Chapter 4

Lyra's face crumbled.

"How can you say that? I was trying to protect you! I was going to switch back with you later. Everything I did was for you, Elara. You can hit me. You can punish me. But please do not say I stole from you."

Kaelen pulled her behind him. His eyes locked on me with disgust.

"You rejected me, Elara. Lyra stepped up when you would not. She saved you from embarrassing yourself and your family. I have made my choice. Lyra is my mate."

I looked at them quietly.

They had done the same thing in my last life. One playing the victim, one playing the hero. They pinned the blame on me and made themselves look like lovers.

Not this time.

I sighed. Let the sadness fill my voice.

"Lyra, you really did all this just for me?"

Lyra looked up with wet eyes.

"We are sisters. I would never let you suffer. Kaelen is perfect. I did not want him to be shamed. I did this for you."

Kaelen softened. He pulled Lyra closer.

I reached into my sleeve and pulled out a folded letter.

"I love you. I have always loved you. Make me yours. I will be whatever you need me to be."

I read the last few words slowly. They landed like thunder in the dead-silent room.

"This is dated six months ago. Lyra has been writing to Kaelen in secret for half a year."

The crowd erupted. Kaelen went white as a sheet.

Lyra lunged for the letter.

"That is fake! You forged it!"

I pulled out more letters. Ten. Fifteen. Twenty.

"All fake? All forged?"

I held up a small vial.

"And these herbs? The ones used to ensure pregnancy? Also fake?"

Theron's voice rang through the ballroom.

"Healer. Examine her. Now."

The healer stepped forward. He examined her belly. His face changed.

"Alpha King. She is one month pregnant."