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."

flinched as the cloth touched her face but didn't pull away. "Why are you doing this, Clarissa?

continued dabbing at the blood on her temple, not meeting

to Nathan. You told him that I was conversing with your mother

and you cannot relate, Lyla. You have men always swirling around you, and for what

"And what was that?"

spilling out before I could stop them. "Strong. Special. The daughter

that what you thought? That our father wanted me? Did you see those walls in his study? That

mother," I said softly. "All I saw was how he looked at you, even when he was pushing you away. There was

grateful," Lyla whispered. "His attention

injuries. There was so much unsaid between us, years of rivalry and misunderstanding.

said finally. "May I

hands shook as she unfolded it, and

here," she murmured. "Everything your mom told me... and

say?" I couldn't help

in her eyes. "It's a warning about Nathan. About what he is and what he's capable of.

frowned. "Your wolf? But

was not just trying to stop my pheromones but also to help me get my wolf. The truth is, I had

had a wolf?" My eyes

eyes filled up with tears instantly. "I killed it. I separated her away from me because that's the only way I can use my Moonsinging abilities. Her

how you feel. Is there a way you can

but I need to connect with nature to help

want me to help you?" I asked, already

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

up, wincing. I placed a hand on her shoulder, gently pressing her

need to heal," I insisted. "You can't fight anyone