The Lycan King's Outcast Omega (by Cara Anderson) novel Chapter 217

Chapter 217

Lyra

I follow the hidden paths back to our secondary encampment, my mind still reeling from the encounter with Alexander. Every step increases the distance between us, and with it comes a physical ache I’ve only heard described in tales of true mates separated. The silver bond stretches taut between us, a constant reminder of what fate has decreed and duty denies.

The dream flowers in my basket seem to pulse with their own soft luminescence in the fading light, their scent more potent than usual or perhaps my senses are simply heightened by the awakening of the mate bond. Either way, their presence is a tangible reminder of my responsibilities to my people, responsibilities that now seem at odds with the pull of my heart.

Our emergency settlement is well–concealed, nestled against a cliff face with natural caves providing shelter. Unlike our permanent enclave, this location is sparse, functional, designed for temporary safety rather than comfort. As I approach, I sense rather than see the watchers–our best scouts positioned to alert the community to any threat.

“Lyra,” a familiar voice calls softly from the shadows of a twisted oak. Kieran steps into view, bow slung across his back. “You’ve been gone longer than expected.”

His

green eyes search my face, and I know immediately that something in my expression betrays me. Kieran has known me since childhood; he can read my moods better than anyone except perhaps Elder Thalia.

“I found a patch of dream flowers,” I explain, holding up my basket as evidence. “It took time to harvest enough.

11

It’s not a lie, just an omission of the life–altering encounter that happened in that clearing. Guilt twists in my stomach. Kieran deserves better than half–truths, but this secret isn’t only mine to share.

“The elders were concerned,” he says, falling into step beside me as we walk toward the caves. “There’ve been more sightings of strangers in the area.”

“Any direct contact?”

He shakes his head. “Not since the attack on our primary settlement. But scouts report increased activity to the north.” His expression darkens. “They’re searching for something–or someone.”

The memory of what Alexander told me about strangers asking questions about healing bloodlines sends a chill down my spine. These aren’t just random encounters or curious outsiders. Something bigger is happening, something that involves both Alexander’s court and our hidden communities.

“Elder Thalia wants to see you immediately,” Kieran adds as we enter the main cave. “She’s been… agitated since you left.”

“Agitated how?” I ask, knowing the old woman’s moods often reflect her premonitions.

“Burning sage bundles, consulting the old texts, muttering about silver threads and divided heirs.” He glances at me sideways. “Does that mean anything to you?”

My step falters. Silver threads–the exact metaphor for true mate bonds. Divided heirs–precisely what Alexander mentioned from the prophecy text the Northern delegation brought. How could Thalia know unless…

1/2

“I should go to her,” I say, quickening my pace.

Kieran catches my arm, his touch warming slightly with the healing energy that always leaks when his emotions run strong. “Lyra, what aren’t you telling me? You’re different somehow.”

I meet his concerned gaze, torn between loyalty to my oldest friend and the overwhelming newness of the mate bond. “I need to speak with Elder Thalia first,” I say gently. “Then I promise, we’ll talk.”

He releases me reluctantly, hurt flashing briefly across his features before he masters it. “Of course. Go.”

The guilt intensifies as I hurry through the settlement toward the smaller cave where Elder Thalia has established her quarters. Kieran has always been there for me, his feelings for me obvious to everyone in the community though he’s never explicitly declared them. We’ve been expected to pair eventually–the two strongest healers of our generation, our bloodlines preserved through union. Now, with a single fateful meeting, those expectations have been shattered.

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