The Alpha’s Rebellious Fiancee novel Chapter 22

Lyra (Seraphina)

Lucien stood there, arms crossed, jaw clenched, as I told him I was leaving.

I expected him to argue again. To mock me. Maybe even tell me not to let the door hit me on the way out.

But instead, he scoffed. That sharp, bitter scoff that always made my blood boil.

“So that’s it?” he said, voice cold.

I stared at him, heart heavy. “I didn’t choose this, Lucien. I never did. I want to marry by my choice, not by someone else’s command.”

His eyes narrowed. “You’re running away.”

“No. I’m finally walking towards something,” I replied. “My father’s kingdom needs me now. I need me now.”

His face hardened, voice dropping low. “I’m not letting you go.”

My heart stuttered. “What?” I breathed.

“You heard me.” His words were firm, but his eyes flickered with something—fear? Anger? Something I couldn’t name.

“You don’t even like me,” I said, forcing out a bitter laugh. “You’ve spent weeks pushing me away. Mocking me. Flirting with other girls. You said the kiss meant nothing.”

He didn’t respond. Not even a twitch. He just turned around and walked out of the room. No explanation. No argument. Just silence.

And that silence echoed louder than any scream. I stood there, confused, frustrated, aching.

If he doesn’t want me… why stop me?

***

Lucien’s POV

She wasn’t wrong. I pushed her away. Again and again. Because I was afraid. Because I wasn’t supposed to feel anything. This wasn’t love. It was politics. Strategy.

She was never mine. She was assigned to me.

A duty. An alliance. But then… why did it hurt?

Why did it feel like my chest was splitting open the second she said she was leaving?

Why couldn’t I breathe when I saw her walking away?

Why did the thought of waking up tomorrow and not seeing her face make me feel like I was unraveling from the inside?

Another blade. Harder this time.

THUNK.

I leaned forward, bracing myself on the bench, sweat dripping down my back.

“Then why,” I whispered to the wind, to the trees, to the night that never