CHAPTER 3: NEW BEGINNINGS

The warm glow of the fire crackled in the grand hall of the royal palace, casting long shadows that danced across the polished floor. Lyra, still trembling from the events of the previous evening, sat on a plush velvet sofa, her gaze fixed on the flickering flames. Beside her, Lucian, his presence a comforting anchor, watched her silently.

The shock of the previous night was still settling in. Lyra had gone from an outcast in the Red Crescent Pack to the Luna of the most powerful kingdom in the land. It was a whirlwind of events, a dizzying turn of fortune that she couldn't quite comprehend. Lucian, sensing her unease, reached out and gently took her hand. "Lyra," he said, his voice soft and reassuring, "are you alright? "She nodded, her voice still hoarse. "I'm... I'm just trying to process everything. "He smiled, a gentle, understanding smile that made her heart flutter. "It's a lot to take in, I know. But you're safe here, with me. "Lyra looked up at him, her eyes filled with a mixture of gratitude and confusion. She had never known kindness, never felt safe in anyone's presence. But with Lucian, she felt a strange sense of peace, a warmth that had been missing from her life for as long as she could remember. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice barely audible. He squeezed her hand gently. "You're welcome, Lyra. I'm here for you ."Just then, the doors to the hall swung open, and a flurry of servants entered, carrying trays laden with food and drink. Lucian motioned for them to set the table, and soon, a sumptuous feast was laid out before them .As they ate, Lucian filled Lyra in on the details of their journey to the royal palace. He had been on a hunting expedition when he stumbled upon the Red Crescent Pack. Curiosity piqued, he had ventured into the pack territory and discovered Lyra, huddled under the ancient oak. The moment he saw her, he knew she was his Luna, the missing piece of his life. Lyra listened intently, her heart swelling with a mix of emotions. She had never imagined anyone would care about her, let alone a king. She felt like a fragile bird, plucked from its nest and carried to a new world. After dinner, Lucian suggested they take a walk in the palace gardens. Lyra hesitated, still unsure of her place in this grand setting. But with Lucian's gentle encouragement, she agreed. As they strolled through the moonlit gardens, Lyra felt a sense of wonder she had never known. The palace grounds were vast and beautiful, with towering trees, winding paths, and cascading fountains. It was a world far removed from the harsh reality of her past. Lucian, sensing her awe, pointed out the various landmarks, explaining the history and significance of each one. Lyra listened intently, her eyes wide with curiosity. She was learning more about the world in a single evening than she had in her entire life. As they walked, Lyra felt a growing sense of belonging. She was no longer the outcast, the girl without a wolf. She was Lyra, the Luna of King Lucian, and she was worthy of this new life. As they returned to the palace, Lyra felt a sense of peace she had never known. She was tired, exhausted from the emotional turmoil of the past few days. But as she lay in her bed, surrounded by the soft glow of the moonlight, she felt a sense of contentment she had never experienced before. She knew that the road ahead would be filled with challenges, but she faced them with a newfound confidence. She had Lucian, her mate, her protector, her love. And she had the strength of the white wolf within her, a power she had never fully understood but was now beginning to embrace. As Lyra drifted off to sleep, she felt a sense of hope for the first time in her life. She had found her place in the world, and she was ready to embrace it.