The Lycan King's Outcast Omega (by Cara Anderson) novel Chapter 219

**TITLE: Never Love 219**
**CONTENT: Chapter 219**

Lyra

“Or perhaps another from your bloodline, though very few remain.” Thalia’s voice snaps me back to the present moment, her hands enveloping mine with a firm yet gentle grip. “The Northern delegation is in search of a Silverspiral healer for their ritual. Whatever their intentions are, it intertwines with the prophecy, the Lycan heir, and the disruption of the true mate bond that you now share.”

Confusion swirls within me, and I can’t help but ask, “But why would they do this? What do they stand to gain from it?”

“Power,” she replies, her tone devoid of any hesitation. “They seek to assert control over the balanced power that the prophecy promises. If they can manage to bind the heir to their bloodline instead of his true mate, they could twist the fulfillment of the prophecy to serve their own ambitions.”

My thoughts race, weaving together the disjointed snippets of conversations I’ve overheard in the past with this unsettling new revelation. “I remember hearing them discuss a binding ceremony, mentioning the need for a healer of pure bloodline in order for the ritual to succeed.”

“A vile distortion of ancient magic,” Thalia growls, her eyes narrowing with fury. “They intend to exploit your blood—your very essence—to fabricate a false bond between the prince and their princess, thereby overriding the genuine connection of true mates.”

A wave of horror crashes over me. “Is that even feasible?”

“Given enough power, with the right vessel, and at the precise celestial alignment…” She trails off, her gaze locking onto mine with an intensity that sends a shiver down my spine. “The full moon is on the horizon. In just three nights, it will reach its zenith. If they possess all the necessary components, they could attempt such a ritual then.”

The realization strikes me like a bolt of lightning, perfectly aligning with the conclusion of the Choosing Gala, the very event where Alexander is expected to announce his match. A chilling certainty settles in my gut. “I have to warn him.”

“You’ll need to do more than merely warn him,” Thalia asserts with unyielding resolve. “You must give him this.” She reaches deep into the folds of her robes and pulls out a small amulet—a silver disc engraved with the same spiral pattern as my birthmark, suspended delicately on a leather cord. “This belonged to your mother, and to her mother before her. It serves to protect true mates and fortify their bond against external interference.”

I accept the amulet with utmost reverence, feeling a gentle warmth emanating from the cool metal. “What else can I possibly do? He is so determined to fulfill his duty to the prophecy that he may reject our bond entirely.”

“Tell him he must seek the original words in the Cave of Whispers,” Thalia instructs, her voice steady and commanding. “Only there will he uncover the truth of his destiny, untainted by those who would manipulate him for their own ends.”

“And what if he refuses to listen?”

Panic surges through me. “How far away are they?”

“Less than an hour,” he replies grimly, his expression darkening. “They’re moving with purpose, heading straight for us. Someone must have betrayed our location.”

Thalia curses under her breath, already gathering her most essential items with swift efficiency. “Prepare the evacuation,” she commands Kieran. “Children and elders must be prioritized.”

He nods curtly, turning to leave, but I seize his arm, desperation flooding my voice. “Kieran, please. We need to talk about this—”

“There’s nothing left to discuss,” he states flatly, pulling away from my grasp. “You’ve made your choice, even if you don’t fully comprehend it yet.” His eyes, once warm and inviting when they met mine, have turned icy. “Your place is with your mate now, not with us. That’s how true mate bonds operate, isn’t it? They overshadow all other loyalties.”

His words pierce deeper than he realizes, leaving me reeling. “That’s not true. My people—our community—will always matter to me.”

“Prove it,” he challenges, his voice firm. “Help us evacuate, then choose to stay with us. Reject the bond with the prince.”