The Lunar Queen (Lyric and Mason) novel Chapter 65

Chapter 65

Cole POV

We have been here for two days, and once again, I have not left her side. I know Dom said Winter was doing poorly, but seeing her

brought me to tears. She is nothing but skin and bones, her hair thin and matted, her eyes sunken from neglect, and my Beta isn’t looking any better. The room itself feels heavier because of it-like grief has been sitting in here too long and settled into the walls.

Seeing Winter when I walked in two days ago broke my heart. I just held her and told her she would wake up soon. I didn’t know if I

believed it when I said it, but I needed her to. Today I’m sitting by her bed-Winter on the other side and Zeus is restless, pacing

anxiously. Not angry. Not pushing. Just…waiting, and that’s worse.

“What is going on with you?” I ask.

“I don’t know, I just feel like something is coming,” he says. His voice isn’t sharp-it’s low, focused, like he’s listening for something

I can’t hear yet.

“I can’t believe today is her birthday and she still hasn’t woken up yet,” Winter says softly. Her voice cracks at the end, like even

saying it out loud hurts.

“Maybe she will, the day just started,” I reply. I keep my tone steady, but my hand tightens slightly where it rests near Lyric’s, like

I’m bracing for something.

Dom walks in a few minutes later.

“Baby, let’s go get some food and coffee, then we can come back,” he gently tells her.

She just nods and stands, staring at her. Like if she looks away too long, something will happen.

As soon as they reach the door, Lyric gasps and shoots up in her bed.

“Lyric,” I say. My chest locks before I even finish her name.

She turns her head and looks at me-goddess, I missed those eyes. They aren’t dull anymore. They’re sharp. Awake. Different.

“Lyric,” Winter screams.

She runs and launches herself into her arms.

“Lyric, please don’t ever do this to me again. I’m so sorry I wasn’t there. I’m sorry I didn’t help you. I can’t do this without you,” she cries, and Lyric just rubs her back soothingly, letting her cry. Lyric doesn’t rush her, doesn’t interrupt-just holds her like she

already understands everything she’s feeling.

“I’m sorry, sister. I promise I will not leave you ever again,” she says, pulling her back and looking at her. Her voice is softer,

steadier than I remember. Controlled in a way it wasn’t before.

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Chapter 65

“Winnie, what did you do to yourself?” she asks, tears in her eyes.

“You are my soul. There will never be a me without you. I couldn’t function without you,” she cries.

“Oh, Winnie, I’m so sorry,” she says, then screams in pain.

“Dom, close and lock the door now… Winter, close the blinds. She is shifting, and we need to keep her wolf a secret as long as we can,” I say firmly so they understand the urgency. My voice comes out sharper than intended, instinct taking over before anything

else.

Dr. Grant Lyric is awake and shifting. Please clear everyone from her vicinity because she is a gifted wolf, and it needs to be kept quiet. Please inform the alpha and her parents,” I link the doctor. “Yes, your majesty,” she responds, closing the link.

“Princess, you are shifting. Give your wolf control,” I say to her.

“It hurts,” she whimpers. Her fingers clutch the sheets, knuckles going white.

“I know. The sooner you give her control, the sooner it will be over,” I reply.

Her bones continue to snap and reshape, and white fur sprouts on her arms. The sound alone would break most wolves-but she doesn’t fight it, she leans into it. In minutes, the most beautiful white wolf I’ve ever seen stands before me. Not just white-there’s something under it, something that almost glows if you look too long.

She shakes out her fur and turns to Winter. She places her head against Winter’s, and within minutes, she is healed. Not just physically-I feel the shift in the room, like something heavy just lifted off her.

She yips at Dom, who walks toward her. She does the same to him, and he is healed.

“It’s nice to meet you, Nova,” I say. And I mean it-because I can feel her, separate from Lyric but not.

She turns to me and nuzzles my neck. Zeus goes completely still, watching instead of reacting.

“Shift back, princess,” I say softly.

She shifts back seamlessly this time. No hesitation. No struggle. Like she was always meant to do it this way. I hand her my jacket,

and she puts it on.

“What did you do to us?” Dom asks.

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The Lunar Queen