Alpha Kael’s Regret (Lisa) novel Chapter 136

Lisa’s POV_

The road back to Frostbane was long and quiet. The SUV’s engine hummed softly as it rolled over the uneven path. The headlights were slicing through the pale mist of dawn. I sat by the window, my forehead resting lightly against the cool glass. Trees blurred past us like ghostly shadows. Every now and then, Rylan’s hand brushed mine on the seat between us. He was grounding me and reminding me that I was still here, that the battle was truly over.

Fenric was gone. My father. My enemy.

Even now, the words didn’t feel real.

I turned my head slightly and glanced at Rylan. His hands gripped the steering wheel tightly. His knuckles were pale and his eyes were focused on the road ahead. The tension in his jaw had not eased since we left the ruins of Shadowrune.

He was strong, steady, and silent…just like always. But I could sense the storm beneath his calm. He had almost lost me again.

“You should rest,” he said quietly without looking at me.

“I can’t,” I whispered. My voice cracked. “Every time I close my eyes, I see him.”

Rylan sighed softly. “You don’t have to carry that burden, Lisa. He is gone forever now.”

I shook my head and stared out at the dark forest. “He was my father.”

Sierra stirred inside me, her voice low and soft. He was blood, yes. But not family.

“I know,” I whispered to her in my mind. “But it still hurts.”

When we finally reached the Frostbane gates, the guards bowed their heads in respect. Word had already spread about the battle, about Fenric’s fall, and Kael’s sacrifice. The moment we crossed into the territory, something inside me eased. I felt relieved to be back home.

Rylan parked the SUV near the mansion steps. The night sky was clear now, painted with stars, and the faint glow of the moon washed over the gardens.

As soon as we stepped out, Alexandra ran toward us. Her black hair was loose and wild. She was excited. Behind her, a tall man followed. He kept his eyes down and his steps were hesitant.

“Lisa!” Alexandra cried and wrapped me in a tight hug. I clung to her, breathing in the familiar scent of herbs and lavender. For a moment, the weight in my chest lightened.

“You’re safe,” she whispered, her voice trembling. “I thought… I thought we had lost you.”

“I’m okay,” I said softly, though my throat burned with unshed tears. “We all made it back.”

Rylan stood a few steps away. His arms were folded and his eyes were fixed on the man behind her: Johan.

Rylan’s voice came out cold. “So, this is the man who captured my sister’s heart.”

Johan bowed slightly. “Alpha Rylan… I know I don’t deserve forgiveness. Fenric used me. He threatened my life and forced Alexandra to obey his commands. She…she lied and hurt people because of me. I take full responsibility.”

Alexandra’s eyes filled with tears. “Rylan, please…”

But before she could finish, Rylan raised his hand. His expression was unreadable. “You caused a lot of pain, Johan. Because of you, my sister risked everything. Because of you, Lisa nearly…” He stopped himself. His voice cracked with emotion.

Johan lowered his head. “I’ll spend the rest of my life making it right. I swear it.”

Silence stretched between them. Alexandra trembled beside him, clutching Johan’s arm.

Then Rylan sighed. It was a slow and tired sound. He took a step forward, his lips twitching into something that looked almost like a smirk. “I should throw you out of my pack.”

Johan’s eyes widened, but before he could speak, Rylan reached out and pulled him into a firm hug.

“Welcome to the family,” he said, his voice softening. “But if you ever hurt her again… you’ll wish you were dead before I get to you.”

Johan blinked in shock, then smiled. It was a relieved and genuine smile. “You have my word, Alpha.”

Alexandra burst into tears and hugged them both. I couldn’t help but laugh, the sound breaking through the tension like sunlight through clouds.

For the first time in days, it felt like home again.

The next evening, Rylan and I drove back to the ruins of NightCrest. The land that had once thrived with laughter and life now lay silent beneath a blanket of ash. The air still carried the faint scent of smoke and blood, even after all this time. Charred beams jutted from the earth like blackened bones and the once–majestic packhouse stood as a hollow shell.

We stopped before what remained of the courtyard, where the statue of Althea still stood. It was old now, worn by weather and fire, yet untouched by time in a haunting way. Cracks. traced her stone skin but her face remained heartbreakingly serene.

“This is where it all began,” I whispered.

Rylan placed a hand on my shoulder. “And where it ends.”

Together, we lifted the enchanted dagger that Morana had blessed and drove it into the heart of the statue. The stone groaned as if alive, splitting open from the inside. A blinding white light poured out and swirled around us. I had to shield my eyes.

When the light finally faded, the statue was gone. Only dust remained.

A soft wind brushed against my face. It carried the faint scent of jasmine and warmth. I looked up and saw a white light flicker across the sky….like a falling star. My chest ached but in a good way.

“She’s free,” I whispered. “She’s finally free.”

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