The Alpha’s Fated Outcast: Rise Of The Moonsinger

Chapter 284 284: The unexpected ally II

Clarissa

The cottage finally came into view—a small stone structure almost entirely covered in ivy. It looked untouched, forgotten by time itself—perfect for our needs.

I shouldered open the door, wincing at the loud creak of the hinges. Inside, it was dark and dusty but dry and seemingly secure. I laid Lyla on the small bed in the corner, disturbing a cloud of dust in the process.

"Sorry about the accommodations," I said, attempting a lightness I didn't feel. "I don't know why I have this inclination not to take you back to the pack house. Am I wrong?" I asked over my shoulders.

Lyla didn't respond. She had slipped back into unconsciousness, her breathing shallow but steady.

I moved around the cottage quickly, finding candles and matches in an old drawer. As light filled the small space, I took stock of our situation. The cottage was basic but had what we needed—a roof, walls, a bed for Lyla, and enough distance from the pack house to give us time to think.

Wait a minute. Why was I saying 'our'?

This doesn't concern me. I should just let her stay at the cottage and go back to the comfort of my room, but then again, I couldn't bring myself to leave.

I pulled out the letter from my pocket and stared at it. Whatever secrets it contained had cost Lyla dearly. Part of me wanted to read it immediately, but something held me back. This was Lyla's legacy, our father's words to her. It felt wrong to intrude.

Instead, I turned my attention to Lyla's injuries. They were extensive—bruises covered most of her visible skin, and dried blood caked her face and arms. She didn't have a wolf, so healing would be impossible.

Sighing, I found a relatively clean cloth and a container for water, then slipped outside to fill it from a nearby stream.

When I returned, Lyla was awake again, watching me with wary eyes.

"You're still here," she observed, her voice raspy.

"Where else would I be?" I replied, kneeling beside the bed. "Hold still. I'm going to clean you up a bit."

touched her face but didn't

temple, not meeting her eyes. "I told

children. You reported me to Nathan. You told him that

skin. "To win his affection. Since you came back, I've been uneasy, and you cannot relate, Lyla. You have men always swirling around you, and for what it's worth,

"And what was that?"

I could stop them. "Strong. Special. The

her, causing her to wince in pain. "Is that what you thought? That our father wanted me? Did you see those walls in his study? That wasn't love, Clarissa. That was obsession. I was an

her wounds, and I am gentler now. "I don't think so. I feel he had no way to express his love for you and your mother," I said softly. "All I saw was how he looked at you, even when he was pushing you away. There was pride there and fear. He never

Lyla whispered. "His attention came with

continued tending to her injuries. There was so much unsaid between us, years of

Lyla said finally.

to her. Her hands shook

she murmured. "Everything your mom told

say?" I couldn't

trust flickering in her eyes. "It's a warning about Nathan. About what he

frowned. "Your wolf? But

trying to stop my pheromones but also to help me

wolf?" My eyes widened.

up with tears instantly. "I killed it. I separated her away from me because that's the only way I can use

I can imagine how you feel. Is there a

but I

eyes widened. "Do you want me to help you?" I asked, already reaching

now." Her expression hardened, replacing the vulnerability of moments before. "We need to find a way to get to Ramsey and gather allies from Alphas who haven't sworn the blood oath to Nathan. We need to prepare ourselves for whatever Nathan – or Xander

I placed a hand on her shoulder,

heal," I insisted. "You can't