24

Lyra's POV

My stomach knotted in anxiety; every instinct screamed to run as I locked my knees on a spot. I forced my body to leave, but I couldn't.

I flickered my eyes, hoping I could figure out an excuse, but none came. "I... I'm leav-"

"Soldier, face me." The guard demanded in a tone that made my blood run cold. My lips quivered as he strided towards me. "And why do you smell like His Majesty?"

I felt the air rush out of my lungs, and for a moment, I couldn’t breathe. He could smell the Wolf King's scent on me. I had been exposed.

All I could...