Chapter 3 Heart Beating Wildly

When she had come out, she couldn't find Damian at all. It was either that they had probably sent him away, or he left since he felt like Lyra's people didn't like him. So, after Lyra finished talking to Imogen, she went into her room to send Damian a message. Bouncing on the bed, she texted him on the mobile chat app.

Hey, I am so sorry for today. Please, come meet me in the usual place.

When the message ticked read, but he didn't reply, she sighed, she couldn't blame him. He must have felt so angry and insulted, that's why she should try to meet him tonight and explain things calmly to him.

When it became dark in the secluded shadows, bathed in the soft glow of moonlight, Lyra escaped through her window, climbing down the tree with light and stealth.

She raced to the lighthouse, her heart beating wildly, hoping that Damian was there. And he was there, truly.

Damian, tall and lean with piercing blue eyes that seemed to hold the secrets of the universe, approached her with a confident stride. His blond hair tousled by the gentle night breeze framed his chiseled jawline, and the faint scent of cedar clung to him, intoxicating and alluring.

Lyra couldn't stop her tears as she ran into his embrace. She wore a simple gown that clung to her curves, accentuating her every movement with a grace that left Damian breathless.

"I am so sorry, Damian. I had no idea they would react that way. They are always so gentle, loving and kind".

"People reveal their nature when things don't go their way, Lyra" Damian whispered into her hair, "Do not fear, my love. I will fight for you, no matter what."

She gazed up at him, her heart overflowing with love and gratitude. "Oh, Damian," she murmured, her voice barely a whisper. "I cannot bear the thought of losing you."

"And you won't lose me, because in your eyes, I see the reflection of my soul, bound to yours for eternity. So I won't let you go".

Damian held her close, his embrace both tender and possessive, he cradled her face in his hands, and before she could react, he planted a soft and calming kiss on her forehead. This was the first time she had been kissed on the forehead, the first time that Damian truly expressed, without words, how much he cared for her, even though she caught signs of his lust in his eyes during their past rendezvous.

Suddenly, he stopped and looked into her eyes. Lyra saw a flash of frustration, but he released her and stepped back. She took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart. "What do you want from me?" She asked, trying to keep her voice steady.

He ran his hands through his hair, his eyes never leaving hers. "I want to help you," he said, his voice low and rough. Lyra raised an eyebrow, unsure if she could trust him. But there was something in his eyes that made her believe him.

"I don't need your help, Damian," she said, trying to sound brave. But her voice trembled, betraying her fear.

He took a step closer, his eyes filled with concern. "Yes, you do need my help, even if you won't admit it," he said. "You are in danger, Lyra. And I'm the only one who can protect you. I won't see any harm befall you without doing anything to save you."

Lyra shook her head, trying to clear her thoughts. She didn't know what to believe. But as she looked into his eyes, she saw something there that made her trust him. She nodded, and he reached out to her.

Together, they walked to the soft moss in the room, and he helped her sit down. Lyra looked up at him, feeling her heart beat faster. "Thank you," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

He smiled and sat down beside her, his eyes never leaving hers. "You're safe now," he said, his voice full of conviction. Lyra nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. She knew she could trust him, and that he would do everything in his power to protect her against all odds.

As they sat there in silence, Lyra felt a sense of peace wash over her. She knew that she was in good hands, and that this stranger that suddenly became her whole world would do everything he could to keep her safe. And as she looked into his eyes, she saw something there that made her heart skip a beat. Something that made her feel like she was home.

"I'm sorry, I am just not ready yet. We can always take our romance slow, after the mating ceremony. We can do whatever we want then. I won't stop you because you will become mine then, and I will be all yours." She said, placing her hands on his face, looking as if he was angry with her.

He placed his hands over hers, "I understand, I am sorry for my actions. I was being too hasty. You were looking so beautiful and I just couldn't control myself anymore".

She blushed and stepped away from him. Holding her short and skimpy dress with her hands, "I will convince the elders and text you when they finally give in". She promised him an assurance before turning to leave.

She ran back hoping nobody would notice that she was gone, and climbed back into her room. She laid down on the bed, blushing as she remembered the night's events. She was sorry she couldn't continue or give into Damian's lust as she noticed in his body movements, but then she wasn't going to get cold feet on the day they would finally mate.

She was going to use all her manipulation skills on the elders, and they would just have to accept.

She smiled at herself with so much joy in her heart. She couldn't wait to finally be his mate.