<i>Lycannar </i>


    “That’s all?”


    +10 Free Coins


    “Yes. You stamp thest one,” he replied, then reached out to recheck. After a brief nod, he confirmed, “That’s all.”


    Casually, he looked up but paused when he caught me staring at him. Chantel. He had worked through the reports with me, reading them out, and together we finished the task.


    Somehow, I liked his interaction more than Baron, my cousin. I swallowed, thinking briefly about it. The possibility of him being appointed as my Beta. But I knew it was impossible, at least for now. Chantel was a full–blooded demon, hiding behindyers of dark spells to mask his true identity.


    I lowered my gaze from his curious stare and stood. At the window, the horizon already hinted that morning was not far.


    I sighed softly and walked toward the living room. What happened at midnight… I would make sure it never repeated itself. I wouldn’t turn a deaf ear to the warnings again.


    Crossing the threshold into the living room, my chest felt lighter, and with it I let out a quiet breath of relief. My steps slowed when I saw my sisters, both asleep in their chairs, heads resting on the table.


    Serena, angry as she had been, was only masking her fear. She had vowed to keep watch all night, dering I had made her life a living hell, but I knew the truth. She simply didn’t want to leave me alone. She was scared.


    Then my gaze shifted to Mearez, and guilt struck me like a blow to the gut. She should have been in her bed, resting from her journey, but here she was, keeping vigil for me, just as she had always done.


    I took a step forward, but she stirred, lifting her head slowly. Her drowsiness vanished the instant she saw me standing there. She started to rise, but I raised a hand to stop her.


    “Shh,” I cautioned softly. I didn’t want Serena waking. She would start all over again.


    Quietly, I moved to Serena’s side and cased her head from the table, careful not to wake her. Gently, I slid one arm beneath her knees, lifting her easily.


    She remained fast asleep in my hold, and I paused for a moment, simply watching her rest


    17:18 Thu, Sep 18 ..


    before Mearez rose to follow me down the hall.


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    The maids rushed to open Serena’s chamber door, and I lowered her onto her bed. She stirred briefly, then settled again. I drew the nket over her and lingered a moment, only to stop when her tender fingers curled weakly around my wrist.


    I froze. Slowly, I leaned closer, caressing her face.


    “I’m here now. I’m fine, Serena,” I murmured, kissing her lips softly. “Go on. <i>Go </i><i>to </i>sleep.”


    Her eyelids fluttered, and she whispered drowsily,


    “Are you okay?”


    A lump rose in my throat, but I nodded.


    “I am.”


    That was all she needed. Her eyes closed, and she slipped back into slumber. I released a shaky sigh and turned, only to find Mearez standing in the doorway, watching.


    I went to her and took her hand, guiding her back to her own chamber. Without words, I turned her gently and lowered the zipper of her gown. She stepped free of the dress, and I guided her into bed, pulling the coverlet over her.


    My gaze fell on her arm, still wrapped with Jurrek’s cloth. I swallowed hard, shifting my eyes away, but when I looked back, I caught the tears slipping down her cheek.


    “Lycannar… shouldn’t we inform my brother Hades?” she whispered. <fna8f8> The rightful source is f?i?n?d?n?o?v?e?l?</fna8f8>


    I shook my head gently.


    “You know he will be busy too. Don’t let us burden him with this. He’d only worry more.”


    She nodded, sniffing softly.


    “Lycannar,” she whispered again, eyes fixed on me. “I love you so much. I care about you too much. My brother Hades, Serena and you. I would die before I allow anyone to hurt you.”


    Her devotion was tender yet fierce, a fire beneath her serene appearance. I knew she meant every word and would keep it no matter what.


    I cupped her cheek, caressing it gently.


    “You mean the world to me too. You, Serena, and My brother Hades. I would die before I let


    17:18 Thu, Sep 18 <b>d</b>.


    …


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    harme to any of you.” I kissed her lips and pulled back, stroking her face with my thumb. “You must rest now. I don’t want to see you working until you’ve healed from that scratch. If you leave this chamber, it is only to me or Serena. No strain until you’re fully well. Do you understand?”


    She nodded at once, and I kissed her temple.


    “Go to sleep,” I said softly, and she obeyed, closing her eyes.


    Within moments, slumber overtook her. Relief washed over me as I watched her for a while before rising quietly so as not to wake her.


    I slipped out and returned to my ck tower. Chantel had gone to his own chamber, but the reports were neatly arranged for delivery. My gaze lingered on them, then drifted to my bed.


    Iy down, staring at the canvas above me. The sketch of the woman who consumed me. The woman I was obsessed with, body and soul. Zephyrine.


    My chest grew heavy again, for I remembered my proposal. She had not answered. Not a word.


    Perhaps she didn’t want a cursed man as her husband.


    Perhaps she didn’t want to spend her life in this gilded exile I called home.


    Maybe… maybe she didn’t want me at all.