<i>Lycannar </i>


    “Father… I… I can’t be the king here.” I murmured, stunned, my voice barely above a whisper. My stepfather’s gaze sharpened on me.


    “On what grounds will you refuse what is your responsibility?”


    补 24%日


    Finished


    “I…” I paused, searching for the right words. “I think Hades deserves the throne more than I do. He is the true demon blood, the son of the king and queen, and…”


    My voice trailed as the Demon King stared at me again. It was as if he could see through my words, knowing the reason for my refusal wasn’t about blood alone.


    “Are


    you worried about Xyrrha?” he asked, and I swallowed hard. “You needn’t be. She has changed. She isn’t as violent or possessive as she was years ago and you should forgive her for what he did. It’s already been five years and she was only acting on orders.”


    “I have someone, Father.” I said quietly. His eyes widened in surprise.


    “What? Who is she? A peasant?”


    I shook my head, and he waited, but when no words followed, he walked to the table, coughing as if exhausted.


    “If only your birth mother were still alive, I wouldn’t have to endure this pain. You must not leave this realm until we reach a decision,” he said again, coughing, then walked away, weariness in every step.


    I stared at the spot he had just left and sighed. Gently, I turned toward the hall, heading for the underground prison, when I sensed a shift in the air. Soft footsteps approached from behind. Her scent reached me before she even stepped forward to stand directly in front of me.


    Dressed in ck overalls, her beauty had not diminished in the years since we parted. I recalled that night, the words we had exchanged.


    Xyrrha Abyss. My cousin.<fnb69f> This update is avable on f?i?n?d?n?o?v?e?l?</fnb69f>


    “When I heard the maids gossiping about Apex returning, I didn’t believe it until I caught your scent,” she said, her voice soft. “You’ve returned after five years, my love.”


    She stepped closer, but I pulled back before any contact could ur. She paused, studying me. I set my jaw and tried to pass, but her voice followed.


    “You know it’s unfair, breaking up with me over something so trivial.”


    I said nothing. Instead, I pressed on toward the underground prison.


    When I arrived, Hades was seated on the stone bed, his gaze fixed on me. He wasn’t drinking; he was sober.


    “Open up,” Imanded the guard. He bowed in obedience, unlocking the gate, and I stepped inside. The guard relocked it behind me.


    × 5 24%E


    Finished


    Gently, I sat beside my brother, and he handed me a bottle of alcohol. I took it, and we clinked before taking a long sip.


    Silence hung between us, heavy, until I finally spoke.


    “Why didn’t you send a message?” No response. I set my jaw. “You’re on death row and couldn’t send a letter to the Lycan Kingdom? What if I hadn’t sent Chantel here, and he returned with information? What would I tell our sisters? You know women, they never recover from shock, and neither would I.”


    Hades shrugged and drank deeply, sighing.


    “Father wanted a puppet, little brother. I said I wouldn’t be one, and he quickly ordered my death.”


    I frowned, confused.


    “Father isn’t evil, Hades. He’s only angry. I’ll plead with him on your behalf.”


    “He won’t listen. He wants a puppet. If I refuse, you’ll be asked to take the throne.”


    I swallowed hard.


    “Actually… he already asked me.”


    Hadesughed, unbothered.


    “And what did you say?”


    I red at him.


    “What else? First, I can’t marry anyone else as I already have a woman. Second, moving between kingdoms to rule both? It’s exhausting to even think about.”


    “Who was the woman they wanted you to marry?”


    “Xyrrha.”


    “Wow!” Hades chuckled. “Your crazy ex. Well, I think you’re better off. Mine? Salo’s daughter, Kiara. Vile as her father. I never wanted the throne if she were my bride.”


    I fell silent, sipping my drink again. Secondster, I emptied the bottle and reached for another, but Hades pushed it away.


    “You’re dangerous when drunk. Don’te kill me before my time,” he said, grinning.


    I smiled, then let it fade. I sighed shakily, meeting his gaze.


    “You sent Chantel here… why?” he asked. I swallowed, looking away.


    “To deliver a letter… but I guess he couldn’t meet you.”


    “What was in the letter?” he asked, eyes sharp, For a moment, I wondered whether to tell the truth.


    I met his expectant stare and my heart clenched. I let the words drop like a bomb,


    “It’s about Zephyrine.”


    11


    “Your woman? That’s my future sister inw. What about her?”


    “She’s not what she appears to be, Hades.”


    He raised an eyebrow, frowning.


    林家24%日


    Finished


    “She dumped you?” he asked, and when I didn’t answer, he set his jaw. “You needn’t worry. She will be yours when… wait. I’ll send…”


    “She is an Ashmere,” I cut in quietly. “A true–blooded Ashmere.”