As I raced back towards my father's territory, my heart still thudding in my chest, I couldn't help but wonder what kind of mess I had gotten myself into. Meeting my destined mate was supposed to be a joyful occasion, but this felt like a nightmare.
Just as I stepped back into my father's territory, breathing heavily, I ran smack into him. His expression was a mixture of anger and concern, and he gripped my arms tightly. "Lyra," he said my name, his voice dangerously low, and I whimpered. "Make sure it's safe!" he told his men, and they shifted before crossing the border while some of them stayed guarding the border.
My father's grip on my arms was unyielding as he practically dragged me back toward our building. His anger radiated off him in waves, and I knew I was in deep trouble. I had crossed our borders, a reckless move that could have had dire consequences, and I had no good explanation for my actions besides wanting that feeling of freedom. Obviously, my father wouldn't understand that, even if I tried explaining it to him a thousand times.
Once inside, my father released his hold on me, but his face remained stern. "Lyra, do you have any idea how dangerous it is beyond our borders? You could have been attacked, or worse. What were you thinking?" I stammered, unable to meet his furious gaze. "I... I didn't think, Father. I'm sorry."
He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "You are to stay within these walls, Lyra. And I will have more guards stationed outside your door, even if you go to use the bathroom, they will be stationed outside the door..."
I widened my eyes in horror. I already had four men following me around, what did he mean 'more' guards? "But dad, you can't possibly have more of them following me around, that's ridicul..." Before I could finish my statement, he growled loudly.
"Next time you will think carefully before you act. Actions have consequences, Lyra, and these are the consequences of your own actions," he said before walking away.
I nodded, knowing I probably deserved the punishment. But I couldn't let my father know the real reason for my reckless escapade: the encounter with Lucien, the rogue Alpha who claimed to be my mate. The thought of my father's reaction to that news terrified me. He would lose his shit.
After my father left to organize more security around the borders, my mother, Selene, entered the room with a stern expression. Not this again, I thought to myself. She didn't bother to hide her disappointment. "Lyra, what were you thinking? You haven't even shifted yet, and you're out there, risking your life!"
Why didn't any one of them understand me? I was so frustrated at this point. Tears welled up in my eyes as I tried to explain, "I just needed some freedom, Mom. I didn't choose this life, this responsibility. I want a simple life, even if it means never getting my wolf. It would make everyone so much happier, especially since no one wants a female heir to the throne."
Selene's expression softened, and she pulled me into a hug. "I know this is difficult, Lyra. But you are strong, and you will make an excellent queen someday. You cannot go out there, it's not safe, my baby."
I couldn't hold back my my tears any longer. "But Mom, I'm not ready for all this. I just want to be a little bit normal, to find my wolf without the weight of the crown on my shoulders."
Selene held me close, soothing me with her comforting words. "I understand, sweetheart. We'll get through this together."
I appreciated her support, but my frustration and confusion still gnawed at me. I pulled away from her embrace and stormed out of the meeting hall, retreating to my room. I was a jumble of emotions—sadness, anger, and most of all, confusion. I did want my wolf, but I wanted it without the overwhelming burden of being a queen. It was a life I hadn't chosen, and it felt like it was closing in on me, leaving me with more questions than answers.