Nadia’s POV:

For a second, I thought I had misheard her.

The words rang in my ears, sharp and final. I turned around, raising an eyebrow.

Lyra stood at the entrance like she hadn’t been beaten to a pulp just hours ago. She was injured, but her wolf had healed her enough to walk without flinching.

I ignored her bruises, locking onto her eyes. Yesterday, her pride was completely shattered. Now, she looked totally composed. Like she held the winning hand.

Her chin tilted up, and her shoulders squared. Her hair was pulled back tightly, framing her face like a crown.

She didn't look desperate. She stared at me with...