Zephyrine


    Finished


    I have been to the Lycan Kingdom a few times before, but never have I ridden in on the King’s own horse with the King himself behind me, holding me close.


    I was still stunned from earlier at the memorial hall, his keen observance, the way his fingers lingered on mine, caressing my hands in a way Nyroth, my own mate never had. The way he asked no questions, only took me with him.


    The horse galloped past the night guards, who bowed immediately as the King rode through. Atst, we stopped at the Royal-


    stable.


    The stableman rushed forward to take the reins, while Lycannar dismounted and helped me down tenderly, almost reverently.


    He knew I was a warrior, yet he still… pampered me?


    I was lost in thought until his fingersced with mine, firm and warm. Together, he pulled me through the Royal Hall.<fnb72c> ???s ??????? ?s ?????? ?? find~novel</fnb72c>


    It was my first time here, the towering stone walls swallowing us as we emerged into a massive hallway.


    Two branching paths led in opposite directions. Lycannar veered right, then a maid appears, bowing his head to the King only to be ignored. I bowed politely in turn.


    We stepped outside again, and for the first time, I stood at the foot of the ck Tower. The air around it was heavy, the shadows deeper than they should have been. The ce was a living legend, rumored to be the prison of the Lycan Prince.


    I barely noticed Lycannar slip from my side until his voice cut through the silence.


    “Catch.”


    I turned just in time to shatch the sword he tossed toward me. My pulse quickened as our eyes met.


    He was serious. He wanted to spar.


    Did he know who I was five years ago? If he did, he wouldn’t have handed me a de and invited me to use it.


    “Come,” he said, turning and leading me toward arge, soft–ground arena. The earth was worn, but the energy here was thick, like the ghosts of battles past still lingered. Goosebumps prickled my arms.


    I nced at the sword in my hand. My fingers itched to draw it but I didn’t want to hurt him.


    When I looked back, he was standing in the center of the arena. No de. Just him.


    “If you strike me once, you win.”


    I almost smirked. He was underestimating me. Without even unsheathing the de, I lunged. My strike was swift and precise but a gust of wind swept past my face, and before I knew it, he was behind me.


    A shove between my shoulders sent me sprawling into the dirt.


    “You’ll die at this rate if <i>you </i>duel that rogue with these weak techniques. The Luna who trusts you her.”


    will curse


    you


    for failing


    The insult burned. I surged forward, striking again, but he sidestepped effortlessly, his counter sending me crashing down a second time. He was on me in an instant, pinning my arm.


    “Your moves are rusty.”


    “Speak for yourself!” I snarled, unleashing my strength, twisting under his grip, breaking free and driving toward him with a flurry of blows. He avoided each one with infuriating ease until I feinted left and, with a snap decision, drew my de.


    It shed in the semi moonlight, slicing across his arm.


    031 PM <b>p </b><b>p </b>


    The sight of his blood stopped me cold.


    场


    “Lycannar!” I rushed to him, reaching for the wound but it sealed instantly, healing faster than I could blink.


    Finished


    “Why didn’t you defend yourself?” My voice rose. I shoved at his chest, anger recing concern. “Why would you just stand. there and let me…”


    My words died as his hand closed around my throat, not in cruelty, but in something raw and consuming. His lips crushed into mine in a kiss that stole my breath.


    I grabbed his arm, my nails digging in, responding to the brutal hunger between us. His grip on my neck tightened, almost too much.


    I tried to pull back, but an animalistic growl rumbled from deep in his chest, ancient and primal, and his mouth moved with even more ferocity until I tasted blood.


    Suddenly, he froze. The haze broke. He shoved me back sharply, turning away to steady himself.


    It had happened <i>again</i>. He’d lost control.


    Without meeting my eyes, he muttered,


    “I will cool off,” and strode toward the ck Tower. His dark silhouette vanished into it, swallowed whole.


    I stood there, tasting blood, my breath uneven.


    Why does he have to be so hungry for me? Am I really that… alluring?


    Send Gifts


    2.2K


    B