Lyra arrives to see Alpha Kael, but his guard turns her away, stating he is unavailable. However, Kael summons another woman, Aria, into his private study, sparking gossip among onlookers who contrast Lyra's status with Aria's perceived lack of a wolf. Inside, Kael makes a sudden, possessive demand, ordering Aria to stop searching for another mate and forbidding her from interacting with other males. He confesses his fear of being left alone and explicitly declares he wants her to be his mate, leaving Aria stunned by his unexpected and intense proclamation.