to a dull orange signaling the end of the day and the coming of twilight. Shielding my eyes, I saw that a silhouette waited for me on the edge of the training filed.

It was Killian, scowling with his arms folded across his massive chest.

"Great, another person angry at me," I muttered, hoping hadn't heard me.

I took a deep breath, trying to push away the thoughts of Sally that had been plaguing me all week. Nothing had changed between us. Every time I saw her in the hallways at school, I quickly looked away, pretending to be intensely interested in the posters on the wall or the tiles on the floor. During the class we shared, I chose a seat on the opposite side of the room, as far from her as possible. At lunch, I ate with Whitney or alone in my dorm room, picking at my food without appetite.

With Sally moving out and no longer speaking to me, the gaping hole in my heart became wider and wider with each passing day. I missed her laughter, the way her eyes sparkled when she told a joke. I longed for her comforting hugs on bad days, and her excited chatter about her latest hobby or favorite band. Her absence left me feeling lost... abandoned.

She was my first real friend and I missed her support, the way she always had my back no matter what. Without her, the world felt colder and grayer, like the color had run off the edges...

Killian unfolded his arms and gave me a small nod. "You're late," he said, his voice stern.

"I know, I'm sorry," I replied, feeling a pang of guilt. "I was kept after my last class because of an assignment..." My excuses withered under Killian's I-call-bullshit gaze. I couldn't slide anything past him." Yeah, okay, I've just...I've been distracted lately."

Killian raised an eyebrow. "Distracted by what?"

I hesitated, not sure if I should bring up Sally. My heart ached at the thought of her. As a member of my Luna Trial team, Killian knew the circumstances of Sally's withdrawal as my Second, but he didn't know all the details. He didn't know the pain I went through every single day without my best friend along for the ride.

Whitney... as close as we were, never fit that role. Besides, I barely saw her. She was still having a tough time getting over Liam and preferred to shift along the walls like a ghost, rarely speaking or being seen in public.

I bit my lip and looked down at my hands, trying to replace the right words. "It's just... it's been really hard since Sally left," I finally said, voice raw with my pain. "I miss her so much. She was always there for me, you know? No matter what happened, I could always count on her to have my back."

I blinked back the tears that threatened to spill over. "Now that she's gone, everything just feels... wrong, off kilter." I shook my head and let out a shaky breath. "I feel so damn lost and alone. And despite everything, I just....I can't believe she would do something like that to me. I refuse to believe it."

Killian's expression softened. "I understand how you feel, Lyra," he said. "But sometimes people surprise us in ways we never thought possible."

I shook my head. "No, there has to be another explanation," I insisted. "Someone broke into our room and trashed my side of it. Maybe they planted the cloak there to make it look like Sally was involved."

Killian sighed. "That's a possibility," he admitted. "But we can't ignore the evidence. You need to be cautious and keep your guard up."

I nodded, knowing he was right. But it didn't make the situation any easier to accept. As I stood there pondering, Killian started walking away, motioning for me to follow him.

I trailed a few paces behind, wondering where we were going. He glanced back at me, noting my curiosity. "We're not training here today."

I furrowed my brow. "Then where are we going?"

He gave me a cryptic smile. "You'll see."

We walked for a while, leaving the training field behind. Eventually, we came to a small cabin nestled in the woods. Killian stopped in front of it and turned to me.

"This is my home when I'm at Harbinger," he explained.

I looked at the cabin, taking in its charming exterior. "It's nice," I said, smiling.

Killian opened the door and stepped inside. I followed him, my eyes widening as I took in the interior. Despite its small size, the cabin was cozy and inviting. A large masculine couch dominated one wall, while a recliner sat by the fire. The walls were made of warm, rich wood, and rustic lighting hung from the ceiling, casting a soft glow.

"Wow," I breathed. "Too cool." I almost added, "Mr. Fool", but stopped myself just in time.

Killian chuckled. "I'm glad you like it. I replace it helps me relax after a long day of teaching."

I nodded, understanding the appeal. "I can see why."

Killian gestured to the rough-hewn kitchen table, built straight from a massive log. "Have a seat. I'll make us some tea."

I sat on a wooden stool and as Killian busied himself in the small kitchen, I looked around, taking in the details of the cabin. It was clear that Killian had put a lot of thought and care into decorating with comfort in mind. I felt at ease right away. Killian returned a few minutes later, carrying two steaming mugs. He handed one to me and sat on my right side at the head of the table.

I took a sip of the tea, savoring the warmth and subtle flavor. Before I could ask why he had brought me to his abode, Killian pointed to the end of the table. "Have you ever played those games before?"