The Lycan King's Outcast Omega (by Cara Anderson) novel Chapter 274

Chapter 274

Lyra

The familiar scents of wild herbs and wood smoke welcome me as we crest the final ridge overlooking our community’s temporary settlement. After the palace’s overwhelming grandeur, the simple cluster of hide tents and wooden shelters feels like drawing a deep breath after being underwater too long. My shoulders relax instinctively, the tight knot of tension court life created beginning to loosen.

“You look happier already,” Kieran observes, pulling his horse alongside mine. His green eyes study me with the perception that comes from years of friendship. “The palace weighs on you.”

“It’s… different,” I acknowledge, remaining deliberately neutral despite the relief coursing through me. Complex in ways I never imagined.”

“And the prince?” he asks carefully. “Is he worth the complexity?”

#f

The question carries layers beneath its simplicity. Through our temporarily stabilized bond, I feel Alexander’s presence like a silver thread stretched thin but unbroken between us. Even discussing him with Kieran feels strangely intimate, as if Alexander might somehow sense it across the distance.

“It’s not that simple,” I reply, nudging my horse forward down the slope. “The bond exists regardless of worth or choice.”

Kieran follows, his silence more eloquent than words. When we reach the settlement’s edge, excited calls announce our arrival. Children run to greet us, followed by elders and fellow healers emerging from their shelters with relieved expressions. In the chaos of the community’s evacuation, many feared we might never

return.

وٹ

Elder Mara, who assumed leadership after Thalia remained behind during our embraces me tightly. ” You’ve returned to us,” she says, relief evident in her weathered features. “When you left with the prince, some feared the royal world would claim you entirely.”

“I promised two days,” I remind her, dismounting. “I keep my promises.

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Her knowing eyes assess me carefully. “And after these two days? Where will your path lead then?” The question echoes Kieran’s earlier inquiry, though from a different perspective. Before I can formulate a response, urgent needs demand attention–a child with persistent fever, an elder with joint pain worsened by the hasty relocation, a pregnant woman anxious about bringing new life into such uncertain circumstances.

I fall into familiar rhythms of healing work, my hands easily remembering their purpose. Here, my value comes not from connection to royalty but from abilities honed through years of practice. People seek me for skills I’ve developed, knowledge I’ve earned, compassion I’ve cultivated–not for what prophecy or fate has decreed about my future. There’s something comforting in that.

As evening approaches, the community gathers around the central fire for a shared meal and discussion of our situation. I describe the palace’s offer of protection, careful to present information without pressuring decisions one way or another.

“Royal protection has been promised before,” one elder notes skeptically. “Yet history teaches caution regarding such assurances.”

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Chapter 274

“The current king and queen are different,” I counter, surprised by my own defense of royal intentions. “Opeen Sage comes from a healing bloodline herself. She understands our concerns.”

“And the prince?” another questions. “Does he truly accept his healing abilities as equal to his Alpha strength? Or merely tolerate them because prophecy demands it?”

The question unsettles me with its perceptiveness. Alexander’s acceptance seems genuine, yet court facto clearly resist integration. Before I can respond, Kieran speaks up unexpectedly.

“Prince Alexander risked everything to protect Lyra,” he states, surprising me with his defense. “Whatever else may be said of him, his commitment to her safety–and by extension, to healing bloodlines–appears sincere.” His support means more coming from someone who has every reason to resent Alexander. The community notices this too, murmurs of consideration spreading through the gathered members. Discussion continues late into night, opinions divided between seeking palace protection and maintaining years of independence. Later, as activity quiets, I find myself alone by the dying embers of the fire. The settlement sleeps around me, yet rest eludes me. The bond with Alexander pulses with an uncomfortable awareness of the distance between us, not painful but persistently noticeable, like clothing that doesn’t quite fit.

“You should sleep,” Kieran’s voice comes softly as he approaches, carrying two mugs of steaming tea.” Tomorrow brings much work.”

He sits beside me, offering one mug which I accept gratefully. The herbal scent brings memories of countless nights like this–sharing quiet moments after long days of healing work, the comfortable silence between friends who understand each other without words.

“The bond troubles you,” he observes after we sit quietly for several r fact, his healer’s perception noting what others might miss.

a question but a statement of

“It stretches uncomfortably with distance,” I admit. “Not painful exactly, but… present. Constantly.”

He nods, studying the fire rather than meeting my eyes. “And him? Does he feel the same discomfort?”

“I imagine so. Possibly more intensely given his dual nature.” I trace the rim of my mug absently. “The separation may affect his control over his lycan and abilities.”

“Yet he agreed to your coming here,” Kieran notes with a hint of surprise. “That shows… unexpected compassion.”

“He’s not what you imagine,” I reply softly. “Not simply an Alpha who wields his authority, demanding submission. He contains complexities even he doesn’t fully understand.”

Kieran turns to study my face, firelight casting his features in warm gold and deep shadow. “You defend him readily now.”

“I speak the truth as I perceive it,” I counter, meeting his gaze directly.

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