Chapter 2

Lyra’s POV

I couldn't believe they had actually sold me. The whole carriage ride felt like a dream. After a long time of struggling in that enclosed space, I finally curled up into myself, giving up, wondering where exactly they were now taking me to.

There had been whispers that women who were banished from the pack were sold to brothels. That was how I knew where the carriage was heading to.

But which one?

And what exactly did they think they could get from me there? I could not even believe it. After so long at the pack, this was how they chose to repay me?

Fuck them all.

Suddenly, after what felt to be an eternity, we came to a stop. The door was thrown open, and I gasped loudly at the sudden intensity of the light that came in.

Oh.

Where the hell was I?

A woman approached us, her steps quick but graceful. "Is this her?" The guard that brought me here gave her a nod.

"Yes."

She looked me over from head to toe, and then I instinctively folded my arms over myself. "Take her inside the hall."

I was brought into a private room where several women immediately surrounded me. They removed the clothes I had been wearing, gave me a bath, brushed my hair and dressed me in something that I would never have chosen for myself at a.

I kept asking questions, but nobody gave me any straight answer. Then, hours later, I was led upstairs. And the moment I entered the room, I froze.

There were people everywhere.

Men and women filled the hall, sitting around tables while several women stood along a raised platform. I immediately understood what was happening.

An auction.

My stomach churned.

"No," I whispered.

The woman behind me hissed loudly and pushed me forward. I stumbled onto the raised platform, looking out at the crowd as the auctioneer began speaking.

"Next, we have a rare acquisition. A former Luna with weka Alpha blood and exceptional breeding potential." He announced. My cheeks just flushed with embarrassment that instant, and I wanted to disappear into the earth beneath me.

Instead, I stood there with my head raised while men called out prices.

Insanely expensive prices too.

I couldn't understand why they seemed hell bent on being the one to buy me.

Then someone made a bid so enormous that the entire room fell silent. And the auctioneer stared toward the back of the room before announcing the winner.

"Sold."

I followed his gaze. A tall man sat alone in the shadows, dressed entirely in black. A mask covered most of his face, leaving only a pair of golden eyes visible.

He stood, his gaze locked on mine as he walked forward. No one argued with the results, they all seemed to even shrink in awe as he passed by them.

When he reached the platform, he held out his hand. "Come."

I hesitated out of fear and his gaze softened slightly. "You don't have to be afraid of me."

That almost made me laugh.

I had just been sold. How could I possibly know who to fear?

But something told me I was better off obeying him right now.

He led me away from the auction hall without saying another word. And I was placed inside another carriage, and this time, he sat opposite me.

I was very much aware of his presence beside me, and I hoped he wouldn't say anything. Thankfully, he gave me the space I wanted.

When we finally stopped, I was helped out of the carriage.

Wow.

A massive palace stood before me, guards moving around with clear power in their every step.

"Where am I?" I asked.

The man removed his gloves.

"You'll find out soon."

He led me inside and brought me to a luxurious bedroom. There was a large bed there, a lit fireplace, fresh clothes and everything that I could possibly need.

I turned toward him in confusion.

"Why did you bring me here?"

He closed the door behind him.

"I purchased you." His voice was a deep rumble.

My stomach tightened.

"So I am a servant?”

His golden eyes didn't leave mine. "No, I didn't purchase a servant." He said to me as he slowly removed the mask.

I froze as soon as his handsome face came into view. And the moment I looked into his eyes fully, my wolf awakened, howling only one word, loud and clear.

Mate.

My breathing became unsteady.

"Oh no," I breathed.

The man stared at me, a slow smirk curling up his lips. His brows raised.

"What?"

I shook my head, unable to believe it.

"You're..."

He stepped closer.

"What am I?" His tone was almost challenging. It was like he wanted me to say what he already knew.

"My mate." I finally blurted out.

For a while, he didn't say anything. It was almost like he didn't hear me.

Then his eyes darkened, and a low growl left his chest. "Finally."

I stared at him. Finally? What did that even mean?

He reached toward me, stopping just before touching my face. "My name is Kael Draven, and I have waited for you, my mate, for several centuries.”

“I'm Lyra,” I whispered.

“Nice to meet you Lyra,” he said. “Is it the same for you, too?” He asked.

But before I could answer, his lips had crashed down on mine and I couldn't do much except hold onto him.