The Lycan King's Outcast Omega
Lyra takes position between us, ready to retreat toward whichever direction proves safest.
Three riders appear around the bend in the road, slowing when they spot us. My breath catches as I recognize the lead figure—Tessa, a healer from a northern settlement who'd taken refuge with our community briefly after her own was raided. The same woman I'd sought comfort with during those painful days after Lyra left with Alexander.
"Kieran?" she calls, genuine pleasure lighting her face as she recognizes me. "Goddess, it is you!"
Alexander relaxes slightly at her familiar greeting, though wariness remains in his posture. Lyra looks confused, clearly trying to place someone she might have met briefly