Lyra chewed her lip anxiously as the door to her room flew open.
Cassian strode in, his presence instantly commanding the space. His brooding gaze swept the room before landing on her—and Lyra's heart jumped. Instinctively, she clutched her bag to her chest, retreating a step.
She had no illusions about escape anymore. Penny had already told her how tightly guarded the estate was. There was no slipping through the cracks here. But what terrified her more was the man now standing in front of her—the very Alpha who had purchased her at the auction like she was nothing more than livestock.
She didn't know what he wanted from her. Didn't understand why he had bid for her at all—especially if he intended to ignore her afterward.
Her grip tightened around the notebook in her hands as she scribbled out a message in sharp, angry strokes.
She held it up:Let me go.
Cassian's brows furrowed as he read the words. Then his gaze lifted, calm and unreadable."Why?" he asked.
Lyra's fingers flew over the page again, her frustration nearly punching through the paper.
Because I don't want to stay here—with you.
Cassian let out a short, humorless laugh. The sound echoed in the room, startling her.
She froze. What was so funny?
"You're forgetting something," he said, voice laced with amusement. "I bought you. And what happens to things won at an auction?" He stepped closer. "They stay with their owner."
Lyra's eyes widened.Did he just—?
"Yes," he answered casually, the corner of his lips curling. "Perfectly clear."
Panic shot through her.
He can hear me. Not my voice. Not my words. But… my thoughts.
No one—not even those closest to her—had ever heard her. Not like this.
A cold shiver ran down her spine.
Still, she masked her terror with defiance. Reaching into her bag, she drew out her small sewing snippers—the only thing she had that resembled a weapon.
She raised them toward him, hands trembling.
"I won't let you touch me. Let me go!"
She stepped off the bed cautiously, circling around it, keeping the snippers raised. Her every move was tense, her eyes never leaving him.
But Cassian remained relaxed, even slightly amused—as if watching a kitten attempt to roar.
"You really think that'll stop me?" he asked, his voice low, almost teasing.
"Don't come any closer, or I'll stab you!" she warned, desperation lacing her silent scream.
Cassian tilted his head, eyes narrowing in that dangerous way predators study prey.
And then—he moved.
In one fluid motion, he was in front of her. His hand closed around her wrist with firm, effortless precision, disarming her with a twist. The snippers clattered to the ground.
"That was… adorable," he murmured, almost fondly.
Lyra yanked against his hold, struggling, but his grip remained steady. She was helpless against his strength—and it infuriated her.
"I won't hurt you, Lyra," he said, his voice softer now, but still firm. "But I suggest you stop testing me."
Then, to her surprise, he released her.
She stumbled back, rubbing her wrist, eyes burning with unshed tears. But she didn't cry. Not in front of him.
Grabbing her notebook again, she scribbled furiously and shoved it toward him.
Then what do you want from me?
Cassian ran a hand through his hair, as if trying to keep something buried.
For a long moment, he didn't speak.
Then his gaze hardened."I want you to stop thinking about leaving."
Lyra's heart skipped. She stared at him, uncertain she'd understood the implication.
He stepped closer, his voice dropping.
"Because that's never going to happen."
Her breath caught. But before she could write another word, he turned and walked out of the room.
The door closed behind him with a finality that made her knees buckle.
***
Cassian had barely reached the hallway when something in the air changed.
A scent—faint but unmistakable.
His expression darkened, his instincts flaring.
Without a word, he spun and moved like lightning.
His fist slammed into Rowan's jaw.
The Delta stumbled back, blood blooming from a split lip.
"You dare lay a hand on her?" Cassian snarled.
Rowan didn't even have time to regain balance before Cassian's foot connected with his ribs, sending him sprawling to the floor.
The fury in Cassian's eyes was pure, brutal. His wolf pressed just beneath his skin, barely contained.
Towering over the fallen Delta, Cassian raised his hand again—but froze when Rowan spoke.
"Already this protective?" Rowan coughed, his tone smug. "Starting to look like a real mate bond to me."
Cassian's fist trembled, jaw clenched so tight it ached.
Rowan wiped his mouth and grinned from the ground.
"You were supposed to meet with the northern delegates," he said, slowly rising. "But instead, you bid on a mute, wolfless girl who's more trouble than she's worth."
Cassian's eyes narrowed dangerously.
Rowan tilted his head, voice mocking. "Tell me something, Alpha. Are you ready to make her your mate?"
Silence.
Rowan's grin widened. "You always said emotions weaken us. That an Alpha should lead with his mind—not his heart. So… what changed?"
Cassian didn't answer.
Because deep down, he didn't have one.
Only a violent storm where certainty used to live.