Chapter 3
Lyra’s POV
One by one, the Alphas arrived, filling the room with an air of authority.
My parents entered last, arm in arm, their faces lighting up when they spotted me
“Lyra, have you greeted the other Alphas yet?” My mother asked.
I glanced toward the gathered crowd and smiled wryly. “No one had time for me. They’re all too busy lawning over Estelle and Tristan.”
Their expressions darkened, but they said nothing
After all, Tristan and Estelle had built quite a reputation for themselves. It was only natural others would curry favor.
People had always admired power and stepped on the weak. It was nothing new.
As we approached, I could hear them tallding to Tristan–at my expense.
“Tristan may have made a mistake in the past, but at least it led him to Estelle. I suppose you could call that fate!”
“Lyra’s decent enough, but so stubborn. Years later and she still won’t reconcile with her own cousin. What if she needs their help someday?”
“Right? It’s not even that big of a deal. She made it awkward for everyone. She should’ve just let it go by now!”
Estelle wore her trademark gentle smile, though triumph glittered unmistakably in her eyes.
She raised a glass toward me.
“Lyra, don’t take their words to heart. No matter what, I’m still your cousin. If you ever need help, I’ll be here for you.”
Tristan scotted but still nodded in agreement. “You’re an adult now. Learn some social etiquette. We can’t clean up every mess for you.”
My parents trembled with anger at his words.
I quickly held them back, keeping my expression light as I smiled.
“Absolutely. You’re both so… right.”
Then, I pulled my parents away and found a place to sit.
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Dishes were brought out one by one, and soon, the conversation shifted to Tristan’s achievements–his defense strategies, his battles, and the award he had received from the Alpha King.
“So many strong Alphas, yet you rose above–it must’ve been grunting?
Tristan pulled Estelle into his arms, kissing her cheek in front of everyone before responding
“It wasn’t easy, but my Luna has always stood by my side. If not for her, I might have given up and simply spent my days leading our pack until old age. Estelle gazed at him affectionately, her voice playful yet sweet. “His strength and tactical genius made it possible. That’s why you’ve achieved so much.”
“You neo are the perfect match–you bring out the best in each other!”
“Proof that severing that first bond was the right choice!”
Their words ground me into the dirt–a stepping stone for their sycopluancy.
My mother’s eyes reddened with anger as she leaned in and whispered, “Defending a few parkes against rogues and suddenly he’s the Second Coming?” The mattered. “And must they drag you into it? Just wait until Lucian arrives–watch how fast their tune changes.”
At the mention of my second mate, Lucian, I couldn’t help but simile.
For now, everyone’s attention remained on Tristan, completely ignoring my parents–the very hosts of this gath
gathering.
But we said thing.
We simply waited.
No one noticed my parents–the actual hosts–until the lead server announced the final course.
The moment those words fell, Tristan’s gaze swept across the room, finally taking in the surroundings.
The world–renowned paintings adorning the walls, the high–profile Alphas and Lunas seated at nearby tables, the crystal chandeliers–each one easily
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His eyes narrowed as he turned back to me, and his smirk turned venomous.
“You organized this, Lyra?” He scoffed, crossing his arms. “With your measly salary, can you even afford a slice of cake here?”
