Lysera’s POV
I walked back into the manor and looked at my hidden crystal. Two messages were waiting.
The first was from Kaizen.
“The records are complete, Luna. Gold transfers, healing reports, the messages between Alpha Nightreaver and the carriage handler. I have everything. It is enough to destroy them.”
I let out a slow breath. The weapon was ready.
The second message was from Alistair.
“The bond severance is filed. The path is secured. And about your other offer… I accept. The officiant is waiting at ten in the morning. Don’t be late.”
The next morning, the sun shone brightly, as if mocking my world.
I went to the kitchen. Ronan was there, drinking his coffee, reading reports on a glowing tablet. He looked up when I entered, and his face changed at once. The cold look vanished, replaced by deep concern.
“Lysera,” he said, standing and pulling out a chair. “Did you rest well?”
“I didn’t,” I answered.
He sighed and sat across from me, reaching for my wrapped hands. I let him hold them. I let the man who planned my death touch me.
“I am sorry, Lysera,” he said, his voice heavy. “About last night. About the dinner. I was not thinking clearly. I said things I should not have said.”
“You called me poison,” I said quietly.
“I was angry,” he insisted, tightening his hold. “But I thought about it all night. We cannot continue like this. The pressure, the rumors, the fights… it is breaking us. I want to fix this. I want to be the mate you deserve.”
I looked at him. “How?”
“I arranged a trip,” he said, his eyes bright with lies. “A retreat in the northern mountains. Very private and quiet. Just for you. So you can rest, recover, and escape everything. And I arranged for Calder to go with you. He needs to leave the chaos too. It will help both of you. A fresh start. I will join you after a few days for our anniversary.”
A fresh start in death, I thought.
“The northern valley?” I asked, pretending to hesitate.
“The sky carriage is ready,” he said. “The carriage will take you to the port at noon. Please, Lysera. Do this for us. Do this for your brother.”
He was too eager. He needed us in that carriage. That was where the accident would happen.
I forced a small smile. “Alright, Ronan. You’re right. We need this. I will go.”
Relief crossed his face. “Thank you. You will not regret it.”
At eleven forty-five, a black carriage stopped outside.
I watched from the window as the driver loaded my bags. I knew that driver. I knew he worked for Ronan. I knew the carriage had been prepared for my death.
“Goodbye, Ronan,” I said.
He kissed my cheek. “Travel safely. Send word when you arrive.”
“I will,” I replied.
I stepped outside and entered the carriage.
As we passed through the gates, I waited two minutes. Then I leaned forward.
“Stop the carriage,” I said.
The driver glanced at me in the mirror. “Luna, we must keep to the sched—”
“I said stop,” I cut in, my voice cold. “Or I will open this door and jump. Then you can explain why your Alpha’s mate died before the accident was meant to happen.”
The driver froze. Then he pulled the reins hard.
“Leave,” I said. “Drop the keys and go. My steward will reward you better. Leave now while I am still calm. I will drive.”
He hesitated, then quickly stepped out and left.
I moved to the front and took control.
I didn’t head toward the sky port. I didn’t drive toward any cliff.
I went to the council office.
Alistair was waiting outside. He stood tall in dark clothing, his face unreadable. We entered together.
There was nothing grand. No ceremony, no music, no guests. Only a bored official and a paid witness.
“Do you, Alistair Rydell, take Lysera Wyndclaw as your lawful mate?”
“I do.”
“Do you, Lysera Wyndclaw, take Alistair Rydell as your lawful mate?”
“I do.”
“Then you are now bound as mates.”
As Alistair signed the record, sealing our bond, I took out my crystal. It was one in the afternoon.
“It is time,” I said.
He nodded. “Do it.”
I opened the message group I created. It included every major news guild, every rumor network, every powerful voice in the kingdom.
I attached everything Kaizen had gathered.
The scan of Thara’s unborn pup from three moons ago.
The messages between Ronan and the illusion makers.
The recording of Thorian attacking me.
The gold transfers from Ronan to the assassin.
Subject: The Truth of Alpha Ronan Nightreaver.
I sent it.
Ten minutes later, my crystal rang.
Ronan.
I answered and placed it on speaker so Alistair could hear.
“Lysera?” Ronan’s voice was tight. “Where are you? I’ve got the news that you have not arrived. You should have been there already.”
He was checking if I was dead.
“Oh, I am sorry,” I said lightly. “I had something to take care of.”
“To take care of?” His voice rose. “Lysera, are you in the carriage? Are you heading to the port? Why is the driver not answering? Where is your brother?”
“Yes,” I said calmly, looking at the simple gold ring on my finger. “I am on my way. But I made a stop first.”
“A stop? For what?”
“To leave you a gift,” I said. “For our anniversary. I know it is early, but I could not wait.”
“What are you saying?” Panic filled his voice. “Lysera, go to the port now. I will meet you there—”
“I left it with the news guilds,” I said, my voice turning cold. “And I sent copies to the council and the high judges.”
“What?” he whispered.
“You will enjoy it. Just wait and see. Happy mating anniversary, Ronan.”
I ended the call and threw the crystal aside.
