Chapter 4
941words
He knew what had happened but no longer shielded me as before.
Even my cousins surrounded me, demanding answers.
"Why did you anger Cassian again? It's not the first time he's humiliated you. Can't you just endure it?"
"Lyra, why did you offend Cassian? Go apologize to Rouise immediately."
My uncle's expression was pained.
What?
They all acted as if Rouise was already Cassian's mate, forgetting that I was the true Luna of Black Claw.
Rouise approached, dabbing at fake tears. "Cassian is having an episode. His power is terrifying. As Luna, only you can stabilize him."
Cassian was a born leader but also cursed. Every full moon, his power surged uncontrollably, sending him into violent rages.
I knew his suffering intimately. For three years, I'd been there through every episode.
Seeing my hesitation, they pressed: "What are you waiting for? You're the Luna—this is your duty!"
Cassian's pain grew increasingly palpable through our bond.
I nodded, signaling them to take me to him.
Lily sighed within me. "Lyra, you're always too soft-hearted."
I remained silent.
Cassian was locked in a room, everyone waiting outside, too afraid to enter.
The door slammed shut behind me. To protect the pack, they'd already chained Cassian's hands.
The arrogant, domineering Cassian was gone.
In his place was an Alpha curled on the floor, transformed into someone who stirred my pity.
I wished I could take his pain as my own.
He'd already entered a feral state. Seeing me, he pounced, sniffing at my neck.
His voice was thick with obsession. "You came, Lyra."
My scent calmed him like nothing else could.
Only during these episodes would Cassian acknowledge me as his mate, even kiss me tenderly.
He became like a wolf cub, desperate for comfort and reassurance.
Almost instantly, his animal instincts detected something wrong.
He gripped my neck, growling harshly: "Who is he?"
He'd caught Fenrir's scent on me from our brief intimacy.
I countered: "I thought you didn't care?"
His eyes reddened, tears falling, like a betrayed animal.
"I care! I hate when you're near other men! You're mine!"
As he spoke, he bit my neck hard, his arms locking me in a territorial embrace.
During his episodes, we always became incredibly intimate.
Through countless nights of heartache, I'd clung to these memories—memories he never retained.
Eventually, Cassian calmed, his breathing steadying.
I helped him to the bed, but he clutched my hand desperately.
"Don't... leave me."
I reassured him, "I'll always be here."
I treasured these moments, even as I watched clarity slowly return to his eyes.
I knew he would soon revert to his old self, forgetting everything that happened.
Sure enough, minutes later, he threw my hand away in disgust. "Why are you here? Who gave you permission to touch me?"
Usually, I'd be removed before Cassian fully recovered.
Before I could answer, Rouise burst in. She looked disheveled, her clothes torn, slap marks reddening her cheeks.
Her voice trembled weakly: "Cassian, don't blame Luna. She was just so worried about you that she attacked me."
I stared at her in shock.
"What are you talking about? I never touched you!"
She caressed her swollen cheek, tears streaming down her face. "After I helped calm the Alpha, you drove me out. Don't you remember, Luna?"
My eyes widened as I shook my head. "You're lying!"
"Enough, Lyra, you vicious bitch!" Cassian roared, jabbing his finger at me. "Get out!"
Cassian believed her transparent lie. I stood frozen in disbelief.
Of course he wouldn't believe me. He never had.
"All these years, it was Rouise who comforted me. And just because I chose her, you attack her? You don't deserve to be Luna."
Cassian condemned me without a second thought.
In his eyes, I was nothing but a villain.
My heart turned to ice as hot tears splashed onto the floor.
Outside, the rain intensified into a downpour.
Guards entered and dragged me outside.
Cassian towered over me, his voice cruel. "As punishment, you'll stay in this rain until I say otherwise. No one is to help you."
I refused to accept their lies. For the first time, I looked him straight in the eye, my gaze cold.
"Rouise is lying. Every time you had an episode, I was there. Each time, I ended up in the hospital. Check the records if you don't believe me."
The rain lashing my body was nothing compared to the pain in my heart.
I smiled bitterly. "And Cassian? I regret ever being your Luna. I'm done clinging to you."
Cassian's pupils contracted as he clenched his fists. "Lyra, if you would just apologize—"
Rouise suddenly collapsed, interrupting him. Cassian immediately forgot everything else, rushing to carry her to his car. I fell to my knees, exhaustion finally claiming me.
Cassian glanced back, but when Rouise tugged his sleeve, he turned away, barking orders to his driver.
"To the hospital. Leave Lyra to think about what she's done."
He abandoned me. Again.
People passed by, their expressions mocking. Even my uncle glared at me in disgust.
I had angered an Alpha—a disgrace to his family name.
I lost track of time in the endless rain. Eventually, a black car approached slowly.
A figure approached with an umbrella. He crouched beside me, warm fingers gently wiping rain from my face.
Fenrir.
He sighed softly. "You're such a fool."
He extended his hand to me. "This is your second chance. And your last."
"Lyra, it's time to return to my side."
I took his hand.
