Lyra’s POV

I couldn’t sleep throughout the night.

How could I? Every time I closed my eyes, I saw them. Heard Isla’s cruel laugh, felt Rylan’s words cutting into me like claws.

You’re nothing.

I curled up on the floor of the guest room, my body shaking with sobs until there were no tears left, just emptiness. Just pain so deep it felt like drowning.

The bond in my chest ached, a constant throbbing reminder of my mate’s hatred.

When dawn came, I dragged myself up. My reflection in the mirror looked like a stranger, with red eyes and hollow cheeks. My hair tangled from pulling it all night.

I wanted to give up, give up everything but I was still the Luna. Still Evan’s mother.

I had to pull myself together. The maid would come soon to help me dress for the morning pack meeting. I’d sit beside Rylan like always, smile like always, and pretend like always.

I waited for the maid to come, ten minutes, twenty minutes, thirty minutes. But I saw no one.

I let out a deep sigh and began to dress up. They wanted to see me break, but I won’t give them that satisfaction.

I pulled on a simple but elegant silk dress, one that made my hourglass figure more prounounced. I left my hair in it’s natural wavy curl and applied a light makeup, making my blue eyes pop.

I made my way downstairs and halfway there, I felt something off. Voices drifted from the dining room, too many.

I stepped inside and froze at the scene in front of me.

Rylan sat at the head of the table. Isla sat in my chair—the Luna’s chair, wearing one of my dresses.

And between them, in his high chair, was Evan.

My son, my baby boy.

Isla was feeding him breakfast, cutting up a pancake into small pieces, smiling as she brought the first to his mouth. Evan kicked his leg happily.

I snapped out of my daze immediately and straightened my spine.

I stepped forward. “Move away from him, Isla.”

Isla glanced up and raised her eyebrow. “Oh. You’re awake.”

“I said,” I took another step forward, my hands clenched into fists. “Get away from him,” my voice was calm, but sharp.

“Lyra.” Isla’s voice dripped with false sweetness. “Don’t make such a big deal out of breakfast. I’m just helping him.”

“He doesn’t need your help. He has a mother.”

“Does he?” Isla tilted her head, studying me like I was something pitiful. “A real mother would’ve noticed her son needed her. Instead, you’ve been so busy playing Luna, trying desperately to make your husband love you, that you barely know him anymore.”

She was baiting me.

I chuckled. “Bold words for someone wearing stolen clothes.”

The flicker of irritation in her face was worth everything.

“Evan, baby, look at me.” I took another step forward. “Come here. Come to Mama.”

Evan looked at me and for a moment, hope flared in my chest.

But then his little face scrunched up in confusion. He turned back to Isla.

“Mummy!” He pointed at something on the table, his voice bright with excitement. “That one!”

My world stopped that instant.

He wasn’t pointing at me. He was showing Isla. Calling Isla…..

“Good choice, sweetheart.” Isla picked up a strawberry, bringing it to his lips. “You’re such a smart boy.”

“What have you done?” My voice came out in a whisper. “What did you do to him?”

Evan was mine. My son. I’d carried him, birthed him, stayed up countless nights when he was sick. I’d been there for every first, first word, first step, first laugh.

How could he call her…

Isla smiled, stroking Evan’s hair with the same gentle touch I used to use. “I didn’t do anything, Lyra. Children know who really cares for them. Who’s really there for them?”

“I care! I’m his mother! I love him more than anything!”

“Are you?” She fed Evan another bite, wiping his mouth with a napkin. “Or are you just the woman who gave birth to him? There’s a difference, you know.”

“I raised him! Every day, every night….”

“Every night you were too tired. Too stressed. Too focused on winning Rylan’s affection.” Isla’s voice was soft, pitying. “I’ve been here, Lyra. Watching. And when you were too busy, I was there. Playing with him. Reading to him.”

“You were my friend,” I said slowly.“I trusted you….”

“You were naive.” Isla’s eyes glittered with triumph. “You handed me everything. Your husband. Your son. Your position. All because you were too weak to hold onto them.”

I couldn’t breathe. My chest was too tight. My heart was breaking into pieces I’d never find again.

I shook my head. “You had to ruin my marriage to prove what exactly?”

“Isla.” Rylan’s voice cut through my agony like a blade, he looked so unbothered with everything Isla was saying.

I watched as he pushed back his chair, standing. Tall and powerful and cold. Everything an Alpha should be.

“Take Evan to the playroom after breakfast. Make sure he has everything he needs.”

“Of course, darling.” Isla beamed at him. “I’ll make sure he’s entertained.”

“Good. I have meetings until this evening. I’ll be back tonight around eight. We’ll go out for dinner.”

“Perfect.” Isla’s smile was radiant. “I’ll get us a reservation.”

Rylan walked around the table. My heart lurched, maybe he was coming to me. Maybe……

He stopped beside Isla’s chair, leaned down, and pressed a kiss to her forehead.

“Take care of our son while I’m gone.”

I looked at my son, memorizing the small details of his face, tucking them into the safest part of my heart.

“You’re planning something,” I said quietly, still not looking away from Evan. “Taking my son. Replacing me.”

“Replacing?” Isla snorted. “Lyra, you replaced yourself the moment you became desperate for Rylan’s affection.”

My gaze snapped to hers.

“Affection?” I said. “Is that what you think last night was? You’re amusing. Desperate, but amusing.”

Her cheeks flushed.

Rylan finally looked at me. His eyes were empty. Not even hatred. Just nothing.“You’re nothing, Lyra. This arrangement is over.”

I finally looked at him.

“You talk too much for a man who’s terrified of losing control.”

He clenched his jaw tightly and I stepped closer.

“Five years,” I said. “I stayed. I worked. I led your pack when you were too busy with the wrong things. And now you want to throw me out?” I leaned in slightly. “Then do it properly, Rylan. Don’t hide behind a woman who wears my clothes.”

“Evan deserves a real mother.” Rylan’s lip curled with disgust. “Someone who can give him the love and attention he needs. Someone strong. Not someone too pathetic to even keep her husband satisfied.”

I threw my head back and laughed. “You’re pathetic. Both of you.”

His jaw clenched so hard I almost heard it crack.

“You have no authority here,” he snapped.

“Not anymore,” I corrected. “But I had enough to keep this pack from collapsing while you were busy hating me.”

His hand shot out, grabbing my arm.

“Let go of me,” I looked him straight in the eyes as I spoke.

That seemed to irk him as his hand shot out, connecting with my shoulder. The shove was brutal. I flew backward, my feet leaving the ground. My back hit the wall with a sickening crack. My head snapped against the plaster. Stars burst across my vision.

I slid down the wall, for a second guilt flashed across his face but he masked it with a cold demeanor again.

“Don’t touch me,” Rylan said coldly. “Don’t speak to me unless I address you first. And stay away from Evan. He doesn’t need your weakness infecting him.”

I pressed my hand against the wall, trying to ground myself. “You can’t take my son away from me!”

“He was your son.” Rylan adjusted his cufflinks as he walked out with Isla.

“You’ll regret this!” I yelled after them. “I promise you,” I said slowly, this time my eyes connecting with Isla’s who had now turned to face me.