Chapter 8: Locked Away

"So, what is this 'way' you are saying, Elder Myra?" Alpha Kael asked, his voice laced with authority.

The Alpha's office felt heavy with tension. Kael sat on the center couch, his hands resting on his knees, posture firm. Beta Albert stood at his side, his usual stoic presence offering silent support. Lyra sat to Kael's right, her gaze fixed on the floor, while Elder Myra occupied the opposite couch, her serene smile a stark contrast to the room's charged atmosphere.

"There is a way," Elder Myra said, her tone calm but grave. "But it won't be easy, and it could be dangerous."

Lyra let out a frustrated sigh. "I don't even know if this is worth it. All my life, I've been weak. What if… what if this is just false hope?"

Elder Myra's eyes softened as she looked at Lyra. "You are not weak, child. Deep down, I think you know that."

Lyra stiffened, her mind flashing to the countless times she had instinctively overpowered Sarah during their secret training sessions. She had dismissed those moments as flukes, but now…

Elder Myra stood and crossed to Lyra, gently taking her hand. "Let me confirm something," she murmured. She closed her eyes and began to chant softly, her words weaving an unseen spell.

Lyra shivered as a strange warmth crept up her arm. "What… what are you doing?" she asked, her voice unsteady.

Elder Myra opened her eyes and released Lyra's hand. "I see it now."

Kael leaned forward, his brow furrowed. "What do you see?"

"There's… something unusual about your aura, Lyra."

Kael stood up and approached them. His face was serious. "What do you mean by unusual?" 

"It's faint. I almost didn't notice it when I first saw her, but everything is clear now. There's a trace of a suppressed power in her. Something… or someone is keeping her wolf locked away," Elder Myra replied, her tone cautious

Lyra blinked, her heart was racing. She couldn't understand what she was saying. 

"W-What? Lockedd away? How?" 

Elder Myra shook her head. "It's difficult to say. The suppression is old, deeply rooted. Whoever did this was powerful and knew what they were doing."

Lyra's heart pounded in her chest. 

"That's ridiculous! I've been wolfless my whole life. My family—my brother—died because I was weak! And now you're telling me this whole time I've had a wolf, but it's been locked up?"

Her voice broke, and she pushed herself off the couch, pacing the room. Her fists clenched at her sides, her emotions roiling.

Kael's gaze softened. "Lyra, there may be a reason for this—something we don't know yet. But I promise you, we'll uncover the truth. I'll help you free your wolf."

"No!" Lyra whirled on him, her eyes blazing. "Why? Why do you even care? You'll just reject me like everyone else!"

Kael's jaw tightened, and his eyes darkened. "Because I care about you!" he snapped, his voice echoing through the room. "You're my mate, Lyra. You're my Luna. I won't reject you, no matter what you think."

The room fell silent, Kael's words hanging heavily in the air. Lyra froze, his declaration cutting through her defenses, leaving her raw and exposed.

Elder Myra cleared her throat, breaking the tension. "I'll continue researching the suppression spell," she said. "But this won't be quick. It's not something I can unravel in a day."

Kael nodded, his gaze still locked on Lyra. "Do whatever you need to. Albert," he said, turning to his Beta, "make sure Elder Myra has all the resources she needs."

"Yes, Alpha," Albert replied with a curt nod.

Elder Myra and Albert left the room, leaving Kael and Lyra alone. The silence between them was thick, almost suffocating.

Lyra sank back onto the couch, her hands trembling. She stared at the floor, unable to meet Kael's eyes.

Kael sat beside her, his voice softer now. "I know you've been hurt, Lyra. I know you don't trust me. But I need you to know that I'll never reject you. You're my mate, and I'll do whatever it takes to help you, to protect you."

Lyra's eyes stung with unshed tears, but she kept her gaze averted. His words were overwhelming, stirring emotions she wasn't ready to face. She didn't respond, but his voice lingered in her mind long after he left the room.