The Lycan King's Outcast Omega (by Cara Anderson) novel Chapter 220

**TITLE: Never Love 220**

**Chapter 220**

Before I can even begin to formulate a response, Elder Thalia steps in, her voice cutting through the tension like a knife. “The bond cannot be rejected without grave consequences to both parties,” she declares, her tone unwavering and authoritative. “And Lyra has a role to play beyond our community now. The prophecy involves her as much as the Lycan heir.”

Kieran’s features harden, his jaw tightening as if he is bracing himself against an invisible storm. “Of course. The prophecy. Always the prophecy, shaping our lives, dictating our choices,” he retorts bitterly. His gaze locks onto mine for a fleeting moment, filled with a storm of emotions that I can’t quite decipher. “I’ll help coordinate the evacuation. Do what you must.”

As he strides away, I sink down beside the flickering fire, its warmth a stark contrast to the chill settling in my heart. The weight of impossible choices presses down on me, heavy and suffocating. “He hates me now,” I murmur to myself, the words tasting bitter on my tongue.

“He’s hurt,” Thalia interjects gently, her voice softening as she attempts to soothe my turmoil. “He’s loved you since childhood, nurtured dreams of a future that can never be. In time, he’ll find acceptance.”

“And if he doesn’t?” I ask, my mind racing with thoughts of Kieran’s stubborn nature, his fierce loyalty that, once betrayed, is not easily mended. The idea of him remaining trapped in his pain sends a shiver down my spine.

“Then that is his burden to bear, not yours,” she replies, reaching for my hand. Her grip is firm as she presses the amulet into my palm, its cool surface grounding me in this moment. “Your path lies elsewhere now, Lyra. With the Lycan heir, with the true fulfillment of the prophecy.”

“I promised to meet Alexander tomorrow night,” I say, my fingers curling tightly around the amulet. “But if strangers are approaching our location—”

“You must go to him tonight,” Thalia interrupts, urgency lacing her words. “Now, while we evacuate. The information you carry is far too vital to delay.”

“Leave while our people are in danger?” The mere suggestion feels like a betrayal, a sharp knife cutting through everything I’ve been raised to value.

“The greatest danger does not stem from these pursuers but from the plans of the Northern delegation,” Thalia insists, her eyes piercing into mine with a fervor that is hard to ignore. “If they succeed in binding the prince to their princess through ritual, the consequences will ripple far beyond our single community.”

I embrace her briefly, this woman who has been my mentor, guardian, and guiding star throughout my life. “Keep them safe,” I whisper, my voice thick with emotion. “I’ll return as soon as I can.”

“Go where the bond leads you,” she replies cryptically, her eyes glinting with a wisdom that feels both comforting and unsettling. “Trust in fate’s design.”

I slip through the narrow passage, emerging onto the cliff face that overlooks our temporary settlement. From this vantage point, I can see the controlled chaos below as my people prepare to flee once more. Children are being gathered, elders supported, supplies distributed with a sense of urgency that makes my heart ache. I long to join them, to share in their burden, to fight alongside them.

But then, movement on the eastern horizon catches my eye—torches flickering in the distance, marking the approach of the strangers Kieran warned about. They’re closer than I anticipated, their pace relentless and determined. While most of our people head south, I must go west toward the palace, toward Alexander.

With one last look at the only home I’ve ever known, I turn away, following the pull of the silver thread that binds me to my true mate. The warning horns echo through the valley, a haunting melody that signals our worst fears have come to fruition. Strangers have found our hidden sanctuary after generations of safety. I clutch the ancient amulet tightly, torn between the desperate need to flee and warn Alexander and the instinct to stay and protect my people.

But fate has other plans as familiar royal guards burst through the trees, led by Selene herself. Her face is a mask of cold determination as she points directly at me, and in that moment, I know my choices have been irrevocably altered.