Chapter Six — Lyra’s POV

I had come to terms with my fate now—I was trapped in Crescent Valley by the cloaking spell. The fact that the Blackwoods hadn't already stormed the town with their army meant that they didn’t know where I was. And thanks to the spell, they never would. I never imagined I would find myself back here after all these years. But here I was, back where it all began, trying to piece together a life I thought I’d left behind, starting over in the place I’d once called home.

I was still pissed at Kaine. First, for pushing Salome to bind me to this place, and then for attempting to kiss me at his own wedding. Ironic, considering I wasn’t the bride. I kept relaying the moment in my mind. The moment his eyes locked onto mine, the feel of his hand around my waist, and the way his lips hovered just inches above mine. I know it is never wise to fall back into bed with a man who made you feel worthless, but I found that I had no control of my body or my emotions when he was around me. He infuriated me beyond words. I’d never felt rage like I did when I was with him. And yet, with just his touch, I melted into a puddle of longing, every ounce of resistance in me crumbling. I couldn’t help but feel like this place was swallowing me whole, forcing me to confront everything I’d tried so hard to leave behind.

I let out a deep sigh, shaking my head. I’ve got to stay away from Kaine. Just because I was bound to Crescent Valley didn’t mean I had to speak with him. In fact, since I’d now moved to my house—the place where I grew up—which was on the far side of town, I had no reason to see him again. Unless we happened to cross paths at the market, the grocery store, or any other common ground. But I was determined to avoid him. At all costs.

“Mommy?” Leo’s small voice snapped me out of my thoughts. Blinking, I shifted my gaze from the window I’d been staring at.

“Hey, baby.” My face broke into a grin as I enveloped him in a hug. Leo was the one thing keeping me sane since Kaine had reentered my life, driving me all kinds of crazy.

“Are you okay, Mommy? You’ve been standing by the window for a long time.”

I glanced at my father’s old wristwatch on my wrist and I mentally recoiled. “A long time” was an understatement. I’d completely lost track of time.

Shaking off the fog, I gave Leo a reassuring smile. “I’m fine, baby.”

His face still held traces of worry. Leo was perceptive. For his age, he was a really smart kid. He could always tell when something bothered me, and I couldn’t exactly unload all my problems to a child, so I had to switch up the conversation.

“So, are you ready for school?” I ruffled his hair, an act which always made him giggle. Then I smoothed out a crease in his shirt. Leo had been officially enrolled in the pack’s school and he couldn’t have been more excited. This morning, he was up before me, though I hadn’t slept much all night as I tossed and turned over Kaine.

He nodded his head enthusiastically. “I’m ready.”

“That’s my good boy. I’ve got something for you.” My hands dug into the back pocket of my jeans and I brought a protective amulet my father had given me. He’d said my mother wore it all the time until her passing.

At first, he seemed unfazed by the amulet when I handed it to him. But after I explained its significance, he promised to cherish it and never lose it.

Soon, we were out of the house, heading to his school. The air was crisp that morning as we walked hand in hand. The streets were mostly empty save for the few people mowing their lawns or just staring at the latest town arrival—me.

Once we got to the school grounds which were buzzing with kids laughing and running about, I could barely keep a hold of Leo long enough to say goodbye as he bounced up and down in excitement. It was nice to see how quickly he was adapting to Crescent Valley, like he’d always belonged here. And in some twisted way, he did.

******

The bell above the glass door chimed as I stepped inside the mostly empty diner. Nothing had changed. The concrete floor was still faded, the countertop still bore the same dents and scuffs, and the smell of coffee and bacon still filled the air. I felt a wave of nostalgia wash over me, and I closed my eyes to revel in the feeling of being back.

“Lyra Winters?” a familiar voice called from behind me, and I turned around to see Mr. Randolf, balancing a tray of used dishes and mugs in his hand. Despite being the owner of the diner, he always took the first shift every day, making sure to open at the crack of dawn to accommodate the early breakfast crowd.

His eyes widened in surprise before his face split into a wide grin. “Well, I’ll be damned. It is you. What’s it been? Five years?”

“Six, Mr. Randolf. Six years.” I returned the smile, stepping forward to relieve him of the tray.

“Ah, thanks, kiddo.” He rested his hands on his hips, a sign of age creeping in, before giving a quick stretch.

Once I set the tray down on the counter, I wrapped him in a brief hug. “It’s good to see you,” I said warmly.

He chuckled. “It’s good to see you, too, Lyra. How long are you back for?”

“Um…” The question caught me off guard, and I hesitated, unsure of how to answer. Noticing this, he draped a hand on my shoulder and gave it a gentle squeeze. “Doesn’t matter, kiddo. However long it is, you’re always welcome here.”

“As a customer or as one of your employees?” I laid it on thick. It was the reason I was here, after all—to ask for my old job back. There weren’t many people who would want to hire me, so Mr. Randolf was my first and only hope for employment.

Werewolf shifters don't take kindly to the ones who abandon the pack. I was sort of like a black sheep among them, and no one was going to hire a black sheep.

Mr. Randolf chuckled knowingly. “You know me, Lyra. I could always use an extra hand. Especially when it comes to my two favorite girls.”

By two favorite girls, he meant Isolde and me.

“Speaking of Isolde, where is she?” I asked.

“She’s not coming in today. Came down with something a few days ago so I gave her the week off.”

“Oh. I hope she’s doing better now.” I glanced around the diner and then back at him. “Why don’t you go rest in your office while I take over from here?”

“Oh dear, you don’t have to start work immediately. I figure you still have other matters to attend to.” The twinkle in his eyes told me that “other matters” referred to Kaine.

I shrugged my shoulders. “On the contrary. I’ve got nothing but time.”

“Well then, if you insist.” He smiled warmly, then gave me another hug. I’m glad to have you back, Lyra.”

“Me, too, Mr. Randolf.”

Familiar with the business, I slipped into the back to grab an apron. It felt surreal being back here, as if time had stopped in Crescent Valley while I’d been out there, living a whole other life. But as I put on the apron and tied it around my waist, a sense of normalcy settled in, something I hadn’t felt in years.

I went about the day doing the familiar routine of wiping down tables, serving food and drinks, collecting tips from customers, and exchanging pleasantries with long-time regulars. It felt good to be back, though it would have been better with my friend, chatting and singing along to the music that played in the background. I made a mental note to get some soup and check on Isolde later in the day, perhaps after picking Leo from school, so she could meet my son.

I worked the entire morning shift until the next employee came in some time around noon. I’d wanted to stick around a little longer, but Mr. Randolf urged me to take a break.

Just as I stepped outside the diner, pulling my jacket over the grey V-neck T-shirt and black jeans I wore, I spotted the familiar car pull over in the driveway. I could never forget that faded gray truck Isolde owned; we’d had our share of mischief in that vehicle.

She didn’t seem to notice me right away as she was struggling to remove the car keys from the ignition, so I announced my presence by saying, “You might want to oil that.”

With the way she froze, I could tell she recognized my voice. How could she not? Isolde had been my best friend since we were five. We’d gotten acquainted by having the same babysitter.

At first, we were rivals, vying for the babysitter’s reward—our favorite candy. But we’d soon stopped fighting over candy and bonded over our love of food, sparring, hunting, and other untraditional girl stuff. She was the only one who matched my “weird” energy, which was why we’d been inseparable. That is until I left town.

Slowly, she turned around and stepped away from the car. Recognition flashed in her eyes. But there was something else, something I couldn’t identify. Something I didn’t want to identify, because it would mean that I’d lost my best friend. Her expression was cold, eyes hard, and I felt a pang of hurt that I hadn’t expected.

“It’s been a long time,” I said, trying to break the ice.

She didn’t seem surprised to see me, indicating she must have known I was back. She also didn’t seem enthusiastic about my presence. Isolde remained silent, just staring at me.

“Um, how have you been?” I ventured, realizing that a tiny hammer wouldn’t suffice for this situation. I needed an axe to break the ice.

Thankfully, she answered. “I’ve been well.” But her tone was curt. Her gaze averted as she shoved her hands into the pocket of her jacket.

I had imagined this meeting playing out differently—the relief on her face when she saw me, her smile as she moved to give me a big hug. And maybe some tears. But none of those things happened. Instead, the energy was low and heavy.

The revving of a motorcycle cut through the awkward silence, yanking us out of the uncomfortable standoff. The man on the motorcycle killed the ignition and when he took off his mask, I recognized him instantly. He’d been the one who interrupted and saved me from making a grave mistake by kissing Kaine the other night.

He hooked the helmet under one arm and approached us, a smirk on his face.

“Ladies,” he greeted with a small nod, but his gaze rested on me as he extended his arm, saying, “I don’t think we’ve officially met. Dominic Wilder, Kaine’s cousin,” he said.

Dominic was the kind of man who turned heads without trying. His dark hair, tousled like he’d just come through a windstorm, framed a face that was both sharp and striking—strong jawline, high cheekbones, and a hint of stubble that added to his rugged appeal. His deep-set gray eyes, with a glint of mischief, seemed to take in everything at once, and the smirk on his lips suggested he was always a step ahead of the conversation. Clad in a fitted leather jacket that hugged his broad shoulders, he carried himself with an effortless confidence that bordered on arrogance.

“Lyra Winters,” I said, shaking his hand.

“Yeah, I know. I’ve heard about you. It’s nice to officially meet you.”

“You, too,” I simply said with a half-hearted smile, averting my gaze to Isolde.

Dominic turned to Isolde. “Are you ready to go?”

Isolde nodded, dragging her eyes away from me as she headed back to her car.

“Where are you two going?” I asked.

“Hunting,” Dominic answered.

Before I could think it through, I found myself saying, “I’d like to come.”

Isolde shot me a sharp look, and in an equally sharp tone, she said, “No.” It was apparent she didn’t want me around.

Dominic gave her a gentle nudge. “Why not? The more the merrier, right?”

“Dominic,” Isolde warned, her voice tight.

He brushed it off, turning back to me, a bright smile on his face. “She can be a little cranky sometimes, but you should know that by now.”

I found myself laughing, but Isolde’s straight face cut my laughter short. Dominic tossed me a helmet and I caught it instinctively.

“You can ride with me.”

I looked between him and his sleek black motorcycle. He winked at me and nodded for me to hop on. I did, but not before casting one look to Isolde, hoping she’d give in. Instead, she rolled her eyes and got into her car, zooming off without a word.

“I’m sure she’ll come around,” Dominic said as I settled onto the motorcycle behind him.

“I hope so,” I muttered wistfully.

He revved the engine of his motorcycle and closed the shield of his helmet. “Hang on tightly, blondie. You’re in for a long ride.”

******

The ride was a blur of speed and exhilaration. The wind rushed past me, cool against my skin, tugging at my hair and clothes as if trying to pull me into the night. Every turn and acceleration sent a thrill through my veins, making me feel weightless, untethered—free in a way I hadn’t felt in years. For a brief moment, with my arms wrapped around Dominic and the world roaring around us, all my fears faded into the wind. But that feeling disappeared the moment I spotted Kaine standing in the clearing where Isolde had pulled over.

Shit .

Nobody had mentioned that Kaine would be on this hunting escapade. My determination to stay the hell away from him didn’t hold much weight if I was dragging myself to the places he was going to be. My shoulders slumped as Dominic pulled over, and I fought the urge to let that frustrated sigh escape me. Well, I was here now, so I might as well just try to have fun doing something I once loved.

“After you, blondie,” Dominic said with a smile as he killed the ignition of the motorcycle. I climbed down, took off the helmet and handed it back to him.

“Thanks for the ride, Dominic. It was… definitely an experience,” I said, brushing the hair out of my face.

His smirk widened as he leaned casually against his motorcycle. “If you ever need another, I’m your guy. This place has changed a lot since you’ve been gone. I could show you around—give you the full tour.”

I matched his smile, though his offer hung in the air longer than I liked. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

I turned around to see Kaine seething. The anger on his face was palpable. Raw, white-hot anger. I wondered what had put him in a bad mood, but I chastised myself for worrying about him.

Kaine’s glare on Dominic was something you’d describe as a “death-glare”. I knew that because that was the exact same glare Isolde was throwing at me. Everybody seemed to be engaged in a death-glare contest except that one guy who seemed oblivious of the tension.

“Hi, I’m Lyra,” I said, extending my hand to the only unfamiliar person that stood amidst us.

The man smiled and took my hand. “Jonathan.”

Kaine’s voice broke off our introduction. “You know the drill, everyone.”

“Lyra doesn’t know,” Dominic interjected. “But I’ll be happy to show her the ropes.”

“You will do no such thing,” Kaine spat out. “In fact, today, we will be hunting in pairs.”

“Pairs? Since when?” That was Isolde. Her eyes were wide with brief surprise before turning to me, as if blaming me for Kaine’s decision.

Kaine ignored her question. “Dominic, you’re on tree watch since Rowan isn’t here.”

“Since when, man? I’ve never been on a tree watch,” Dominic argued, affronted by Kaine’s command.

But Kaine also ignored him and continued. “Isolde, you’ll go north with Jonathan. Lyra, you’re with me.”

“Of course she is,” I heard Isolde mutter before turning away and storming north, with Jonathan following behind.

Dominic didn’t argue, but the look on his face showed he was just as irritated with Kaine. Silently, he began to climb a tree, leaving Kaine and me.

I itched to ask what had gotten into him, and why he was being harsh to everyone. But before my thoughts could circle back, Kaine spoke. “Why did you ride with Dominic?” His voice was sharp.

“Is that why you’re being mean to him?”

“I asked you a question, Lyra.”

Rolling my eyes, I took a couple of deep breaths, willing myself not to let him get on my nerves. “Are we doing this or not?” I began trudging the path south, where Kaine had indicated we would go. He followed closely behind.

“Isolde came in her car. Why didn’t you ride with her?” he continued with his incessant questions while I continued to ignore. “Did you enjoy the ride with Dominic? Because you were grinning like a little child who’s just been handed a pack of candy.”

I rolled my eyes again. Christ, this man.

“Well, I’ll have you know, Lyra, Dominic is popular among the ladies in town. So, unless you want to dive head first into a shallow lake, I’d advise you to stay away from him.”

“Gee, thanks for the advice.” I turned to flash him a fake smile. “But I don’t care about you or what you think.”

In an instant, Kaine was in front of me, causing me to stumble back and nearly fall, but he caught me by my waist, steadying me. Memories of the other night flooded my mind, and once again, my body reacted to his touch, my breathing became strained.

We were barely inches apart now, the tension between us palpable. My heart was racing, and not just from the bickering. There was something else, something I couldn’t quite push down no matter how I tried.

But before either of us could say another word, a shadow moved in the trees. The growl came first, low and menacing, before a massive black jaguar lunged out of the underbush, charging straight for me.

In a flash, Kaine threw me to the ground, and the jaguar collided with him instead, striking him with his claws.

“Kaine!” I shouted in panic, watching in horror as the jaguar’s claws connected with Kaine’s torso, ripping his shirt. He fell to the ground, and the jaguar shifted its attention back to me.

My heart stopped. The world slowed. But before I could react, Kaine leaped from the ground with a snarl, his sharp claws piercing into the jaguar’s throat from behind. With one swift motion, he flung the creature aside. The jaguar whimpered as it crashed into a tree, defeated.

Wounded, Kaine fell to the ground, clutching his bleeding torso. He was breathing heavily, blood gushing from where the jaguar’s claws had ripped into him. With my heart in my throat, I rushed to him.

“Kaine…are you–are you okay?” My voice trembled with fear as I knelt beside him, my hands hovering over his wound.

When I looked up at him, I saw his eyes sparkling with amusement, and his lips curled into a smirk. “You don’t care, huh?”