CHAPTER 2: THE KING'S PATIENCE

The moonlight bathed Lyra in its silvery glow, illuminating the tears that streamed silently down her face. Lucian watched her, his heart aching at the vulnerability he saw in her eyes. He had expected to find a Luna, strong and confident. He had found a girl, fragile and wounded, yet radiating an inner strength that captivated him. He knew, with a certainty that resonated deep within his soul, that she was his.

He took another step closer, careful not to startle her. "Lyra," he repeated, his voice soft. "I know this is… unexpected. But I'm Lucian. And you're my Luna. "She didn't react, her gaze fixed on him, her expression unreadable. He could see the fear in her eyes, the wariness that clung to her like a shroud. He understood. She had been hurt, betrayed, and now, faced with the King of all people, the one person who should represent safety and strength, she was terrified. Lucian knelt before her, lowering himself to her level. He extended a hand, palm up, in a gesture of peace. "I won't hurt you, Lyra," he said, his voice gentle. "I promise. "She didn't move, her eyes darting between his hand and his face. He held his breath, waiting, hoping. He knew this would take time, patience he had in abundance. He had waited centuries for his Luna; he could wait a little longer for her to trust him. Finally, Lyra moved. It was a small movement, almost imperceptible, but Lucian saw it. She lifted her hand, hesitantly, and placed it in his. Her touch was feather-light, almost as if she was afraid he would disappear if she pressed too hard. A wave of warmth washed over Lucian, a connection so profound it took his breath away. He closed his hand gently around hers, careful not to grip too tightly. He could feel the tremor in her hand, the fear that still lingered. "Can you tell me your name?" he asked, his voice low and soothing. Lyra looked at him, her eyes searching his. She opened her mouth, as if to speak, but no sound came out. She tried again, her brow furrowing in frustration. Lucian understood. He had heard whispers of her silence, rumors of a trauma so deep it had stolen her voice. He didn't push. He simply nodded, letting her know he understood. "It's alright, Lyra," he said. "You don't have to speak if you don't want to. I understand. "He stood up, still holding her hand. "Come," he said. "It's cold. Let's go back to the pack house. "Lyra hesitated, her gaze darting towards the distant lights of the pack house. She seemed reluctant to go, as if she knew what awaited her there. Lucian squeezed her hand gently. "I'll be with you," he promised. "No one will hurt you. "He led her towards the pack house, his presence a shield against the whispers and stares that followed them. He could feel the animosity directed towards Lyra, the resentment that she, a wolf-less orphan, was now being escorted by the Royal Alpha himself. As they entered the main hall, Elder Mira approached, her face a mask of displeasure. "Lucian," she said, her voice dripping with false respect. "What brings you to our humble pack? "Lucian's gaze hardened. "I've come to claim my Luna," he said, his voice ringing with authority. He pulled Lyra closer, placing a protective arm around her shoulders. "Lyra is my mate. "Mira's eyes widened in disbelief. Rhea, standing behind her mother, sneered. "That… that orphan?" she scoffed. "She's nothing. She doesn't even have a wolf. "Lucian's eyes flashed with anger. "Touch her," he growled, his voice low and dangerous, "and you'll answer to me. "His words silenced the room. Even Mira, emboldened by years of unchallenged authority, took a step back. They knew better than to cross the Royal Alpha. Lucian turned to Lyra, his expression softening. "Come, Lyra," he said. "Let's go home. "He led her out of the hall, leaving the stunned pack members in his wake. As they walked towards his awaiting carriage, Lyra looked back at the pack house, a mixture of fear and relief in her eyes. She was leaving the only home she had ever known, but she was also leaving behind the pain and the scorn. She was going with the King, her mate, to a place where, for the first time in her life, she might finally find peace. She just didn't know how long that peace would last.