Chapter 3
I stood before my wardrobe, fingers tracing the few garments I owned. Tonight felt different. Three days had passed since I'd discovered Thomas's betrayal, and something inside me had shifted. Lyra's presence grew stronger with each passing hour, her growls no longer distant whispers but clear demands.
"Wear the blue one," she urged, her voice resonating through my mind with newfound clarity.
The blue dress had been a gift from Thomas two years ago—one of the rare presents he'd given me. It was simple but elegant, with a sweetheart neckline and flowing fabric that fell just below my knees. I'd saved it for special occasions, though those rarely came.
I slipped it on, surprised by how it still complemented my figure despite years of hard work that had worn down my body. My reflection showed a woman I barely recognized—someone with a spark in her eyes and a straightened spine.
"Beautiful," Lyra whispered. "This is who we really are."
The bedroom door swung open without warning. Karen stood there, her eyes widening at the sight of me.
"What are you wearing?" she demanded, her gaze sweeping over my dress with naked disapproval.
"Good evening, Karen," I replied, my voice calmer than it had been in years. "Did you need something?"
Her nostrils flared. "Why are you dressed like that? Where did you even get that? We can barely afford groceries, and you're wasting money on clothes?"
I smoothed the fabric of my dress. "This isn't new. Thomas gave it to me years ago."
"Well, it's inappropriate for everyday wear," she snapped. "You should be preparing dinner, not playing dress-up."
In the past, I would have apologized, changed clothes, and rushed to the kitchen. Tonight, I simply met her gaze and said, "Dinner will be ready at seven, as usual."
Karen's face flushed with anger at my calm defiance. She stormed off, muttering about ingratitude and disrespect.
I moved to the kitchen, aware of Lyra's satisfied purr within me. Each step felt different—lighter, more purposeful. I prepared a simple meal, my mind cataloging the evidence I'd gathered, planning my next move.
The sound of Karen's heavy footsteps interrupted my thoughts. She marched into the kitchen, Jason trailing behind her with a sullen expression.
"Ellie," she announced, her voice sharp with entitlement, "Jason needs the new training collar. The Alpha-Tech 5000."
I continued chopping vegetables. "What's wrong with his current one?"
"It's outdated," Jason interjected, his tone whiny. "Everyone at training has the new model. It helps develop stronger wolf reflexes."
I set down my knife, turning to face them. "How much?"
Karen lifted her chin. "Five hundred dollars."
The amount hung in the air between us. Nearly two weeks of our entire allowance for a training collar that Jason would likely abandon within days, just like the expensive running shoes and specialized wolf-strength equipment that gathered dust in his room.
"No," I said simply.
The kitchen fell silent. Karen's mouth opened and closed like a fish gasping for water.
"What did you say?" she finally managed, her voice rising to a shriek.
"I said no," I repeated, my voice steady. "We don't have five hundred dollars for a training collar."
Karen's face contorted with rage. "How dare you? After everything we've done for you! Thomas trusted me to raise his Beta's son properly, and you're interfering with Jason's development!"
"Jason's current collar works perfectly fine," I replied. "If he wants to develop stronger wolf reflexes, he should actually use the equipment he already has."
"That's it!" Karen snarled, her eyes flashing. "I'm mind-linking Thomas right now. We'll see what he has to say about your sudden attitude problem."
She closed her eyes, her face taking on the distant expression of someone establishing a mind-link. I felt a surge of adrenaline, but Lyra remained calm, almost eager.
"Go ahead," I said, surprising even myself with the challenge in my voice. "I have something to tell him too."
Karen's eyes snapped open, confusion replacing anger for a brief moment. She hadn't expected this response.
Inside me, Lyra growled—a low, powerful sound that seemed to vibrate through my entire body. For the first time in ten years, I felt the full strength of my wolf, and I welcomed it.
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