She ran to the neutral territory academy where they'd found each other again.
Young wolves in training tunics streamed past the gathering hall entrance, some casting curious glances at the faint scars still visible on her face. Lyra ignored them, walking slowly along the tree-lined paths, past the archive's familiar carved steps.
The young Alpha who'd once looked at her like she was his whole world was nowhere to be found.
In her memory, he wore a crisp white tunic, always appearing at her training chamber door the instant the session ended. He saved her the window seat in the archive every single time. He found her in crowds like she was the only wolf there, taking her hand with such solemnity, his voice steady with promise: "Lyra, trust me. I'll be good to you for the rest of my life."
A bitter smile tugged at her lips.
Fenris, you broke your word after all.
Three hours before departure.
She ran to the moonflower fields where he'd claimed her as his Intended Mate.