Chapter 2 The Bond of Punishment

Lyra

The stone floor was so cold. I hugged my body as I was trying to calm myself, trying to stop from trembling. I still can't get over the events that happened last night. I couldn't even sleep, not even an ounce of wink.

Even the slightest movement made me gasp-the pain was so sharp that even breathing hurt. My entire body ached, heavy and sore from being tossed around last night. Remembering his forceful way of entering me made me tremble at such a thought.

Chains clinked softly whenever I moved, their presence made me realize that I was inside the cell, currently awaiting my death. No matter how many times I tried to defend myself, they won't believe me.

They were already certain that I was the one who killed Kyle's fiancée. A slut who climbed onto the bed of the Alpha because she couldn't accept that she wasn't chosen.

I didn't know how long I had been inside this cell. I couldn't even tell if it's daylight or nighttime. I was the only one here, locked in the damp cell, and I haven't eaten since last night.

I curled tighter, clutching my arms.

I swear... I really didn't kill her...

But... it was because of me that she died. If...if I didn't visit the Alpha last night, she would have successfully become his Luna.

Because of me...

The heavy sound of boots echoed down the corridor. I lifted my head, thinking that it's the guards this time who would come and get me for my execution when the metallic door opened-and there he was.

Alpha Kyle.

His gaze coldly fell on me. When I look into his eyes, I know that he is already back to his normal state. His golden eyes were filled with disgust as he looked at me in disgust. Although I know that he won't remember what happened last night...that he might think the same way as they do... I still felt disappointed.

Before I could open my mouth, his hand shot forward and grabbed my wrist. He had commanded one of the guards to unlock the chains before he dragged me out of the cell.

"W-wait-" My voice cracked, but he didn't stop. His grip was like iron-as if he wanted to snap my wrist into two.

"I know that you are shameless, but I didn't expect you to be this shameful." His voice was deep as he looked at me in mockery. "Drugging me, climbing into my bed on my sacred day, and even killing my Luna...tell me, Lyra. What should I do to you?"

My chest tightened so painfully I could barely breathe. His words cut deeper than any blade, each one tearing at what little was left of me.

It was foolish of me to think that at least he would demand an explanation from me.

"Kyle..." I whispered his name, barely recognizing my own voice. "You know I would never-"

"Enough!" His growl echoed through the dungeon walls. His eyes burned red-not like last night, but with pure disgust. "You don't get to say my name. You should know your place."

Something inside me cracked. The man who once held me like I was his world, now looked at me like I was nothing but a dirty trashbag.

Tears slowly fell from my cheeks as he dragged me out of the cell and threw me onto the ground before the pack council.

"She's that slut who killed the Alpha's Luna..."

"Where did she get the nerve to drug the Alpha and climb onto his bed?"

Their murmurs sliced through me, and each of them made me feel helpless.

Helena, Kyle's mother, was there too. Her eyes were coldly looking at me as if she were looking at my corpse.

"She doesn't deserve a trial," she spat. "Execute her now."

Gasps filled the hall, but almost all of them agreed with the decision.

I looked at everyone, then at myself. I let out a heavy chuckle.

Right. Maybe it would be best. There's no redeeming of myself. I am already dirty. A filthy woman.

*

Kyle

"She doesn't deserve a trial," Mother spat. "Execute her now."

Gasps filled the hall. Murmurs of agreement rippled through the council members.

I stared down at Lyra on the floor-broken, trembling, covered in bruises I'd put there.

Good. She deserved worse for what she'd done.

For drugging me. For killing my fiancée. For-

"Do it and I disappear forever."

My wolf's voice crashed through my mind like a thunderclap, making me stagger back a step.

He'd been silent for so long I'd almost forgotten he was there.

"What?"

''You heard me. Execute her, and you'll never hear from me again. I'll retreat so deep you'll be wolfless. How long before they strip you of your title, Kyle? A week? A day?"

My hands clenched into fists.

"She killed-"

"She's our MATE!"

His roar shook through my entire being.

"Our TRUE MATE. You felt it eight years ago when her wolf awakened. You felt it last night when you were inside her. Stop lying to yourself!"

I felt my mother's expectant gaze on me, waiting for my approval of the execution.

She's an omega. She can't-

"I don't care what she is. The Moon Goddess chose her for us, and if you kill her, I'm gone. Forever. Choose-your pride, or your wolf."

The silence in my head was suffocating. I could feel him coiling, preparing to sever our bond. The emptiness already creeping in at the edges.

An Alpha without a wolf was nothing.

"No."

The word left my mouth before I could stop it.

Mother's head snapped toward me. "Alpha! Don't tell me that you still-"

"Death would be too merciful for someone like her," I interrupted, my voice cold.

I stepped forward and grabbed Lyra's hair, forcing her to look up at me. Her tear-filled eyes met mine-so much pain, so much betrayal.

Something in my chest twisted, but I shoved it down.

"Smart choice," my wolf growled. "Now claim her. Make it permanent."

"I'll bond her with me."