<i>Lycannar </i>


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    Finished


    I can hear the distant liveliness of my people at the night market, the shattering ofughter and haggling of trade. It almost makes me smile. Almost.


    But I turn it off and keep my focus on the report I am approving with the royal stamp. I am still in the royal chamber with my beta.


    The elders have left, including my uncle Dareth, but Baron remains, seated a few chairs away, reading the report aloud while I do the needful.


    Having a beta makes the work easier, and I value his service. He is hardworking, professional, and never crosses the line, which I appreciate. I am not close to any of my cousins, nor do I wish to be.


    “This is thest report, Your Majesty,” he says, and I press the stamp to it. He takes it away, stacking it with the others, a sigh leaving his lips.


    Just then, the door opens and my aunt Eiryn, his mother, enters, bowing briefly in my direction.


    “Baron, my dear,” she says warmly, “you must be tired. I just arrived. Are you done for the day?”


    Her voice isced with affection, and they share a smile.


    I nce at that bond, then lower my gaze to swallow hard. Theirughter echoes, stirring a dull ache in my chest. My eyes drift to the runes carved into the back of my palm. A spell etched into my skin to help me sleep after spilling too much blood.


    I never had a mother’s love. She died giving birth to me, and I was branded her murderer.


    The woman who tried to act as one, Blue’s mother, I killed her myself.


    Sadness clouds my heart, and with ites the faintest sound of mockery, echoing from the distance. My father’s voice, a hallucination. Slowly, I close my eyes to shut it out.


    Footsteps approach. My lids flutter open to see my two sisters stepping into the throne chamber, smiles gracing their lips.


    “Baby brother, are you done for today?” Serena asks, while Mearez steps closer, her tender palm resting on my shoulder.


    Their presence soothes me like balm, and the heaviness of not having a mother fades in an instant.


    “You must be hungry. I am starving,” Mearez says before taking a seat.


    Her gazends on our aunt, and her face lights in surprise.


    “Aunt Eiryn, I didn’t notice you.”


    “You have been working so hard, how could you?” our aunt replies, then turns her eyes to me. I feel her stare, though I refuse to meet it. “Your Majesty, how do you find my son’s service to you?”


    I do not answer. Before I can, a shift in energy washes over me. The arrival of Chantel.


    24%


    Finished


    I ignore her question and turn toward the entrance, where Chantel enters. He does not speak at first, only stands there, his aura heavy. Something is wrong.<fn540f> Read full story at FιndＮovel</fn540f>


    “Tell me,” I demand.


    “You are needed in the Demon Realm,” he replies, and I pause.


    He has not returned until now sincest night. That alone means something gravely serious.


    “Is my brother Hades well?” I ask, but instead of answering, Chantel pulls out a ss cylinder, the one containing my letter. My heart sinks.


    I feel my sisters tense beside me. My aunt and Baron lean forward, eager to listen.


    “The Demon King asked me to deliver this,” Chantel says, cing the decree before me.


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    For a long moment, I stare at it before opening it. The words inside make my blood run cold.


    I rise at once and head toward the portal! If Hades truly seeks to abandon his im as the next king, then something dire has happened.


    I pause briefly at the dining hall, swallowing down my unease.


    “Lycannar,” Mearez’s voice trembles, drawing my eyes. She looks frightened. Serena does too.


    “I will go and check on my brother Hades. You two must not leave the kingdom until I return,” I say firmly. Then, turning to Chantel, who has followed, I add, “Protect them both until I return. I will not be gone longer than necessary.”


    There is no time for proper goodbyes. I am in such a rush I can hardly breathe. I do not kiss them farewell.


    I only turn away, striding down the dark hall until I emerge outside, where the wide ocean waits.


    It has been five years since Ist set foot in the Demon Realm. I left then for one reason, and now I return for another.


    Without hesitation, I step into the sea, summoning my power, my strength, my senses, opening the gate of the other world wide enough to slip through.


    And as I cross, one thought grips me.


    Zephyrine.


    She has not worn the amulet. I noticed this morning and was surprised. But then I decided… perhaps she does not want me close.


    Perhaps I have frightened her too much with my mysteries.


    Perhaps that is why she refuses to put it on.


    Perhaps.