Lyra sat beside Avril in the castle gardens, surrounded by blooming wildflowers that painted the landscape in vibrant hues. Avril's fingers worked through her hair, weaving small white blossoms into the red strands, making a crown on her head. Nearby, warriors trained in the yard, their muscled bodies glistening with sweat as they swung swords and wrestled in the morning sun.
"Hold still," Avril chided softly as Lyra shifted to watch the men. "I cannot make it look nice if you keep moving."
Lyra winced as she repositioned herself on the stone bench. Her body still ached from Alpha Knox's assault the previous night. Every movement reminded her of his brutal claiming, yet her traitorous heat still smoldered beneath her skin, making her crave more despite the pain. She was thankful that her heat had lessened somewhat compared to yesterday.
