Zephyrine


    “Lycannar… Lycannar.” I breathed before the murmurs stirred me awake.


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    My eyes fluttered open, meeting Blue’s worried face; and then Isolde appeared, speaking but I could only see the movement of her lips.


    All sound was blurred into the background. I looked away from her and realized I was back in my chamber. There was no sign of Lycannar anywhere.


    <i>es </i>


    The ache pierced my heart before I could even speak. I turned over with a shaky sigh, memories flooding my chest and mind. She had… she had blessed me. She had warned me. And wait… my spirit guard.


    No sooner had I thought this than the roar came, followed by the beating of wings. Quietly, I pushed myself up. Isolde rushed to help, but I rejected her.


    I rose to my feet, the gown I wore flowing around me. It was different from the one I had worn when I entered the holy chamber. My body felt renewed, which meant after I had copsed into darkness, I had been brought back here.


    I walked to the window and stood there as greatness spoke for itself. My spirit guard was right there, every pack member watching from afar. All awed, marveling.


    No Alpha had ever received such a blessing, and yet mine had taken the form of something both vicious and graceful. I swallowed hard and turned away with another shaky sigh.


    I was famished. Strangely, I found myself craving only Lycannar’s roasted meat.


    Returning to the bed, I sat down. Blue quickly helped me lean against the headboard, then carefully covered me with a nket.


    “Mydy,” she whispered, her voice heavy with concern. I looked at her gently, lips pale. “Mydy, you do not look well.”


    I lowered my gaze<b>, </b>swallowing. The visit to the holy chamber had drained mepletely.


    “What is today’s date?” I murmured softly.


    “Next tomorrow is the full moon, mydy,” she replied, and I froze. “You have been inside the holy chamber for weeks. You only returned earlier today.”


    A shaky sigh left me,


    My love would have been waiting all this time. I had promised I woulde before the full moon. Setting my jaw, I turned to Isolde, who stood nearby with a jealous expression directed at Blue.


    “Leave us,” I ordered. She stared at me as if in awe before bowing and leaving with the other maids, closing the door behind them.


    Once Blue and I were alone, I turned to her,


    12:31 Sat, Sep 6 GM<fne2f9> ???s ??????? ?s ?????? ?? find·novel</fne2f9>


    “Tell me.”


    She came to sit on the fur rug, taking my hand before she began.


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    “Mydy, I have listened and eavesdropped, and I overheard whispers too. The head of the courtdies and maids… Isolde means well. She is only jealous because you give me more attention. I don’t think she harbors ill feelings toward you.”


    I nodded at this. Isolde had been assigned to me by my father and had cared for me since I was a child.


    I sighed. Feeling guilty for being harsh to her.


    裁


    “The elder you stripped of his title has moved with his family to the outskirts of Ash Pack. He has already joined the farmers there. I followed one of the maids to his neighbor’s home for supplies and lingered a while, but he gave off no aura of hate, nor anything that suggested he might rebelter.”


    I swallowed, nodding for her to go on.


    “During dinners and in some meetings that Beta Jurrek holds about the Pack’s welfare, I overheard discussions. One elder, Sherry, opposed the idea of you and My King’s rtionship.”


    “How?” I couldn’t stop myself from asking.


    “He said My King is a Lycan, and if you marry him and bear pups, they would be hybrids.”


    I swallowed again. The thought had never truly crossed my mind. Not once had I thought that far except… yes, once. Lycannar had spoken of pups. He had wanted as many as my body could give.


    Now I wondered how he would react if he ever learned I could not give him any, bound as I was by the decree of the Moon Goddess<b>. </b>


    “How about Jurrek? What did he say?”


    *


    “Beta Jurrek grew furious and dismissed Elder Sherry immediately. He dered that whatever the Alpha desires will be followed, and your words arew.” Blue smiled faintly, then added, “Beta Jurrek is kind to me. He ordered dresses be brought for me, and each time we meet, he asks if I have eaten. One night, when passing by, he stopped to ask about my princess.”


    I flinched. Princess<b>? </b>


    “Which of the princesses?” I asked carefully.


    “Princess Mearez. I told him she was well thest time I saw her. Then, hesitating, he asked another question. He asked if she was betrothed. I told him no.”


    I sighed, relief thawing the tightness in my chest. Could it mean Jurrek had also noticed Princess Mearez? Could it mean…


    “Mydy?” Blue’s voice pulled me back, and I turned to her in silence. “Mydy, someone summoned me in secret. I think… she is the one you should be wary of.”


    My heart sank. My eyes fixed on her sharply.


    “Who?”


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    Her voice dropped to a whisper.


    +8 Pearls


    “It is your aunt,” she replied, and I flinched. “She summoned me to her abode, entertained me with a delicious meal, then took me to see fine dresses and beautiful shoes. She imed all of it would be mine if I answered her questions.”


    I exhaled shakily, my chest heaving.


    “She asked about My King. She asked if he knew who you really are.”


    I frown, confusion twisting my features, concern immediately prickling through me.


    “Why would she want any information about Lycannar?”


    “That is what surprises me, Mydy,” Blue replies with a soft sigh. “She seemed desperate to know. Not only <i>that</i>, she asked if the rtionship between you both is genuine. If he isn’t just a womanizer spinning lies to you.”


    I swallow hard. Goosebumps crawl across my skin as I look away, heart tightening.


    Wait a second. Still… is Lycannar betrothed? Is the wedding ceremony still proceeding?


    “I heard words, Mydy,” Blue continues, her voice careful. “From the traders returning from the neighboring pack. They gossip about the Lycan King and the wedding ceremony he was supposed to have.”


    My heart thuds, and I turn to her, waiting. Fear ws at me. What if he truly is still betrothed?


    Blue studies me silently, then allows a small smile, almost like she cannot hold herself back.


    “You love him so much,” she says, her hand brushing mine. “You don’t even bother hiding it anymore. My King rejected the marriage decree. Words say he burned it right before the bride and her father. He dered he ismitted to you, and anyone who doubts that will pay with their life. That is what I heard, Mydy.”


    My mind nks for a moment, then my heart swells, lifting with warmth and relief. Lycannar… he would do exactly that. That fearless audacity to defy a decree. It fits him perfectly. He alone has the courage, the authority, the audacity to do so.


    I swallow again, and just like that, my mood shifts. Curiosity about my aunt can wait. I will celebrate ascension and Lycannar’s devotion first.


    my


    “Blue,” I say, my voice firm and certain, “call upon Isolde. Tell her to make a hearty meal. I am famished.”