Twin Hearts, Broken Bonds

Lyra's pov

"By the power vested in me, I hereby reject you as my mate from this moment onwards." Xander snapped angrily.

The room was filled with a lot of people talking, whispering to themselves as they looked at me with disgust on their faces.- my twin sister,my parents, the whole pack and the elders.

My senses became clearer and I could feel the warmth of the blanket over my body. I was half naked- with just my underwear. I blinked rapidly in confusion while trying to recognize my surroundings.

Why am I in bed when I was supposed to be at my mating ceremony? I wondered as i looked around.

The weight of confusion hit me more as I felt a movement beside me. My heart raced, I looked over as fear gripped my soul like a cold wave. A stranger was next to me with his chest bare and caught under the sheets.

"What!...Who is this? And what am I doing in bed with this man?" I questioned with my voice below whispers,clutching the blanket tightly around my trembling body.

"Quit the pretense Lyra!" Nyla, my twin sister yelled,her voice dripping with disdain as she moved closer to me.

"I knew this was going to happen, I knew you will ruin this day, now you've brought shame not only to yourself, but the entire family." She paused her eyes gleamed in satisfaction and a slight smirk was placed on her lips.

"I've always known you have a secret lover for a very long time now, but you still went through with the mating ceremony with Xander for your selfish reasons."

My face felt hot as panic grew inside me, her words pierced through me. "What the hell are you saying Nyla! That's not true! I don't even know him-I don't know how I got here!" My voice cracked under the weight of my panic.

"I have no boyfriend!" I cried, my voice trembling. "I-I don't even know this man! Please, believe me!" I replied,my glazed fixed on Xander.

"Then who is he, Lyra?" Xander demanded, his voice cold and filled with fury. His piercing gaze shifted to the man beside me, who remained silent, looking between us with wide eyes.

"I don't know him," I whispered. "I can't remember how I got here. I... I was at the ceremony, I had a drink, and then... I fell. That's all I remember!"

"Really?" Nyla scoffed, her tone mocking. "What a convenient excuse. Get drunk, get in bed with your boyfriend, and blame it on the innocent cocktail. How predictable."

"Stop Nyla, just stop!!" I retorted, looking at her furiously.

"Enough!" Xander shouted while making both of us quiet. "This isn't just a minor mistake and it's an unforgivable one. I thought I knew you, Lyra. I didn't know you were so unfaithful and a Liar!"

I felt my cheeks getting hot with shame filling me up. The man next to me quietly pulled the sheets up as he looked back and forth between us.

But before I could even start to explain xander's anger filled the room. The friendly look I have Always seen on his face vanished. He walked toward us with his fists tight and I felt a wave of fear over me.

"Move away from her, You b*stard son of a b*tch." Xander growled while grabbing the stranger by his arm and lifting him.

"What is going on, man?" the man said while struggling in Jaxon's stronghold, but his words hardly mattered as my life fell apart.

As Xander's fist hit the man's jaw the loud noise shook me. "Xander stop!" I begged with fear rising in my throat as I jumped out of bed as I put my clothes on. My bare feet touched the cold floor and everything in me wanted to step in. "Please, let's try to find the truth!"

But Xander was furious while throwing punches and shouting sharp words. "You think you can just walk into this house?" Another hard hit and the man slid down the wall. "And sleep with my mate?"

"Don tell me to stop Lyra! Trying to defend your boyfriend huh?" He turned to me as his breath deepened.

My heart dropped even more while feeling heavy from what was happening.

The room was suffocating, the whispers and murmurs around us growing louder. I glanced desperately toward my parents, hoping for some kind of support, but their expressions mirrored Xander's disappointment.

"Mom, Dad," I pleaded, my voice breaking. "You have to believe me."

My mother shook her head slowly, her lips pressed into a thin line. My father stepped forward, his face flushed with anger.

"This is disgraceful, Lyra," he said as he threw as slap on my face, his voice trembling. "You've brought shame to our family. Do you realize what this means for all of us? For the pack?"

"I didn't do this," I whispered, but my words felt hollow, even to myself.

Xander took a step back while letting the guards, who had quickly come in, hold the stranger. "Get him out and make sure he doesn't escape," he ordered with his voice quiet but threatening while leaving me vulnerable after the chaos.

"That's enough!" the elder shouted like thunder breaking through the noise around us. "This shame can't be accepted. You have shamed yourself and the whole pack, Lyra. You are banned from our land starting now!."

His words hit me hard like a punch. "No!" I shouted with my voice shaky as I stepped back while feeling empty inside where my life used to be. "You can't do this!"

"Once again, from this moment, I Xander Bennett hereby reject you Lyra Draven as my mate," Xander's voice echoed coldly, cutting through the tension in the room. His words were final, like a dagger driven straight into my heart.

"Take her out of my sight," he ordered, turning his back to me. "I don't want to see her face ever again."

My knees wobbled as shame and confusion overtook me. "Xander, please, listen to me," I begged, my voice cracking.

"I don't know what's going on. I swear, I didn't do this!"

I cried, reaching out toward him, but two guards stepped forward, gripping my arms firmly.

Nyla's smirk deepened as she watched the drama unfolding while I was being dragged away, she followed me out.

Lyra's POV

The night air was cold, biting against my skin as I stood face to face with Nyla , the sister I had once loved and trusted. The sister who now wore a twisted smirk that chilled me to my core.

"So This is goodbye,Nyla?," I said softly, my voice trembling but firm. "I don't know how to make you see the truth, but I hope one day you'll realize how much I loved you, despite everything."

Nyla chuckled darkly, crossing her arms. "Spare me the sentiment, Lyra. You think I don't know you're planning to slink away with your tail between your legs? You think you're some tragic heroine? You're pathetic."

I froze, her venomous words sinking in. "Why are you saying this?"

"Why?" she echoed, her voice dripping with mockery. "Because I've waited for this moment my entire life. To watch you, the perfect little Lyra, fall from your pedestal. You've always been the favorite and always in my way stopping me from getting anything I wanted,weren't you?.

You were always Loved by our parents even though they barely show it but I have overheard it from them a lot of times, admired by the pack, chosen by Xander . You were always in my way every f*cking time and I'm sick and tired of you."

Shock coursed through me. "I was always in your way? Nyla, I never-"

"Never what? Never noticed? Of course, you didn't," she snapped, her eyes gleaming with malice. "You were too busy being the golden child and the good daughter. But I'll let you in on a little secret, dear sister: I never liked you. You were a blemish in my life that needed to be cut out. And now, I'm finally getting rid of you forever!" She said as came closer to me almost sharing same breath with me.

Her words felt like a spear threw at my chest, My breath hitched and my heart felt constrained as I tried to process the depth of her hatred. "You... you set me up."

Her smirk widened. "That man in your bed?, Yes, that was a little arrangement of mine and Xander, your Alpha was aware of the whole plans." She let out a brief laugh.

"we wanted to the pack and our parents how unworthy you truly are."

My eyes stung from tears, but my chest was burning with rage. "Why?...Why would you do this to me?"

"Because I and Xander are in love with each other!" Nyla spat, her voice rising with emotion. "Xander was supposed to be mine, not yours. He was my future, my destiny. And you wanted to steal him from me through our parents, just like you've stolen everything else."

A bitter laugh escaped her lips as she took a step closer. "But it's over now. You're leaving, and no one will stop that from happening and no one will know you're dead or mourn you. Not the pack, not our parents, not even xander. You'll be forgotten forever."

I was devastated by the weight of her words, but I also felt a spark of outrage. "No," I said, sounding more composed than I actually was.

"I will not allow you to get away with this, Nyla. I'll tell everyone the truth. They'll know what you've done."

Nyla's expression darkened. "Oh,

Lyra. Try if you can....You really should keep your mouth shut."

Before I could react, some guys appeared from the darkness, their gazes harsh and ruthless. I felt a lurched in my stomach as they drew closer, and then I realized Nyla wasn't bluffing.

"Make sure she doesn't live to tell anyone what happened here," Nyla instructed, her tone cold and detached.

The first punch came hard and fast, knocking the wind out of me. Then another, and another. Pain exploded in my ribs, my arms, my legs. I tried to fight back, but they were relentless, Their fists and feet strike with ruthlessness.

Through the cloud of pain, I noticed Nyla observing, her expression free of regret."Goodbye, sister," she said, her voice almost sweet as one of her lackeys plunged a knife into the side of my stomach.

I gasped, the agonising pain snatching my breath. I dropped to the ground, a pool of blood beneath me and my vision blurring.

The world grew colder and darker. My body felt heavy, my heartbeat slowing.

My life whole life flashed through my eyes in few minutes especially the mating ceremony-The vows exchanged under the shining moon,the congratulations from the pack and my evil twin sister,the cocktail at the bar and seeing Nyla's face while I was dizzy after the drink.

"Moon Goddess," I whispered, tears streaming down my face. "If you can hear me, you know I don't deserve this..... please, grant me vengeance. Make them pay for what they've done to me."

The darkness surrounding my entire world, and I had a complete blackout, unable to recall what happened next.

When I opened my eyes, the first thing I felt was the softness beneath me- A bed. The delicate aroma of lavender and jasmine fragrance hung in the air, as warm sunshine spilt through lace curtains, creating elegant patterns on the walls.

I snapped looking puzzled. I ran my hand through my stomach slowly- where I was stabbed by one of Nyla's men. The pain was gone and not even a scar was visible,it was replaced by an odd sense of stillness.

I sat up slowly, my hands holding the edge of the bed. Something felt... different. My body moved, but it didn't feel like mine.

A knock at the door startled me. "Mia?" a soft voice called.

"Mia?" I echoed, confused.

The door creaked open, and a middle-aged woman stepped inside, her facial expression was filled with concern.

"Thank the Moon Goddess, you're awake, my daughter," she murmured, her voice choked with passion as she hugged me firmly, nearly strangling my breathing.

I stared at her, my mind racing. "Where am I?"

"You're home," she replied softly. "You have gone through so much, my dear. "We thought we had lost you..."

Home? My mind raced as I tried to make sense of her remarks. I felt my breath seize in my throat as I glanced at the dresser mirror.

The face staring back at me seemed strangely similar to mine, but somehow very different. Silver hair cascaded over my shoulders, defining enthusiastic dark brown eyes and outstanding features.

"This... this isn't me," I murmured, my hand trembling as I touched my reflection.

The woman frowned, concern etched across her face. "Mia, are you sure you're fully all right?"

Mia. That name again. My mind reeled as realization dawned.

I was so confused for some minutes I couldn't wrapped my head around me waking up as another person after being stabbed badly by my sister's sycophant.

I think the Moon Goddess had answered my prayer. I wasn't dead. But I wasn't Lyra anymore.

I was Mia.

Lyra (Mia)'s POV

The hours went by as I tried to adapt my new reality.

Every corner of the house felt strange and unfamiliar, yet the people around me spoke to me as if I had always been here even though my responses were a bit hesitant and unsure,as if I was trying to put together pieces of puzzles I didn't know I was a part of.

"Mia, breakfast is ready!" The woman who claimed to be my mother called out loudly from downstairs.

Her voice carried warmth, but my chest tightened at the sound. It wasn't my mother and that wasn't my name.

My real mother was miles away, probably grieving about my death. I doubt she is, cause she never cared about hearing my side of the story or bothered about me being kicked out of the pack.

I stared at the mirror again, tracing the features of my new face. They were hauntingly similar to mine, yet distinctly different. The gray eyes that stared back at me felt foreign. My auburn hair was now silver, shimmering like the moonlight. I clenched my fists, trying to steady the storm of emotions brewing within me.

The woman-I had learned her name was Maria Sinclair -knocked gently on the door as she called out. "Mia?"

"I'm Coming," I replied, my voice softer than intended.

As I went down the stairs, a soft breeze carried the aroma of freshly bake bread through the air and it went straight into my nostrils,it was so sharp and undeniable and it made me remember my real home.

Maria smiled at me, her eyes cloudy with unshed tears. "It's so good to see you up and moving again," she said pulling me into an embrace.

I stiffened at the contact, unsure how to respond.

"Thank you," I muttered, though my voice sounded empty and lack emotions.

I sat at the table quietly waiting for my food to be served, someone entered the room-a tall, broad-shouldered man. His salt-and-pepper hair was neatly combed, and his sharp, assessing eyes hinted at a life of experience. Though likely in his late 60s, he carried himself with quiet authority.

My heart tightened at the sight of him. I guess this is Mia's father's -or should I rather say, this is my father.

"Good morning, Father," I said, my voice uncertain as I tried to find the words to greet him.

Without a word, he stormed over to me. His hand moved with lightning speed, landing across my cheek with a harsh slap. The sting of the blow left my skin burning and my heart sinking. I froze, eyes wide with shock.

His voice was cold and cutting as he seethed, "Good morning? After what you've done to this family? Do you realize the disgrace you almost brought upon this family?" "Now tell me what is good about the morning Mia!"

I blinked, the force of the slap leaving me dazed. "I-I didn't-"

"Don't talk," he growled, his voice filled with disgust. "You think you can play innocent after trying to kill yourself? Do you think that's how we solve our problems?"

"You're lucky Damion Byers hasn't called off this marriage after your pathetic stunt you pulled," he continued, his voice dripping with venom. "If he had, we'd all be ruined. Do you understand that?"

"You think this family deserves your selfishness? All my plans-you almost ruined everything, you selfish spoiled brat!"

My breath caught in my throat as the weight of his words hit me. The anger in his eyes made my skin crawl.

"The wedding to Damion Byers is happening soon, and you will not ruin it. You'll do your duty. You'll marry him, and you'll keep your flithy mouth shut. That's the least you can do to make up for the mess you've caused here."he continued, his voice growing louder.

"He will be here tomorrow to discuss the wedding plans and I expect you to be on your best behavior and act like the obedient daughter you're supposed to be."

His words echoed in my mind, and I felt a surge of panic and confusion rose within me. Damion Byers? A wedding?

This was all part of the plan now, whether I liked it or not.

I tried so hard to keep my composure, though my chest clenched each passing second. "Yes, Father," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

"Good." He nodded, satisfied with my response, before sitting down at the table as if nothing had happened. Maria glanced nervously between us but said nothing. The atmosphere of the room became stuffy and suffocating, the air was thick with tension.

I felt like I couldn't breathe, I was sweating excessively. The slap still burning on my cheek, and the words kept echoing in my mind. I was trapped. This wasn't just some twisted fate-it was a cage, and I am expected to play along.

******

After breakfast, I excused myself and wandered outside. The forest stretched endlessly before me, its towering trees casting long shadows. My heart ached as memories of my past life flooded back-of Xander my pack, and... Nyla.

Nyla's betrayal still burned like a fresh wound. My fists gripped as her cruel words echoed in my mind.

"Moon Goddess," I whispered under my breath, looking up at the sky. "Why did you bring me back here? What is my purpose?"

A rustling sound broke my thoughts. I turned quickly, my senses heightened.

From the edge of the woods, a figure emerged-a young man, probably a few years older than me, with dark hair and piercing green eyes.

"Mia," he called out, his tone careful yet familiar.

I stared at him, unsure how to respond. "Who are you? Do I know you?"

His brows furrowed, a weight of concern and shock flashing across his face. "It's me, Caleb. Did you hit your head harder than we thought?" He asked jokingly.

"Caleb." The name stirred faint recognition in my borrowed memories, though I couldn't place him. "I... I've just been feeling off since the incident," I said, choosing my words carefully.

He studied me for a moment before nodding. "Fair enough. But it's good to see you out and about. The pack has been worried about you."

"Thanks," I murmured, looking away.

He stepped closer, lowering his voice. "You know, if you ever want to talk about what happened that night... I'm here."

My pulse quickened. "What do you mean?"

His eyes darkened slightly. "Everyone knows you've been through hell. Whatever drove you to... well, you don't have to face it alone."

It was dawned on me that he was referring to Mia supposed suicide attempt.

"I'll keep that in mind," I said, forcing a tight smile.

He nodded and turned to leave, but his parting words lingered in the air. "You're stronger than you think, Jane. Don't forget that."

As he disappeared into the woods, I let out a shaky breath.

"Stronger than I think." I said to my self.

I gripped my hands tightly with determination flowing through me. This was not simply a second chance; it was an opportunity. I had been reborn, given a new body and life, for a reason.

I would uncover the truth about Mia's death, and I would find a way to exact vengeance on those who destroyed my old life.

For now, I would play the part of Mia Sinclair,dutiful daughter of the Beta. But in my heart, I was still Lyra-the rejected,the betrayed, the survivor.