<i>Zephyrine </i>


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    The whole shifter empire was steaming itself dry when I arrived outside under the starless sky. Lycannar’s horse was waiting, alongside the carriage of Princess Mearez.


    Dessyn stood there and Jurrek too, to bid them farewell. The Bloods who had helped us so much in this situation.


    I froze in my tracks at first, gulping down the lump in my throat. Wait a second. Varyn was alone in his chamber?


    I walked toward Jurrek at once, but as though he had known what I was about to ask, he said gently,


    “Moon is with him. Blue and the others are at the door. He’s safe.”


    I swallowed his words and blinked to keep calm. Princess Mearez reached for me, her hand brushing mine. I looked up and forced a smile.


    “Listen,” she began, and I turned fully to her. She took Dessyn’s hand too, her gaze moving between us both. “Varyn does not need any more medical help. I have drawn out the ck Blood from his veins. I have made a potion that will need daily brewing, and he should take it after his meals. Make sure he keeps his hygiene and maintains a bnced diet. He is unstable for now, but he will be fine with tenderness and reminders of love.”


    Dessyn nodded, and Princess Mearez smiled at her. Then she turned to me, her eyes locking on mine with deadly warning.


    “Don’t you dare let any physician see him, Zephyrine. Your brother does not need more interference. His potion must be brewed daily, no more, no less. Don’t make mistakes. Keep to the instructions, and he will recover. Do you understand?”


    I nodded obediently. She knew all about herbal and medicinal potions. She was a healer, and I trusted she was fully on my side. She was no enemy, and I would obey.


    She turned back to Dessyn and gave her hand a gentle, reassuring squeeze.


    “He will be fine. And he wille back to you. Hang in there.”


    “I will. Princess Mearez, thank you so much.”


    No sooner had Dessyn spoken than a wave of warmth swept over me.


    Lycannar.


    : <fn2b27> For original chapters go to Find[?]ovel</fn2b27>


    28


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    He walked out into the open, heading toward his horse without a word, fixing his twin des in ce.


    Then his gaze turned to his sister. His eyes lingered on her arm, and all at once I noticed it. A strip of cloth tied tightly there.


    Wait a second. w marks?


    “Princess Mearez…”


    “I am fine,” she cut in gently. “It will heal once I get enough rest.”


    I stared at her in awe, guilt flooding my chest. Varyn had wed her in frenzy. I lowered my gaze in apology, but she waved it off, settling her attention on Jurrek.


    Their eyes lingered, and I swallowed. I knew they would never dare move beyond that silent exchange.


    “Thank you,” Jurrek finally said, and the lovely princess nodded softly.


    She nced at me onest time before turning toward her carriage, but Jurrek stepped forward.


    “Let me,” he requested tenderly, extending his hand.


    Princess Mearez paused, her gaze flicking from Jurrek’s palm to Lycannar. And for a heartbeat, I swore I saw her hesitate.


    Lycannar’s eyes lingered on her too, but then he looked away, as if granting silent permission. Princess Mearez epted Jurrek’s hand and allowed him to lead her to the carriage. Elegant and serene as only a healer could be, she settled inside, and the curtain fell to veil her


    presence,


    I sighed softly, my gaze drawn back to Lycannar. I had been angry with him for one reason, Because he would not, because he could not, stay overnight.


    He reached for my hand, and I stilled myself, forcing my emotions down. His fingers tucked the loose strands of hair away from my face, then lifted my chin with enough pressure to hold


    my eyes.


    Silence stretched between us. Then, without words, he pulled me into his arms, a tender, grounding embrace.


    <b>28 </b>


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    “You will be strong. Stronger,” he murmured gently. Then he drew back, studying me in silence. “When everything is too much to bear… I wille to you.”


    Emotion tightened my chest. I rose on tiptoe and kissed him softly. Words weren’t needed anymore. The silence, the connection, was enough.


    He stepped back, reached for his horse, and paused to nce at me.


    “Tell Blue I am grateful for…” His voice faltered, cutting short.


    I turned to see why. Blue stood there, quiet and watchful.


    “Uhm… Beta Jurrek, Lord Varyn needs you,” she said gently, and Jurrek nodded.


    He turned to Lycannar, bowing in respect.


    “Thank you for your help.”


    Lycannar nodded, wordless. Jurrek left quickly, while my man’s eyes lingered on Blue. Then, without another word, he mounted his horse and rode out.


    Only then did Princess Mearez’s carriage ease forward, heading home. The pack gates opened wide, and as they passed through, it felt like a part of me was torn away.


    I was among those I was born and raised with, yet I felt no true happiness. A heavy sigh escaped me, and I bit my lip to stay strong, fully aware that the immense weight I had shared with Lycannar now fell solely on me after his departure.


    I swallowed hard and bowed to my fate, knowing that whether I liked it or not… I would have to be a Blood too. Either by force, by fire, or… by marriage.