Lyra's POV
His laughter filled the infirmary, echoing off the sterile white walls. For the first time since I'd known him, the rigid tension melted from his shoulders completely. His entire frame seemed to relax.
"This is unbelievable." He shook his head, genuine amusement dancing across his features. "You're the daughter of an Alpha. Surely you've attended countless formal events that required dancing."
"Not exactly." The confession came more easily than I'd anticipated. "When I was small, my mother usually avoided those gatherings, taking me with her because..."
I hesitated. The words lodged themselves in my throat like stones.
"She was my father's second mate and an Omega too." The truth left a bitter taste on my tongue. "I suppose the constant scrutiny and harsh judgment became too overwhelming for her. She didn't want me to endure the same treatment."
