Let me go

Lyra chewed her lip anxiously as the door to her room suddenly flung open, and Cassian strode in.

She jumped at the sight of his brooding eyes, instinctively clutching her bag in fear.

Lyra knew escaping was impossible—this place was heavily guarded, a fact she had learned from Penny. But what made her feel even more helpless was the reality that she had been auctioned off by the Alpha himself. And she had no idea what he intended to do with her.

Fear coiled in her chest as she recalled the events of last night at the bidding hall. She dreaded the consequences of the deal that had taken place. But little did she know, the man before her had no interest in her. If he did, he wouldn't have ignored her after securing the winning bid.

Swallowing her nerves, Lyra quickly opened the book in her hands, scribbled something down, and held it up for him to see.

"Let me go."

Cassian furrowed his brows as he read the words before looking back at her.

"Why?" he asked.

Lyra scowled, her frustration evident as she quickly scribbled another message.

"Because I don't want to stay here—with you."

Cassian chuckled, his deep laughter filling the room. Lyra stiffened, confusion flickering in her eyes.

'What's so funny? What did I say that made him laugh like a madman?'

"You're forgetting something," he said, amusement lacing his tone. "I bought you. And what do you think happens to things won at an auction? They stay with their owner."

Lyra's jaw dropped.

'Did he just… read my thoughts?'

"Yes," Cassian answered smoothly, his smirk deepening. "Perfectly fine and clear."

A cold chill ran down Lyra's spine, as if someone had dumped a bucket of ice water over her.

'How is that even possible? No one has ever heard me before… then how come he can?'

Fear coiled in her chest, but she masked it with defiance. In one swift motion, she reached into her bag and pulled out a pair of small snippers, her only means of protection. She pointed them at Cassian, her grip trembling.

"I won't let you touch me. Let me go!"

She stepped off the bed cautiously, keeping the makeshift weapon raised. Her heart pounded as she moved, every step calculated as she circled around the bed, never taking her eyes off him. But Cassian only watched her with mild amusement, completely unbothered by the threat.

Lyra had woken up at the bidding hall with her sling still around her, and thankfully, the snippers had been inside. She had always carried them for safety, never expecting she'd need them against an Alpha.

Cassian tilted his head, his gaze fixed on her like a predator toying with its prey.

She was like a cornered cat—hissing, claws out, but hopelessly overpowered.

"Don't come any closer, or I'll stab you!" she warned, waving the snippers in front of her.

But to her dismay, with one effortless move, Cassian closed the distance between them.

Before she could react, his hand shot out, seizing her wrist in a firm yet controlled grip. A startled gasp left her lips as he easily twisted the snippers from her grasp, letting them clatter uselessly to the floor.

"That was adorable," he murmured, his voice laced with amusement.

Lyra struggled against his hold, but he barely budged. His strength was overwhelming, a reminder of just how helpless she was against him. Her chest heaved as she glared up at him, defiance burning in her eyes.

"I won't hurt you, Lyra," he said, his tone softer now, though his grip remained unyielding. "But I suggest you stop testing me."

She yanked her arm back, and to her surprise, he let go.

Stepping back, she rubbed her wrist, scowling at him. She quickly reached for her notebook and scribbled furiously before shoving it toward him.

"Then what do you want from me?"

Cassian exhaled, dragging a hand through his hair as he studied her. For a long moment, he said nothing.

Then, his gaze darkened.

"I want you to stop thinking about leaving this place," Cassian said, his tone firm and unwavering.

Lyra's breath hitched as his next words sent a chill down her spine.

"Because that's never going to happen."

Her eyes widened in shock, but before she could react, he simply let her go and strode out of the room.

Cassian had barely stepped into the hallway when a familiar scent caught his attention, stopping him in his tracks. His instincts flared, and before anyone could comprehend what was happening, he was already moving.

The next second, his fist connected with Rowan's jaw, sending the Delta stumbling backward.

"You dare lay a hand on her?" Cassian growled, his voice a dangerous snarl.

Rowan barely had time to recover before Cassian lunged again, landing a brutal kick that sent him crashing to the ground. Fury burned in Cassian's eyes, his presence radiating raw dominance as he towered over the fallen Delta, ready to strike again.

"Already worried for your mate, huh?" Rowan's words halted Cassian's hand mid-strike.

His knuckles turned white, his fist trembling with restrained fury as he glared down at the Delta. Rowan's lips curled into a mocking grin, taunting him without fear.

Cassian shot Rowan a withering glare before yanking him away and rising to his feet. His chest heaved, his wolf pacing beneath his skin, but he forced himself to stay calm. Losing control in front of Rowan was the last thing he needed.

Rowan smirked, brushing dust off his clothes, his movements slow and deliberate. He didn't back down. He never did.

"You were supposed to meet with our delegates," he drawled, his tone laced with mockery. "But instead, you came here and bid on a weakling. Are you even ready to take her as your mate, Cassian?"

Cassian's jaw clenched, but he said nothing.

Rowan's smirk widened, sensing a crack in his resolve. "You always preached that emotions made us weak. That an Alpha should think with his head, not his heart. So tell me—what changed?"

Cassian's muscles coiled, his wolf bristling at the challenge. Rowan wasn't just questioning his choice. He was questioning his strength.

And that was something Cassian would not allow.