《The Rouge ls a Female Alpha》 Back Where 1 Zephyrine ¡°That¡¯s the¡­ bracelet I pleaded with you to get at the Moonlight Tradest week, Nyroth. You¡¯re giving it to her?¡± When I pushed open the carved ironwood doors of Hue Pack¡¯s council chamber without knocking the door, only to find my mate slipping a bracelet onto Ka¡¯s wrist. My sudden appearance brought the room to a halt. Inside the chamber stood the Beta of ckbridge Pack and two of their elders. Among them was a female, one I recognized too well. She hailed from ckbridge Pack, and I swallowed hard when my eyes met hers. Ka. My Mate¡¯s childhood crush. His obsession. My gaze dropped from Ka¡¯s face to the bracelet in her wrist and a small frown crept onto my face. My question made my mate roll his eyes and let out a low growl of displeasure. I¡¯d interrupted his perfect moment. And it seems I wasn¡¯t wee here at all. I scanned the room, reading the tension, and managed a thin smile. ¡°Nyroth, when you¡¯re done, I have something to tell you.¡± ¡°If it¡¯s about the bracelet, then forget it. Ka is getting it, Zeph,¡± he snapped, his grey eyes shing with irritation. Then he shrugged, like he hadn¡¯t just chosen her, again. ¡°She¡¯s hosting the festival at ckbridge. It¡¯s her first since returning from her mission to bring peace. Five years serving as envoy, Zeph. She deserves a gift, don¡¯t you think?¡± Another chill ran down my spine. Thoughts surged through my mind, but I suppressed them with a bite to my lower lip. Ever since Ka has returned from her mission as envoy, Nyroth obsession for her had grown and he didn¡¯t bother fron hide it anymore. ¡°But I asked for it first, Nyroth,¡± I muttered helplessly. To this, Kai, the Beta of Hue Pack and Nyroth¡¯s best friend who had stood quietly rolled his eyes. ¡°We won¡¯t be hearing a rogue¡¯s nagging now, will we? You heard him. It¡¯s just a gift. And it¡¯s a stupid bracelet anyway. Why do you care?¡± Rogue£¿ That one word tightened my chest and my wolf stirred within me, but I forced her back. I never told Nyroth that I was from the Ash Pack. Soldiers from our Ash Pack were called Ashmere, warriors by blood, loyal to death, and respected across the Empire for our unmatched discipline. When an Ashmere walked onto the battlefield, even kings and Alphas held their breath and stood aside. But now, they all assumed I was a rogue? And what he called stupid was the only thing my mother had left me. A day before they went off to war and never returned. On the inner band of the bracelet was engraved the name my mother had lovingly written for me¡ªFor my beloved Zephy. Now my mate was gifting my mother¡¯s left to his crush? I stepped forward, seized Ka¡¯s wrist, and coldly snatched the bracelet away. ¡°This is mine.¡± My voice trembled, yet it carried an unyielding firmness. ¡°What are you doing?!¡± she gasped, a flicker of panic shing in her eyes. The next second, Nyroth stormed over and shoved me aside, his face dark with anger. ¡°Are you crazy? You¡¯d really make a scene over something so trivial?¡± he roared, his using gaze cutting into me like a de. I clutched the bracelet tightly against my chest, my fingers turning white from the force. I turned my gaze to my mate, who was still staring at me, his jaw clenched tight with impatience. ¡°What belongs to me, no one will ever take away. But I didn¡¯te here for the bracelet, Nyroth. That¡¯s not what I wanted to talk about, I came here for my parents.¡± ¡°And I thought they were dead¡­¡± Ka muttered and I stiffened. Did I just hear her right? What audacity. I¡¯d never once said a word to Ka. Not when she paraded herself before my mate. Not when she lingered after council meetings. But now I could feel my patience slipping. I bit back the words threatening to rise and turned to Nyroth, who was now staring at me, waiting. ¡°I just received a letter,¡± I said, trying to steady my voice. ¡°It says their wolves have been cremated, and the Moonstone Vessel holding their ashes is ready to be brought home.¡± I didn¡¯t even realize I was holding my breath until he finally responded. ¡°Good.¡± No emotion. Just one clipped, careless word. It sounded more like a dismissal than anything else. ¡°Nyroth¡­¡± I began again, forcing another smile. ¡°After five years of silence, they¡¯reing home¡­My parents always wanted a son-inw. We can go together to retrieve the vessel. It¡¯s just at the border of the empire. ¡± Silence fell. Checktest chapters at find?novel Heavy. Crushing. ¡°I¡­ uhm¡­¡± he began, and I turned to him, clinging to thest thread of hope. ¡°Yeah, I was supposed toe along with you, but¡­ I need to be somewhere with Ka. Her mother invited me to dinner, and I can¡¯t say no.¡± My heart sank. This was cruelty. Pure, sharp, deliberate cruelty. I stared at him, stunned. Confused. ¡°You¡¯re¡­ You mean you¡¯d choose a meal over¡­¡± I started to say, but Nyroth shot me a cold re. Then he looked away and Shrugged. A soft sigh escaped him, and when he looked back at me, he wore that same hypocritical look of apology he always used to excuse his betrayals. ¡°I¡¯ll ask my Beta to apany you. Don¡¯t worry, you¡¯ll be safe.¡± I nearly scoffed. Safe? Did he think that¡¯s what I needed from him? Safety? Or¡­ him? I stared down at the bracelet still lying on the ground. I picked it up and walked out Quietly with my Heart shattering. ¡°I don¡¯t get why she¡¯s acting all pained,¡± I heard Ka say behind me. ¡°She¡¯s a rogue who should be happy you offer her shelter, Nyroth. Do you even have to give her an exnation?¡± I slowed down. Waited. Expected, hoped, that Nyroth would say something. Anything but what followed was silence. The same cold silence he gave when his family bullied me. When his pack members spat at me. When they called me rogue. I no longer offered any exnations and went alone to the border. ¡°I, Zephyrine Ashmere, the only daughter of thest warlord, am here for the Moonstone Vessel.¡± Before the imprable walls of Moonveil Fortress, I stood and said those words, allowing the goosebumps to overwhelm my skin and permitting my wolf to awaken inside me. Back Where 2 Zephyrine I waited with bated breath, and then the massive gates parted. I stood still in the middle of it all. A ce I had left behind for five years. An identity I had shed to fulfill my parents¡® greatest wish. I took a step forward, and as though the fallen warrior heroes themselves were weing me, a cold wind swirled around me, blowing my hair backward. I am Zephyrine Ashmere of the Ash pack. Twenty¨Cfour years old. The only daughter of thest Warlord, Vale and War General, Seraphine. Younger sister to the best war strategist, Varyn. The Asp pack members are warriors, whoy down their lives to protect the Shifter Empire from demons. Thest battle that sealed the Demon Portal? I led it. I was given a medal, praised as a hero. Earn the title Goddess of war but I left all that behind¡­ to be with Nyroth. ¡°Zephyr.¡± That voice came and My breath caught. I would know it anywhere. Commander Thorn. I turned slowly to see him emerging from the tent ahead, the Moonstone Vessel in his hands. The one that carried my parents¡® ashes. Their remains. I never expected to feel this emotional. But being here, on thebat ground where I was raised and trained by my parents and others like them¡­ it broke me. Tears welled in my eyes, but I forced them down. As an Ashmere, we sacrifice many things. Emotion is one of them. We let it go. ¡°Commander Thorn,¡± I greeted, bowing my head as he approached. He stared at me in silence for a long moment, then gave a firm nod, his jaw set. ¡°It¡¯s good to see you again, Zephyr,¡± he said atst, blinking. Then he extended the Vessel to me which I received it with a heavy heart. ¡°I apologize for the dy. The final battle to close the Demon Portal was brutal. By the time we found their wolves, it was already toote. We couldn¡¯t retrieve anything personal. No possessions remained when we arrived. If not for you, who led that charge¡­ we would have all perished.¡± I heaved a deep sigh and nodded. ¡°Thank you, Commander. You did your best.¡± He looked relieved at my grace, then his face fell slightly. ¡°Zephyr¡­ about your brother¡­¡± My heart stopped. My hands tightened on the Vessel. He paused. Then, carefully, ¡°We couldn¡¯t find his body. Or his wolf. He wasn¡¯t among the dead. So¡­ maybe your instincts are right. Maybe he is stil there.¡± ¡°He is,¡± I said quietly but with conviction. Commander Thorn nodded solemnly. After a few seconds in silence, He shifted his gaze around, scanning the area. ¡°Alpha Nyroth didn¡¯te with you?¡± GULD His question struck something sharp inside me, but I smiled through it. ¡°He¡¯s preparing for the ckbridge Festival this weekend. There¡¯s been a lot to n.¡± ¡°That he couldn¡¯t apany you on such an important asion?¡± Before I could respond, He sighed. ¡°You¡¯re an adult now, Zephyr. I trust your judgment. But remember this. If you ever wish to return to Moonveil Fortress¡­ this gate will always remain open.¡± Return? To this life? To war? To honor? I looked into his eyes and felt the burn of truth press against my ribs. My days of battle were behind me. I had a new duty now or so I thought. I stepped back and stood at attention. The soldiers, now gathered under the moonlit sky, and Commander Thorn did the same. In unison, they bowed, not to me, but to my fallen parents, who bled for the empire. Tears blurred my vision as I turned to leave, clutching the Moonstone Vessel to my chest. I held them again. Even if only in ashes It rained that night as I returned from Moonveil Fortress. I had refused the Beta of Hue Pack¡¯s escort. Since my mate wouldn¡¯te, I went alone. Riding into the pack grounds, I stepped out of my carriage, the Moonstone Vessel still clutched tight. Normally, maids was supposed to cover me with umbres. But no one moved. No one cared for a woman who is an orphan. A ¡°rogue.¡± I passed the guards and servants in silence and pushed through the door into the living room just in time to overhear Pam, Nyroth¡¯s mother¡¯s voice. That¡¯s the best advice, my son. Don¡¯t you see? If you marry Ka, not only do you gain her pack¡¯s favor, but also a beautiful, influential woman at your side. She¡¯s a sessful hostess. The first female envoy who brought peace into the empire. She could talk her way out of anything. But this barren woman you married has nothing to offer you, Nyroth.¡± My feet froze in ce. They hadn¡¯t even noticed me. I watched Nyroth remain silent, not defending me. ¡°My friend from ckbridge Pack told me,¡± Olivia, Nyroth¡¯s younger sister, added, ¡°Ka¡¯s family is already arranging a marriage for her to another Alpha. If you¡¯re not fast enough, she¡¯ll be gone.¡± Jealousy crossed Nyroth¡¯s face instantly. Raw and bitter. He never hid his feelings for her. Not even from me. Each time he looked at Ka like that, something inside me withered. Then came the gasp. ?? ??? ???? ?? ???? ???? ???????s, ????s? ??s?? Find~Novel Pam had finally noticed me. Her face twisted in horror, her eyes fixed on the Moonstone Vessel in my arms. ¡°And what is that?¡± she snapped, just as cold as always. I stepped forward, soaked from the rain, too tired to fight. ¡°My parents¡® remains. I¡¯ve just brought them home from¡­¡± ¡°Bad luck!¡± Pam shrieked, and I flinched. It took everything in me not to react. Pam had always been a thorn in my side, never hesitating to call me barren, not knowing her precious son had never once touched me since our private mating ceremony. ¡°Nyroth,¡± she said firmly, turning to him, ¡°this is a bad omen. Moon Goddess knows one rogue is bad enough, but now she brings the ashes of two more? She has to leave them outside the pack. Or pour them in the streets.¡± My eyes widened. What the¡­ I turned to Nyroth, waiting, hoping for him to say something, anything. But then¡­ he hesitated. ¡°Zeph¡­¡± he began softly, avoiding my gaze, ¡°I think you should¡­ keep them outside. Just for tonight.¡± That was it. The final crack. ¡°My parents? You think they¡¯re a curse? Bad luck?¡± He said nothing. He wouldn¡¯t look into my eyes. And yet again, he wouldn¡¯t defend me. ¡°Don¡¯t pull that guilt¨Ctripping crap!¡± Olivia suddenly burst. ¡°Yeah, you¡¯re bad luck, Zeph. You never should¡¯ve been my brother¡¯s mate. You only wormed into my brother¡¯s life because of that mate bond!¡± She shoved me. Then Pam did too and Nyroth stood there. Watching. Silent. As always. The guards and maids stared. No one moved. Just then Olivia shoved me again, harder this time, and the Moonstone Vessel slipped from my grasp. Gasps rippled through the chamber, everyone knew a single crack could destroy the relic forever¡­ Back Where 3 Zephyrine In a blur, my fingers hooked beneath it before it touched the ground. The weight should have dragged me down, but I spun my wrist, momentum flowing with me instead of against me, and in the next breath, the vessel was cradled back in the crook of my arm, steady and unharmed. The air shifted with the speed of my movement, rattling the ssmp above. A guard muttered under his breath, ¡°I didn¡¯t even see her bend. She was so fast.¡± It was over in a heartbeat, but the silence that followed was heavier than stone. Pam¡¯s eyes flickered with confusion, then unease. Wolves weren¡¯t supposed to move like that. Not without years of training. I straightened slowly, meeting their stares, my voice low and cold. ¡°Touch this vessel again, and you will answer to me.¡± Without waiting for a response, I clutched the vessel tighter, turned on my heel, and walked out into the rain. Into the dark. Alone. A funeral for fallen Ashmere is sacred. Until the rite can be held, I rented a niche in the Memorial Hall, the Moonstone Vessel ced in a sealed alcove. My hair dripped, clothes damp, cheeks salted by rain and tears. I knelt to pay my respects; when I straightened, I whispered a VOW. ¡°I promise you, Mom, Dad. I will find Varyn, and when I do, we¡¯ll both return to honor you. Only then will a funeral be held for you both.¡± I lingered over the vessel, then locked the chamber and headed for the exit, my heart heavier than stone. The corridor¡¯s draft drags me into memory. Five years ago, a new portal yawned open, demons pouring through. Warriors and Ashmere blood was summoned. My parents answered; my brother, Varyn too. They¡¯d danced the night before for their twenty¨Cfifth anniversary. The next dawn they donned armor, kissed me goodbye, and promised letters when the war was done. My brother kissed me farewell, and promised a new medal when the war finished. The rightful source is Find[?]ovel However, Three weekster a stamped death scrolly on my doorstep. Warlord Vale gone. Commander Seraphine gone. Varyn missing. That was when my whole world shattered but Grief is a luxury an Ashmere cannot afford. An imperialmand arrived. Onest assault to seal the portal. A newmander was needed. I took the mantle, led the charge, and by Moon¨Cgoddess grace, I won. The portal closed, but something in me never reopened. I grieved my family. My loved ones. During that period of time, beneath full moonlight, I met my mate, Nyroth Hue. He wiped my tears. Proposed and Promised. That had clouded me. I decided to honor my parent greatest wish and that is for me to get married. I hung up my armor, stamped the retirement scroll and leave everything behind, as well as my old home, which reminded me of a happiness I could never feel again. I left for Hue Pack, where I backed up Nyroth¡¯s campaign to be Alpha. Hue Pack was dying when I got there, poor, broken, weak. What did I do? I poured my parents¡® bloodpensation into reviving Hue Pack. Now it thrives but yet Nyroth dares call me curse, and my parents¡® ashes bad luck? The thought made the hallway tilt. I sagged against the wall, sliding to the floor, breath hitching as my wolf whined. Maybe it¡¯s time to quit. All of it. We tried. We loved. We supported. We ved. And in the end, we were cast out. I stared at the nk space ahead for a long time. Then, slowly, I rose to my feet, surprised at the new strength unfurling in my chest, I took a step forward¨Cthen froze. A hiss of wind slithered through the corridor, strange and deliberate. What is that? My wolf stirred, the hair along my arms rising. My gaze dropped to my hands. My fingers had begun to curl into paws. Only one thing could provoke that reaction. A formidable threat was near. My legs carried me to the window, where I peered out over the Memorial courtyard. Luxury carriages clustered beneath ck umbres. New mourners, wealthy and somber. Whose death could draw such opulence? Just then, a midnight¨Cck warhorse glided in, its breath clouding in the storm. My wolf growled low. Power, ancient and ruthless, poured from the rider. He dismounted. ck cloak, storm¨Cslick leather boots. Long charcoal hair knotted high, loose strands framing a face carved like a de. Ancient runes coiled up his throat; two rings through one brow caught themplight. Even from here, his pale- gold eyes sliced the night. A raven, pitch¨Cck and sleek, nestledfortably on his right shoulder. A creature of which the entire empire spoke only in hushed whispers. Handsome was too small a word. Apex is dangerous artistry, a weapon sculpted to walk. I recognized him from rare sketches and whispered histories. Not fully wolf, something older. No birth name known. The world called him Apex Blood, heir to the Lycan throne. Werewolves splintered into packs, each ruled by an Alpha. But Lycans bowed to one king. That king was infamous for brutality, and his heir¡­ cursed, rumor imed. The heir who never left the obsidian castle and its ck tower, yet here he was tonight. My gaze caught on his, and impossibly, his head lifted. Pale eyes locked on mine across the courtyard. For one suspended heartbeat, the storm held its breath. Then a mourner¡¯s whisper shattered the spell. ¡°My goodness¡­ it¡¯s the Lycan prince!¡± ¡°Poor soul. His father died this evening. He¡¯s here to cremate the king.¡± ¡°Poor soul? Did he look like someone who is mourning? Please.¡± Cold shivers raced my spine. The Lycan King dead? That meant Apex Blood would ascend the throne. A cursed, ruthless monarch. My heart thudded. I watched Apex stride into themplight shadows before closing my eyes against the sudden pulse of a mind link. Nyroth. Self¨Ccentered. As always. Where are you, Zeph? Come home. Don¡¯t make it a scandal just because of a little issue. I have something important to tell you. I opened my eyes and stared into the nk space ahead with a sigh. Perhaps I, too, had something important to discuss about a five¨Cyear mate bond. About us. Send Gifts Back Where 4 Zephyrine The carriage halted in the courtyard, the weight of everything that had happened still heavy on my chest. I stepped out, my limbs stiff, and moved slowly into the hallway. At first, it was quiet. Thenughter spilled from the dining hall ahead. I followed the sound with dragging steps, each one echoing louder in my ears. And then I saw them all seated, all glowing in warmth and light, like a perfect portrait. ?? ??? ???? ?? ???? ???? ???????s, ????s? ??s?? f?ndnovel Nyroth at the head of the table. His mother beside him, dressed in rich emerald. Olivia, his younger sister, radiant in pale silk and Kai, Nyroth¡¯s Beta, seated beside her with a drink in hand. They wereughing. Joking. At peace. After everything they¡¯d done, they could stillugh. I stared. Watching. Waiting. Hoping I was wrong about what I¡¯de home to. But they saw me and theughter died. Forks clinked awkwardly against tes. Napkins froze mid¨Cair. Nyroth¡¯s mother met my eyes and gave me the kind of look reserved for dirt tracked across polished marble. I didn¡¯t flinch. No one said a word. No one asked where I¡¯d been. No one asked what I¡¯d gone through. Not even him. I turned away, my chest burning, and walked toward the hallway that hosted two chambers. One for the Alpha, and one for me. I stepped into mine. The room was small. A bed tucked in the corner. A few dresses. A couple pairs of shoes. Nothing else. Come to think of it, Nyroth had never cared. All he focused on was his rise to Alpha and the growth of the pack. He¡¯d promised that when things settled, he¡¯d announce our mate bond. That he¡¯d mark me as Luna. But Ka had returned. His precious Ka, his childhood crush, the one who rejected him and left for her envoy mission five years ago. Now that she was back, I knew. That promise would never be kept. I let out a shaky sigh and began to undress, fumbling with the zipper at my back when the door creaked open. Nyroth entered quietly. Our eyes met in the hazy mirror as he approached, and without a word, he reached to help with the zipper, his fingers brushing mine, ¡°Where did you put the moonstone vessel?¡± he asked softly, his breath grazing my neck. ¡°In the memorial hall,¡± I answered, my voice barely above a whisper. He finished unzipping the dress. It slipped to the floor, pooling at my feet. Then his hand came around my waist, his touch unfamiliar. I shivered and closed my eyes, bracing. ¡°Zeph¡­¡± he breathed, ¡°Let¡¯s get married.¡± Ifroze. I turned to him slowly, searching his face. ¡°What?¡± ¡°It¡¯s been five years,¡± he said, his voice low. ¡°I want to seal it. Mark you. Make you my Luna. Have pups.¡± My breath caught. It should have meant something. But something about the timing. I watch him looked down. Hesitated. ¡°But first,¡± he added, ¡°you must apologize to my mother and sister. For how rude you were. Kneel before them. Ask for their forgiveness.¡± My chest went still. His eyes lifted to meet mine, waiting for a response and that¡¯s when it hit me. The marriage was bait. The real purpose of this talk was the apology. Of course. I took a step back, shaking inside, heading toward the bath chamber, only for him to catch my wrist. ¡°Zeph¡­¡± ¡°Let me go,¡± I said tightly. ¡°Now.¡± ¡°It¡¯s just a simple apology. You know you¡¯re the one at fault¡­¡± ¡°They called my dead parents unlucky,¡± I snapped, my voice sharp as a de. ¡°They disrespected them.¡± He flinched. But said nothing. ¡°How would you feel,¡± I hissed, ¡°if I called your mother a curse? A bad omen? Would you fall to your knees and thank me for it?¡± Silence stretched. Atst, he nodded. ¡°So you won¡¯t apologize.¡± I stared at him, realizing words wouldn¡¯t fix any of this, 482as ¡°Tread carefully, Nyroth. Push me too far, and I¡¯ll demand a rejection.¡± His fingers went cold around my wrist. ¡°What?¡± * M ¡°You never loved me,¡± I said, my voice shaking with fury. ¡°Ka¡¯s always been on your mind. Five years ago, when she turned you down and left, you were heartbroken. You proposed to me that same week, brought me to Hue Pack because you needed someone to fill the hole she left. That¡¯s all I was.¡± ¡°That¡¯s not true,¡± he muttered. ¡°Ka and I¡­ we¡¯re childhood friends. I told you she saved my life once.¡± ¡°That¡¯s your excuse,¡± I bit out. ¡°It¡¯s always been your excuse. Today was one of the most important days of my life. I brought my parents home after five years, and y ou couldn¡¯t even show up. Instead, you went to dinner with her He didn¡¯t deny it. He just stared at me, chest rising and falling with quiet rage or guilt. ¡°I can¡¯t reject you,¡± he whispered atst. ¡°A wolf from Hue Pack only gets one mate in a lifetime. If I lose you¡­¡± He reached for me again but I stepped back. He sighed. ¡°Fine. I¡¯m sorry.¡± He leaned in, cupped my cheek, and ced a kiss on my forehead, the same way he always did when he wanted to calm me. ¡°How about this?¡± he murmured. ¡°Tomorrow morning, we go together to pay your parents the respect they deserve.¡± I didn¡¯t answer right away. I was still seething. But the bond¡­ the bond made me hesitate. Made me want to believe. So I nodded. He kissed my forehead again and gave a gentle smile. ¡°Tomorrow morning. Without fail. Goodnight.¡± Send Gifts Back Where 5 Zephyrine It wasn¡¯t the sunlight that woke me. It was the heavy scent of an Ash Pack wolf. Thick, grounding, and unmistakable. They never move without purpose. I flutter my eyes open and stay still, listening. ¡°Zephyr?¡± Jurrek¡¯s voice cuts through the morning quiet, and a cold chill runs down my spine, My pack¡¯s Beta. My brother¡¯s Beta. I rise at once, grabbing my robe and heading out of my chamber. As I walk toward the pack¡¯s exit, I hear whispers. The werewolf members of hue pack are talking, moving quickly. Something must have happened. I step into the openne beyond the gate. The wind greets me, sharp and cold. Then I feel him behind me. I turn slowly and meet Jurrek Bane¡¯s eyes. My brother¡¯s most loyal man. Broad¨Cshouldered, sharp¨Cjawed, wrapped in a white fur¨Clined coat marked with the Ash Pack crest. His brown eyes are steady, filled with something I don¡¯t want to name. He bows his head to me, and I look away, jaw tight. I don¡¯t deserve that. ¡°How have you been, Zephyr?¡± His voice scrapes through me and I force myself to meet his gaze. ¡°How long has it been?¡± he asks again. ¡°Five years,¡± I whisper. My eyes lower, drawn into memories I¡¯ve tried to bury. I left Ash Pack behind, but it follows me, especially in moments like this. ¡°I heard you recovered your parents¡® ashes,¡± he says. ¡°Yes.¡± The word catches in my throat. I still can¡¯t look at him. The guilt always lingers like smoke from a fire long extinguished. ¡°I should take them back to Ash Pack,¡± Jurrek says gently. ¡°And maybe, maybe it¡¯s time for you toe back too. The pack needs an Alpha.¡± ¡°I will bring my parent home myself and the pack will have its Alpha.¡± I lift my chin, forcing strength into my voice. ¡°Varyn will return, Jurrek. He will.¡± Silence stretches between us. Newest update provided by Then he nods. Eyes cast downward. Everyone knows how obsessed I am with that belief. That my brother, our General, is still alive, ¡°There¡¯s still no word,¡± he says quietly. ¡°Hisrades returned from the battlefield, but no one knows what became of him. Zephyr¡­ it¡¯s been five years. Don¡¯t you think it¡¯s time you take his ce?¡± Be Alpha? I shake my head. ¡°No.¡± The thought is a weight I can¡¯t carry. ¡°Varyn wille back. And my answer will always be the same. I won¡¯t take his ce.¡± Jurrek doesn¡¯t argue. Instead, he walks to his white powerful horse, reaching into a saddlebag and pulling out a golden scroll. He extends it to me. extends ¡°You must¡¯ve heard,¡± he says. ¡°The Lycan King is dead.¡± I arch a brow. I¡¯d heard. I¡¯d seen the heir. The memory ofst night ws through me. Those pale eyes, that unnatural stillness. His presence had felt like something ancient. Not just powerful. Ominous. ¡°Yes, I know,¡± I murmur. ¡°What about it?¡± ¡°There¡¯s a coronation tomorrow. Apex Blood will be crowned and for the first time in Lycan history, werewolf packs have been invited. The Ash Pack was the first. This scroll was hand¨Cdelivered by the Lycan Prince¡¯s elder sister herself.¡± I blink at him. ¡°What will you do, Zephyr?¡± he asks. ¡°The Alpha¡¯s name is written on it. Should we ignore the invitation?¡± My eyes drop to the scroll. A golden seal. The scent of Lycan magic still clings to it. Why Ash Pack first? I take it from him, my hand trembling. ¡°Represent the pack, Jurrek,¡± I say softly. ¡°Go in Varyn¡¯s name. And send more men to the borders. Ask about the battle from five years ago. Any whisper. Any trace of my brother.¡± Jorek doesn¡¯t question me. Doesn¡¯t flinch. He bows again, then mounts his horse and rides off, fading into the pale morning. I stand alone in the cold, watching until he disappears, until the wind wraps around me again like a reminder. Eventually, I return to Hue Pack and slip back into my room. I sit on the edge of my bed, heart pounding. The Lycan Kingdom is opening its gates to werewolves? The former king never even acknowledged us, let alone sent invitations. I unwrap the scroll. The words are handwritten, a ck¨Cinked crest of the Lycan Empire stamped at the top. To Alpha Varyn of the Ash Pack, ¤¤ You are formally invited to attend the coronation of Apex Blood, heir to the Lycan Empire. Your strength and loyalty to the realm have not gone unnoticed. Your presence would honor the ceremony. Date: Under the bright sky tomorrow. ¨C Bymand of the Crown.¡¯ I exhale, the scroll shaking in my grip. Apex Blood had invited my brother. Varyn, the General of Ash Pack. The war hero. I reach into my drawer and pull out a small chest. Inside lies the bracelet Ka had flung at my feet and a hairpin simple, carved with marble edges. Broken, one piece lost forever. My tenth birthday gift from my brother. I ce the scroll beside it and close the chest, pressing my palm to the lid. Varyn¡­ where are you? No answeres. Just the sound of the pack gate creaking open. I rise and walk to the window. A carriage rides in, ornate and proud, bearing the crest of ckbridge Pack. She hasn¡¯t even stepped out before her scent cuts through the air. Ka Hue Pack guards rush forward. Maids line the path in silence. Every pack member pauses to stare. I¡¯ve read about her. Heard the whispers. I was alive when the legends began. Ka Bridge, the first female envoy ever chosen for a mission. Born of a Beta. Returned now after five years of sess to be named host. Men adore her beauty, Women praise her brilliance. She¡¯s everything society celebrates and here she is, arriving like a queen. She steps down from her carriage with elegance, fingertips grazing her gown. Then she lifts her head. Our eyes meet. Brief. Sharp. Like a challenge. Then she walks past, followed by guards and maids, treatment 1, the Alpha¡¯s mate, have never received. I wonder if her arrival has something to do with the Lycan King¡¯s death¡­ or Apex¡¯s coronation tomorrow. Either way, she¡¯s here for a reason. Send Gifts 4 Back Where 6 Zephyrine I was just pulling my hair up when the knock came. I rushed to the door and opened it to see him already dressed. Nyroth. I smiled, relieved he was keeping his promise this time. ¡°I¡¯m almost done. The ride to the memorial hall shouldn¡¯t be¡­¡± I was saying but my voice trailed off. The expression on his face made my chest tighten. He had promised we¡¯d go together. What changed now? ¡°Zeph¡­ I, uh¡­¡± he hesitated, then asked, ¡°You heard about the death of the Lycan King?¡± ¡°May the Moon Goddess grant him safe passage to the afterlife,¡± I said. ¡°But what does that have to do with anything?¡± ¡°Apex Blood,¡± he said, and a cold chill ran down my spine. ¡°He¡¯s opened the gates of the Lycan Kingdom, for the first time in history, to werewolves. His coronation is tomorrow. Hue Pack just received an invitation.¡± That¡­ is good news. Hue Pack had grown stronger since my arrival. I smiled and nodded. ¡°Then we¡¯ll go together. I can¡¯t wait to see the Lycan Kingdom, but first, we should head to the memorial hall. You¡¯ll have plenty to doter today.¡± He didn¡¯t move. Didn¡¯t speak. Just stared at me. And that was when I knew he was about to break my heart again. ¡°Ka wants to host the coronation, Zeph,¡± he said atst. ¡°She needs help convincing Apex. So¡­ I¡¯ll be apanying her to the Lycan Kingdom.¡± I froze. The silence stretched like an eternity. My knees went weak. He is doing it again. ¡°The Alpha of ckbridge pack can help with that.¡± ¡°Well it¡¯s no news he has been unstable after his Luna left him.¡± ¡°You¡¯re choosing her. Again.¡± ¡°That¡¯s not what this is,¡± he replied quickly. ¡°Your parents¡® ashes aren¡¯t going anywhere. I¡¯ll pay my respects eventually.¡± His words hit harder than any p. The silence that followed felt like a pit. Atst, he sighed. just as he always did when he thought he¡¯d made the right call. ¡°This is an opportunity for Hue Pack. I¡¯ll meet Apex, see if he¡¯s open to trade. Don¡¯t you think that¡¯s wise?¡± I said nothing. I turned away and walked to the window, staring out in silence. Everything always had to revolve around him. The pack. His ambitions. His mother. Ka, Never me. After a few seconds, I heard his footsteps retreating. Then the carriage wheels.. I looked down and saw him guide Ka outside, his hand on her waist. She paused before stepping in and looked up. Right at
  1. me.
A small smile curled at the corner of her lips. Taunting. Nyroth helped her into the carriage. He never looked my way. Then he got in too, and they rode off, with his Beta and guards, toward the Lycan Kingdom. Grief and silence filled my room after their departure. I pulled away from the window, turning to lie down but something moved outside again. I stepped back to the window and saw Dessyn walking into the pack courtyard, waving. A breath of relief escaped my lips. I rushed outside to meet her. She pulled me into a quick hug,ughing. ¡°Guess what, best friend?¡± Dessyn Dusk,es from White Pack. My best friend since forever and my brother¡¯s first love. She hosted most of the festivals back in Ash Pack as a nner, and her younger brother Aedric Dusk had fought beside me in battle. A fellow Sentinel. My junior. But now he is the Alpha of White pack. Follow current nov?ls on ¡°What is it?¡± I asked, my mood lifting already. She grabbed my wrist yfully. ¡°Are you busy?¡± ¡°No.¡± ¡°Then how about youe with us to the Lycan Kingdom?¡± I pulled back. ¡°Why are you going there?¡± ¡°You didn¡¯t hear? Apex opened the gates for werewolves. He dered that anyone who can host the coronation can apply. Thousands have submitted requests, but Alpha Aedric set up a meeting. I¡¯m going. He¡¯sing with me. Our carriage is waiting just outside. I thought I¡¯d check if you¡¯d want to join.¡± My thoughts stilled. The same destination as Nyroth. The same opportunity. Is this Fate? ¡°Zephyr,e along,¡± she said, nudging me. ¡°You¡¯ve been locked up in this pack too long. Let¡¯s go see the Lycan Kingdom.¡± Then she lowered her voice, grinning. ¡°Let¡¯s go see Apex Blood. They say he¡¯s strange but handsome. What do you think?¡± I turned back toward my chamber and sighed. I didn¡¯t want to run into Pam or Olivia today and I had no intention of apologizing to anyone. ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± I said. Dessyn grinned and tugged my wrist as we rushed out. Two carriages waited in thene. In one were the Alpha and Beta of White Pack. When they saw me, I bowed. Alpha Aedric smiled at me. White Pack lrad a long history of battle contributions, and Alpha Aedric was one of the few who knew my identity and honored it. He¡¯d served with my father in war before retiring early due to a knee injury. I stepped into the second carriage with Dessyn. She settled beside me, smiling brightly as the wheels began to roll. 213 We were heading to the Lycan Kingdom. My heart beat fast, not from fear but from the knowledge that soon, I would be in the presence of Apex Blood again and something told me¡­ this time, things would change. Send Gifts 2.2K D M Back Where 7 Zephyrine I have never seen so many people in one ce until the massive gates of the Lycan Kingdom open and our carriage wheels
  1. in.
Ancient walls, imprable and towering. The scent in the air is different, earthy, wild, and touched by something otherworldly. The wind seems to whisper in a tongue I don¡¯t understand. Children run past. Men, women, young and old move about, going on with their lives as if a king hasn¡¯t just died. I expected mourning¡­ but it feels like they¡¯re celebrating. How else could a coronation be announced only two days after the death of the Lycan King? I nce around in quiet awe. Then I spot it. A crest I know too well. Nyroth¡¯s carriage. So¡­ they¡¯re already here. I swallow hard, and beside me, Dessyn notices. She follows my gaze and arches a brow, recognizing the sigil as well. ¡°Nyroth apanied Ka to secure the host position,¡± I murmur. I brace myself for her reaction. A sharpment. A curse. But instead, she looks at me, really looks at me. ¡°I¡¯m fine. It¡¯s nothing.¡± I add too quickly. To you, maybe. But your parents wouldn¡¯t have wanted you to live like this, Zephyr. Not even Varyn.¡± Her words cut deeper than I expect, a lump forming in my throat. A guard approaches then, saving me from answering. ¡°You¡¯re wee to the Lycan Kingdom. Please follow me,¡± he says politely. We move as one. Me, Dessyn, Alpha Aedric, and his Beta, down a long corridor and into a grand hall. A wooden table stretches down the center, surrounded by carved chairs. The walls are lined with ancient prints, the kind that tell stories no one dares whisper aloud. And then I see them. Nyroth and Ka. Seated beside each other. His hand covering hers. Smiling like lovers. His eyes flick toward me and a frown pulls at his brow. But he says nothing. Publicly, we are strangers. That¡¯s what he wanted, isn¡¯t it? To keep our bond secret. Now I understand why. I walk with Alpha Aedric and Dessyn to our seats across from them. Kai, Nyroth¡¯s Beta, res at me as if I¡¯ve betrayed them somehow. I ignore him. I ignore all of them. Because just seats away from the head of the table sit two women I¡¯ve only heard of in whispers. The Lycan princesses. Apex Blood¡¯s elder sisters. They are stunning in a way that could inspire envy in even the most secure soul. I have never been the jealous kind. My parents gave me everything. The Moon Goddess blessed me with strength. But even I am left breathless by their grace, their poise. Their presence. The hall is heavily guarded. Tense. Everyone on edge. This is, after all, the first time werewolves have ever been allowed into the Lycan Kingdom. But Apex Blood is nowhere to be seen. I nce at Dessyn. She¡¯s nervous, her hands wringing in herp. I take one of them and squeeze it gently. She turns and offers a small, grateful smile. This is a big moment. Hosting the first ever Lycan coronation as a werewolf. And yet, she¡¯s handled warrior festivals before. She can do this. I¡¯m still thinking that, silently encouraging her, when the sound of footsteps echoes through the hall. Silence falls. A silence so thick, it feels sacred. He¡¯s here. The door opens and I feel it again. That same ominous sensation. My wolf stirs. Goosebumps rise on my skin. Apex Blood walks in and everything changes. He moves past us, his presence a storm wrapped in ck. His scent clings to the air like an intoxication. Flowersced with blood. Grace cloaked in danger. Up close, he is¡­ haunting. Dressed all in ck, a thick fur cloak over his shoulders. His long dark hair falls around his face, some strands clinging to his cheek. His raven perched on his shoulder as he walked in, its glossy feathers absorbing the dim light. It tilted its head, as if judging everything around them, yet remained utterly at ease atop him. He doesn¡¯t nce at anyone. Not even once. Instead, he walks straight to the two women waiting for him. And then he kisses the first princess. On the lips. She smiles and touches his cheek as if it¡¯s the most natural greeting in the world. Then he turns to the second and kisses her too. Again, on the lips. Alphas don¡¯t greet their sisters this way. But the Lycans from the Royal bloodline do. And now I understand what people meant when they said Apex Blood worships his sisters. This¡­ is devotion. This is something else entirely. He finally pulls away and walks over to take his seat at the head of the table, far away. He keeps his eyes down, refusing to meet anyone¡¯s gaze. A man, who seem to be his beta steps forward and addresses the room. ¡°Wee to the Lycan Kingdom, Alphas and representatives. His Highness acknowledges your presence.¡± ¡°Thank you,¡± Nyroth says smoothly. Alpha Aedric follows, ¡°We are honored, Your Highness.¡± His beta continues, his gaze drifting to the women present. ¡°You havee to present the most suitable host for the coronation. But I see three women.¡± Alpha Auedric speaks first. ¡°Zephyr is not here to apply. She is a guest. It is Dessyn, of the White Pack, who wishes to host. She¡¯s well¨Cversed in ceremony and has led many sessful events in the Ash pack.¡± A loud snort breaks the moment. Kai. ¡°Please. Ka of ckbridge Pack is here as well. She¡¯s not just graceful, she¡¯s brilliant. The first female envoy of our time. Shepleted every mission the Empire gave her, Ka was the best when it came to archery and everyone knew it. If anyone should host the coronation, it¡¯s her.¡± ¡°Thank you, Kai,¡± Ka says softly, then turns toward Dessyn with a patronizing smile. ¡°This isn¡¯t a vige festival that needed a local event nner. It¡¯s the coronation of a King. You wouldn¡¯t be able to handle it. I¡¯m sorry.¡± Dessyn¡¯s eyes red, and she wasted no time retorting. ¡°Then let¡¯s put skill to the test instead of trading petty insults. Unless, of course, you¡¯re afraid topete. In a fair contest of hosting. I¡¯d beat you without breaking a sweat.¡± ¡°Beat me?¡± Ka scoffed. ¡°When ites to hosting? Sweetheart, you can¡¯t even tell the wine goblet from the chamber pot. And those so¨Ccalled festivals you ¡®hosted¡® in Ash Pack? Please. You want apetition? Fine. Archery. It is well known that a host needs to have great physical fitness, and archery happens to be a good way to test one¡¯s physical abilities. I¡¯ll have you ck and blue before your first arrow leaves the string.¡± Silence fell on Dessyn¡¯s side this time. She had never learnedbat, let alone archery. Ka, however, was known as one of the finest archers alive, capable of hitting a bullseye from impossible distances. I had never nned on intervening or speaking to Ka but when I saw Dessyn fisting her hands helplessly under the table, I set my jaw and met Ka¡¯s eyes. ¡°Fine. If that¡¯s what you want. Let¡¯s have thepetition.¡± The room went still immediately after my challenge. Then he moved. Updates are released by F?nd-Novel Apex lifted his head, and his eyes, those eyes,nded on me. They didn¡¯t waver. Didn¡¯t blink. Didn¡¯t shift to Ka or Dessyn or anyone else. Only me. That stare¡­ it wasn¡¯t like the way Nyroth used to look at Ka. It was deeper. Heavier. Mysterious in a way I didn¡¯t understand and at that moment, everything changed. Send Gifts ºÏ 2.2K Back Where 8 Zephyrine Heat. Stillness. Silence. I never expected to attract his attention¡­ but here it is. His eyes are green. Bright, almost glowing. Not natural. Otherworldly. ¡°Have we met?¡± a voice asks. Apex¡¯s. And I swear my heart skips a beat. He¡¯s talking to me. I blink in surprise, not just because of that deep, husky voice that wraps around my spine like smoke, but because of his eyes. They¡¯re no longer green. Now¡­ they¡¯re grey. Cold. Beautiful. ¡°We met brieflyst night. At the memorial hall,¡± I said quietly, trying not to flinch under the weight of his gaze. He stares again. Silent. Intense. Like he¡¯s peeling backyers of me with a single look. Now I feel Nyroth¡¯s gaze on me too. Everyone is watching. ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡± Apex asks again, voice lower this time, like the wind before a storm. And now his eyes shift to hazel. Deep. Shadowed. They seem to change with his mood. Mysterious. Captivating. ¡°I am Zephyrine,¡± I respond, voice soft. Get full chapters from find(?)ovel ¡°Zephyrine,¡± he says fully, cleanly, slowly. I meet his gaze again. He blinks, a gentle, controlled motion that somehow makes him feel more dangerous. ¡°I want a silent coronation,¡± he says, calm but edged with steel. ¡°Who do you think can handle it better?¡± A chill runs down my spine at the sudden weight of his question. I nce across from me. Nyroth is staring steadily, Ka¡¯s eyes locked on mine. The Lycan heir just asked for my opinion. I almost smirk, wickedly, ¡°Dessyn Dusk of the White Pack has handled many festivals,¡± I say firmly. ¡°Most held in Ash Pack. I can assure you, Your Highness, she will make you proud.¡± ¡°Zeph¡­¡± Nyroth starts, warning me, but I ignore himpletely. My eyes stay fixed on Apex. I want to see what he¡¯ll say. He lowers his gaze, and I notice a small frown crease his forehead. One of his elder sisters reaches for his palm on the table. ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± he whispers softly to her. His voice has lost none of its strength, even in tenderness. That gesture makes my heart swell. It wasn¡¯t long before the raven on his shoulder flew away from the hall, surprising me. After a few seconds, Apex looks back at me and nods. ¡°Let¡¯s decide who gets to host by making it a trial ofpetition.¡± Ka quickly straightens in her seat, pride radiating from her. ¡°Your Highness, where and when?¡± she asks, eyes glinting. Then she spins her gaze to Dessyn, sharp and venomous. ¡°I can¡¯t wait to see what you bring to the field. Though I doubt there¡¯ll be anything worth noticing.¡± I gulp, muttering under my breath, unable to stop myself. I will be the one to draw the arrows. Not her.¡± A stunned silence falls. Kai¡¯s re slices across me. Nyroth¡¯s face is hard, unreadable. I ignore them all and lower my gaze, exhaling slowly. Archery. The first time I¡¯ll touch a bow in five years. My fingers itch for it already. When the date and time arrive from Apex Blood, his eyes are still on me, even as I avoid his gaze. ¡°Tonight. In my Kingdom. Whoever wins will host the coronation, earn my favor, and secure a seal deal for their pack.¡± ¡°My Prince,¡± Ka says with mock sweetness. ¡°Can the werewolvese too?¡± Silence descends immediately. She wants a bigger audience, bigger humiliation. She wants to bask in her own glory. The beta nods, unsurprised, as though he anticipated the question and he knows what Apex would want too. ¡°Yes, you may,¡±es the cold reply. Ka smirks straight at me. ¡°Too bad you¡¯ll be facing more than you can handle tonight. Good thing you¡¯re a rogue with no family. That way no one will even care if you embarrass yourself.¡± Dessyn rises to retort, but I press a hand to her arm. Better to wait and prove her wrong with action than with words. Apex soon left the hall with his sisters and beta, leaving us werewolves tense. Nyroth finally rises too, eyes fixed on me as he leads Ka away. Kai, ever silent and sharp, follows. They leave the hall in quiet disdain. ¡°Zephyr, you can¡¯t do this.¡± Dessyn says, finally speaking as Alpha Auedric and his beta remain nearby. ¡°It¡¯s been five years since you touched a weapon. Don¡¯t start now because of me. You made a vow to leave your battle life behind until you find your brother.¡± I remain quiet for a moment. She¡¯s right. But some vows are meant to be broken. Slowly, I turn to Alpha Auedric. ¡°I won¡¯t push you to take up arms for the White Pack, Zephyr,¡± he says quietly. ¡°But I¡¯d be more than happy if you did. A seal deal with the Lycan Kingdom. Your best friend bing the first werewolf ever to host a coronation. And the chance to shut that brat Ka for good. But it¡¯s your choice. Will you do it¡­ or not?¡± Send Gifts ¡£ Back Where 9 Zephyrine Night fell over the Lycan Kingdom like a heavy cloak. Torches flickered along the stone courtyard, casting long, jagged shadows. The massive gate swung open, and werewolves poured in, filling the arena with low murmurs and restless energy. The trial had been announced suddenly, and I couldn¡¯t turn away. Not when Dessyn¡¯s safety and perhaps pride was on the line. I lingered at the back of the arena, scanning the crowd as the Lycan members and visiting werewolves settled into their seats. Every eye seemed fixed on one figure. Ka Yadev, the empire¡¯s most refined female archer. I knew the truth. No one here cared about a rogue like me. They expected me to fail. A ripple of gasps ran through the crowd as Ka entered. Her hair was braided tight, her dress fitted for movement, and a gleaming bow rested in her hands. She carried herself with the arrogance of someone who knew they were untouchable. Nyroth walked beside her, chest puffed, his gaze alight with possessive pride, as if the arena itself belonged to him. I lowered my gaze. My heart clenched, but then I saw Dessyn, eyes fixed on me, her hands clutching a bow and quiver she extended toward me. ¡°Thanks, Zephyr, for doing this,¡± she muttered. ¡°Alpha Auedric told me to give them to you for the trial.¡± I blinked, staring at the bow. It bore the crest of the Moon Pack. I would represent them tonight. Relief and pride swelled inside me as I looked at Dessyn. We exchanged a brief, knowing smile. ¡°Alpha Auedric is taking a risk trusting me with this,¡± I whispered. ¡°More than anything.¡± Dessyn said, determination hardening her voice. ¡°You are the goddess of war. This is nothing.¡± I swallowed, gripping the bow. My focus snapped back to Ka, who was already at the back too, smirking at me with utter confidence before walking away without words. Nyroth didn¡¯t followed her immediately, he came over to me, eyes glinting as he nced at my face. 20 ¡°You love making a fool of yourself, Zeph, don¡¯t you?¡± he spat, stepping forward and grabbing my arm. I tried to pull away. ¡°Let go.¡± ¡°You¡¯re about to embarrass yourself! It¡¯s not too Newest update provided by Find¡ïNovel The crowd murmured, impressed by her elegance and skill. I swallowed the sting of mockery from Nyroth¡¯s enraptured gaze. He look more fixated on Ka than he had ever and will ever be for me. The drums began again. ¡°Three stages,¡± the announcer called. ¡°First, shoot three arrows into the bullseyes. Second, mount your horse and strike the bullseyes again. Third, ride the horse at full gallop and shatter the swayingntern.¡± Silence descended immediately after the announcement. Every onlookers pause to watch. Ka drew first after she dismount her horse. Her arrows flew like lightning, piercing the bullseyes in perfect session. The crowd erupted in awe and marvel. I look down now to set my bow when I got approached by the wild horse set aside for me. Its nostrils red, hooves stamping nervously. Alpha Auedric rushed forward. ¡°Zephyr! The horse we prepared for you has fallen sick out of nowhere. You see this horse now provided¡­ it¡¯s sedated! It¡¯s wild! You should quit,e home!¡± I stare at the horse for a brief seconds and shook my head. If I backed down now, disgrace would follow me for life. I ced my hand on the horse¡¯s neck, whispering softly until it calmed for a brief moment. 1 set my arrow, standing beside my wild horse, and drew the bowstring tight. The moment felt electric. I released and the first arrow struck the bullseye dead center. Without hesitation, the next two arrows followed, each piercing the first one exactly as they entered the target. A hush fell over the crowd. Whispers rippled through the spectators, eyes wide with astonishment at the speed and precision I¡¯d disyed. Ka¡¯s gaze snapped to me, sharp and incredulous. She was a skilled archer herself, but had she ever seen anything like this? The way I moved, the speed I struck, the wless uracy¡­ It was beyond anything she¡¯d imagined. For a moment, herposure faltered, reced by raw, bitter surprise. I let the bow rest. letting the stunned silence linger a heartbeat longer. The message was clear. I was not to be underestimated. Stage two. The horse reared and bolted, unsteady. I mounted, gripping the reins, heart hammering. Ka¡¯s arrows hit perfectly again. Now it was my turn. I leaned with the horse, aiming for the bullseyes. Each shot struck clean and true. The murmurs shifted, some began to cheer my skill. Ka¡¯s smirk faltered once again but I ignored her. Stage three. 1 Thentern swayed high above, the final target and I had to pierce it while on a moving horse. Ka set her bow, and I understood immediately. The night was not going as she had hoped. She nced at my horse, studying it with that sharp, calcting gaze. I could swear her lips curved into a mocking smile, amused at its wildness. Then, with determined speed, she kicked her horse into motion. The bowstring sang, the arrow flew but it missed. Murmurs rose from the crowd, disappointment threading through the air. Ka pulled back, reins in hand, ncing at me with a mixture of frustration and disbelief. She tried again, slowing her horse this time. The arrow hit the target but there was no cheering, no triumph. Not the way she had imagined. Her expression faltered for just a heartbeat, and I almost smiled at the subtle sh of disbelief on her face. I turned to the wild horse beside me, letting my hands soothe it, calming its restlessness. It held steady for a moment as 1 readied my bow, aiming at the swayingntern. Then, without warning, the horse bolted straight toward the arena wall. Gasps rippled through the spectators at the speed, but I didn¡¯t falter. With perfect timing, I released the arrow while riding at full speed. Just before the horse would have crashed, I rolled with fluid precision,nding on my feet in perfect bnce. The arrow struck true, thentern shattered cleanly. Silence froze the arena for a heartbeat so sharp it made hearts skip. Then, as realization dawned, jubtion erupted but this time, it was for me, not Ka Yadev. The tide had turned. Back Where 10 Zephyrine It wasn¡¯t long before we were both called into a short meeting with the Lycan Prince. Ka and I followed the path to the meeting hall where we had seen Apex earlier. He was there now, nked by his sisters and a few elderly men. There is no raven on his shoulder this time. I passed the bow to Alpha Auedric¡¯s Beta, and lowered myself into the seat as expected. Ka still looked stunned that I could handle a bow with such precision. Nyroth was there too, staring at me in confusion and awe, when the husky, deep voice of Apex cut through the silence. ¡°You¡¯re from White Pack too?¡± he asked. I swallowed hard and lifted my gaze to meet his piercing eyes, but before I could answer, he asked again. ¡°Have you received the invitation?¡± Alpha Aeudric chuckled lightly. ¡°No, Your Highness. White Pack hasn¡¯t gotten any invitation yet. Perhaps it¡¯s still in process?¡± ¡°Hue Pack has gotten an invitation,¡± Nyroth added quickly. ¡°Does that mean the host I represent should handle the coronation? She won each round of the trials.¡± Apex didn¡¯t look at him or anyone. He merely nodded, turning slightly to his Beta. ¡°White Pack should be invited. And the host shoulde from their pack. It was mentioned she hosted festivals in Ash Pack as well. I am impressed.¡± The hall fell silent. I could feel Dessyn¡¯s heartbeat hammering beside me. She reached under the table and squeezed my hand, her grip trembling with gratitude and excitement. The meeting ended almost as abruptly as it had started. Apex rose, every movement deliberate, radiating sheer power. He started toward the door but paused mid¨Cstep, turning his formidable gaze back to me. ¡°You¡¯ll be there tomorrow? At the coronation?¡± I went still. I hadn¡¯t nned on attending. Jurrek would represent Ash Pack. ¡°Yes, Your Highness. She wille,¡± Dessyn said quickly, her voice bright and eager before I could speak. Apex inclined his head slightly. ¡°Good work out there. I am impressed.¡± And then he was gone, disappearing like a shadow fading into the walls. A smile threatened to break across my face. Why did it feel so much lighter now that Apex had acknowledged me? I turned to Dessyn, my eyes wide, wondering why she had spoken for me. Before I could scold her, a giggle drifted from ahead. One of the princesses stood, smiling as she approached with her hand extended. I rose, taking it respectfully, and she pressed a gentle kiss to my knuckles. ¡°Mearez. That¡¯s my name,¡± she said softly, her smile warm. ¡°You handled it well out there. I¡¯m impressed. Not many have your¡­ skills.¡± I swallowed, unprepared for the praise. I never know they watch too. ¡°The preparations for the coronation start tomorrow night. Will youe with the host?¡± she asked. I lowered my gaze to decline politely, but Dessyn stepped forward, practically glowing with excitement. ¡°Of course, Princess Mearez. She will definitelye.¡± ¡°Then we¡¯ll be expecting you,¡± Mearez said, her presence leaving a strange, calming warmth behind her. The second princess rose silently and left without a word, her quiet exit leaving a strange, lingering weight in the hall. wow eyes. That¡¯s when sobbing reached my ears. I turned to see Ka, tears streaming down her face that I nearly roll my eyes. It¡¯s obvious she¡¯s shedding fake tears. ¡°Ka¡­¡± Nyroth called, but she bolted from the hall. He set his jaw and followed her, with Kai right behind. I felt a soft tap on my shoulder. ¡°Zephyr, thank you,¡± Alpha Acudric said, his gratitude clear in his eyes. I returned a faint, respectful smile. We walked out together. Alpha Auedric and his Beta entered their carriage, and soon they were gone. Dessyn and I made our way to ours when Ka suddenly appeared. ¡°You did that on purpose, didn¡¯t you?¡± she demanded, ring. I remained silent. We had hardly spoken before, and I had no desire to start now. I turned to climb in, but she grabbed my wrist. A bold, reckless move. Find the newest release on Find_Novel(. I froze. Physical contact. Slowly, I looked at her hand, then into her face. For a split second, a dark thought shed through my mind. Snap her neck. Get it over with. ¡°You did that on purpose,¡± she repeated, her breath hot with fury. ¡°You lied. Said she hosted festivals in Ash Pack just to win. Apex over. And where on earth did you learn such¡­ skills?!¡± I didn¡¯t respond. I pulled free and started to turn when Nyroth stepped behind her. ¡°Ka, let¡¯s go home.¡± ¡°No! Why should I? Your so¨Ccalled mate lied, and it cost me everything!¡± Mate. My heart skipped. My gaze darted to Nyroth. What else had he told her? ¡°What lie did I tell?¡± I asked calmly. She red, venom dripping from her words. ¡°Ash Pack? A peasant like Dessyn has no business there, much less hosting a festival!¡± Dessyn stepped forward, but I gently gripped her wrist, holding her back. ¡°It¡¯s not a lie,¡± I said and turned toward the carriage. Ka threw her final insult like a dagger. ¡°Only the Moon Goddess knows what you did with Apex at the memorial hallst night.¡± She turned to Nyroth, her voice trembling with malice. ¡°Your mate is a whore. She must¡¯ve slept with Apex Blood.¡± I went cold. The word echoed in my mind, sharp and vicious. I looked to Nyroth, seeing the way he swallowed hard, stepped back, and climbed into the carriage silently. Leaves. Without a word. A whore? An insult that should have stained the Ashmere name forever. Back Where 11 Rephyrine ¡°I should go home,¡± I said at ,pelling Dessyn to stare at me in confusion. ¡°Why are you epting this humiliation, Zephyr? Why? Finished I looked away toward the small window of the carriage, exhaling, Ka had insulted me gravely, and I watched her walk away. She¡¯s respected in the Empire for her contributions to peace, but a woman like me. I am above her. Still, I allowed her to trample all over me. ¡°Is this because of the mate bond? Because of Nyroth?¡± Dessyn asked, and I sighed, I turned to her gently. ¡°He¡¯s my mate.¡± ¡°A mate who never cares about you, Zephyr. You deserve more than him. He doesn¡¯t even touch you, or..¡± She paused, then asked softly. ¡°Has he ever kissed you?¡± At that question, I swallowed hard and looked away. Come to think of it. Nyroth has never kissed my lips. All he¡¯s ever done is kiss my temple, and that only happens when he¡¯s trying to apologize for something We never had any romantic time together. There¡¯s never been any lust between us. Once, we hugged, and I tried to take it further but he gave excuses, Said we should save it for our wedding night. I believed him until now. Now I know the truth. He¡¯s saving himself for his crush. He¡¯s never once felt attracted to me in a romantic way. He only kept me by his side because I helped him build his pack. Nothing more. The carriage stopped before Hue Pack, and I turned to Dessyn, who was clearly annoyed by my tolerance. ¡°I¡¯lle meet you at home. We promised Princess Mearez I¡¯de byter tomorrow,¡± I said, and she nodded. When I alighted, I could feel her gaze on me. Atst, the carriage rode on toward White Pack. For a long while, I stood at the gate of Hue Pack before I walked in. The hall was unusually silent today. When I pushed the door and stepped into the living room, the first person I saw was Ka, seated calmly in a chair and Pam, Nyroth¡¯s mother, patting her back. At once, Olivia, who seemed to have been waiting for my arrival, charged forward. ¡°The harlot is here. Was it true you told lies just so you could make your friend the host? Was it true?¡± I stood there, my eyes on her for a brief moment before I shifted my gaze. Nyroth stood ahead beside the window, saying nothing which meant one thing. He believed it. I bypassed Olivia and headed toward my chamber, but Pam blocked my way. 173 Finished ¡°I heard what you did, Zeph. How you spread lies about that friend of yours hosting a festival in Ash Pack. Have you chosen death, lying to the Lycan heir about a pack so sacred and respected?¡± My gaze fell on her. I pulled back, trying to suppress the anger that threatened to rise. It¡¯s best I left the house for now, I made to bypass her. Then it came. ¡± shows she¡¯s a whore. She must have inherited that trait from her dead mother. Spreading legs and fucking with strangers!¡± I went cold at that im. Slowly, I turned back to stare at her, stunned she had crossed a line of no return. ¡°What did you say?¡± I asked. ¡°You heard me, you harlot!¡± she shouted. That exmation came with a p that tilted my head to the side. A hard p across my face. I went colder stis she spat, the spitnding on my feet. ¡°I curse the day my son brought you home. You never deserved him. Barren.¡± That was it. 1 fisted my hands and turned toward my chamber, dashing in just to breathe. My own mother being called a harlot? I was still seething when the sound of my door opening came. I turned to see Nyroth standing there in the doorway, his eyes fixed on mine. ¡°Was it true?¡± he asked. Zeph.. is it true you had a thing with Apex?¡± I went cold. An assumption and he believed it at once. That meant one thing. There¡¯s no love between us. No trust. After everything that just happened in the living room.. this is all he could ask me I didn¡¯t respond and he seemed to understand the message. He sighed in frustration. ¡°Zeph, you know what the rumors say about Apex. He doesn¡¯t care about anyone but his two sisters. But today. he stared at no one but you. Spoke to no one but you which means one thing.¡± ¡°That I slept with him? I asked quietly. He swallowed hard when he saw the tears welling in my eyes. ¡°That was chased like a dog from my mate¡¯s pack in the rain, with my parents¡® ashes, I went ahead andy with a stranger. Is that it?!¡± Silence descended at my yell. He searched my eyes. Atst, he let out a sigh and took a step forward, his fingers reaching to hold me but I took a step back. Zeph, I¡¯m sorry. Let¡¯s just..¡± His fingers reached again, trying to wrap around my arm and I stopped him with one deadly re. ¡°Touch me. Nyroth, and I swear on the Moon Goddess we worship. I will slit your throat.¡± It wasn¡¯t a threat. It was a promise. He went still at once, stunned by my words. Fresh chapters posted on Find[?]ovel I wiped the tears off my face and stepped back, arriving at a decision of no return. Finished ¡°I tried, Nyroth. Despite all I¡¯ve done and all the endurance I¡¯ve shown the love and trust just isn¡¯t there between us.¡± Zeph ¡°Let¡¯s break up.¡± I cut him off. ¡°I want rejection. Fix the date and time. Let¡¯splete the ritual and go our separate ways. You can marry and mark Ka, as you¡¯ve always wanted. He went totally pale at my words but I didn¡¯t give him time to recover. I turned and left the pack, heading straight for White Pack Back Where 12 Zephyrine For more chapters visit find?novel Finished I arrived at White Pack under the night sky. It¡¯s a smaller packpared to Hue, but its members are friendly and humble. I made my way toward the Dusk family¡¯s abode ande across Alpha Acudric speaking with his Beta and some elders in the garden. ¡°Zephyr,¡± he called. I turned and bowed in his direction. ¡°You¡¯vee for the trip to the Lycan Kingdom?¡± I nodded in response, and his face lit up with a grateful smile. He turned to the elders. ¡°She helped us seal the deal tonight. Now everyone will hear the name of White Pack that it¡¯s from our pack the host of the Lycan coronation will be chosen.¡± Then, he looked back at me. ¡°The carriage will be waiting. Inform Dessyn that you¡¯ll be apanied by guards.¡± ¡°Alright. Alpha Agudric.¡± I left the garden and arrived at the doorstep of the Dusk family home. For a few seconds, I stood still, steadying my breath. I¡¯d pulled down my long hair to hide the faint marks left behind by that p. And just as I raised my hand to knock, I heard movement behind me. Slowly, I turned and my eyes settled on Moon. Taller now. Broader. Handsome in a quiet, understated way. Dessyn¡¯s younger brother, once my junior in rank on the battlefield, now fully grown. He carried a basin of water he¡¯d just fetched, but upon seeing me, it slipped from his hands and spilled to the ground. I offered him a small smile, but instead of smiling back, he closed the distance between us and hugged me tight. His devotion has always been fierce. And I¡¯d be lying to myself if I imed not to notice his affection. It wasn¡¯t the fondness. of a brother¨Cinw or a junior. Not the innocent admiration of a boy who knew me as his sister¡¯s friend. No. This was different. A man¡¯s silent im I¡¯ve caught him staring when he thought I¡¯d fallen asleep. I¡¯ve watched him take an arrow for me in battle. I¡¯ve seen the longing he tries to hide. But to me, he¡¯ll always be my younger brother. I gently pulled back from the embrace and smiled. I had stayed away from White Pack partly because of him. And now, I could no longer escape it. Is Dessyn at home?¡± I asked. He nodded and eagerly opened the door. ¡°My father is here, but my mother went on a trip.¡± ¡°Oh.¡± I stepped into the small living room and paused at the doorway. Nathan, Dessyn¡¯s father, sat on an old recliner reading a weathered book. I swallowed at the sight of him and walked forward to pay my respects. ¡°Kather He paused his reading, lifting his head slowly. His eyes widened in surprise when he saw me. ¡°My child. How have you been?¡± Finished ¡°we heard about what you did for on pack. Thank you so much Your friend¡¯s in her chamber. Moon Goddess knows she weds maxinum help I smiled family and headed down the familiar hallway to Dessyn¡¯s room. She was bent over her bed, staring at various sketches of goblets. When she noticed me, she sighed in relief. Good thing you¡¯re here, best friend. I can¡¯t seem to choose wisely. What type of goblets will fit for the guests at the ination?¡± ¡°Hun..¡°I walked over to take the sketches from her. ¡°This one will be line, given the fact that, I stopped mid¨Csentence. She wasn¡¯t looking at the designs. Her gaze was fixed on my cheek. I looked away quickly, Minking, but she pulled my hair back gently to get a better view. ¡°This is the height of it, Zephyr, she said, anger simmering in her voice. ¡°If Jurrek or any member of Ash Pack saw this, they¡¯de for blood.¡± I stared at nothing for a moment before exhaling shakily. ¡°I demanded a rejection.¡± ¡°W what?¡± ¡°I was called a harlot. Dessyn. And my mother? A prostitute.¡± I turned to face her, eyes hollow. ¡°I don¡¯t deserve to be an Ashmere. ¡°Zephyr ¡°I couldn¡¯t find my brother. I couldn¡¯t make my mate love me, and¡­¡± She didn¡¯t let me finish. She pulled me into a tight embrace. ¡°This is the best decision you¡¯ve ever made, Zephyr.¡± She pulled back to meet my eyes. ¡°Enough of all this. Nyroth never loved you, and you know it. You¡¯re holding on because it was your parents¡® greatest wish for you to marry but we both know they¡¯d never rest in the afterlife if you were trapped in a loveless bond.¡± I sighed, my throat tightening. She gave my hand another reassuring squeeze. ¡°Zephyr?¡± I looked at her, and she nodded firmly. ¡°You cane here. Stay here until Varyn returns. Maybe I should even hire you for this hosting job. I need a team, and after this coronation, I¡¯m sure new offers wille flying in. What do you think? Alpha Acudric respects the Warlord, Your father. My father loves you. My younger brother will be more than happy to have you here. Even iny mom was your mother¡¯s best friend. What do you think?¡± Love. Sincerity. Support. My wolf felt it all from Dessyn unwavering loyalty. I turned slowly toward the wall, my eyes tracing its cracks as if I could see beyond it. I couldn¡¯t. But I could feel his Moon¡¯s. Living under the same roof with him, knowing I wouldn¡¯t return his feelings, it would be hard. For both of us. ¡°I¡¯ll think about it,¡± finally answered. Dessyn nodded. Just then, a knock came to the front door. We walked to the window to peek out. The guards were already waiting. Dessyn pulled away from the curtain to grab her robe. ¡°Let¡¯s go, Zephyr. We¡¯ve got a lot to do.¡± presence. Amit) 20 din hrs, to help her prepare for the Lycan King¡¯s coronation. Send Gifts Back Where 13 Zephyrine ¡°Are you sure about the security?¡± ¡°Do not worry at all. His Highness is already heavily protected. He will be fine.¡± I overheard Dessyn asking the Lycan guard again, making sure everything is well prepared. Finished Dusk has descended, and night in the Lycan Kingdom leaves an impression. Fire¨Clitmps glow at every corner, and mes | We¡¯ve teamed up with the pce maids to finalize the dishes and drinks that will be served. Security is scheduled for the coronation. Hospitality for the guests, entertainment, everything is set. When we were done, I sat in a wooden chair inside the throne room, clearly exhausted. I turned my gaze from Dessyn and found my eyes drifting toward the golden throne. Majestic is too small a word to describe it. The seat of a king, with the crest of a Lycan, a shifter upright on two legs, etched above it in deep, precise gold. Lycans. They are stronger than werewolves. And the King, they say, is the Moon Goddess¡¯s equal because the first Lycan was born from her womb. I lowered my gaze from the throne, weighed down by a question I¡¯ve never dared to speak aloud. Why didn¡¯t they fight? When the demons nearly destroyed us, why didn¡¯t the Lycans rise? Why do they seal their gates and never interfere The question echoed in my chest when a soothing presence slid under my skin, pulling me from my thoughts. I turned toward the entrance and saw Princess Mairez walking in. She smiled when our eyes met, then looked around, nodding in approval. ¡°You got it right. My brother will be pleased.¡± Dessyn stepped forward, clearly delighted. ¡°Are you sure, Princess Mairez? I mean¡­ I don¡¯t want to disappoint the King or my pack.¡± Mairez nodded with a soft, knowing smile. ¡°You won¡¯t¡± Her eyes scanned everything and finally rested on the throne. For a brief moment, I caught an emotion sh across her face. Atst, she smiled again.¡°Have youdies gotten dresses for tomorrow?¡± At her question, Dessyn and I exchanged a look. ¡°No, my best friend replied, and the princess smiled wider. ¡°Then we¡¯ll choose together. Follow me, please.¡± She led the way, and I rose from the chair, wondering what kind of market stays open at such an hour. But then we passed a long hall and stepped into an open space buzzing with movement a It was a night market. Vibrant and alive, buyers and sellers busy under rows ofnterns. When Princess Mairez appeared, everyone paused to bow. I noticed how the men gave her space, moving away quickly to avoid even brushing against her. My brother has made it permanent,¡± she said casually. ¡°No man must look at us.¡± Finished Latest content published on find?novel Her voice was light, but I heard the sadness beneath it. The building she entered appeared to be a cloth store, elegant and refined, with dresses of every design on disy. A tailor was sewing in theer, but when she saw the princess, she leapt up too quickly and pricked her finger. ¡°You should be careful, Rhyo,¡± Mairez said gently. I watched in silence as she took the girl¡¯s bleeding hand and healed it in seconds. The wound vanished, and the two continued speaking about dress styles as though nothing extraordinary had urred. She¡¯s a healer. One of the Lycan princesses is a healer. And her brother. he¡¯s dangerously protective. Dessyn was already examining dresses, and I wandered toward the window, Outside, I saw it. The legendary ck Tower where the Lycan Prince lives in istion. A single light burned in the high window. He¡¯s inside. My eyes fixed on his balcony for a long time, imagining what his life must have been like. A child raised under the rule of a ¡°brutal king. The strictest father. A prison with a view. I turned away when Dessyn called my name, but I paused. I felt it That ripple of awareness again I turned back to the tower. He was there. A silhouette stood on the balcony. Still, Watching. His attention was on me, steady, unwavering ¡°Zephyr,e check this dress out!¡± Dessyn called again, louder this time. I lowered my gaze from the balcony and turned to her voice. I touched the fabric, pretending to care, but my mind wandered back. I nced again but he was gone. I stepped back toward the window, frowning. He had disappeared, and yet I stood there like a fool, waiting. Hoping I scolded myself silently after few minutes. What am I doing? I quickly turn and made to join Desynn but then I heard it. ¡°You are beautiful.¡± A voice. Inside my mind. A mind¨Clink. But¡­ I¡¯m not his mate. I spun around to the balcony, stunned. Only mates can enter your thoughts. But Apex had done it, effortlessly, and what he said¡­ I blinked slowly, catching my reflection in the mirror. I stared at myself for a long moment. No man has ever told me that. My brother always joked I was ugly. Nyroth has been too busy chasing after Ka to even notice me. But a cursed Lycan had seen me and he had called me beautiful. I lowered my gaze from the mirror and walked back to Dessyn, trying to push him from my mind. But the more I tried, the harder it became. His voice. His words. His gaze that never wavered and those strange, shifting eyes that change with his mood. Back Where 14 Noth #Finished I can hear the whispers from the maids and see the nces from the guards. Heads always turn when she¡¯s present, and my mother and younger sister adore her. I do too. It¡¯s no secret I cherish Ka more than life itself. And the life I have.. it¡¯s hers I watch her select through the row of dresses I had brought in from the designer. My mother chuckles, pointing out one of them, and they both giggle like girls. Happy Carefree. I wonder what life would have been like if Ka had been my mate instead. Peaceful, no doubt. Brighter. I turn to stare out the window beside me, eyes fixed on the gate of my pack. I don¡¯t care about Zeph. At least, that¡¯s what I keep telling myself. Yet here I am, wondering what¡¯s keeping her sote. Has she gone to Apex¡¯s bed again? Has she¡­ Damn. 1 clench my jaw at the thought. I saw the way Apex looked at her. I felt the shift in him. He¡¯s not just unsettling, he¡¯s powerful in a way that could rival the Moon Goddess herself. His eyes changed color when he looked at her and I have felt my wolf stir, ready to lunge, ready to protect what is ours. But I didn¡¯t move. Because Ka was there. And I¡¯ve always wanted Ka. Zeph was just¡­ a bond. A twist in destiny. Nothing more. Once I sever it, once I reject her, I can finally im Ka the way I¡¯ve always intended. Make her my Luna. I take a breath at that thought, just as the White Pack¡¯s carriage stops in the dark looking up toward me. Our eyes meet just briefly. And for a moment, I can¡¯t breathe. She stunned me yesterday. Her skills at the arena and her words.. the way she said she¡¯d slit my throat¡­ gods, I believed her. I want to dismiss it as a bluff, but I can¡¯t. She¡¯s not the kind to speak in anger without meaning it. She¡¯s calm, quiet. But when she breaks¡­ it means she¡¯s done. She asked for rejection, I¡¯ve made preparations. I watch her step into the house. The door creaks open, and then I hear it shut behind her. She walks past everyone without a nce and heads straight for her room. Prostitute, Ka hisses. Zeph ignores her. She disappears into the corridor that leads to the private chambers, and something inside me snaps. I clench my jaw, furious and frustrated and not even sure why, Chapter 14 Th?s chapter is updated by find(?)ovel I storm down the hall and push open her door without knocking. She¡¯s standing there, admiring an elegant new dress and a pair of fine shoes, clearly for the coronation tomorrow. Jealousy ws through my chest, and I step closer. ¡°I see you¡¯ve been shopping with the prince, all in the name of helping your friend, Zeph.¡± She doesn¡¯t respond. That silence, gods, it makes me boil. I snatch the dress from her hands and fling it onto the bed. My re burns into her. Tell me, Zeph. Did you cheat on me? Tell me right now if you¡¯ve ever..¡± ¡°Yes,¡± The word slices through me like a de. go still. Cold. ¡°What?¡± Finished ¡°Apex,¡± she says, her voice calm, cruelly calm. ¡°He looked at me. And I liked it. Tonight, he stared at me from his tower¡­ and I nearly lost my mind when he disappeared. If that counts as cheating, then yes, I cheated. But let¡¯s not pretend we¡¯re saints. You¡¯ve spent your whole life staring at Ka. And I lived with it.¡± She steps closer, her voice harder now. ¡°So tell me, why can¡¯t you survive one look from Apex?¡± My heart twists in pain I didn¡¯t expect. I grit my teeth, unable to speak, the expression on her face digging into something raw inside me. I¡¯ve lost her and she¡¯s slipping away faster than I can catch her. Maybe it¡¯s better this way. Maybe it¡¯s time. ¡°Are you still a virgin? The question spills from my lips before I can stop it. I¡¯ve never touched her. Never kissed her. I never wanted her. ¡°Answer me, Zeph. Has he touched you already?¡± She says nothing. The silence makes my stomach churn. I swallow a lump of frustration and rage. ¡°Maybe they¡¯re right,¡± I say bitterly. ¡°Maybe you are nothing but a slut.¡± Her eyes sh with hurt, but I keep going, ¡°I¡¯ve spoken to the elders. In three days, under the full moon, we¡¯ll say the words. We¡¯ll break the bond.¡± 1 step back and turn for the door, but before leaving, I throw onest dagger. ¡°Ka¡¯s staying in my chamber tonight. But you won¡¯t mind now, will you? We¡¯re nothing anymore.¡± Im the door shut behind me. In my own chamber, I drop onto the bed and bury my face in my palms. Once I let Zeph go, it¡¯s done. No mate will be granted to me again. That¡¯s the cost we Hue Pack members pay. I groan softly and push myself upright, moving to the hidden corner of the room. There, behind a loose panel, I retrieve a Cheater 14 Finished small chest. Inside it lies half a hairpin. Ka¡¯s. I was sixteen when rogues attacked during a festival. Fire was everywhere. People screamed and fled. I was trapped, bleeding, half¨Cdead in a burning building. A white wolf leaped through the mes and dragged me to safety. She vanished as quickly as she came, but in the rush, her hairpin had fallen off I kept it close. Cherished it. When I woke, Ka was there beside me. She said she¡¯d saved me. And I believed her. Ive loved her ever since. I close the chest, sealing the memory away. Maybe rejecting Zeph is the right thing after all. She¡¯s a rogue. She has no name. Nothing like Ka. The only good thing that ever came from our bond was the money she gave me to fund the pack. The money I never asked where it came from. But I¡¯ve tried. Now it¡¯s time we go our separate ways. No regrets. Send Gifts 2.2K Back Where 15 Zephyrine I haven¡¯t slept. Áá His agreement to the rejection didn¡¯t shock me. I¡¯ve always known that¡¯s what his heart desired. What surprised me was his anger. How furious he became at the mere fact that Apex looked at me. Finished While he has stared at another woman all his life, just one nce from another man at me is enough to make his blood boil. I sigh and turn to the window. The sun is rising. The coronation will begin soon. The time has said it will be held under sunrise. I get up from the bed, readying myself too before the carriage of White Pack arrives, when the sound of giggles catches my attention. ¡°Stop that, Nyroth. You have a mate. You can¡¯t kiss me like that.¡± Ka¡¯s voice filters in from his chambers and then his deep voice followed. ¡°Stay still. She means nothing now.¡± I blink rapidly and pull back, suppressing my wolf. Shouldn¡¯t he restrain himself? At least until the rejection is finalized? I walk away from the b and take a bath. As I step out of my bath chambers, I overhear gasps outside. Slowly, I walk to the window and peer through. Every eye is on her. The guards, the maids, the pack members, they¡¯re all fixated on Ka, graceful in her coronation dress. Pam, Nyroth¡¯s mother, and Olivia, his sister, beam with joy, glowing with pride at Ka and Nyroth¡¯s closeness. They¡¯re already dressed for the coronation. They mount the carriage and ride toward the Lycan Kingdom. Without me. I turn back, walk to my wardrobe, and stand in front of the gown for a long time. It¡¯s stunning, rich, elegant, but it feels foreign. I¡¯ve long since grownfortable in trousers and soft linen shirts. Now, I gather my hair into braids, but I pause when my fingers brush the scar at my scalp. I sigh. The scar I earned when I saved a boy from a fire, long ago. I braid over it, covering it, sealing the past. Just then, I hear my name called. I walk to the window again. Dessyn is already dressed, radiant. Princess Mairez had gifted us these dresses and fine shoes. She¡¯s been gentle, warm. If I said I didn¡¯t respect her already, I¡¯d be lying. ¡°Let¡¯s go. We¡¯rete,¡± my best friend calls. I rush out. As I step into the open, I hear the gasps, see the heads turning. 0:30 PM p p My first time dressed feminine. How¡¯s that for a change? Finished Power I¡¯ve seen it, raw and unfiltered, when my father oncemanded an army before my eyes. That day, something inside me was hooked. Addicted. I felt it again when my brother was promoted to War General. Since then, I¡¯ve craved it, that feeling that sends shivers down your skin. And I feel it now as I step into the grand hall of the throne room and see the golden crown, glowing, waiting for its king. I¡¯ve never known just how many packs exist in the werewolf world. But hundreds havee to witness Apex¡¯s ascension. Everyone is already seated, most fawning over Ka, who sits beside Nyroth. The door opens, and I enter with the Dusk family and Alpha Aeudric of White Pack. Instant silence. Heads turn to me but it¡¯s someone else who catches my eye. Jurrek and two Ash Pack elders seated in the front row, a ce of honor. Latest content published on f?i?n?d?n?o?v?e?l? Honor for us. For my brother. Jurrek stands, but I nce away, signaling him silently to sit back down. This is Apex¡¯s moment, not mine. I won¡¯t steal the light. I follow Alpha Aeudric and Moon to the seats reserved for the White Pack. Dessyn hurries over, frazzled and breathless. ¡°The King will arrive shortly,¡± she says, adjusting a tray of goblets. ¡°Goodness. The staff I hired are doing their best, but the security isn¡¯t as tight as I thought.¡± ¡°Everything will be fine, Dessyn,¡± I assure her. She nods. ¡°I really pray so.¡± No sooner has she spoken than the double doors open again. The two Lycan princesses enter. Grace incarnate. Their presence demands reverence. They make their way to the two seats beside the king¡¯s throne. Princess Mearez pauses by Alpha Aeudric, giving him a warm smile and a respectful nod. Then she turns to me. ¡°You look¡­ wonderful, Zephyrine,¡± she says, her smile radiant. ¡°I can call you that, right?¡± ¡°Right.¡± She gives Dessyn a kind smile too and leans in to whisper, *My brother said this morning the host will be hired again for future festivals across the Lycan Kingdom. It¡¯ll be a tedious job. Brace yourself.¡± 9:39 PM P P. Then she leaves. But her words ignite joy in Dessyn, she can¡¯t contain her smile. Even Alpha Aeudric is grinning, proud that White Pack¡¯s name is spreading. I sit down, quietly smiling, my eyes fixed on a porcin cup on the table. Then I feel it. An intense gaze. But this time, it doesn¡¯t excite me. It doesn¡¯t send a chill. I nce up and meet Nyroth¡¯s eyes. He¡¯s watching me from the table reserved for Hue Pack. He hasn¡¯t stopped staring since I arrived. But I no longer care. I look away. Only to notice Moon ncing my way. Finished ¡°It¡¯s strange seeing you in a dress like this,¡± he says when our eyes meet. Then he looks down and smiles faintly. ¡°You look beautiful.¡± His words barely register before the room falls into deep silence. He is here. Yesterday, he was a lord. Today, he bes a king. The great doors part and Apex Blood enters. Gasps ripple through the room. All attention pivots to him. Shock, awe, reverence. Many have never seen him in person. Now they do. He is a shadow stitched in flesh. So tall, dressed inyered ck again with his raven on his shoulder. Only this time, his fur cloak bears the royal crest of the Lycan Kingdom. Even the silence bows beneath his presence. He walks forward, imposing, calm. But then he stops. Abruptly. His head turns. To me. I swallow hard as his eyes meet mine. Colorless this time. cial. Devouring. He holds the stare for a moment before moving on. He walks to his throne but not without detouring first to his sisters. He kisses them both gently on the lips just as he did yesterday. Gasps ripple again. Yes, I was stunned yesterday too But I¡¯vee to understand their bond, Atst, Apex sits on his throne. Head bowed. His Eyes lowered like yesterday, Avoiding every gaze. Or perhaps¡­ choosing not to see us at all. ¡°It¡¯s time. Let¡¯s get started,¡± Dessyn says, rising with renewed energy. And just like that, the coronation begins. Back Where 16 Zephyrine Finished The music was soft, yet every beat pulsed like a warning drum. The coronation had begun, but even with dancers twirling and goblets raised. I could feel his gaze burning, focused, unrelenting. Apex I didn¡¯t dare look at him. Not with the storm it stirred inside me. Not with the strange pull that made my heart stumble. Instead. I kept my eyes on the goblet before me, fingers barely brushing the rim. Then a voice boomed above the murmurs. ¡°All hail the Lycan Heir. Before he is crowned, does anyone wish to offer a toast?¡± I lifted my gaze slowly. An older man stood at the front with eyes like dull coins, a calcting grin stretched across his face. ¡°He is Apex¡¯s uncle, Lord Dareth, Alpha Aeudric whispered beside me. I gave a slight nod. I hadn¡¯t known Apex had an uncle. Just as I was lowering my gaze again, a voice sliced through the air like honey over steel. ¡°I would love to make a toast to the new king,¡± Ka purred, her smile dazzling. ¡°And I have¡­ a question.¡± Heads turned, marveling at her elegance, her boldness, her knack for twisting moments toward herself, always. ¡°What question do you have for him, Envoy of the ckbridge Pack?¡± the advisor asked, indulgent. Ka lifted her goblet, not to the king, but to me, ¡°Why would the new Lycan King invite a rogue to his coronation?¡± A hush fell. Dozens of eyes shifted from her.. to me. My spine straightened. Slowly, I looked up and met her eyes. So this was her move. No proof. No trial. Just abel. Rogue. Under the bright sun, in front of every Alpha and noble, she meant to disgrace me I turned my head toward the Ash Pack table. Jurrek was already frowning and I know He would interfere if I didn¡¯t answer right. Tension thickened like smoke, and just before I could speak the crash came. The throne room doors exploded inward, splinters flying like shrapnel. Guards snapped to attention too Blood¨Csoaked, wild¨Ceyed, dripping with the scent of violence. ¡°APEX!¡± thergest one roared, baring ckened teeth. ¡°How dare you not invite Rogue Town to your coronation? Disrespect means death!¡± Silence mmed down, heavier than before. Ka was forgotten. Everyone¡¯s focus shifted to the real threat. Rogues. Unimed werewolves without a pack had breached the Lycan Kingdom. That alone could ignite war. Iturned at to Apex. He sat ahead, regal on the throne, the golden crown still untouched beside him. And yet his eyes were only on me. Even now, under threat. As if he had been waiting for me to look. When I did¡­ he lowered his gaze and frowned slightly as though annoyed it took me too long to give him my attention. 922 PM P P Finished Power, Calm even in chaos. He didn¡¯t flinch. Didn¡¯t lift a finger. Didn¡¯t speak and that infuriated the Rogue Alpha. ¡°Oh, so you disrespect me more with that silence,¡± he snarled. ¡°Then don¡¯t me me for sending you to your dead father!¡± Apex¡¯s eyes finally rose. Slowly. Coldly. His face remained unreadable, but I saw the shift. ¡°You should¡¯ve invited the rogues, the Rogue Alpha hissed, stepping forward. ¡°Sent a scroll like you did to the packs.¡± Then came the de. Drawn fast. Gleaming red. ¡°Now pay for it with your life.¡± Guards rushed in, but he was fast. Brutal. He spilled the first blood with a single sh and one of the guards fell, throat open. Gasps rang out. Everyone realizing the truth. This wasn¡¯t a show. He wasn¡¯t bluffing. He stepped toward the steps, and Ka darted forward, arms spread to block him. Wait!¡± she cried, locking eyes with him. The Rogue Alpha snarled ¡°Who are you? Have you chosen death? Or will you die for a king who is not your kind?¡± ¡°I am Ka Yadev,¡± she said proudly. ¡°From ckbridge. I¡¯ve visited Rogue Town. I¡¯ve spoken with Please. This isn¡¯t the way.¡± A pause. Murmurs. Even awe. I saw Nyroth. He watched her with pride. His mother and sister, the same. So this was it. Ka¡¯s moment to shine. I nced down at my goblet but then got brought back to reality by a Crack. The angry grunt snapped us back. The Rogue Alpha shoved her aside like wind swatting a leaf ¡°Bullshit with your name and peace talks. Apex dies today¡± He charged. Th?s chapter is updated by find?novel This time, Jurek moved, swift, firm, stepping into his path. Ash Pack didn¡¯t stand down. Not for our kind. Not for strangers. We protect. Always The Rogue Alpha growled low, jaws clenched. you before for peace. ¡°I know you,¡± he said coldly. ¡°But I won¡¯t stand down for a Beta. Maybe if your Alpha had shown but word says he died in battle. Never returned.¡± A chillnced through me. My fingers clenched tight, too tight on the goblet and it cracked in my grip, wine dripping with the blood on my palm. I hadn¡¯t realized I was holding it that hard. 1 set my jaw, Loosing my patience. ¡°Speak filth about the Alpha of Ash pack once more and loose your head.¡± Jurrek challenged and Gasps echoed. The Rogue Alpha turned slowly, eyes dragging over Jurrek with a smirk. Stand down if you value your life. It¡¯s Apex¡¯s blood I came to spill.¡± Finished In the blink of an eye, he lunged at Apex, de aimed straight for the kill but before Jurrek could react, a shadow dropped from behind Apex, silent, deadly. Steel shed. In a single, precise thrust, the rogue Alpha was cut down, his blood spilling across the floor onto the crown and the throne room went dead silent. Send Gifts Back Where 17 Zephyrine Blood For the first time in five years, 1 saw it spilled again mercilessly. #Finished The man who hade to defend Apex wasn¡¯t just some ordinary warrior. His stance said it all. What made him even more unnerving was what followed. After slicing the rogue Alpha down in one clean strike, he simply returned his de to its scabbard¡­ and vanished into the shadows from where he¡¯d emerged. There he stood. Apex¡¯s bodyguard, still and silent behind the throne. A statue made of death. Jurrek set his jaw and exhaled sharply. The Moon Goddess had told him he wouldn¡¯t spill blood today. He returned to his seat without a word, and the hall sank into thick silence. From where I sat, I watched Apex raise his eyes to meet mine, just for a moment. Then, he turned his gaze to the rogue Alpha still gasping for breath. Surely he¡¯d call for a healer. That was my innocent thought until the air suddenly shifted and Apex finally moved from his golden throne. He knelt beside the dying rogue, quiet and calm. He took a de from a nearby guard. No ceremony, no hesitation, and drove it into the man¡¯s chest. Once. Twice. Again. Again. Blood sshed across the marble and the steps of the throne. The rogue¡¯s gasps turned into nothing. Just silence. Just death. The chamber watched in frozen awe. No kne dare speak or make a move and even his two elder sisters only stare a though they have grown ustomed to that dark side of him. That¡¯s how the rumors described him. Apex the Cursed. The stories hadn¡¯t lied. He stood, blood dripping down his face, and returned to his throne. Guards rushed to clear the corpse. Maids followed, scrubbing the marble dean until it was as if nothing had happened.¡± The music had long since stopped. The dancers had long since frozen. Ka had quietly slithered back to her seat. Then Apex¡¯s uncle, the King¡¯s advisor, approached with trembling hands and ced the crown on his head. ¡°All hail the new Lycan King,¡± the man dered. ¡°All hail,¡± the crowd echoed. Still shaken, hollow. Goosebumps crawled over my skin. Not because of the crown on his head but because his eyes never left me. Not for one second. ¡°Are you okay?¡± Dessyn cornered me the moment I stepped out of the throne room and I exhaled. ¡°Zephyr¡­ she pressed. Tin fine,¡± I said, steady despite the pounding in my chest. She studied me with worry and I can understand. The Rogue Alpha had mentioned Varyn and I know so well Dessyn also wouldn¡¯t be too okay, given the fact that my brother and her had a thing in the past. The tension still clung to the air like Tisper 17 smoke, Tusk had fallen, and the afterparty loomed just beyond the doors Desiyo tipzed my hand gently ¡°Come have a drink in the hall. The feast is already starting¡± Toffered a faint smile and was alrout to follow when he stepped into view. Nymath He stood in our path like a wall. Dessyn immediately froze, eyes narrowing in contempt. Then she turned to me. Finished ¡°I be fine. Go on¡± She hesitated, but nodded and left. Now it was just me and Nyroth. His expression unreadable until awe broke through the cracks. ¡°You¡¯re enjoying this, aren¡¯t you?¡± he asked, his voice low and I raised a brow ¡°Zeph¡­we were mated for five years. We went through everything together and now, just because of one nce from a king. you¡¯re leaving me for him? Because he has more power?¡± I didn¡¯t answer. I wasn¡¯t in the mood for his nonsense. I turned to walk past him but he caught my wrist. ¡°Zeph¡­¡± His voice faltered. ¡°You can¡¯t stay here.¡± ¡°Why?¡± ¡°The Lycan King. He¡¯s dangerous. Unstable. That look in his eyes when he watches you it¡¯s not normal. You need to leave.¡± The gaze. That¡¯s what this was about? I pulled my wrist free and looked him in the eye. ¡°We¡¯re nothing now, Nyroth. We promised to reject each other, remember?¡± His frown deepened. He took a step closer, lowering his voice. ¡°You¡¯re losing your mind. I¡¯m trying to protect you from a bloodthirsty psychopath. A freak. Did you see what he did to that rogue? What if he gets obsessed with you? You think you can handle someone like that?¡± I thought of the heat in Apex¡¯s eyes. The way it burned through me. ¡°I don¡¯t care if he¡¯s obsessed with me.¡± I said, steady as stone. ¡°And you shouldn¡¯t either. Who I end up with is none of your concern.¡± I turned to walk away but he grabbed my wrist again, tighter this time. Zeph¡­¡± Footsteps interrupted him. A figure approached. Apex¡¯s messenger, expression nk, bowing deeply before me. ¡°Mydy,¡± he said. ¡°The King requests your presence.¡± Nyroth¡¯s grip¨Ctightened. Rage. Jealousy. Good. Let him feel it. Let him know what it means to be reced. 972PMP P I yanked my wrist free and gave a nod to the messenger. ¡°Lead the way¡± For more chapters visit FindN0vel Finished Though I was surprised I have been summoned by Apex. I never know he¡¯d request for me but in order to rub it on Nyroth, 1 epted the invitation and honor it. I followed the messenger down a dim corridor, leaving the afterparty, the bloodstains, and Nyroth behind. Back Where 18 Zephyrine The Lycan Kingdom wasrger than I¡¯d pictured, and the hall seemed to stretch endlessly as we walked through it. Even as I disappeared from sight, I could feel Nyroth¡¯s gaze burning into my back. I could already tell he was mad. Not that I cared. Finished The messenger led me through dim corridors, and after a few silent minutes, we stepped into the open night. We crossed an airy courtyard, lit by Goldennterns, until he pushed open a massive door, revealing a grand, silent hall. ¡°Please.¡± he said politely, holding the door. I stepped inside. Without another word, he left me alone. The silence was unsettling. I began to wonder why I¡¯d been summoned to a ce like this. There was no one in sight. I turned slightly toward the exit but then I paused There was something ahead, just a few steps away, by the second entrance. Not Apex but someone equally unsettling. I peered closely to see it¡¯s the same man who had emerged from the shadows earlier, the silent executioner. ¡°He¡¯s my bodyguard. Chantel Apex¡¯s voice came from behind me, low and smooth. I swallowed hard and turned. He had changed his attires. He is no longer bloodstained and his long hair damp from a bath. His face was clean, sharp, dangerously beautiful. He looked like a king and more than that he looked like sin. Apex stood close, dangerously too close. His nearness awakened something unholy inside me. Why had he summoned me? He didn¡¯t speak. He Just stared into my face the way he always did without blinking, without shame. Then, slowly, he stepped closer. Deliberate. Intense. His hand lifted toward my cheek, but I looked away just before he could touch me. He paused, hand hovering in midair. His breath fanned across my face, warm and sweet with the scent of blood and flowers. ¡°How do I look?¡± The question came unexpectedly. I blinked, frowning slightly. He wasn¡¯t joking. His expression was serious, expectant. ¡°Handsome is a small word,¡± I said truthfully. His Adam¡¯s apple bobbed as he swallowed. A flicker of relief appears in his eyes. ¡°I¡¯ve never looked into a mirror since I was born,¡± he confessed. ¡°My sisters say I¡¯m okay. I always thought they were ttering
  1. me.
He waited. I sensed there was more so I keep mute. ¡°Am I your type?¡± I froze. His voice was calm but the question felt like a de. He is serious. Finished 1 lowered my gaze and shook my head. Tm a woman who¡¯s always chased peace. A man like you brings envy¡­ destruction¡­ rivals. I don¡¯t want those. So, no. You are nor my type.¡± His jave tensed. Then he leaned in closer, unapologetic. Maybe I can change that.¡± His gaze didn¡¯t waver. The tension between us thickened, an unspoken promise lurking beneath the surface. ¡°Is that why you summoned me?¡± I asked and He shook his head slowly ¡°I have a question. I waited, silent. ¡°Are you.. immortal?¡± The question struck me sideways. ¡°What?¡± I frowned. He sighed softly and then lowered his gaze. A small frown creases his eyebrow. He look bothered. Then gently his rand came brushing my arm before guiding me toward a table. His touch was casual, almost careful but firm enough to make my breath catch. Our first physical contact In one smooth motion, he lifted me onto the table. His hand settled at my waist, steadying me. Possessive. Unnervingly intimate. He leaned forward, cing one hand beside me for bnce. ¡°I have a curse,¡± he said, voice quieter now. ¡°I see how people die when I look into their eyes. He held my gaze. ¡°But when I stare at you. I see nothing My heart skipped. That was his curse? one of them? Suddenly, so much made sense. Why he kept his gaze low. Why he always stared at me so long, searching. Waiting for something that never came. His eyes now were soft, steady. Beautiful. I swallowed hard, wondering, was he drawn to me only because I was unreadable to him? I tried to look away, but my eyes caught the rings on his brow. I inhaled slowly, trembling at the weight of his stare. He leaned in, lips grazing the space near my neck and I stiffened ¡°A Lycan King shouldn¡¯t bother with a werewolf,¡± I whispered ¡°Your father wouldn¡¯t be proud of this. would he?¡± He paused. Then pulled back, meeting my eyes again with a dangerous softness. ¡°How about I make you a proposal?¡± 1 blinked. ¡°Be by my side,¡± he said. ¡°Until I be the kind of man you¡¯d want¡± The rightful source is find?novel The world stood still. Did he just asked me out? Tdon¡¯t. ¡°Think about it,¡± he interrupted gently. ¡°And while you do.. keep this in mind no man touches you. I¡¯d go berserk¡± stared at him, breath catching. ¡°That¡¯s a threat, Your Majesty.¡± ¡°No.¡± His voice came out like a steel as he shake his head in the negative. ¡°It¡¯s not a threat. It¡¯s a promise! Just then, the door opened. A young man entered, bowed, and said, ¡°Sire, it¡¯s time for bed.¡± Time for him to return to the ck Tower. As if he had a curfew. Apex¡¯s eyes never left mine and when that information came, the expression of regret etch his feature. Then he helped me down from the table, his hands lingering at my waist a moment longer than necessary. ¡°You look like a smart woman,¡± he murmured. ¡°And I love that. A woman like you will make the right decision.¡± Then he turned, walking away like a man who had just made a vow. A vow I feared would burn us both. Send Gifts 2.2K Back Where 19 Zephyrine Zephyrine He had been explicit with his words, and his intentions were crystal clear. It left me unhinged. #Finished I stepped into the open hallway where the afterparty was being held, pausing at the entrance. Dessyn was busy in her role as host. My eyes scanned the crowd. Werewolves and Lycans mingling,ughing, drinking together as if nothing had happened. The neo princesses raised their goblets, smiling effortlessly. No one would guess the King had killed a man today. But then again, that massacre was justified. A chill crept down my spine as the memory surfaced. How relentlessly he had stabbed the Rogue Alpha. Over and over, like something primal had taken over. Like he couldn¡¯t stop. pulled away from the hall and wandered into the corridor, staring up into the darkened sky. Varyn is still alive somewhere. I have to find him. I have to bring him home. ¡°I heard you¡¯ve been summoned by the King.¡± Dessyn¡¯s voice came from behind. I turned to see her watching me carefully. News had already spread. Of course. Thest thing I wanted now was to be gossip. ¡°He only wanted to thank me for saving his life,¡± I said. But she stared at me longer than necessary, making me nce away. Dessyn was one of the few people who could see the storm brewing inside me. ¡°Do you want to leave!¡± she asked gently, stepping closer and taking my hand. ¡°It¡¯s fine if you do. People will stare now, knowing you¡¯ve caught the King¡¯s eyes.¡± I let out a slow breath and nodded. ¡°Maybe I should rest early.¡± ¡°About what we discussed yesterday, will you being to White Pack with your things, then?¡± I looked at her for a moment before nodding. I had no reason to return to Hue Pack. My mate had already agreed to reject me ¡°Yes. I¡¯lle stay in White Pack.¡± Just as I said it, Moon, Dessyn¡¯s younger brother, walked out from the feast hall. I hadn¡¯t seen him since the rogue attack. He looked at me with that same quiet concern and approached. ¡°Are you hurt?¡± he asked, taking my hand. 1 pulled it back gently. ¡°Zephyr, how about this?¡± Dessyn suggested. ¡°Moon will apany you to Hue Pack to get your things. I¡¯ll wrap up here and meet you at home.¡± Too tired to argue, I nodded. Dessyn gave me a quick hug and returned to the feast, her role not yet done. #Finished Alone with Moon, I med toward the carriage, and he followed in silence. But something caught my eye before we reached Jurrek¡¯s white warhorse. He is still here. ¡°Thai harlot!¡± Pam¡¯s shrill voice sliced through the air behind me just before her hand lunged for my arm but Moon was faster. He stepped in, pulling me out of reach with practiced ease. I froze, stunned down to my marrow. Even here? In public? I turned, locking eyes with her. She stood fuming. Olivia beside her with a hand on her hip, glowering like I¡¯d spat on her shoes ¡°Because of you, my brother¡¯s been moody and angry all day!¡± Olivia snapped. ¡°He stormed out of the kingdom. When we get home, you¡¯ll pay for this, you rogue.¡± They turned and left, heads high, heels clicking, leaving me cold and motionless in their wake. Humiliation churned in my gut. Not just in front of others but in front of Moon, my own junior. I swallowed the sting, trying to smooth out my face, but I could feel his energy shift beside me. He was livid. Those ignorant He made to follow after them, but I caught his arm, holding him firmly. ¡°Let them be,¡± I said, steadying him. ¡°When the timees, they¡¯ll know what I am. But not now.¡± Not until I¡¯ve found my brother. Not while the bond still clings between me and Nyroth. Moon always obeyed. But this time, he barely did. His jaw tightened. He said nothing. ¡°Mydy¡± I turned to see Jurrek walking toward me from the grand hall. Without hesitation, I rushed to him, taking his hand in mine, checking for injuries. ¡°Are you hurt?¡± I asked quickly. He searched my face for a moment, then shook his head. ¡°How about you! You look pale.¡± I forced a nod. ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡± Then I whispered. ¡°I¡¯m rejecting Nyroth. In two nights¡± Silence stretched. Jurrek¡¯s gaze was unreadable, but he didn¡¯t look surprised. ¡°Is there anything you¡¯ll need for the rejection?¡± he asked quietly. ¡°No. I can handle it.¡± ¡°I know you can,¡± he said, voice gentler. ¡°But if you need anything send a letter. I¡¯lle, riding the fastest horse.¡± I exhaled slowly at his words and I believed him. Every word. The source of th?s content is find{n}ovel He nodded toward Moon, who gave a respectful bow. Comrades in arms, though Jurrek outranked him. ¡°The elders of Ash Pack left early,¡± Jurrek added. ¡°I¡¯ll be heading out soon as well.¡± I nodded, motioning for him to walk with me to his horse. Moon stepped back to give us privacy Finished Jurck there¡¯s something I need to talk to you about.¡± His eyes flicked to mine. ¡°The Lycan King?¡± Tensed. He¡¯d noticed. Of course he had.. ¡°He¡¯s been watching you all day,¡± Jurrek said. ¡°And now.. you reek of him. They¡¯re saying he summoned you. Apparently, he doesn¡¯t summon anyone.¡± I looked down. My throat tightened. ¡°Thest thing I want is to get entangled with another man,¡± I whispered. ¡°Especially someone like Apex. Not after Nyroth? Jurrck said nothing. He waited. He knew I wasn¡¯t done. ¡°You sound more certain,¡± he said finally. ¡°I am. Then, after a pause he mutters. ¡°And you¡¯re sure you can reject Apex so easily?¡± The words struck something deep. Can I swallowed ¡°I am sure.¡± A pause followed before I quickly added. ¡°I have more important things to worry about than him. Jurrek, I need the search team to move faster. Send them to neighboring packs. Marketces near old battlefields. Taverns, ck markets, anything. Any rumor. Any whisper that might help me find my brother.¡± Jurrek nodded immediately. No hesitation. He turned to his horse, then paused and looked back at me. ¡°I¡¯m d you finally see Nyroth for what he is.¡± His eyes held something warm. Fierce. Certain. ¡°A woman like you deserves to be worshipped.¡± He bowed his head. ¡°Goodnight, my .¡± Back Where 20 Zephyrine Jurrek had wished me good night, but I doubted there would be anything good about this night.. Finished Riding with Moon turned out to be harder than I imagined. I couldn¡¯t shake the feeling of how close he sat, or the way he kept sneaking nces at me when he thought I wouldn¡¯t notice. When the carriage finally stopped in front of Hue Pack, I stepped down gently. Moon followed right after. I shoulde with you, help you pack,¡± he offered. ¡°It¡¯s not much,¡± I said with a small smile. ¡°Stay here. I¡¯ll be out soon.¡± I walked through the gates alone, the night air biting into my exposed neck. As soon as I stepped in, the pack members bustling with their night tasks froze and turned to stare. ¡°Yes, They said she caught the king¡¯s attention.¡± Murmurs filled the courtyard, but I ignored them. I made my way through the hall, where people shifted aside. The same people who used to mock me. Who whispered that I was a rogue. 1 gave them nothing, no nce, no words, and stepped into the living room. Pam and Olivia sat stiffly on the couch, ring but they said nothing. They only stare at me in silence and for that, I was grateful. I had no energy left for another fight I headed to my chamber. I had no business in this pack anymore. But just as I entered the corridor, I heard a moan. Low, unmistakable, and it brought me to a halt. Heat coiled low in my stomach, but not from arousal. From betrayal. I crept toward Nyroth¡¯s chamber. The door was cracked open, and I knew in my bones it wasn¡¯t by mistake. He wanted me to see. They all wanted me to see it. Clothes were scattered across the floor and Ka was pinned to the wall, Nyroth¡¯s hands gripping her thighs, his hips. mming into her. I went ice¨Ccold. The air vanished from my lungs. Without thinking, I turned and bolted into my chamber, breathing hard. A cheat. At broad nightlight. Not even the decency to wait until the mate bond was broken. Damn it all. I spun toward my wardrobe and began throwing clothes into a bag. I reached for my shoes just as footsteps echoed in the hallway. The door creaked open. I felt him before I heard his voice. He has finished already? ¡°Where are you packing to! Apex¡¯s?¡± Nyroth asked, his voiceced with venom. didn¡¯t answer. I reached for the drawer where the small chest was kept. But before I could touch it, he grabbed my wrist and whirled me around, forcing eye contact ¡°I asked you a question, Zephyrine,¡± he growled. ¡°Where are you going?¡± stared at him, breathing hard. He¡¯d done it. He¡¯d actually done it. I had long suspected his obsession with Ka, but this 9:23 PM P time, there was no denying it.. 49 Finished The rightful source is ¡°This isn¡¯t your first time making love to her, is it?¡± I asked, voice low, ¡°Answer me, Nyroth. This wasn¡¯t the first time you¡¯ve been thrusting into her, was it?¡± ¡°And you care?¡± My heart plummeted. His words were knives. I sank onto the bed, pale and stunned, betrayal washing over me in cold waves. While I had been here, in this pack, ving for him, supporting him in silence, hoping for a nce, a kiss, a hand to hold, he had been¡­ with her. Anger settled deep in my gut and disappointment, mostly with myself, burned hotter than fire. I closed my eyes but I wasn¡¯t broken. Not yet. When I opened them again, I resumed packing, silently, without another word to him. You can¡¯t leave with your things, Zeph,¡± he said from behind. ¡°You¡¯re my mate.¡± ¡°Stop me if you can.¡± I strapped my bag and headed for the door. But he blocked me, eyes narrowed, furious, desperate, and still.. insecure. Why? He had Ka. Why try to hold onto me! ¡°I get it now,¡± he snapped. ¡°Why you¡¯re so fearless. Because you have the Lycan King¡¯s attention. But that doesn¡¯t give you the right to disobey your mate. I won¡¯t let you leave.¡± I stepped closer, chin raised. ¡°The fact that I¡¯ve been quiet. letting you and your family insult me, doesn¡¯t mean I don¡¯t know how to respond. Or that I don¡¯t have followers ready to obey onemand. Just one word from me, and everything you¡¯ve built will crumble. Dare me.. and I¡¯ll lose it.¡± It was a challenge. A promise. I bypassed him. This time, he didn¡¯t stop me. But in the living room, I wasn¡¯t surprised to find his mother and sister on their feet, having clearly overheard our argument. Ka stood there too spine straight, pride still stitched into every line of her face. 1 walked up to her, close enough to see the flicker of nerves in her eyes. She stood in my path, refusing to move. I smiled at her sharp and slow. ¡°Letting my mate crawl between your legs while he¡¯s fated to another. now it¡¯s clear who the slut is between us.¡± I leaned in to whisper against her ear. ¡°It¡¯s you. Whore.¡± Her face drained of color. I pulled back with a wicked smile, passed her, and stepped out into the courtyard, into the cold night where Moon was waiting. He rushed forward to take my bag, helping me into the carriage. Without another word, we left Hue Pack behind. And for the first time in years, the weight on my chest began to lift. Finished It was as if I hud cared this burden for so long, I didn¡¯t realize how heavy it was until now, when I was finally free. Maybe not fully but at least Send Gifts shooter 20 2.2K Back Where 21 Zephrine As Tumpacked my small luggage. I realized had forgotten the chest. The one with my hairpin, the invitation scroll, and my mother¡¯s bracelet back in Hue Pack. What I had seen and heard made me forget it. I sighed, sitting on Dessyn¡¯s bel, jaw tight. A ce had already been reserved for me before I arrived, and I packed my few clothes there. I was sorting through my shoes when I felt Moon¡¯s presence at the doorway. We had arrived together. Their parents were already asleep, and Dessyn hadn¡¯t yet returned from the Lycan Kingdom. I turned, settling my gaze on him. He offered a small smile. ¡°I thought you might need help. ¡°No.¡± I replied softly. He waited, his eyes lingering on my face before lowering with a quiet sigh. ¡°I¡¯m happy. Zephyr,¡± he said quietly. ¡°That you¡¯re here.¡± Tension settled in the air at his words, and I swallowed hard. I didn¡¯t know what to say until the sound of carriage wheels rolled in, then came to a stop. ¡°Thank you so much for today, Alpha Auedric,¡± Dessyn¡¯s voice drifted in. Discover more novels at f?ndnovel ¡°You should be the one to be thanked. Good night now.¡± ¡°Yes, Alpha Auedric,¡± Momentster, Dessyn appeared in the doorway beside her brother, holding a chest. She stepped inside and dropped it onto the floor with a thud. ¡°Ugh, I¡¯m so exhausted, she groaned, then sat up straighter, her eyes on the chest. A small smile curled at the corners of her lips. ¡°Apex Blood sent this as payment for me hosting his coronation party,¡± she beamed, then sighed shakily. ¡°Zephyr, do you think it¡¯s safe to open it? I mean¡­ would he mean well after what happened at the party today!¡± ¡°He wasn¡¯t hurt, was he?¡± I asked, stepping closer to the chest and gesturing for her to go ahead. Dessyn let out a shaky breath before lifting the lid. Golden jewelry glimmered beside an expensive bottle of wine and a bright scroll, handwritten by the King himself. With trembling fingers, Dessyn read the scroll, then looked up at me, her eyes wide. ¡°H¡­ he wants to hire me. Permanently. To host all of his future festivals, Zephyr.¡± Hire? I took the scroll from her hands and read it myself. The confirmation made my heart drop. This meant a lot for the White Pack. For the Dusk family. Lhugged her tightly. She chuckled between her tears while Moon lingered in the doorway, watching. He finally stepped closer and reached for the wine, but Dessyn smacked his hand away. ¡°Ow! What was that for? Let¡¯s celebrate!¡± 4:23 PM ¡°Yes, let¡¯s do that.¡± Dessynughed, then turned to me. ¡°How about a warm bath, Zephyr?¡± Finished Dessyn filled my goblet and handed it to me with a grin. We were both naked in the wide bathing chamber, the water rising to our breasts, warm and soothing. I took a sip and sighed shakily, then moved toward the edge and ced the goblet down. Moon had already finished his portion and left usdies to ourselves. ¡°This¡¯ll be big news tomorrow, Zephyr, Dessyn said behind me. ¡°I can¡¯t wait to host another party in the Lycan Kingdom.¡± 1 tumed and gave her a small smile. Then I turned back again, staring into empty space, until her voice returned. ¡°What¡¯s wrong. Zephyr?¡± she asked, sensing what I tried to hide. ¡°You¡¯ve packed everything from Hue Pack, right?¡± I turned to look at her but said nothing. She sighed. She knew me too well. ¡°Zephyr¡­¡± she said again, concerned. I shrugged. ¡°I¡¯m fine, I murariured, taking another sip of wine. ¡°You know.. during the afterparty, people were talking about you and the Lycan King.¡± I froze. The water around me suddenly felt colder. I slowly turned toward her. ¡°What were they saying?¡± ¡°That a bond can¡¯t form between a werewolf and a lycan, especially not one who¡¯s cursed,¡± she said softly. ¡°They said¡­ a rogue and a Blood would destroy each other. I looked down, frowning. I hadn¡¯t thought that far ahead. Maybe they were right but then again I am not a rogue. I am an Ashmere. ¡°Nyroth cheated on me, Dessyn,¡± I said quietly. I felt her stiffen. ¡°Really cheated. He made love to Ka. And¡­ I just found out they¡¯d been doing it before.¡± Silence settled between us. When I looked at her, she was watching me carefully. ¡°You killed him?¡± she asked atst. I shook my head. ¡°My days of killing are over, Dessyn and I don¡¯t care about what they say about me or what Apex might think,¡± I tried, but even I knew it sounded weak. She didn¡¯t buy it. ¡°You¡¯re summoned by him in privateter. Tell me you felt nothing when you were alone with him and I¡¯ll drop it.¡± I swallowed hard. Her words echoed in my mind, pulling up the memory of that intense moment. ¡°He wants me,¡± I whispered. Dessyn swam closer, eyes fixed on mine. ¡°He said he¡¯s willing to change himself to my taste. He doesn¡¯t want me touched by any man. And¡­ he¡¯s serious about it.¡± She stayed quiet for a long time. Then she finally spoke. ¡°And what was your response?¡± ¡°Dessyn..¡± ¡°Apex won¡¯t back down,¡± she interrupted softly. ¡°You saw how brutal he was today¡± 1 swallowed again. I already knew, He wouldn¡¯t. If only he could see my death.. maybe he wouldn¡¯t be so obsessed with me. Iwent silent, my thoughts circling in chaos. Then I nced at Dessyn and asked quietly. ¡°How does it feel. I mean, being kissed for the first time?¡± ¡°Zephyr Finished ¡°And being made love to?¡± I lowered my gaze and sighed. ¡°I know you did it once with my brother. Was it that great?¡± She stayed silent for a long time. I knew she hated talking about Varyn, Just like me, she hadn¡¯t moved on from his disappearance. ¡°It was great,¡± she said finally. ¡°The best thing to do with a man who is gentle and in love with you. If he¡¯s gentle, it won¡¯t hurt Gentle. The word echoed in my mind. I sighed shakily. ¡°Apex isn¡¯t gentle.¡± I hadn¡¯t meant to say it aloud until I saw Dessyn¡¯s gaze. swallowed hard when I saw her expression. I am falling fast. Silence stretched between us, heavy with things left unspoken. The lust, the tension, the emotion building in my chest for the Lycan King was wild and it was growing fast. Send Gifts Back Where 22 Apex/canna Finished Her eyes, her breath, her scent, they keep ying in my head, and I can¡¯t sleep. I flip open the page of the book I was reading. bus I¡¯ve already zoned out. She appears fierce, bold, and unyielding. I love it all. She¡¯s the first woman who would reject my advances, and it only intrigues me more. I close the book and lie back in my bed in the ck Tower. A domain I¡¯ve lived in all my life. In pain, in agony, in chains and in istion. No one dares cross the threshold. Not even my sisters. Trapped in a chamber covered in ancient runes and spells, I was confined to keep my beasts in check and my powers hidden. The curse from the Moon Goddess was meant to weigh me down, but somehow today, when I saw it didnt work on her, I felt fulfilled. Grateful, even. 1 lower my gaze and try to get some sleep, but then the memory of her lips shes through my mind, and I flutter my eyelids Jopen again. Original content can be found at Find¡ïNovel I¡¯m a man who is not easily infatuated. I was groomed from age eight by the order of my own father. I know what sex feels. like, what it means to be in bondage and lust. He prepared me for everything and made me bleed for it. But the one thing he didn¡¯t prepare me for was her. That hazel¨Ceyed woman who met my gaze without flinching. I have never wanted anything. Not even the crown. But now I want her lips, I set my jaw against the feeling, knowing full well I must not indulge in anything that will weaken me. My enemies are waiting for prey. I try to sleep again, but I sense him at the entrance, Chantel I turn to see him standing in the shadows like he always does. Silent and deadly. That¡¯s what he is. Loyal to the bone but only to me. He doesn¡¯t leave the ck Tower. Few have ever seen him. A maid steps forward and bows low, her eyes downcast, never daring to meet mine. ¡°It¡¯s past curfew, and your sister isn¡¯t in her room,¡± he says. I pause. ¡°What? Mearez?¡± I ask, but he shakes his head. I set my jaw in anger. Serena. I get out of bed, grab my robe, and head at once toward the Royal Grand Hall where my sisters¡® chambers are located. Maids line the corridor, hundreds of them on duty, and the moment they see me, they fall to their feet. I ignore them.. I push open Mearez¡¯s door and see her just climbing into bed. set my jaw and turn to the chamber across from hers. I open the door. It¡¯s empty. Serena is gone. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Mearez asks from behind me as she enters, but I stay silent, jaw tight. She understands immediately. She must still be at the afterparty.¡± PMP P #Finished It¡¯ste.¡± ¡°I know,¡± she agrees, then adds, ¡°It¡¯s your cormation. Why don¡¯t we¡­¡± My single re silences her and She goes quiet. I walk to the window and peer out. We can¡¯t stay out at nightfall, especially when the full moon is just in two days. It¡¯s a luxury we, the Lycans, cannot afford. Not now. Not ever. We have curfews we must abide by. Or else the enemies will attack when we are vulnerable. I¡¯m fuming when footsteps approach. The door opens. Serena walks in, clearly not expecting me. But when her eyesnd on mine, I see her shudder. She lowers her gaze and heads toward the bath chamber. ¡°You¡¯rete,¡± I say. She pauses their keeps walking. ¡°I apologize.¡± ¡°Apology won¡¯t fix anything.¡± I reply curtly. She halts. 1 let my eyes scan her. Her hair, her scent ¡°You¡¯ve been sleeping around?¡± ¡°And when did you start caring, little brother?¡± *Serena. Mearez warns, but Serena goes on. ¡°We deserve to celebrate. Father is dead. We¡¯re free.¡± ¡°We¡¯re not.¡± I correct her, stepping closer. My hand cups her cheek. ¡°And you can¡¯t sleep around, Serena.¡± ¡°I¡¯m sick of being told what to do,¡± she snaps, pulling back. ¡°I¡¯m not going to be under yourmand anymore. I¡¯m tired of all the restraint!¡± She turns to Mearez. You¡¯re the eldest. Don¡¯t you want to get married can¡¯t do this anymore. It¡¯s exhausting! I¡¯ll get fucked by any man I choose and no one will stop me.¡± I swallow hard at her deration, staring at her in silence. The air tenses. Atst, I nod. ¡°What¡¯s his name?¡± I ask and She freezes. I walk toward her again, slow and deliberate. ¡°Tell me his name. Maybe we¡¯ll arrange a meeting. See if he suits you,¡± It¡¯s a trap. She knows it, She knows that once I know the name, the man won¡¯t live to see tomorrow, close in on her, gently take her trembling hand, and cup her cheek again. ¡°Go on, I urge softly. ¡°Hmm?¡± Tears well in her eyes. Not from fear but from being caged without chains. She looks into my eyes and slowly shakes her head. Finished It¡¯s a wonder how someone so fiesty can break so fast, ¡°You sure?¡± I ask, searching her eyes. She sniffs and nods, ¡°Good.¡± I lean in and kiss her lips gently. When I pull back. I see the tears trailing down her cheeks. ¡°No one¡¯s going to love us. Not now. Not when they know what we really are. Father is dead, but that doesn¡¯t mean we¡¯re free. We have enemies. More than ever.¡± I turn toward the exit and speak to the guards, ¡°Confine her in her chambers until the full moon ends. No guests are allowed to see her.¡± ¡°Yes, sire.¡± I¡¯m about to leave when her bitter voice cuts through. ¡°She¡¯s not going to love you either.¡± 1 freeze. ¡°That Rogue¡­ she¡¯ll never ept you for what you are. All she¡¯ll ever see is a bloodthirsty, cursed, obsessive Lycan King. She¡¯ll never see you as a man. And you¡¯ll end up watching her marry someone else¡­. while you rot in your ck Tower.¡± ¡°Serena, that¡¯s enough!¡± Mearez warns. But the de has already pierced. I walk out, pain wing at my chest. An ache I¡¯ve never felt before. *Bring my horse over.¡± I mind¨Clink Chantel at once. Send Gifts 2.2K Back Where 23 Zephyrine It¡¯s quiet in White Pack at night, and everyone in the Dusk household has gone to bed. I can¡¯t sleep. Finished I lie beside Dessyn, who¡¯s already fast asleep, understandably, given she hosted the coronation and was run ragged all day. I shift slightly, turning onto my back, staring at the ceiling and trying to steady my thoughts. At first light, I¡¯ll head to Hue Pack to retrieve the rest of my belongings. I let out a soft sigh and pull the nket up over my head, determined to force myself to sleep. But the moment I close my eyes, his face appears behind my eyelids. That pierced brow. Those eyes. That mouth. My eyes flutter open. I swallow hard, my pulse unsteady as I dare to wonder, just for a forbidden second, what it might feel like to be kissed by him. I¡¯ve had passing thoughts like this about Nyroth before, but none of them ever curled heat between my thighs the way this one does. I close my eyes again, attempting control but It¡¯s the sensation creeping over my skin that stops me this time. The chill thates not from the night air, but from presence. His presence. §¡§â§Ö§ç The goosebumps rise so abruptly that I crease my brows. I slowly open my eyes again and carefully slip out of bed, making sure not to wake Dessyn. I pad softly to the window and peer out, expecting nothing. Just the guards on night duty, around the fire,ughing in low voices. Normal. I sigh again. Maybe I really am losing my mind but just as I start to turn away, something catches the edge of my vision. A solitary figure. Apex He stands at the edge of the , under the pale glow of the moon, like a specter cloaked in midnight. His eyes are fixed straight ahead, on me. A chill slides down my spine. He came here.. for me I draw away from the window, suddenly breathless, What do I do? Why is he here? After a few seconds of anxious debate, I grab my cloak and slip quietly out the door, He stands alone. No guards. No raven, No horse in sight. Just him, and the cold night air that makes everything feel. impossibly still. I approach slowly, stopping a few paces away. He¡¯s pulled his hair back into a tight knot, dressed more simply than usual, but nothing about him looks in. Even in silence, hemands everything around him. He says nothing. He just watches. ¡°How did you find me?¡± I asked but no words came from him. This make another long silence fell between us. ¡°You walked here?¡± I ask again. He doesn¡¯t answer aloud, just gives a small nod ahead, his chin tilting. I follow the motion and see a ck warhorse nearly invisible in the shadows. Powerful. Quiet. I turn back to him. He¡¯s still watching. ¡°It¡¯s a powerful horse.¡± I murmur. He nces toward it and nods Then, softly he replied. #Finished ¡°Do you want to ride it?¡± The offer stiffens me. ¡°There¡¯s a tavern I go to when I¡¯m bothered,¡± he adds gently. ¡°You want toe along?¡± He¡¯s always so direct. So raw in the way he feels. Never once has he hidden himself from me. I look at the horse again. If I say yes, we¡¯ll ride together and I¡¯ll feel him too close. I may forget who I am. But I¡¯m bothered, too. So I nod. He doesn¡¯t speak again. He just reaches for my hand and twines our fingers together like it¡¯s second nature. Like we¡¯ve always belonged. He leads me to the horse, and with one smooth motion, lifts me onto it as if I weigh nothing. I settle onto the beast, stunned by how steady itis, how much I¡¯ve missed the rhythm of a real mount beneath me. Then Apex mounts from behind, and I forget how to breathe. His arms stretch past me to take the reins, caging me in with silent strength. His chest brushes my back. Solid, warm.manding. 1 lower my gaze, desperate to rein in the chaos building inside me. Then his voicees, soft at my ear. ¡°Shall we?¡± Gods. It sounds like amand even though it¡¯s a question and I can¡¯t say no. ¡°Yes,¡± I whisper. The horse takes off at a gallop, and I have ridden many times before with my brother, with soldiers, but nothing has ever felt like this. This feels sinful. The wind is cold, but surrounded by him, I feel only heat. By the time we reach the outskirts of town, the horse slows, and then stops. A tavern lies ahead,nterns flickering outside, and the low murmur of voices within. I eye the line of carriages and noble horses. Apex dismounts with effortless grace and offers me his hand. I hesitate, just for a moment, before taking it. He helps me down, even though I could¡¯ve done it myself. For some reason, I let him We enter together.¡± The tavern isn¡¯t buzzing, but there are enough people talking,ughing, and drinking that no one spares us a nce. Apex leads me to a table tucked into a corner as though it¡¯s always been his. He pulls out a chair for me and I sit, stealing a brief nce at him. Oh, look who it is,¡± an older woman calls from behind the counter. She walks toward us with a smirk. ¡°And you¡¯ve brought a newdy tonight?¡± 13 Maier mons She¡¯s hugh women here before ¡°Two cups of presd. Apex says. ~10) pussa.¡± 1 est in sharply: The eyes lift to mine, and a fair frown creases his brow, the way it always does when he is bothered. He nods, gaze dropping again. ¡°Never mind¡± he murmurs, ¡°All right,¡± the taver keeper says cheerfully. ¡°Tl be at the counter if you need anything She walks off, leaving a silence that stretches between us. study him. He doesn¡¯t look like a womanizer. But he does look like a man who¡¯s been with women. Many I shouldn¡¯t bother me but it does. Official source is find?novel ¡°You don¡¯t want anything?¡± he asks gently. That tone makes me get more angry. It¡¯s probably how he speaks to thedies he had brought so far. ¡°I want to leave,¡± I say, 1 push up from my seat before he can respond. Something I can¡¯t name ws in my chest. 1 storm out only to collide with a drunken nobleman stumbling toward the exit His drink sloshes across my dress, soaking the bodice. ¡°Gods, my apologies,¡± he slurs, reaching for my chest to wipe at the spill but before he can touch me, a hand grips his wrist, crushing. ¡°Do not touch her.¡± Apex throws him off. Not hard but the drunk flies into another table, crashing into tankards and shouts. Chairs scrape back. People rise and The barkeep rushes over. ¡°I was only trying to help!¡± the drunk protests. The woman waves him off with a sweet smile before turning to me. ¡°Oh, sweetheart, you¡¯ll need a fresh dress. There¡¯s one upstairs. One of thedies left it behind. Apex, take her to the room.¡± The room? He has a room here? I nce at him. He stares back without blinking, unreadable. ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± he says. Send Gifts 2.2K Back Where 24 Zephyrine Apex pushed open a chamber door and stepped aside for me to walk in. It¡¯s wide andfortable, with a bed at the corner. A statue near to the windows. A table sat beside the bed where a few women¡¯s necessitiesy scattered. Few , pins, a golden brush. A wardrobe stood against the wall. It didn¡¯t look recently used, but the room was tidy and warm. I stood in the middle, breathing out shakily, ¡°The dress is in the wardrobe. Should I bring one for you?¡± he asked behind me. slowly. I turned to face him, aware we werepletely alone now. Nothing between us but heavy, unspoken tension. didn¡¯t respond right away. I stared at him, wondering if this was his n all along. ¡°I never knew you had mistresses,¡± I muttered at , unable to stop the words. He raised an eyebrow, genuinely confused. ¡°Mistresses?¡± ¡°You don¡¯t wear hair ornaments,¡± I said, pointing at the jeweled pins on the table. He followed my direction, then looked back at me. ¡°They¡¯re for Serena.¡± Serena¡® I¡¯d never heard that name before. One of his women? I was still wondering when he searched my eyes and took a step forward. I held my ground. He came closer, too close, and the tension between us sparked dangerously. His hand lified, reaching toward my neck, but I stopped him with my words. ¡°I¡¯m not ready to be your next mistress.¡± He paused, staring into my eyes as though deciphering my meaning. Then his hands gripped my waist anyway. Apex leaned in, his lips nearly brushing mine but I pushed him away, and he let me. He stepped back, eyes unreadable. I exhaled shakily. ¡°Take me back, I demanded. He stood still, watching me. ¡°You¡¯re¡­ jealous? Why?¡± I stiffened. The word struck me like a de. So bold of him. ¡°Why should I be?¡± I snapped. ¡°How would I know?¡± he said, genuinely baffled. I set my jaw and moved toward the door, but he grabbed my wrist and pulled me back to him, mming me against his chest. I fought his grip, but all that struggle only burned hotter between us. He was powerful in a divine way. I knew this. After a few seconds, he let me go, and I pushed him back. ¡°Take me back, or I¡¯ll walk home myself.¡± He paused for a long moment, as if trying to figure out what he¡¯d done wrong. Chapter 24: ¡°Fine,¡± he said. ¡°Change your dress, and I¡¯ll take you back.¡± Im not wearing one of your mistress¡¯s dresses ¡°It¡¯s Serena¡¯s, he corrected quietly. I red at him. ¡°And who is serena ¡°My sister.¡± 1 froze. And just like that, the strange firy in me dissolved into thin air. Oh I blinked, lowering my gaze, feeling my cheeks flush with heat. Gods. Did I just throw a fit over nothing? I didn¡¯t know your sister¡¯s name is Serena,¡± I muttered. He stared in silence. He always stared more than he spoke. #Finished ¡°My sisters and I came here when our father became¡­ unbearably abusive, he said quietly as he approached me. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t bring mistresses here. It¡¯s the only ce I have good memories.¡± His palm cupped my neck. gently tilting my chin so our eyes met. He was close now. Too close. His lips hovered over mine. His gray eyes searched me, and the faintest smile curved his lips. ¡°You are jealous. ¡°I¡¯m not. I tried to sound firm, but the words came out soft and weak. Silence stretched between us. Then, as he tucked a strand of hair behind my ear, his gaze dropped to my lips. ¡°I was thinking about you,¡± he whispered. ¡°I couldn¡¯t sleep. Your eyes, your voice¡­ your lips.¡± Hear pooled between my thighs, and I knew I should run. But I didn¡¯t. I stayed in his arms, and when his other hand slipped around my waist. I let him draw me forward. He leaned in, almost kissing me but I pulled away at thest second, my heart pounding. I¡¯m still mated to Nyroth. I¡­ I can¡¯t do this. That was the thought on my mind until I saw him still watching me, silent as always. Then something broke inside me. I rushed back into his arms. He caught me at once, lifting me onto the table, his grip firm at my waist. He leaned down, one hand bracing my neck, and his lips almost iming mine when I went breathless and suddenly confessed. ¡°I have a mate,¡± He froze. His eyes found mine slowly and I watch his jaw tensed, carved in stone. ¡°Alpha Nyroth of Hue Pack,¡± I said, voice low. ¡°He was the one across me the day we arrived in the Lycan Kingdom.¡± Apex pulled away without words, his movements slow and clipped with rage. IPM p p. He walked to the window in silence, then, without warning, shoved over the state in a quiet, violent outburst. My heart clenched ¡°I n to reject him,¡± I added, forcing my voice steady. ¡°Under the full moon. In two nights. He turned then and just like that, everything blurred. The restraint. The morality. The line. Finished He came at me fast, grabbing my waist with a heated, possessive grip. One hand on my neck, his body pressing between my thighs His eyes burned into mine and I could barely breathe. He leaned closer. ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡± I asked, heart thudding. ¡°Everyone calls you Apex, but that¡¯s not your name. Tell me your real name¡­ if you really want to kiss me tonight.¡± He paused Then he swallowed hard, the weight of lust heavy in his eyes. ¡°Lycannar. The name hadn¡¯t even finished forming before his mouth was on mine, kissing me like he owned me. Like he¡¯d waited all his life for this. When he pulled away to breathe, our foreheads touched. Our breaths tangled, Then his lips trailed down to my neck, his fingers sliding under my dress, and I leaned back trembling, heart racing. Send Gifts 2.2K W Find the newest release on F¦ÉndNovel The Rogue Is A Female Alpha Back Where 25 Lycamar ## Finished I¡¯ve kissed before. I¡¯ve had sex more times than I can count, pinned women down in this exact position, but nothing has ever Telt like this My beasts reacted differently this time, too differently. My eyes glowed as I locked her neck, grabbing her dress and sliding my hand down, needing to touch her thighs, I was halfway through when she broke the kiss, panting hard. ¡°Listen, wait wait¡­¡± she murmured. But I wasn¡¯t listening. I was already pressing kisses into her bare shoulder, tugging at the stubborn fabric of her dress, lost in the way her skin warmed beneath my mouth. Lycannar!¡± I froze. Checktest chapters at fin?novel That name. My birth name. The cursed title my father gave me, one I¡¯ve despised for most of my life¡­ until now. Until she said it. From those lips I¡¯ve imed. From that mouth that tastes like fury and need. Slowly, I lifted my gaze to her. She saw the glow in my eyes before it dimmed. She stared at me quiet, breathless. her voice soft ¡°We¡­ we can¡¯t do anything yet.¡± I swallowed hard. She was right. She still bore the bond to another. A mate chosen by fate or cruelty. I could no longer tell the difference. Until that bond is broken, I should control this obsession. I let out a shaky sigh and dropped my gaze, struggling to calm the need that wed at me. I looked back up. Her lips were parted. Tempting. I leaned in and kissed her once more, Slowly, making her lean into me. Then I pulled back. If I didn¡¯t, I¡¯d lose control again. I walked to the wardrobe and pulled one of Serena¡¯s dresses from the rail. I brought it to her. She took it in silence. Without looking back, Iturned and stepped toward the window. The night sky stretched endlessly above, dark and cruel. I didn¡¯t look at her, but I listened to the quiet rustle of her dressing. I gave her the privacy she needed. The grace she deserved¡­ until I lose that grace again. ¡°How will youpensate the tavern for breaking their statue?¡± she asked from behind me. 1turned slowly. She stood in a fresh dress, the moonlight catching in her hair. PMP P Finished She was beautiful, mine, no, yet not mine at all. And the moon goddess, she tied her fate to another as punishment. Just like she cursed me to not in my own agony. ¡°Everything in the room is mine,¡± I replied, voice low. I stepped toward her, gently taking her hand, war¨Ctorn and calloused, not soft like arly¡¯s should be but still beautiful Still hers. I pulled her gently toward me. My gaze locked to hers. Her cheeks flushed red and She lowered her eyes. ¡°Let¡¯s hurry back¡± She said softly but instead, I muttered. ¡°I¡¯ll kill the man who spilled wine on you,¡± She looked at me, stunned.. ¡°No,¡± she said quickly. ¡°It wasn¡¯t his fault. I ran into him and He already apologized.¡± ¡°By trying to touch your body?¡± ¡°She stared again. Wonder in her expression. But this time her jaw hardened. ¡°You won¡¯t be killing anyone for my sake, Lycan.¡± My heart skipped a beat. She said it again. Lycan. 1 lowered my gaze, breath trapped in my chest. I said nothing. I reined in my horse in front of the White Pack. She dismounted before I could help her. She patted the horse¡¯s mane, offering it a small smile. Then she looked up at me and the smile vanished. She hadn¡¯t spoken a word since we left the tavern. Not since I said I¡¯d draw blood for her. ¡°Good night,¡± she said finally. Then she turned and walked into the Pack house without another nce. I stayed there on my horse. Waiting. Watching Then she appeared in the window, staring out. She is safe. I could feel it. Only then did I turn the horse and ride back to the Lycan Kingdom. At the royal stables, I dismounted, walking the familiar stone corridors to the ck Tower.¡°I was about to climb the spiral stairs to my chambers when I noticed the flickering candlelight in the dining hall Mairez sat alone at the long table, tense and restless. I paused. She looked up and immediately rose to her feet. ¡°Where were you?¡± she asked, storming toward me. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you leave word before disappearing? What if y family came for you while you were gone? What if ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± I said quietly. She mmed a fist against my chest. ¡°You¡¯re fine! Really? The full moon rises in two nights. You know what that means!¡± your mother¡¯s ¡°Mairez¡­¡± Chauter 25 #Finished ¡°Don¡¯t She turned away, furious, and remmed to her seat. Her fingers were trembling 1 I sighed and joined her, taking her hand, but she wouldn¡¯t meet my eyes and I didn¡¯t me her. I understood her fear. ¡°I went to see her. 1 and She turned her gare to me. ¡°Zephyrine?¡± She searched my face, then asked slowly. ¡°You kissed her?¡± I hesitated. Then looked away and exhaled. ¡°I couldn¡¯t stop myself. It¡¯s like apulsion.¡± Which one of them wanted her?¡± she asked again. I looked at her. She meant the two beasts that lived in me. ¡°Both¡± ¡°Lycannar¡­¡± ¡°I want her, Mairez, I confessed, my voice low. ¡°Her body. Her breath. Her soul. Everything¡± She went quiet, recognizing the darkness in my gaze. She had seen this before. Then she gave my hand a small, knowing squeeze. ¡°Maybe it¡¯s lust,¡± she said. ¡°It¡¯s been a long time since you¡¯ve been with anyone.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not that,¡± I murmured. ¡°I didn¡¯t feel starved for intimacy¡­ not until I saw her.¡± Mairez said nothing. She looked at me, searching for something in my face. I could feel the pull again. Thepulsion. The ache and the memory of that drunk from the tavern came surging back. I turned slowly toward the shadows at the edge of the hall, my voice low, ¡°Chantel. There¡¯s someone you need to assassinate.¡± ¡°Lycan!¡± Mairez snapped. ¡°You can¡¯t just kill anyone who looks at her ¡°He touched her. He disrespected her. He dies. I¡¯ll face her wrathter.¡± My voice dropped. ¡°Any man who touches her.. dies.¡± Send Gifts Back Where 26 Zephyrin #Finished It¡¯s ridiculous to say but I swear I haven¡¯t slept that well in years, not until I watched Lycanriar ride back toward the Lycant Kingdom. I had gone to bed, and the moment my head hit the pillow, 1 fell asleep. But when the sun rose, it was the sting on my shoulder that jerked me awake. A sharp burn. I rushed out of bed, stood before the hazy mirror, and pulled down the sleeve of my dress only to see glowing runes forming across my arm and snaking down my back. My heart skipped. I went cold. This.. this isn¡¯t a werewolf¡¯s mark. It¡¯s something else entirely. Oh, Zephyr. You¡¯re awake.¡± I turned swiftly to find Dessyn entering. I quickly pulled my sleeve up t calmness. conceal the markings, forcing my expression into She paused, eyes narrowing slightly, as if sensing something was off but then she smiled and threw herself onto the bed, dragging me down beside her. ¡°You leftst night,¡± she said with a glint in her eyes. My brow arched. Did she see? ¡°Yes, I did. On a ck warhorse. With a king,¡± she whispered dramatically. ¡°My goodness, Zephyr.¡± It was as though she could read my thoughts. I gave her a yful push, then looked down, sighing. ¡°Tell me everything. Where did you go! And judging by the new dress you¡¯re wearing¡­ something definitely happened between you two. I said nothing but She leaned in, searching my face. ¡°You did it already?¡± she asked in a conspiratorial whisper and I punched her arm. ¡°Ow! You¡¯re a warrior, that hurt!¡± ¡°I was a warrior.¡± I corrected her. Then finally, quietly, ¡°We kissed.¡± ¡°With Apex?¡± Her voice was awed. ¡°My gods. You kissed a king? How was it? Is he a good kisser? No, don¡¯t answer that. Of course he is. He looks like it. I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if he has dozens of mistresses. He¡¯s a king, powerful, beautiful, wealthy. Women would line up just to..¡± ¡°Dessyn!¡± She coughed, realizing she¡¯d gone too far. ¡°I didn¡¯t know you could get jealous. Apologies.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not jealous,¡± I muttered, but she didn¡¯t believe me. Instead, she smiled warmly, more genuine now. ¡°After five years of waiting. Zephyr. I¡¯m d you finally let yourself feel something. And I¡¯ll tell you for free that Apex is worth it more than Nyroth. A man like Apex worships.¡± Her words struck something deep in me. Worship. It sounded too beautiful to be true. He said he would murder a man just for spilling wine on my dress. If that¡¯s his version of worship, then maybe I don¡¯t want it. I looked away from Dessyn, my mind tangled. But the question left me before I could stop it. For more chapters visit F¦Énd£Îovel ¡°Dessyn¡­ does it always feel so good it hurts? That you go breathless?¡± She raised a brow, ¡°Being kissed?¡± #Finished ¡°Yes,¡± I murmured, remembering the night before. ¡°It took everything in me not to tear off his shirt. And when he kissed me. it felt unbearably good.¡± Zephyr..¡± ¡°I told him I had a mate. He got angry. But then I said I¡¯d break the bond, and¡­ the tension, the lust between us, it was thick. Suffocating Silence stretched between us. Then Dessyn took my hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. ¡°I won¡¯t tell you how to live, Zephyr. But know this. If your heart wants it, then take it. You¡¯ve denied yourself all your life. If the lust is so heavy it hurts, then maybe¡­ maybe it¡¯s time.¡± Her words echoed through me, my chest tightening. I remembered how Varyn held her years ago, how gentle he was. I¡¯d left to give them privacy. But Lycannar¡­ he held me like a starved man. Nothing about him was gentle. I was still lost in thought when I sensed another presence. I turned toward the doorway and saw Moon standing there. Judging by the tight line of his jaw, he¡¯d heard everything. ¡°There¡¯s a quick funeral to be held in ckbridge Pack today,¡± he said to his sister, eyes avoiding mine. ¡°The Alpha died.¡± He extended a sketch. Dessyn took it and Moon left without another word ¡°I guess they want me to host the funeral. But why so sudden?¡± she muttered, inspecting the drawing. Then she froze. ¡°Wait, Isn¡¯t this Alpha ck?¡± I stepped closer to look and froze. It was him. The drunken nobleman who spilled wine on me. ¡°Alpha ck?¡± I asked. Which Alpha?¡± She gave me a strange look. ÈÕ ¡°The Alpha of ckbridge Pack, of course. After his Luna left him for cheating, he went wild. Whoring. Tavern¨Chopping. But dead? I can¡¯t believe it.¡± A chill settled over me. But it wasn¡¯t just the death. It was what Lycannar had said. He had dered he¡¯d kill that man and he did. Even after I told him not to. Slowly, I walked to the window, heart hammering. An Alpha..? That means Lycannar has the power to end an Alpha¡¯s life? ¡°Zephyr, would you like toe along? You¡¯ve never been to ckbridge, have your Dessyn asked lightly. I shook my head. No. That¡¯s Ka¡¯s pack. I¡¯ve never stepped foot there, and I won¡¯t start now. AMP P. ¡¤ Telex have other ces to he ¡°You go alone. Dessyn, I told her, swallowing hard. Send Gifts 2.2K Back Where 27 Zephyrine Finished The Lycan Kingdom¡¯s gate wasn¡¯t wide open as it had been yesterday. But when I arrived and the guard saw me, he quickly moved aside and bowed slightly. ¡°Can I see the King?¡± I asked sharply, unable to keep the anger in me in check. His brow rose. ¡°Uh pardon ¡°The Lycan King. Please!¡± ¡°Uh yes. Please follow me.¡± He led the way down the hall, and as I walked past the others, they all paused to stare. Lycans. Their scent is more refined, more wild. The guard pushed the door to the throne room and asked me to wait. He left quickly, leaving me standing there in silence. My eyes lifted to the golden throne ahead. Majestic, deadly. The incident from yesterday shed through my mind. How he had stabbed and stabbed the rogue Alpha until he died. Now I understand why. Now I know why Lycannar ended him. It is because he is bloodthirsty. Because he is a maniac. I should¡¯ve known Lycannar isn¡¯t a man who takes orders. But if he really wants whatever is happening between us to be smooth, he has to learn not to spill blood. The door opened then, and I turned to see the messenger fromst night walking in.. ¡°Ah, it¡¯s you, my again. I sighed, waiting. Seconds stretched into minutes. I was growing impatient when I heard footsteps descending. My breath caught when he came into view. Regal in his kingly attire, but without a cloak. His eyebrow rings was in ce, and his eyes were green today. His long hair was loose, and I realized he only tied it back tightly when leaving the Kingdom. I¡¯de with fury in my chest, ready to confront him, to end whatever he thought we had. But when he appeared, I forgot for a moment why I was even here. He didn¡¯t make it easier. He walked up to me like he owned me, grabbed my waist, and lifted me onto the table. His lips brushed mine, full of that same heat and hunger. ¡°I never expected you¡¯d me,¡± he murmured against my lips. My eyelids fluttered shut, losing control¡­ until 1 suddenly pushed him away, panting. He stared at me, a few steps back. He wasn¡¯t confused by my anger. He was prepared for it. He knows. ¡°Why did you kill him?¡± I demanded. He didn¡¯t reply and I went still. ¡°Tell me why you killed an Alpha?!¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t,¡± he finally said. My brow lifted. Then he added, pointing into the shadow, ¡°He did.¡± Slowly, I turned to see his bodyguard, an Ominous silent man, just like him, standing still as stone. I hadn¡¯t even known he was there. ¡°You mean your bodyguard acted on his own?¡± I asked, and he went quiet. ¡°Lycannar, you promised not to kill himst night.¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t promise you anything. And why are you angry, anyway? He disrespected you.¡± Finished ¡°He didn¡¯t!¡± I snapped, pulling away from the table. My mind spun fast. I had to stop him before there were more corpses. He didn¡¯t seem to understand right from wrong. ¡°Lycannar,¡± I said, quiet now. ¡°You can¡¯t kill someone just because they touched me.¡± ¡°Why?¡± he asked and I nearly screamed, ¡°Because it¡¯s wrong! You can¡¯t just murder people. Especially not an Alpha. Blood must be repuid¡± He said nothing, just stared, his expression unreadable. ¡°You said you¡¯d adapt be a man of my type,¡± I said softly. ¡°But that doesn¡¯t mean I should stand aside and..¡± ¡°Finish that sentence.¡± I warned, ¡°and I¡¯ll regret ever kissing youst night.¡± He paused. Swallowed hard. Tension curled trick between us. I was furious. And yet, I couldn¡¯t stay that way long. He didn¡¯t even seem to understand what was at stake. ¡°Lycannar ¡°Is that the only reason you¡¯vee?¡± he asked, cutting in as he stepped closer. ¡°Wait¡­¡± ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you made that long journey just to whine about the dead,¡± he said, his palm cupping my cheek. Heat red between my thighs again. He leaned in to kiss me, but I stopped him with a whisper. ¡°What did you do to mest night?¡± He stilled. Frowned in genuine confusion. ¡°What?¡± ¡°I woke up with runes on my arm. Like the ones around your neck. They weren¡¯t there before. Not on me, or any other werewolf I¡¯ve ever seer He stiffened. His eyes dropped to my arm. ¡°Can I see it?¡± he asked quietly. But there was something in his voice, an emotion I couldn¡¯t ce. I looked away, letting him bare my shoulder. My breast peeked free slightly from the fabric. His fingers were careful. So close. I could see the runes on his neck and the soft, matted hair on his chest. He stared at my arm for a long moment, then looked into my eyes. Something shifted in his gaze. ¡°It¡¯s my beast.. marking its territory.¡± My heart dropped. Did I hear that right? ¡°We¡¯re not mates,¡± I said, breath catching. ¡°Why would you do that?¡± But he wasn¡¯t listening anymore. His gaze had shifted to my bare skin. My shoulder. The curve of my chest. He swallowed hard, clearly fighting for control. When his eyes met mine again, they were no longer soft. They were primal. For more chapters visit find?novel You are going to be mine, Zephyrine,¡± he said, my name falling from his lips for only the second time since I¡¯d met him. I¡¯m going to make you mine. Whether the Moon Goddess or you want it or not,¡± The Roque Is A Female Alpha Back Where 28 Zephyrise #Finished Tense silence fell, heavy enough to crush the air from my lungs. It wasn¡¯t just a statement. No, his tone made it a vow, carved deep into my bones. The look in his eyes was so resolute that I knew, in my marrow, not even I could stop him now, Our gazes locked, and for a heartbeat the world stood still, then shattered. Lycannar moved first, sharp and sudden, his hands gripping me with a possessive hunger. I wrapped my legs around his waist without thinking, my mouth crashing into his in a kiss so ravenous it made me question if he was the only one who was primal. Or if I was too. He carried me to the table and sat me on it, his fingers already sliding beneath my dress with burning purpose. Heat roared between us, wild and consuming, until a low. guttural growl vibrated from his chest. The hunger in his touch sharpened, choking me in its intensity. Then, with a snarl, he tore at my dress, the fabric ripping at the shoulder, his tongue dragging over my throat like a im. That was when I felt the wrongness. His grip on my neck grew tighter, the pressure nearly dizzying. I broke from the kiss. trying to pull free, but he didn¡¯t loosen his hold. And then I saw his hand. The fingers, no, ws, thickened, fur bristling across skin that had moments ago been human. My breath stuttered and He suddenly went still. For a heartbeat, our eyes met, only they weren¡¯t the eyes of the Lycan King anymore. They were older, darker. alien. ¡°Lycannar ¡°I breathed, my voice trembling. He jerked away, turning his back on me, his shoulders straining as though fighting something deep inside. ¡°Lycan,¡± I called again, sliding off the table, but his hand shot out, palm turned back toward me, wed and monstrous. ¡°Don¡¯te closer,¡± he growled. The sound wasn¡¯t his voice. It was deeper, rougher, ancient. I froze. My pulse thundered in my ears. The doors mmed open at that moment. Princess Mearez strode in, her eyes locking on her brother. She moved with purpose, cing herself between us like a shield, ¡°Come here,¡± she said sharply, her hand reaching for mine, tugging me away. Confusion buzzed through my head, but I didn¡¯t resist. Mearez nced over her shoulder at Lycannar. Something unspoken passed between them. Then she turned back to me. scanning my face, my tom dress, the bruises forming at my neck. ¡°Did I hurt you?¡± His voice came again, this time human, softer. I looked at him. He wouldn¡¯t meet my EV ¡°Lycan¡­¡± I stepped forward, but he backed away like my presence burned him. ¡°Did I hurt you anywhere?¡± His tone was quieter now, but there was a tremor in it. Fear or rage, I couldn¡¯t tell. Mearez moved to me, lifting the torn fabric of my dress. Her eyes widened at the thin trail of blood running down my belly. She looked at me, jaw tightening ¡°No,¡± I lied. ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡± He said nothing more. He just turned and walked out, each step a retreat that left my chest aching. ¡°So that¡¯s it? You¡¯re just going to walk away? I demanded, but he didn¡¯t stop. Didn¡¯t even look back 25PM P. P Finished From theer of my eye, I caught Chantel slipping out too. He hadn¡¯t interfered, not even when Lycannar lost control. I leaned against the table, breathing shakily. My skin still burned where his ws had touched. And why why wasn¡¯t I healing ¡°Come with me.¡± Mearez murmured. She pulled off her cloak, draping it over my shoulders to hide my bruises and my torn dress We walked in silence through the corridors until she ushered me into her chambers. Her voice was steel when shemanded the maids to leave. When we were alone, she drew me into a chair and studied me. ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± she said, but my mind was somewhere else. Is his obsession so deep it can break his control? We¡¯ve barely known each other. How can it be possible? ¡°Will he be alright?¡± I asked before I could stop myself. Mearez¡¯s brows knit in awe.. ¡°He gave you bruises, and you still care?¡± 1 dropped my gaze. She crouched before me, taking my hand gently. ¡°Let me see.¡± She lowered the fabric of my dress, revealing the bruise and the strange runes burned into my arm. ???? ????s? ???????s ?? ?ovelFind ¡°They appeared this morning,¡± I murmured. ¡°He said it¡¯s his beast.. marking me ¡°Gods,¡± she whispered, her gaze sharp with worry. ¡°He¡¯s never done this. Ever.¡± Her words lodged in my chest. Am I the first? She healed me quickly, the wound sealing under her magic, but the blood stains remained like an usation. ¡°You¡¯ll need a new dress,¡± she said softly. Then, after a pause she added. ¡°He told me about the kiss.¡± I swallowed. ¡°Yeah ¡°Zephyrine.¡± She held my eyes, her own full of warning. ¡°My brother won¡¯t stoping after you. If his beast could mark you after one kiss.. it¡¯s already over. You can¡¯t run. But I¡¯ll be here for you when it feels like too much.¡± Goosebumps prickled my skin. Relief flickered, not for him, but because someone outside the Ash Pack, outside my military life, cared about me. Me, the rogue. ¡°I¡¯m not running¡± I said quietly. ¡°Maybe.. maybe if he stops killing, it could work.¡± She sighed, looking away. ¡°I was therest night when he gave the order. I couldn¡¯t stop it.¡± Silence fell between us after that and she gets up and walk away. Mearez brought me a fresh gown and helped me out of my ruined one. The torn dress pooled to the floor, and I stood bare before the mirror and the Lycan princess. Her eyes flicked over my body before she helped me into the new gown. As she zipped it, I said, ¡°It was an Alpha he killed.¡± She paused, meeting my gaze in the mirror.. 18 1 turmel to face her ¡°He killed him because he spilled wine on me. An Alphia. The werewolves will demand blood.¡± ¡°No one dares challenge the Blood family,¡± she said tightly. ¡°You¡¯ll be safe.¡± Theld her gaze, the unspoken words stretching between us. Sale from others, maybe. But from the Lycan King? Send Gifts 2.2K ËÄ Finished The Roque Is A Female Alpha Back Where 29 Nyroth Somehow, the pack feels more hollow without her, even for just one night. In five years, she had never once slept outside these walls until now. And it¡¯s because of that king. 4 Finished I stood at the threshold of her chamber, staring at the empty bed. Sometimes she would be here, legs curled under her. working out strategies for how I could secure new alliances with other packs and they always worked. Last night, she had been fierce. But it feels like I¡¯ve ruined herpletely by letting her see just how much I¡¯ve been cheating on her. ¡°Alpha Nyroth?¡± My beta¡¯s voice came from behind, pulling me from my thoughts. I turned to see him standing in the hallway, his face tense with urgency and confusion. ¡°I thought you¡¯d be ready by now. The funeral has already started, and Ka sent word that she needs you At his words, I swallowed hard. Out of nowhere, Alpha ck of the ckbridge Pack had been found dead on his way back from the tavern. The healers couldn¡¯t find the cause because there is no wounds, no de cuts, nothing. The elders had demanded a swift cremation and a small funeral. Theaded toward the living room, where my mother stood waiting, a small smile curling her lips. She¡¯d been proud of me sincest night, proud that I had finally agreed to send Zeph away. That had always been her desire. ¡°Ka needs you, son,¡± she said, her hand sliding over mine with practiced softness. ¡°You should go and console her.¡± I left without another word, stepping into the carriage that would take me to ckbridge Pack. If anything. I had to be there for Ka. Alpha ck had been like an uncle to her, her father was his beta. Th?s chapter is updated by find~novel Half an hourter, the carriage eased into the vast territory of ckbridge. It wasrger than mine and would have been more prosperous if its Alpha hadn¡¯t fallen into drink and ruin. The funeral was already underway ahead, but my gaze was drawn to a window, Ka¡¯s window. She was there, staring at me. A momentter, she turned away. 1 stepped down from the carriage and went straight to her chamber, opening the door to find no one in sight. Silence. Then soft, muffled sobs. I followed the sound, finding her seated in a chair, wearing nothing but a sheer nightgown that clung to her curves and left nothing to the imagination. Even in grief, she was devastatingly beautiful. ¡°I can¡¯t believe he¡¯s dead,¡± she whispered, voice shaking. ¡°Ka.¡± I moved to kneel before her, resting my palm on her thigh. ¡°It¡¯s going to be fine. Maybe it was time for him to rest. He¡¯s been unstable, suffering ever since his Luna left him.¡± She turned to me then, eyes shing with a look I knew too well. ¡°The cause of Alpha ck¡¯s death isn¡¯t known, Nyroth,¡± she said softly, ¡°but I know who killed him.¡± 1 stiffened. Someone had the audacity to kill an Alpha ¡°Who?¡± ¡°I was his Luna¡± ¡°What?¡± Ka rolled her eyes. 24PM p p ¡°Luna Tahlia has always been arrogant and bitter.¡± ¡°Alpha ck cheated on her, so¡­¡°I hesitated, guilt creeping in. ¡°It¡¯s¡­ normal if she¡¯s bitter.¡± ¡°Well, she killed him. And that pup she¡¯s parading at the funeral? It¡¯s not his.¡± Her words hit me like a de. Finished Ka, keep your voice down. If anyone hears such usations, they¡¯ll punish you. Do you want Hue Pack to go to war?¡± She went quiet, staring at me for a long moment before her eyes welled again, tears slipping down her cheeks and slicing through my chest. ¡°I should have known you¡¯d stop caring the moment I left for the empire¡¯s mission. Your mate called me a whorest night and you did nothing. Now you call me a liar when I¡¯m telling you the truth.¡± I reached for her, but she pulled away, sobbing. Just like that, anger toward Zeph surged in me for insulting her. ¡°If Luna Tahlia is guilty and her pup isn¡¯t Alpha ck¡¯s, she has no ce here,¡± I said tightly. And her pup can¡¯t rule the pack either,¡± Ka replied, voice sharper now. ¡°Alpha ck had no siblings, which leaves the Alpha¡¯s seat to one man. His beta, my father.¡± I froze as her meaning sank in. I began to pull back, but she caught my wrist, holding me in ce. ¡°It¡¯s simple politics, Nyroth. We frame her for his death. Expose the pup as a bastard. The elders will have no choice but to crown my father as Alpha¡± ¡°Ka¡­¡± ¡°How does that sound, my love?¡± Her voice turned velvet as she guided my fingers between her thighs, pressing me into her Cunte. ¡°Me, the daughter of an Alpha. If my father dies, I¡¯d be the first female Alpha. Our packsbined. no one could touch us. Not even Apex.¡± Her wetness made my cock ache. I loved her ambition and I loved her even more for opening herself to me like this. I slid my fingers deeper into her, and she leaned back, moaning softly. Gods, that sound. I lost myself, lowering my head toward her, but she stopped me, gripping my hair. ¡°Your mate calls me your whore. I won¡¯t be that anymore.¡± My jaw tightened as I gripped her thigh. ¡°I¡¯ll make her pay for that. Now let me taste you.¡± She let go, and I sealed my mouth over her clit, licking and sucking while she wed at my back and moaned my name. Just like she used to. Send Gifts 2.2K The Roque In A Female Alpha Back Where 30 hapter 30 Zephrine The painful sensation wakes me from my slumber, and I flutter my eyes open to feel the burn. His mark on my arm is piercing, curling further toward my back. I blink slowly, then sit up from the bed. Finished I have returned home tired and pale. Luckily for me, no one is here; they have all gone to Alpha ckbridge¡¯s funeral. The slept on Dessyn¡¯s bed until now. Gently, I walk to the mirror and pull off my dress. There it is. Lycannar¡¯s mark sprawling over my back. Isigh He¡¯s marking me so quickly. I wonder how far he¡¯ll go now. I move toward the bath chamber to cool off, floating gently through the room. As I begin rubbing my milky, soft skin, the memories of our burning kiss sh through my mind, and I swallow hard. Never have I felt this connected to anyone, not even my mate. What I feel for Nyroth is nothing like what Lycannar makes me feel. At the thought of him, my inner thighs grow warm, and I lower my gaze quietly. He¡¯s only held me a few times, yet I feel like I¡¯m already breaking, My eyes drop to my breasts, and somehow, my nipples harden. He¡¯d only gotten a peek, and even that had made him lose restraint. What if I stood before him fully naked? Would he lose his mind? ¡°Zephyr?¡± The call of my name jolts me back to reality. I quickly get out of the water and grab a cloth from the nail. ¡°Zephyr?¡± ¡°I¡¯m here. Dessyn opens the bath chamber door and stares at me for a moment before sighing in relief. ¡°What¡¯s up, best friend?¡± ¡°Good. I¡¯ll join you in the room soon,¡± I say, and she nods before walking away. After she¡¯s gone, I quickly grab a fresh dress and put it on, then make my way to the chamber, where I sit on the bed. I feel refreshed but I¡¯m aware that the mark on my arm and back is keeping me warm somehow. ¡°Zephyr!¡± The exmation snaps me from my thoughts, and I look at her standing by the window. ¡°Moon Goddess, what are you thinking about so hard?¡± I sigh shakily, then shake my head. ¡°It¡¯s nothing¡± Dessyn studies me for a few seconds before sighing. ¡°thought you¡¯d show up at the funeral.¡± ¡°How was it?¡± expected sadness, but¡­¡± She sighs and shrugs. ¡°Luna Tahlia came with the next Alpha, her son, but she didn¡¯t shed a single #26PM p p. Finished lear ¡°It¡¯s understandable, given Alpha ck cheated on her.¡± I reply smoothly. Dessyn stares harder at me, clearly holding something back. ¡°What?¡± Tasked. ¡°Nyroth,¡± she says softly. ¡°He came to the funeral¡­ but went straight to Ka¡¯s chamber.¡± I stare nkly, listening as she continues. They fucked. I¡¯m certain, because when Ka and he finally showed up at the funeral, they were holding hands and they recked of each other.¡± Silence follows her words, and I use the quiet to suppress the irritation in my wolf. I won¡¯t get too mad. I am not a saint, after all. ¡°He¡¯s been cheating on you since the Moon Goddess knows when. It was only after you decided to leave that you kissed Apex ¡°I¡¯m not looking for an excuse for my actions, Dessyn,¡± I say quietly. ¡°What happened between Lycannar and me¡­ I swallow hard, shaking my head. ¡°It¡¯s nothing.¡± Silence again. Dessyn keeps her eyes on me, then asks, ¡°Lycannar? He told you his real name?¡± 1 look away. ¡°I asked, and he told me. If an Ashmere is going to kiss a man she¡¯s not mated to, she should at least know his name.¡± ¡°You make it sound like you were forced to kiss him,¡± she murmurs. I shift my gaze to her and she goes on. ¡°What? He hurt you already, and now you¡¯re pulling away?¡± ¡°I¡¯m not pulling away ¡°It looks like it to me. Nyroth never cared about you, but..¡± ¡°Lycannar doesn¡¯t care about me either,¡± I cut her off, my voice tight. ¡°He¡¯s only obsessed. There¡¯s a big difference. He¡¯s not a knight in shining armor, Dessyn. He¡¯s a toxic psychopath cloak in ck. And I have too much to worry about to be jumping from a faithless Alpha to a ruthless King¡± Dessyn hears my frustration but doesn¡¯t know why I¡¯veshed out. Quietly, she sets her jaw and turns to stare out the window. The silence between us makes me wonder what¡¯s wrong with me. Why did Ish out? Was it because Nyroth could lie with another woman while still mated to me but I can¡¯t! Or because Lycannar walked away from me this morning without any exnation? The thought sticks in my mind until something sparks inside me. The mark on my arm burns softly, and I feel his presence. Slowly, I rise from the bed and walk to the window beside Dessyn. Staring out, I see him under the night sky. I¡¯m right. He hasn¡¯t arrived like a king in shining armor. He¡¯s chaos wrapped in a ck cloak, seated on a ck, powerful horse. He ¡®ksiseme at me, leaningzily againu his mount, his long hair tied back. Finloned ¡°I guess you¡¯ll have no choice but to jump from a cheating mate who never cared¡­ to a King obsessed enough toe here addal in escort. To a pack smaller than his throne room. Dessyn murmurs. I set my jaw. She¡¯s won this round. I pull away from the window and head out of the pack house, down the lonelyne, until I sand before him. He had gotten down from his horse now A few steps away, I search his eyes. He looks¡­ more himself. Quiet as always. Guarded. Then I watch his gaze move to my bare neck, then down to my dress. It¡¯s almost like he¡¯s peeling the gown off me, stripping me bare in his mind. ¡°You should stoping here. Your presence attracts attention,¡± I say His gaze shifts back to mine. He stares in silence for a while, then steps forward, his palm reaching to cup my cheek but I pull If he thinks I¡¯ll let him have me again, he¡¯s mistaken ¡°Stay still,¡± he says softly. I hear the restraint in his voice, see it on his face like he can¡¯t bear my retreat. ¡°I won¡¯t stay still I jut my chin up, and his eyes widen in something like anger. ¡°Zephyrine¡­¡± ¡°You can retreat from me, turn your back, leave without a word and you think I¡¯ll just jump into your arms the next time we meet? Really?¡± His jaw tightens. Then he closes the distance sharply, hands on my waist but I punch him hard in the chest. ¡°Let me go! I¡¯m not yours, Lycannar He doesn¡¯t obey. In his arms, his palm cups my cheek, our foreheads touch, and our breaths mix as we both pant. I lose the fight. ¡°Don¡¯t deny us this,¡± he begs. ¡°Just stay still.¡± I tried, Moon Goddess knows I tried but I lose when he ims my lips again. At first, he¡¯s calm and I¡¯m gentle. Until I push him back against his horse and leap into his arms. He catches me instantly, kissing me hard as my legs wrap around his waist. Nothing matters in that moment. The lines between obsession and morality blur into nothing. ?? ??? ???? ?? ???? ???? ???????s, ????s? ??s?? f?ndnovel The world disappears. There¡¯s no mate. No crown. Nothing. Only his hands, my body, and the burning mark that feels like it¡¯s branding me to him forever. Send Gifts 2.2K Back Where 31 Zephyrine Just like that, I forgot everything I am, what I am, in the arms of a powerful king, Finished His mouth crashed against mine, stealing the air from my lungs until we were both breathless. When we finally broke apart. we stood there, panting, our gazes locked, We held each other¡¯s eyes for a moment before, almost at the same time, we smiled as though our very energy had synced. I caught the rare softness in his expression, that smile.. and the effect it had on me was dangerous. My arms were looped around his neck, his grip warm at my waist, and for that fleeting instant. I felt at the very top of the world. But when he noticed me staring too long, his gaze dropped, and the smile faded. Silence slid between us, smothering the moment, until the dull thud of something falling broke it. Zephyr I turned sharply, slipping down from Lycannar¡¯s body to stand on my own feet. Moon and his father stood there, arms full of supplies for the night¡¯s meal. The air turned heavy when my eyes met Moon¡¯s. For a fraction of a second, I could swear I saw pain in his face¡­ before he looked down and bent to retrieve the onion he had dropped. I crouched to help, avoiding his eyes as I ced it into his hands. Nathan, Moon¡¯s father, remained still, his gaze pinned on the king before him. Lycannar didn¡¯t meet his eyes. I already knew why. He didn¡¯t want to look at the man and see the day and time he will die. Instead, his attention never left me. Under that relentless gaze, there was little I could do but breathe. ¡°Your Majesty.¡± Moon and his father greeted in unison. Lycannar said nothing. Only when I nudged him lightly did he arch a brow at me. ¡°You should respond when you¡¯re greeted,¡± I murmured. He tilted his head, almost innocently. ¡°How should p?¡± He wasn¡¯t joking. The clueless sincerity in his voice almost made meugh. ¡°You can say thank you,¡± He turned toward them, eyes on the floor, and nodded. ¡°Thank you.¡± Nathan studied him for a moment, then turned to me with a faint smile. ¡°You both shoulde in. The king should eat before he leaves¡± ¡°But¡­¡± Moon began, but Nathan had already gone inside. Istood frozen for a heartbeat after they left, wondering if Lycannar would ept. Slowly. I looked up to find him staring at me like I was his next meal. His hand slid to my waist before I could stop him, but 1 gave him a light punch to the shoulder. Finished ¡°We¡¯re ate, Excan¡± ¡°I don¡¯t vary,¡± he murmured against my lips before his hose furrowed slightly. ¡°Is that your father?¡± The question made me stiften. But he¡¯s like a father to me Where are your parents? In this pack?¡± Ishook my head. They¡¯re dead¡± Silence fell. His grip on my waist cased, not in withdrawal, but in tenderness, ¡°Where are they buried?¡± he asked quietly. ¡°Why do you want to know?¡± So I can pay my respects,¡± he said, voice low, ¡°At least they should know who will be iming their daughter now.¡± A im made in broad night sky. I went cold at his audacity but my chest swelled at the thought. Nyroth, for all the years I had given him, never once thought to honor my parents. Emotions tangled in my throat. I pulled back from him, my breathing harder. Why would the Moon Goddess give me a man so imperfect and yet so perfectly willing to do what others would not? When I met his eyes again, their heat melted my thoughts. I stepped forward, wrapping my arms around his neck, and kissed him softly. My own silent im. His brow creased faintly when I pulled away. ¡°Come in. Let¡¯s have dinner.¡± Without waiting for his answer, I took his wrist. He walked beside me, formidable yet almost gentle, his fingers sliding between mine. Guards and pack members stiffened as we passed; I could feel their stares on our linked hands. At the Dusk family¡¯s doorstep, I opened the door and stepped inside. He followed but then suddenly stopped, letting go of my hand. ¡°Lycannar?¡± He stood in the doorway, shoulders tense, a faint frown on his face. ¡°There¡¯s something here. I don¡¯t like it.¡± He pointed toward the far corner of the TOOM There sat the small, sacred statue of the Moon Goddess. My own brow furrowed. He hadn¡¯t looked at it, but he knew it was there. He could feel it. ¡°I¡¯ll take it away,¡± I said quietly, moving to hide it in a drawer. When I turned back, his shoulders were still tight. His eyes shed, just for an instant. Now I got confused. The Moon Goddess was the great¨Cgrandmother of Lycan¨Ckind but this Lycan king before me did not carry the favor of her blessing He was cursed. Weakened by her presence. Surely the Moon Goddess I had served all my life would not want me bound to such a man. Would she? The Rogue is A Female Alpha Newest update provided by Back Where 32 Zephynne Finished ¡°can¡¯t believe this is even happening. A king in the house? Zephyr, this is history. How did you even ask him toe in How did you ¡°Dessen¡± I cut in, my voice low. She froze mid¨Cbabble, shuddering to a halt, her fingers trembling from excitement. We were in the kitchen, heat and smoke wrapping around us, the air thick with the mingled scents of roasting meat, fresh bread, and crushed herbs. The moment Dessyn had seen Lycannar, she¡¯d gone pale and nearly passed out. Now, with the two of us trying to finish the meal, she still couldn¡¯t wrap her head around it. I watched her breathing hard and raised a brow. ¡°Do you have a crush on him or something?¡± She giggled, shaking her head. ¡°Who would dare? He¡¯s the Lycan King. And you¡¯re the goddess of war. I¡¯d be insane to drag a man with you.¡± Ar that, I turned slightly away, pretending to check the stew but something inside me tightened. Why did it feel so certain I¡¯d hate any woman near Lycannar now? The thought alone made the mark on my back warm, then burn. The runes of the Lycan King¡¯s im expanded across my skin, hot and alive. My head dipped as I let it happen, eyes fluttering shut until suddenly I blinked open to see Dessyn¡¯s lips moving. I couldn¡¯t hear her for several seconds. Then her brows furrowed. ¡°My goodness. Zephyr, you¡¯re pale.¡± She touched my arm. guiding me toward a wooden chair. Ist my breath uneven. Weakness seeped into me, heavy and slow. ¡°Zephyr?¡± I didn¡¯t answer. My focus tunneled inward, tracing the source of the drain. Then it hit me. Nyroth¡¯s mate bond shing violently against Lycannar¡¯s. My pulse spiked, sweat sliding down my temple. ¡°Water.¡± I muttered. Dessyn hesitated. ¡°I¡¯ll call the King My hand shot out, gripping her wrist. ¡°Leave him out of this. Just bring me the water.¡± Tomorrow night, I would reject Nyroth and this nightmare would end. I only had tost one more day. Dinner was simple. When I set Lycannar¡¯s te before him, he didn¡¯t look at the food, only at me. His gaze followed as 1 sat across from him. I¡¯d survived the sh this time, but the next might tear me apart. I dropped my gaze to my te just as Moon poured me ¡°You look pale. Are you alright?¡± he asked. ¡°I¡¯m fine, I lied. Pp P Dessyn, seated beside her father, saw through it but said nothing. The Dusk household¡¯s attention shified to the King, Nathan cleared his throat. ¡°You should.. go on. Your Majesty.¡± Lycannar frowned faintly, then lifted his spoon and tasted the soup. I didn¡¯t realize I was holding my breath until he swallowed. ¡°Thanks for the meal,¡± he murmured, then took another spoonful. 1 ced a piece of meat into his spoon. He studied it for a heartbeat before epting it. Silence fell for some minutes as we all enjoy our dinner. When Moon finally spoke again, it was deliberate. ¡°So, you won¡¯t be around tomorrow night, will you, Zephyr?¡± The room went stilled. Everyone pause except Lycannar, who kept eating. Yeah, I said tly. Moon didn¡¯t stop ¡°What if Alpha Nyroth refuses to reject you?¡± Cold slid through me. Dessyn jumped in. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t we focus on the meal, Moon?¡± ¡°I¡¯m just saying,¡± he shrugged, ¡°if her true mate won¡¯t let go, she can¡¯t be with anyone else. Isn¡¯t that right?¡± Lycannar gave no reaction, and for that I was quietly relieved. Finished After dinner, he thanked the Dusks and stepped out to his horse. The animal stood exactly where we¡¯d left it an hour ago. He stroked its mane before turning to me, silent, his gaze unreadable ¡°I will kill him,¡± he suddenly dered and Ice crawled up my spine. ¡°You can¡¯t,¡± I warned. ?????? ???? find(?)ovel ¡°You feel something for him?¡± ¡°You can¡¯t kill him¡± ¡°Answer me.¡± He stepped forward, eyes burning into mine. ¡°Your mate. Do you feel something for him?¡± My breath faltered. One wrong word, and he¡¯d summon Chantel to do the work. ¡°You can¡¯t kill Nyroth,¡± I repeated quietly. He said nothing for a long moment, only watching me. Then, finally, he nodded. ¡°If he tries to stand as my rival¡­ I will end him.¡± ¡°Lycannar¡­ ¡°You know I will did. Gods help me, I believed him, He turned toward his horse and I suddenly get mad. 15o you¡¯re leaving just because I told you not to be a murderer?¡± 4:26 PMP P He paused, looking back at me. His voice dropped, silk over steel. Finished ¡°A murderer? I¡¯m trying to give you what you want. Make it easy. If he doesn¡¯t release you, we rip him out of the way. The simplest method there is¡± My chest sank. He said it as if it were kindness. ¡°Don¡¯t look at me like that,¡± he murmured suddenly. ¡°Like what?¡± ¡°Like the world used to.¡± He closed the space between us in three steps, his hand sliding to my waist, the other tipping my chin up. His breath brushed my lips, his eyes dark, bottomless. ¡°Don¡¯t look at me like I¡¯m a monster. Don¡¯t. I¡¯ll lose it if you I swallowed hard, my heart thrumming under his touch. His fingers lingered at my jaw, pressing, not hard enough to hurt, but enough to warn. ¡°Because if I lose it, Zephyrine,¡± he whispered, leaning close until his mouth nearly grazed mine, ¡°I won¡¯t just kill your mate. I¡¯ll burn down every damn thing that ever kept you from me.¡± His lips ghosted mine in a fleeting, iming kiss, and then he was on his horse, riding into the night, leaving my pulse wrecked and my thoughts in ruin. Send Gifts 2.2K 026 PM P P ¡¤ The Rogue Is A Female Back Where 33 Ny roth Finished I flutter my eyelids open to see the beautiful Ka beside me. She isn¡¯t sleeping, instead, she¡¯s staring at me with a smile on her face, her breast pressed against my chest. She appears to be everything I¡¯ve ever wanted. I never knew I would stay this long in the ckbridge Pack, not until the sky had already darkened. ¡°I need to go home,¡± I said softly to her, but she only leaned in and kissed my lips. I gently reached for her waistline, caressing When she pulled back, she reached for her dress and walked to the mirror, where she sat and picked up ab. I got up as well, dressing quickly just as the door opened and Yadev, Ka¡¯s father, walked in. He wasn¡¯t surprised to see me here. I wasn¡¯t just visiting today. ¡°You both have finished,¡± he said casually. A man with a heavy mustache and thick eyshes, his eyes shifted to Ka. ¡°Have you spoken to him about the arrangements?¡± ¡°Yes, Father. We will get it done in no time.¡± ¡°I know someone who can forge the medical report. A midwife that can give a false statement. Let me know when you are ready to strike.¡±¡± ¡°Yes, Father.¡± She smiled deliciously at him, and he winked back before nodding toward me. ¡°Good job, son.¡± ¡°Thanks¡± With that, he left, making me wonder briefly how people could be so different beneath the surface. They spoke about evil so casually. I finished dressing and headed toward the window, spotting my carriage waiting outside with Kai standing beside it. ¡°Shall we?¡± came Ka¡¯s voice. I turned to see her fully dressed. ¡°You¡­ you¡¯re going somewhere?¡± ¡°No. I only want to see you off to your carriage.¡± We headed out quickly, and when we reached the carriage, I saw Kai speaking with four men. ¡°Ah, Alpha Nyroth,¡± Kai said. ¡°These men here want to see you. They say it¡¯s about someone who lives in the Hue Pack¡± I stepped forward, studying them. Their scent was different. Rogues. My brows lifted as I realized exactly who they were. ¡°You are the Alpha of Hue Pack?¡± one of them, the leader, it seemed asked, but I didn¡¯t answer. ¡°There is a woman we are looking for. The one who caught the King¡¯s eyes at the coronation.¡± At those words, my blood went cold. Zeph. Why were they asking about her? ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Ka asked, stepping forward. You all must have been there on the day of the coronation,¡± the rogue leader continued. ¡°You must have seen how the Lycan King massacred our Alpha. Now we havee for blood. We cannot touch any royal Lycan family members, but we can make the woman he is obsessed with pay for his sins.¡± ¡°What!!¡± I red up. ¡°Why would you want her to pay for any sins of his? Why¡­¡± Finished ¡°Nyroth, Ka interrupted, pulling at my arm. ¡°It¡¯s true she caught the King¡¯s eyes. If the rogues want her, then let them have her. She never respected you or the bond between you anyway. Maybe it¡¯s time you discard her. She¡¯s asked for rejection. What¡¯s len?¡± Her words sank in, but I shook my head. There was no way I¡¯d hand Zeph over to a pack of rogues who would maim and kill her ¡°It seems the Alpha is making his decision,¡± the leader said. ¡°If you have made it, meet us at the tavern on the outskirts of town. We will talk more there.¡± I watched them leave, my heart pounding. These rogues wouldn¡¯t stop until blood was spilled. Without another thought, I unhitched my horse from the carriage and rode hard toward the White Pack. Things hadn¡¯t been good between us, but Zeph had been a part of my life too. She had helped me build a strong pack, made me relevant among my peers. I couldn¡¯t just hand her over. I stopped at the pack¡¯s edge, dismounted, and followed her scent until I reached a familiar door. I was about to knock when I heard her friend¡¯s voice from inside. ¡°I can¡¯t believe he ate here. What will the public say? The Lycan King in the house of amoner?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t say it like that,¡± Zeph¡¯s voice replied. ¡°Say it like what? You know he came here because of you. He couldn¡¯t take his eyes off you while he was eating.¡± ¡°Dessyn¡­¡± ¡°And when he grabbed your waist and kissed you, gods, Apex is so unsettling, but that just makes him hotter. Zephyr, you¡¯re so lucky to have him. Tell me honestly, between him and Nyroth, who do you prefer?¡± Silence fell. Official source is F¦ÉndNovel I waited, praying she would say something, anything, but the silence that followed shattered me. I walked away, dazed and hollow. She had kissed him. Her lips, the lips I, her mate, had never imed. She had allowed him to kiss her, and I knew damn well he was never gentle. He had always looked at her like she was his next meal. A prey. And then a darker thought struck me. What if he had already thrust into her? Sucked her breasts? Left part of himself inside her? Horror spread through my chest. Wait, What if she got pregnant by him? No. I needed to stop it. She is my mate. I had to save her. The only way to do that was to put her in a position where I could be her savior, then she would see who truly deserved her. I mounted my horse again and galloped toward the tavern on the outskirts of town to meet the rogues¡­ and strike a deal. Send Gifts 2.2K Back Where 34 Lyannar Finished The hoofbeats of my horse ttered against the stone as I rode through the wide¨Copen gates and pulled into the royal stables. 1 dismounted in one find motion, tossing the reins to the stablehand who rushed forward without a word. My cloak came off next, heavy and dark with the scent of night, and I handed it to my eunuch already waiting in the shadows Where are my sisters?¡± I demanded, striding forward. ¡°In the Steel Chamber,¡± he replied quickly. ¡°But Princess Serena is locked in her chambers.¡± He hesitated. ¡°Per your order.¡± Ah, yes, I remembered now. I¡¯d been furious earlier. furious that she wasn¡¯t treading carefully, moving wisely. But looking at myself now, I could hardly im I was treading lightly either. I went straight to Serena¡¯s door. The guards parted the moment they saw me, and her maids swung the door open. She sat on her bed, shoulders bare, a book in herp. At the sight of me, she rolled her eyes and turned her back. For a few seconds I stood there, silent. Then I crossed the room, climbing onto the bed until I was close enough to tuck her hair gently away from her face. ¡°I¡¯m going to the Steel Chamber, Serena,¡± I said softly Her jaw clenched, but she didn¡¯t pull away, ¡°And I hope you lose your mind in there.¡± The words should have stung, but they didn¡¯t. If anything, they weighed heavier on me, not for their cruelty, but because I knew she didn¡¯t mean them. I caught her chin, forcing her to meet my gaze. ¡°You know how much you mean to me, don¡¯t you? You and Mearez. The whole world is nothingpared to the two of you. I pressed a soft kiss to her lips and pulled away, heading for the door. ¡°Release her,¡± I told the guards as I passed. I didn¡¯t wait to see their reaction. My steps carried me down the din corridor toward the Steel Chamber, the air heavy with the cold scent of iron. The hall forked toward two destinations. The Steel Chamber and the ck Tower. I stopped when I saw her. Mearez, waiting. pacing like a caged thing. We are not ordinary royalty. Few know the truth. Our family has power, ancient power. Wealth beyond reason. And secrets. The darkest ones. ¡°Lycannar,¡± Mearez breathed immediately she saw me and rushed into my arms. Chapters first released on Find_Novel(. 1 kissed her softly, but paused when I felt the wet trail of her tears, ¡°You¡¯re crying?¡± 1 murmured, hurt. ¡°No, I¡¯m not,¡± she lied, her heartbeat pounding so hard I could hear it. ¡°The witch said the agony will be worse now that you are king ¡°I be fine, Mearez,¡± I told her, brushing her tears away, Her eyes, those beautiful, aching eyes, looked at me like she was memorizing my face. ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± she whispered. #Finished I followed her down the corridor, past the first door, the second, the third until we reached the fifth and final one. Beyond ity the Steel Chamber, not truly made of steel, but of an imprable ancient alloy. w marks scarred the walls. Chams hung from hooks, waiting. The firmps burned low in the corners, casting long, violent shadows. I swallowed when I saw the chains had multiplied. Bing king had strengthened them. Strengthened me. Strengthened my beasts. The guards moved to bind me. I stood in silence, wondering if this was my destiny for the rest of my life. Then I turned to Mearez, cupping her chin. ¡°Lycanna¡­she whispered. ¡°I¡¯ll be fine,¡± I said gently. ¡°Tll be back. Okay?¡± But she didn¡¯t believe me. Her mind was far away, counting the hours, fearing the nights. ¡°Mearez,¡± I said again, my voice hardening. ¡°She can¡¯t get into trouble.¡± Her eyes sharpened. ¡°Zephyrine?¡± I nodded, my jaw set. ¡°Whatever happens, she must not be harmed. She is mine. Only mine. You know that, don¡¯t you?¡± Lycan ¡°I won¡¯t be able to leave this chamber tonight, tomorrow, or the next. Anything can happen in those days. You buy time. When I return, I¡¯ll handle it. My voice dropped to a growl. ¡°Do you understand?¡± She nodded, but I gripped her tighter, my beasts rising, my gaze pinning her in ce. ¡°Say it.¡± ¡°I do.¡± I kissed her onest time before stripping off my shirt, exposing the runes etched into my skin. 1 stepped into the center of the chamber. Chains sped around my ankles, my waist. When they reached for my wrists, the door opened and Serena entered. ¡°Why are you using two chains on his wrists?¡± she asked coldly. ¡°Because his beasts are stronger now that he is king, Princess,¡± a guard answered. ¡°Yes,¡± she murmured, almost smiling. ¡°Bring it here. I¡¯ll handle it.¡± She tried to sp the irons herself, but her hands trembled too much. Her frustration red. ¡°My gods! Why won¡¯t these chains hold?!¡± ¡°Serena,¡± Mearez cut in, hurrying over, ¡°Come here.¡± She pulled her away while the guards finished their work. ¡°I still don¡¯t know why Father would dare marry a forbidden kind, bring forth a child, only to make him suffer like this.¡± Serena said bitterly, tears streaking her cheeks. Mearez said nothing, just held her, I watched her fight to keep herself together, but when her eyes met mine, seeing me chained, restrained, vulnerable, she lowered her gaze and left. The guards followed. Doors mmed shut, one after another. First Second. Third. Fourth. Fifth. One step remained behind at that point. Chantel. His post was to guard thest door, in case I broke free. This is me every full moon¡¯s eve. Every time the moon goddess blesses the night sky. My first curse is in see the death of anyone who meets my ey My second curse, my two beasts, Lycan and Demon shing, tearing, destroying everything in reach. Finished All because my father, the Lycan King, broke thews of gods and mortals alike, fell in forbidden love with the Demon Queen, lore open the portal with the strongest spell ever cast, and stole her away to mate with her. They begot me. A gue. A terrible mistake, A curse. To the world. I am a Lycan. But only a few know the truth. Even when my father named me Lycannar to root me to his identity, it only make tiny difference. 1am Bart Lycan. Part Demon I am the reason the war broke out five years ago. The reason thousands died in the battlefield, among them thest Warlord and his wife, the War General I am Lycannar Blood. The Lycan King. The Demon Prince. Hybrid. Send Gifts Back Where 35 Zephyrine #Finished The morning sun spilled across my face through the slit in the curtains. Iy there in bed alone, aware that Dessyn wasn¡¯t beside me the moment I opened my eyes. 1 felt empty. The usual turmoil in my chest, the burn, the warmth on my skin was gone. Slowly. I ran my fingers along my arm where his mark should have been, expecting the familiar electric thrill. But nothing came. My heart thudded sharply. Suddenly, I sat up and rushed to the hazy mirror. My reflection swam before me as I yanked up my sleeve. Nothing. No mark. Dazed. I pulled off my dress entirely and stood naked before the mirror, checking my back. Still nothing. It was as if¡­ he was gone. Completely. From my heart. From my life. Wait, did he use me? ¡°Zephyr? Zephyr?!¡± The door burst open, and Dessyn hurried in, but she froze mid¨Cstep, her gaze sweeping over my bare skin before meeting my eyes. ¡°What¡¯s¡­ what¡¯s wrong?¡± she asked. I lowered my gaze. Maybe this was for the best. Maybe it was better if Lycannar hadn¡¯t branded me like his without my permission. ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡± I muttered, brushing past her toward the bath chamber only to stop cold at her next words. ¡°You won¡¯t believe what happened in ckbridge Pack. Are you just waking up? They¡¯ve found the murderer of Alpha ck¡± 1 froze mid¨Cstep- They found.. Lycannar? ¡°I can¡¯t believe it¡¯s her, Dessyn continued, dropping onto the bed. ¡°She looked so innocent.¡± ¡°Shel¡± ¡°The Luna. Luna Tahlia, Word has already spread across the empire that she murdered her husband because he caught her cheating. And the pup that was supposed to be the next Alpha? A bastard.¡± My knees nearly buckled. Lies. All of it. I strode to the bed, frowning hard.. ¡°Who would dare spin such lies against a Luna? What¡­¡± I stopped mid¨Csentence as the truth mmed into me. ¡°Dessyn, who benefits most if Luna Tahlia loses her position?¡± ¡°Her son would be branded a bastard and lose his right to inherit. The elders would have no choice but to crown the Beta as Alpha.¡± Her eyes widened as the pieces clicked, ¡°Please don¡¯t tell me it¡¯s Ka and her father behind this. They even have Alpha Nyroth backing the im.¡± ¡°What?!¡± *27PM P P ¡°You know Hue Pack has more allies than enemies. Everyone will listen to the Alpha.¡± Finished A cold wave rolled through me. More allies. The same ones I¡¯d secured for him. The same leaders I¡¯d secretly met as an Ashmere to bargain for Nyroth¡¯s sake. I shot to my feet, dressing in haste and pulling my hair into a ponytail. Bath forgotten, I stormed toward the door. In the living room. Dessyn caught up to me. ¡°So what¡¯s the n?¡± ¡°I¡¯m going to expose their scheme. I won¡¯t let a Luna¡¯s life or her pup be destroyed just¡­¡± The door mmed open. Moon rushed in, his face etched with horror. ¡°That¡¯s it, Zephyr. Pack your things. You¡¯re going back to Ash Pack.¡± He strode forward to take my arm, but I stepped back. ¡°What are you talking about?¡± Before he could answer, the pounding of hooves shook the ground outside. Secondster, the door opened again, and Jurrek stepped in, tense. ¡°Let¡¯s leave. Now, I came as soon as I heard.¡± ¡°Heard what?¡± ¡°The rogues areing for blood.¡± Moon said grimly. I stared in confusion. ¡°If they want blood, they can storm the Lycan Kingdom and die. What does that have to do with me?¡± ¡°It¡¯s all over the empire that you¡¯ve caught the King¡¯s eye,¡± Jurrek said tly. ¡°Only a fool would challenge the King directly. They want a softer target and that¡¯s you 1 took a step back, confused. Even Dessyn frowned. ¡°Why would the rogues want me!¡± ¡°Because the Lycan King is obsessed with you,¡± Moon answered, jealousy shing in his eyes. ¡°I still don¡¯t get why he picked you of all the women at the coronation. There were plenty dressed to catch his attention. But no, he had to choose the next Alpha of Ash Pack.¡± ¡°Lower your voice, Moon.¡± ¡°Why should I?¡± he snapped. ¡°Do you have any idea what people are saying about you now?¡± My heart pounded. His anger wasn¡¯t just fear, it was pain. ¡°They¡¯re calling you a slut. A whore. A rogue. Saying you had a rtionship with the rogue Alpha, then came to the coronation to seduce the Lycan King for power and poisoned his mind to spill blood that day. No one¡¯s even talking about ckbridge anymore. Everyone¡¯s talking about you¡± ¡°Moon¡­¡± ¡°Don¡¯t call me!¡± He raked a hand through his hair. ¡°Go with Jurrek. im your throne. Please, I¡¯m begging you His voice cracked with frustration, and it burned in my chest. For more chapters visit fin?novel stepped toward him, reaching for his hand, but he looked away, jaw tight. ¡°You know why I left my name Ashmere five years ago. For Nyroth. To find my brother. For peace. I can¡¯t go back now. ¡°Why? Because of Apex?¡± 427 PM p p. Finished ¡°Moon¡­ ¡°First it was Nyroth. Now Apex? Really?¡± He didn¡¯t wait for my answer. He tore his arm away and mmed his chamber door shut. Silence swallowed the room. My thoughts spun. The rogues weren¡¯t smart enough to spin lies like this. This was politics. Someone high up was pulling the strings. I turned to Jurck, grateful he¡¯de so quickly. Stepping close, I took his hand. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about me. I¡¯ll be safe.¡± ¡°Mydy¡­ ¡°When next you appear, Jurrek, bring news of my brother. Or I¡¯ll never forgive you.¡± He swallowed, bowed, and left taking a piece of my heart with him. ¡°Zephyr.¡± ¡°Go talk to Moon: Tell him I¡¯m fine,¡± I told Dessyn over my shoulder. Then I walked to the window, breathing in the familiar scent drifting on the breeze. My mate was here. And now. I knew exactly who was behind all the lies. Send Gifts 2.2K Back Where 36 Zephyrine When the carriage rolled to a stop inside Hue Pack territory, I didn¡¯t move. My eyes stayed fixed on nothing, my thoughts heavier than the air around me. They¡¯de for me, told me to follow. I¡¯d gone without a fight. Dessyn had been worried, but I¡¯d told her I¡¯d be fine. Finished But ¡°fine¡± was a lie, not because of the rogues or the nder everyone now believes, but because of the mark that¡¯s no longer on my skin. Why did hee into my life like a storm, drop a bomb of obsession, mark me without the Moon Goddess¡¯s blessing, without my consent, and then vanish? Why? ¡°Come on out, Read full story at Find~Novel Nyroth¡¯s voice came from the side. I turned, saw his hand extended toward me. I stared at it for what felt like an eternity before my gaze moved up to his face. This was new. Nyroth never wanted to hold my hand in public. Once, the only time he did, he¡¯d frowned, muttering why my palm felt so calloused, irritation in his tone, as if the work I¡¯d done for him was something to be ashamed of I stepped down from the carriage on my own, bypassing him without a word. The hallway felt colder than I remembered, and stepping into the living room, a ce I never thought I¡¯d see again felt almost surreal. No Olivia. No Pam. No audience for their usual insults. ¡°Come in. Nyroth¡¯s voice was closer now. Before I could react, he took my wrist and pulled me into my chamber, locking the door behind us He stood in front of me, eyes roaming over me, jaw tight. Jealousy radiated from him. ¡°Listen, Zeph. There¡¯s talk out there and¡­¡± ¡°You started it.¡± I cut him off. ¡°I know you did.¡± ¡°I can exin. ¡°I don¡¯t need your exnation,¡± I said quietly, my voice steady. ¡°Not anymore.¡± Our eyes locked, tension crackling between us then his jaw clenched. ¡°Why? Because of Apex?¡± he demanded and I rolled my eyes. ¡°Because of him, now you suddenly won¡¯t care! Really?¡± I didn¡¯t have the strength to argue. Not anymore. I turned for the door, but his hand shot out, mming me against the wall. His breath was warm against my neck. ¡°Nyroth¡­¡± ¡°I heard you kissed him,¡± he muttered darkly. ¡°You must love how rough he is. How ungentle. How obsessed. Was it true he talked you? Stood outside the White Pack and just stared?¡± Stalked? Is that the word they were using now? Someone in White Pack had clearly been running their mouth. ¡°And why do you care?¡± I asked. 0:27 PM P P Finished He froze. Slowly, he stepped back, color draining from his face, Sweat gathered at his brow. He dropped onto the bed, raking a hand through his hair. ¡°You don¡¯t care about me. Nyroth.¡± I said. ¡°We don¡¯t care about each other. I won¡¯t apologize for going to another man while I¡¯m still mated to you. Let¡¯s break the bond. Tonight. As you promised,¡± ¡°I¡¯m not rejecting you.¡± His voice was cold. His gaze even colder. ¡°Try all you want, Zeph, but I¡¯ll never reject you.¡± Frustration burned in my chest. ¡°What do you want from me? I¡¯ve given you everything. I built your power. You¡¯re Alpha because of me. I¡¯ve asked for nothing but this, my freedom. End it tonight and we can..¡± ¡°So you can feel less guilty lying with Apex?¡± I swallowed hard. ¡°I thought you already believed I wasn¡¯t a virgin.¡± Don¡¯t,¡± he warned. ¡°I thought you believed I¡¯d spread my legs for him already,¡± I said, voice steady. He went still. Then he rose, closing the distance between us again, eyes searching mine. ¡°I lied, Zeph,¡± he murmured. ¡°I lied about the rejection. It¡¯s not happening tonight. Not next full moon. Never. You¡¯re mine. And I¡¯ll be the one protecting you from that psycho stalker who¡¯s obsessed with you.¡± He turned to leave, but my voice stopped him, bitter. ¡°You¡¯ll lose your life, Nyroth. You can¡¯t stand against Apex Blood.¡± He faced me, shock flickering in his eyes. ¡°Is that a threat? ¡°It¡¯s a warning¡± His jaw tightened. ¡°Thanks for the heads¨Cup. The rogues want blood. They want me to hand you over, take you to the Rogue Pack. If I allowed it, they¡¯d maim you. Break you while you¡¯re still breathing. But I won¡¯t let that happen. You¡¯re my mate.¡± I almostughed. Almost got emotional at the feigned concern. ¡°I¡¯d rather go with the rogues than owe you anything.¡± I said tly. ¡°Is that so?¡± He stepped closer, scoffing. ¡°You think Apex wille save you?¡± My eyelids flickered. Doubt wed at me. ¡°He¡¯s noting. Zeph. The Lycan Kingdom gate is locked. Tomorrow afternoon, you face the council. So choose now. Me. or the rogues.¡± Send Gifts 2.2K Ä¿ Back Where 37 Zephyrine Are you sure she¡¯s inside?¡± ¡°Well, Kai said my brother brought her home yesterday¡± The door creaked open, revealing Pam with Olivia right beside her. 42 Finished I was still curled on my bed, knees drawn tight to my chest, chin resting on them. I hadn¡¯t moved since yesterday. Not since Nyroth mmed my chamber door behind him and left. I refused to think about it, not because it didn¡¯t hurt, but because I didn¡¯t want to owe Nyroth Hue a single thing. All I wanted was to be free of the mate bond ¡°She must still be shaken, knowing the rogues are looking for her, 1 heard Olivia whisper to her mother. I ignored them. My mind drifted instead to Lycantar. He hadn¡¯t shown up, Maybe he¡¯d forgotten me. Maybe he was nevering. I swallowed, forcing my thoughts toward Luna Tahlin. With the usations against her, she must be breaking. I needed to help her clear her name because I was guilty, too. If only Lyannar woulde and confess. But¡­ A sound broke through my thoughts. My head jerked up, ears straining. I shot off the bed and made for the window only for Olivia to shove me aside and peer out first. My jaw tightened at her rudeness, but then I saw her face go pale. Her eyes widened. ¡°Is that my goodness, Mother, is that the Lycan Princess?¡± The words froze me. I shoved her back to see for myself. The sight made goosebumps ripple over my skin. A royal carriage had stopped in the courtyard. Princess Mearez stepped down, wless grace, nked by two maids and two guards. Her eyes swept the area until theynded on me through the window. The courtyard fell silent. Few had ever seen a Lycan royal in person. All around, pack members stared in reverent awe. Kai, Hue Pack¡¯s beta, rushed forward. He spoke briefly with her before leading her inside. ¡°Maybe she¡¯s here to punish the one dragging the Blood family name through the mud,¡± Olivia muttered spitefully. ¡°Mother- let¡¯s go meet her!¡± They left in a flurry. I stayed at the window for a moment, heart pounding. Why is the Princess here? I turned abruptly and marched to the living room, arriving just in time to see Princess Mearez enter. The room went still. Nyroth appeared with Ka beside him. Ka was the first to move, rushing forward with a bright, eager smile. ¡°Princess Mearez, you must be here because of the disgrace to your family¡¯s name and..¡± Mearez walked right past her and pulled me into her arms, ¡°My goodness, Zephyrine,¡± she murmured, looking me over as if searching for wounds, ¡°Are you hurt anywhere? Any bruises? The protective hold startled me as much as her relief. I shook my head. ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡± Her lips parted with a sigh. Im sorry Frouldn¡¯te sooner. Yesterday was..¡± Fresh chapters posted on Find[?]ovel ¡°You don¡¯t have to feel responsible. I¡¯m fine,¡± Frut in, my tone sharper than I intended. Her eyes flickered, reading the anger I hadn¡¯t bothered to hide. Regret pressed on my chest. ¡°Why isn¡¯t he here?¡± I asked softly. She froze ¡°Zephyrine¡­¡± I took her hand and led her to my chamber under the weight of everyone¡¯s stares. Finished ¡°My life isn¡¯t the only one on the line,¡± I told her once we were alone. ¡°The Alpha Lycannar killed, his death was pinned on his wife. The council will judge her soon and¡­¡± They already have. Mearez whispered. Cold rushed through my veins. *1 heard on the way here that they passed judgment quickly and now made to crown a new Alpha.¡± Dizziness threatened to knock me off my feet. The scheme was brilliant. Public attention was on me, while they destroyed the poor Luna in private. I turned away, swallowing the knot of rage and sorrow. If Lycannar had shown up sooner, none of this would¡¯ve happened. Mearez reached for my shoulder. ¡°You have nothing to worry about. The hearing for you is this afternoon, but I¡¯ll speak to the Alpha here. We can postpone until tomorrow. Lycannar will have time to..¡± ¡°I don¡¯t need him anymore,¡± I said coldly, meeting her gaze. ¡°Whatever¡¯s keeping him busy, he should stay with it. Tell him not to show his face to me again.¡± Her face drained of color. She knew exactly what her brother would do when he heard that. ¡°Zephyrine, you need to calm down. My brother didn¡¯t¡­¡± ¡°He erased his mark from me.¡± My voice broke, but I pushed on. ¡°If he wasn¡¯t done with me, why would he do that? Why wouldn¡¯t hee the second he learned I was taken here? Why wouldn¡¯t he interrupt the council when an innocent woman was being framed for his deed? Why?¡± Mearez had no answer and I didn¡¯t want one. I looked away, and she patted my back gently before standing. Without another word, she left, closing the door softly behind her Send Gifts 2.2K Back Where 38 Zephrine Finished The third day of the council arrived slower than I expected. I had no idea what Princess Mearez said to Nyroth, but he hadn¡¯t stepped into my chambers once. I could feel his anger, jealousy, even lingering in the air. By afternoon, when the sun was still high, the door finally creaked open. I paused mid¨Cstroke with my hair brush, turning to see Nyroth standing in the doorway. I had dressed carefully today. If they were going to send me to the rogue town, I intended to go looking my best just in case needed to spill blood along the way, His gaze lingered on my hair for a moment before sliding down to my dress. ¡°Come on out,¡± he said curtly. ¡°They¡¯re waiting in the council chambers.¡± I set my brush down and headed for the door, nning to pass him without a word, but his voice followed me. ¡°Have you made your decision yet? I hope the arrival of the Lycan princess hasn¡¯t distracted you from making the right choice. I nearly scoffed. He probably thought my options were so limited I¡¯d have no choice but him. I turned slowly, meeting his eyes with a cold stare. ¡°What judgment did they pass on Luna Tahlia?¡± His brows drew together. ¡°Why are you concerned about her?¡± ¡°Because she¡¯s been framed.¡± His frown deepened as he stepped closer, his hand mping around my arm. ¡°Keep your voice down, or you¡¯ll end up in a worse position than you are now. How can you say s she¡¯s framed when there¡¯s evidence¡­ ¡°The evidence was forged,¡± I cut him off. ¡°Her son deserves that Alpha throne, not some thief, liar, and mate¨Cstealer.¡± His jaw tightened, his face hardening as he leaned in, his breath brushing my cheek. ¡°Watch your tongue, Zeph, or you¡¯ll lose it. Luna Tahlia is a murderer, and she¡¯ll pay for it. She¡¯ll be disgraced at the moon square next week, and her bastard son will be executed by poisoned. Now move.¡± He shoved me aside and strode toward the council room, leaving those words ringing in my ears. What? Luna Tahlia disgraced publicly? Her son sentenced to death? My chest tightened, panic wing up my throat. If that boy died, I¡¯d never forgive myself. I chased after Nyroth, my heart pounding, but I couldn¡¯t match his pace. By the time I reached the door, he¡¯d already stepped inside. I followed, scanning the room. Nyroth took the head seat as Alpha, Kai standing behind him. Pam and Olivia were here, likely to gloat. Three Hue elders sat stiffly, along with four hard¨Ceyed rogues. I doubted I¡¯d survive the journey to rogue town with those men watching me. To them, I wasn¡¯t the Alpha¡¯s mate. I was nothing but a woman who had gone from the rogue Alpha to the Lycan King. A rumor sealing my fate. ¡°Zephyrine.one elder began, then paused. ¡°Does she have ast name?¡± ¡°Ashmere.¡± I thought, but didn¡¯t speak * Finished ¡°No, she doesn¡¯t, Pam snapped before I could answer. ¡°She¡¯s a rogue. An orphan who¡¯s been sleeping her way up the ranks Her smirk widened when she met my gaze. ¡°Why? Did I say something untrue? Didn¡¯t you open your legs for the Lycan King so he¡¯d help you kill the rogue Alpha, you ¡°You speak like you¡¯ve got proof, widow,¡± I shot back, my voice cutting sharp. Her face drained of color. The room went still. Even Nyroth looked startled that I dared talk back to his mother. ¡°You dare¡­¡± she began, stepping toward me, but the sound of the massive Hue gates swinging open silenced her. I felt it then. The warmth, making my knees weak. My heart trembled. Footsteps approached, the door opening. Lycannar Blood stepped inside. Dressed in ck, hair tied in a tight knot, his piercing eyes found me instantly. I forced myself to look away but then I saw him. Chantel My breath caught. This was the first time I¡¯d seen him in daylight. Even with his bangs shadowing his gaze, he was dangerously handsome. I didn¡¯t look back at Lycannar. Instead, I focused on the elder who¡¯d been speaking, willing him to continue. But his tongue seemed frozen. Especially when the Lycan King crossed the room and stopped a few steps from me. The silence thickened. Slowly, he reached for me but I was ready for it Follow current nov?ls on find(?)ovel I pped his hand away, my re sharp with rage. His eyes softened, apologetic, and that only stoked my anger. ¡°Why are you justing now? ¡°Listen¡­¡± ¡°Why in the empire are you justing?!¡± My voice cracked as I shoved him in the chest, my fists striking him again and again. ¡°Why are you only showing up now?!¡± Chantel moved as if to interfere, but Lycannar stopped him with a raised hand, his gaze never leaving mine. ¡°I came as soon as I could,¡± he murmured, voice deep and low, and I hated it, hated how my chest tightened at the sound I pushed him again. ¡°I hate you,¡± I whispered, frustrated, my eyes burning. He reached for me anyway, pulling me into his arms. For the first time, he held me. ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± he said softly. ¡°I¡¯m here now.¡± Tlet my forehead rest against his chest, letting him stroke my hair right there in front of everyone, That was the moment Lycannar made his first public im on me. And from there, I knew this war had only just begun. Send Gifts 2.2K Back Where 39 Zephyrine It¡¯s different being in a man¡¯s arms like this. A King¡¯s arms. Finished I am mesmerized for the first time in my life. Yes, I am strong. Yes, I was a warrior, capable of taking care of myself and leading a whole pack. But that doesn¡¯t mean I never wanted to be pampered, patted, or held. Before my mate, who had been deniedfort of this kind. Now, I lean into Lycannar¡¯s embrace, and right there I know everything will never be the same again. But then I blink my eyes open, and realityes crashing down. I pull away from his arms, stepping back despite the flicker of anger that shes in his eyes. I don¡¯t care, not right now. I look up, meeting his stare. The way he watches me, it¡¯s the same as before. He sets his jaw, exhales sharply, then turns, cing both palms t on the table. His presence fills the chamber, formidable and unshakable. ¡°I heard what happened from my sister,¡± he begins quietly, his eyes fixed on the table. ¡°Something about some rogues, but I couldn¡¯t get the full story. I came here in a hurry.¡± He sounds irritated, almost bored, as though the only thing that matters to him is me. He doesn¡¯t hide it, and I find myself wondering why. What does he see in me? I have never done anything to encourage his obsession. If anything, I¡¯ve punched him, shoved him, and red at him more times than I can count. ¡°The rogues demanded blood, Your Majesty,¡± Kai says from behind Nyroth, while the King remains silent. Then Lycannar straightens, turning to me, his brow furrowed. ¡°What happened?¡± I suddenly notice something. Lycannar never speaks to others directly, not unless it¡¯s me or his sisters. When he addresses outsiders, it¡¯s always through his eunuch. I meet his gaze. ¡°There¡¯s a rumor that I was in a rtionship with the rogue alpha. That during your coronation, I seduced you and poisoned your mind so you¡¯d kill him.¡± His frown deepens. ¡°What is a rogue? I know an alpha is the leader of a pack.¡± ¡°A werewolf without a pack. No scent. Wandering.¡± ¡°Like you,¡± Kai murmurs. Lycannar stiffens. The air in the council chamber turns cold. For the first time since I¡¯ve known him, Lycannar turns his gaze toward someone else, Kai. That look is enough to make the Beta drop his eyes immediately. Then Lycannar looks back at me, his expression unreadable. ¡°Who is he?¡± Newest update provided by find¡¤novel ¡°The Beta of this pack.¡± ¡°You¡¯ll tell me if he ever speaks to you again. I¡¯ll kill him. He doesn¡¯t have much time left anyway.¡± Achill runs down my spine. He has seen Kai¡¯s death. From the corner of my eye, I see Nyroth¡¯s jaw tighten, but I ignore him. ¡°Go on,¡± Lycannar urges. ¡°The alpha you killed, they say I was the one who made you do it.¡± 173 9:30 PM p p. Finished ¡°So everyone was blind when he stormed into my kingdom and spilled the blood of my guards right in my throne room?¡± Silence. ¡°What is this gathering for, then? Why was you summoned?¡± ¡°They said I must pay for your sins. That I¡¯m your obsession. They said and I quote ¡°The Lycan King is off¨Climits, but a woman caught his eye at the coronation. She will pay for his deeds. We¡¯ll take her to rogue territory and make her pay.¡± Lycannar goes still. ¡°They called me a whore,¡± I add. His face hardens, his eyes darkening with quiet rage. ¡°Who did?¡± ¡°That¡¯s not the point¡­¡°. ¡°Who started the rumors?¡± ¡°Listen¡­¡± ¡°Were you in a rtionship with that alpha I stabbed?¡± I freeze, then shake my head slowly. ¡°Are you a slut?¡± The words hit heavy, but I shake my head again. ¡°Fine. If anyone calls you that again, they die. Don¡¯t me me for the blood.¡± For once, I don¡¯t argue. ¡°If the rogues want blood, they cane for me. I killed their alpha, not you. If they touch you, they die.¡± It¡¯s a deration. Nothing could clear my name more than that. The elders shift back, their silence signaling the case is closed. Pam and Olivia watch quietly. Nyroth keeps his eyes fixed on Lycannar. The King waits for me now. We both know the rogues won¡¯t risk touching me, not unless they want their lives on the line. I sigh, step toward him, and lower my voice. ¡°Do you remember the drunk at the tavern?¡± He searches my eyes, then nces toward Chantel, his silent shadow. ¡°What about him?¡± ¡°His wife was framed for his death. She¡¯ll be disgraced at Moon Square. Her son¡¯s been called a bastard and is sentenced to death.¡± Lycannar¡¯s frown deepens, genuine confusion in his face. ¡°What?¡± ¡°I told you he was an Alpha.¡± ¡°And I killed him because he spilled a drink on you and tried to touch you. Who framed his wife?¡± His voice carries through the hall, leaving no chance for anyone to hide the truth. And in that moment, I realize he isn¡¯t afraid of politics, or the packs, or the territories. If anyone stands in his way when ites to me, he will destroy them. ¡°Let¡¯s hurry, Lycannar. She needs us.¡± I entwine my fingers with his and pull him forward, his bodyguards following in PMP P silence, making it very clear to everyone that Lycannar and I are far more than a king and a rogue. #Finished We emerged into the courtyard, and in one swift motion he lifted me onto his horse. Momentster, Lycannar swung up behind me, his hands closing over the reins with effortless control. Behind us, Chantel mounted his own horse, and we galloped hard toward the home of Luna Tahlia, where she lived with her mother. When we arrived, I dismounted quickly. For a moment, I stood frozen, staring at the silent house set apart on the edge of NOWL Then, with quick steps, I moved toward it, only to hear the sound of a boy crying. My pace quickened. The moment I pushed open the door, my heart dropped. ¡°Oh, no!¡± I rushed forward. She was hanging, her legs twitching weakly, her young son clutching the chair, crying in confusion. Lycannar came in behind me, his eyes catching the scene. In an instant, he moved. Thad never seen anyone summon such speed. He leapt, ws shing as they sliced through the rope. Hended silently, catching Luna Tahlia just in time, lowering her gently to the floor. ¡°Chantel!¡± His voice was sharp. ¡°Take the boy out.¡± The ever¨Csilent bodyguard stepped forward, scooping up the child and carrying him away while I gathered the limp woman into my arms. ¡°Is she going to survive? Luna Tahlia?¡± I shook her gently but no response. Then, I felt it. Heat radiating from behind me. Lycannar was awakening his power, something old, something dangerous, something that felt forbidden. Mearez. I need you, He mindlinked his sister, the healer. The force in his voice made my heart pound. Send Gifts 2.2K ¡£ Back Where 40 Zephyrine Finished It was already nightfall when the door finally creaked open. Olga, Luna Tahlia¡¯s elderly mother, stepped into the small living room and spoke quietly. ¡°She¡¯s awake.¡± My heart trembled at those words, and I hurried down the hall to her bedchamber, Lycannar following behind me. ¡°Zephyrine,¡± Mearez called the moment she saw me. I went straight to her, pulling her into a hug, clinging a moment longer in gratitude for hering so quickly. This content belongs to Find1Novel ¡°Will she live?¡± I asked when I pulled back, Mearez nodded silently, then moved toward her brother, leaving me alone with the Luna who had decided death was better than public disgrace over something she didn¡¯t do. For a long moment, I could only stare past her, my mind turning over the thought of what would have happened if I hade toote. ¡°You shouldn¡¯t have saved me.¡± Her voice drifted across the room, and I turned toward her. ¡°You should have let me end this pain.¡± Slowly, I walked to the bedside and sat, my gaze steady on her. ¡°You have a son to look after. Shouldn¡¯t you put him first?¡± ¡°It¡¯s because I put him first that I tied the noose,¡± she muttered, tears brimming in her eyes. ¡°I can¡¯t save him from being sentenced to death, so what gain is there in living?¡± My heart ached for her. Gently, I reached out to take her hand. ¡°Luna Tahlia¡­ I know you¡¯re being framed.¡± Her eyes snapped to mine. ¡°What?¡± ¡°I know you didn¡¯t kill Alpha ck. I know you didn¡¯t murder your husband.¡± She looked away, blinking hard. ¡°I didn¡¯t kill him¡­ but there were times I wished he¡¯d stop breathing.¡± Silence fell between us. I hadn¡¯t expected her to admit that. Did that mean Lycannar had done her a favor? ¡°Have you ever sacrificed everything for a man,¡± she said suddenly, her voice trembling, ¡°only to be reced by someone else, a younger one? After using me, he told me he wanted her instead. He discarded me and his son, treated us like filth. And then, on our matrimonial bed, he brought in my best friend¡­ and mated with her.¡± I watched her break down, and my chest tightened painfully. ¡°When I asked for a rejection, he refused,¡± she went on bitterly. ¡°He wanted to eat his cake and keep it. How is that even possible?¡± ¡°He became arrogant,¡± I said softly, ¡°certain you¡¯d never leave him. So he unted her before you, disrespecting you until he thought you¡¯d walk away on your own. And when you finally did¡­ that¡¯s when he realized he¡¯d lost a gem.¡± She stared at me, then slowly took my hand. ¡°You speak like someone from experience.¡± I blinked, aware of the silent audience in the room. 9:30 PM p p Finished ¡°My mate.¡± I murmured, voice shaking. ¡°I gave him everything¡­ and still he brought home his childhood crush and¡­¡± I trailed off, unable to finish. yes filled with a rare gentleness. Luna Tahlia¡¯s grip A warm palm rested on my shoulder, Mearez, sitting beside me now, her on my hand tightened. For a fleeting moment, surrounded by their quict support, I felt¡­ safe. When I finally looked toward Lycannar, he was staring at me, unblinking, his gaze heavy with unfiltered obsession. ¡°The Lycan King killed Alpha ck,¡± I said to Luna Tahlia. She nodded. ¡°Then he did me a favor. I should thank him.¡± ¡°Lupa¡­¡± ¡°I¡¯m not that anymore,¡± she cut in quietly. ¡°Three days ago, I stood before the council hall of ckbridge pack. They judged me, stripped me of my dignity and position. Beta Yadev will be the next Alpha¡­. and my son will be sentenced to death for¡­¡± ¡°Not if I can help it,¡± I interrupted sharply. ¡°Your son is the rightful heir to ckbridge pack. I don¡¯t care if he¡¯s young¡­ you¡¯ll guide him until he can make his own decisions. That is how it should be. Don¡¯t lose hope so early. We will get justice.¡± I didn¡¯t realize how fast I was speaking until the room fell silent again. Luna Tahlia was staring at me¡­ and so was everyone else. ¡°You speak like someone who knows exactly how an Alpha is crowned,¡± she murmured. I lowered my gaze immediately. As an Ashmere, it had been my first lesson, one meant for my brother before fate shifted everything. ¡°I don¡¯t want the position,¡± Luna Tahlia said after a moment, pulling me from my thoughts. ¡°I only want to clear my name and take my son away from Yadev and his daughter, Ka. They might seem sweet, but inside¡­ they¡¯re poison.¡± I looked away, sighing. Of course I knew Ka¡¯s cruelty. I just hadn¡¯t realized she inherited it from her father. Turning back toward the window, I let out a shaky breath. Maybe it was time to use a fraction of my influence to set things right. When I nced at Lycannar again, he was still standing there silent, unmoving, like a storm gathering force. He¡¯d heard every word about my mate using me and discarding me. We could win justice for Luna Tahlia. But the throne of ckbridge Pack¡­ was it really going to slip away so easily? Send Gifts 2.2K B Back Where 41 Zephyrine * Finished ¡°I don¡¯t know how to thank you. I will never even be able to thank you enough. Who would have thought Tahlia would do such a thing?¡± Olgamented when we finally stepped into the cozy living room. There, the boy had already fallen asleep in Lycannar¡¯s arms. I watched how he held him so tenderly, hisrge palm pressed against the child¡¯s small back, soothing him with a care I didn¡¯t think he was capable of. It made me wonder, silently, just how good he was with children. ¡°You all must get some rest. I¡¯ll take young ck to sleep now. Thank you, Your Majesty.¡± Olga gently took the boy away, disappearing around the corner. Her departure left a tense silence hanging in the air, and I let out a shaky sigh. ¡°The danger has passed, right?¡± Princess Mearez asked, her voice low. I shook my head faintly. ¡°Barely. She¡¯ll be publicly shamed for this. I¡¯m going to stop it.¡± ¡°If only we lycans could help¡­ but we can¡¯t meddle with werewolf affairs for too long,¡± Mearez replied with a trace of regret. ?????? ???? Find?Novel ¡°I¡¯m helping,¡± Lycannar said, his voice sharp. ¡°I don¡¯t care about the protocol anymore.¡± Goosebumps rose along my arms at the steel in his tone. Mearez frowned. ¡°Lycannar, you¡¯re a king now. You know what that means.¡± ¡°It means I answer to no one,¡± he countered, his gaze unwavering. ¡°Besides¡­ I can¡¯t leave her alone to shoulder everything. I killed the man in question.¡± ¡°And his wife thanks you for it. I¡­¡± ¡°You should go home with Chantel. I¡¯lle once I¡¯m done here.¡± His tone softened, but it was still final. He pulled Mearez into his arms briefly, his hand gently cradling her chin. There was something about their bond, something deeper than blood, that I had never seen before. He kissed her lightly, and she sighed, giving me a simple nod before leaving. After a moment, I heard the distant sound of hooves as she and Chantel rode away. That left just the king and me in the small, warm¨Clit room. I avoided looking at him, the memory of how long he¡¯d taken to show up still twisting in my chest like a knife. I started to walk away, but his low, almost pleading voice froze me in ce. ¡°What can I do to make you forgive me?¡± He stepped closer. ¡°Hmm?¡± I didn¡¯t dare meet his eyes. I knew that if I did, I¡¯d be lost. Instead, I stepped away, only for his fingers to close around my wrist. Olga entered at that exact moment, halting mid¨Cstep when she realized she was interrupting something. uh¡­ I¡¯ve prepared the guest chamber. It¡¯ste.¡± Her gaze flicked between us. ¡°The healer¡¯s left?¡± I gave a small nod. ¡°Where is the chamber?¡± 9:30 PM P P She led me down the hall, Lycannar following silently behind. At the door, Olga bowed before him, but he didn¡¯t acknowledge her. ¡°Would you like dinner?¡± she asked me. ¡°No,¡± I said quietly. ¡°I¡¯m fine. Thank you.¡± Finished I stepped inside, noting the tidiness of the space. Moving toward the window, I nced out to see Lycannar¡¯s great ck horse still waiting under the semi moonlight. Outside, the world looked calm. Inside, something darker brewed. I heard him close the door behind him. He didn¡¯t speak, but I could feel his gaze like molten heat on my skin. My patience snapped. ¡°What do you want from me?¡± I turned to face him. ¡°Why are you still here, Lycannar? What do you want?¡± He said nothing. His eyes searched my face without a flicker of expression and My frustration surged. ¡°I already told Princess Mearez to tell you whatever is going on between us is over. I don¡¯t want to see you again.¡± At that, his gaze shifted, unreadable turning into restrained anger. ¡°Don¡¯t say that. Don¡¯t make me a monster.¡± ¡°I shouldn¡¯t? Then where were you when I needed you?¡± ¡°Zephyrine¡­¡± he stepped forward, but I raised a hand, stopping him. ¡°Don¡¯te any closer. Just¡­ stop. I don¡¯t know what you want from me, but I do know one thing. It¡¯s never going to work. You¡¯re a king. I¡¯m me. It will never work out.¡± ¡°Stop saying those words,¡± he said, this time tightly, his fists clenching at his sides. ¡°Lycannar¡­¡± In a blur, he was in front of me, his palm wrapping around my neck, not in cruelty, but with an intensity that stole my breath. ¡°You can¡¯t leave me, Zephyrine. Not after you walked into my kingdom and stole my soul.¡± ¡°I stole nothing!¡± I shoved at his chest, but he only pinned me against the wall, his breath hot and uneven. His eyes red with an unnatural glow before he slowly released me, swallowing hard. ¡°All my life, death has followed me,¡± he said quietly. ¡°One nce at someone, and I see things¡­ horrible things you can¡¯t imagine. Their sadness. Their death. Never the good memories, only the darkness. They haunt me. But then I found you, Zephyrine. I don¡¯t know why¡­ but you¡¯re different.¡± He frowned slightly, then reached for my hand. His voice was softer now. ¡°Don¡¯t push me away. You are what I¡¯ve been looking for all my life. Someone I¡¯ve ever wanted. All I want¡­ is all of you. Is that too much to ask?¡± His expression nearly broke me more than his words. I could feel it. He is proposing. I lowered my gaze, my chest tight. ¡°I¡­ I can¡¯t give you all of me, Lycan. I¡¯m still mated to another man.¡± He went still. His jaw clenched, and the warmth in his eyes vanished. He turned toward the door, but my voice stopped him. ¡°It¡¯s you I want too!¡± He froze. I looked away, frustrated.¡± 9:30 PM p p. Finished ¡°I know I shouldn¡¯t feel like this for someone else, especially you, but I can¡¯t help it. It¡¯s you I want. Not Nyroth.¡± He turned and crossed the distance in an instant, scooping me up as I threw my arms around his neck. We stared at each other¡¯s lips, our breaths mingling. ¡°But¡­ you have to give me a few days to think about your proposal,¡± I murmured against his mouth. ¡°How many?¡± ¡°Three.¡± He leaned in, about to kiss me, when I added, ¡°You are not going to kill Nyroth, Lycannar. If you do, I won¡¯t see you again.¡± The air between us tightened, his jaw ticking. I had put him in the cruelest corner and I knew he would not risk my wrath again. Send Gifts 2.2K W Back Where 42 Zephrine ÈA Finished I hadn¡¯t slept until dawn, my heart still reeling from what had happened between him and me. Lycannar had been furious when I warned him, and he¡¯d left without a word. When I finally opened my eyes, it was already morning, yet Iy there, staring into the nk space, wondering how I could possibly keep myself together with everything closing in on me. The sound of footsteps rushing toward the chamber snapped me from my thoughts. Slowly, I turned toward the door just as it flew open. Luna Tahlia appeared in the hallway, horror written all over her face. ¡°I can¡¯t find my mother or Young ck.¡± ¡°What?!¡± I bolted upright from the bed and rushed past her, flinging open the doors of every chamber. Empty. No one was in the house except Luna Tahlia and me. ¡°Can you feel Young ck¡¯s energy? Where is it?¡± I demanded when we met again in the living room. She turned away swiftly, trying to connect to her son. When her eyes snapped back to me, her face had gone pale. *I can feel his energy¡­ in ckbridge Pack. Are they going to execute him now?¡± I didn¡¯t waste another breath. I rushed out. I tied my hair back, ready to use my speed just as a carriage rolled Luna Tahlia was already on it. ¡°Get in!¡± up behind us. I obeyed instantly, and in no time, we were pulling into ckbridge¡¯s courtyard, where a crowd had already gathered. What I saw froze my blood. Olga, Luna Tahlia¡¯s elderly mother, was on her knees in the dirt, trying to plead for her daughter¡¯s and grandson¡¯s lives. In return, they spat on her, calling her ¡°mother of a whore¡± and ¡°grandmother of a bastard.¡± Luna Tahlia jumped from the carriage to shield her mother, but she, too, was struck. Anger boiled in my chest. My gaze slid to Ka, standing there with her father, smiling in triumph. In just a few days, they had managed to ruin not just one life, but several. I sat in the carriage for a heartbeat, deciding where to move first, when Ka¡¯s voice cut through the crowd like a whip. ¡°Pack members of ckbridge! Do not hurt or spit on your former Luna. Though what she did was despicable, thanks to her¡­ you will now have apetent Alpha.¡± A cheer rose through the crowd. Ka stepped forward, towering over Luna Tahlia as though she were some god of justice. ¡°You will pay for all your evils,¡± she dered coldly. ¡°And if you do so willingly, perhaps we¡¯ll grant your son mercy.¡± It was the kind of cruel choice meant to shatter a person. Luna Tahlia¡¯s dignity broke in an instant and she crouched at Ka¡¯s feet, begging for her child¡¯s life. Ka¡¯s smile was triumphant. That was enough. I stepped down from the carriage and strode forward, pulling Olga gently to her feet. The murmurs in the crowd swelled as I led her to the carriage and helped her inside. She was pale, wan, and trembling from exhaustion. My heart ached for her. 9:30 PM p p. G Then I returned to lift Luna Tahlia from her knees. I set my jaw and faced Ka directly. ???? ????s? ???????s ?? find?novel ¡°You want mercy?¡± I said evenly. ¡°Then let¡¯s talk about it.¡± Ka¡¯s eyes swept over me, and she scoffed. ¡°You, who can barely save her life¡­¡± Finished ¡°I know who killed Alpha ck,¡± I cut in, my voice loud enough for every ear in the courtyard. ¡°The Lycan King never hid the fact that he did.¡± The crowd fell into uneasy silence. I turned to look directly at Yadev, the Beta soon to be Alpha. ¡°The Luna of this pack has been framed. And I can prove it.¡± Ka¡¯s jaw tightened, but she was quick to strike back. ¡°We all know you¡¯ve bewitched the Lycan King, and he will say anything you want, even lie before the Council. Luna Tahlia will be shamed, and her son will die.¡± ¡°Not while I live.¡± ¡°Then die,¡± Yadev said, stepping forward. The sheer weight of his presence pressed against me, enough to make most people flinch. ¡°You can¡¯t save them. Go on, die.¡± I smirked. He had just opened the door for me. ¡°How about I die honorably in a duel?¡± I proposed, stunning everyone present. ¡°Bring your best warrior, set the date and time, and have your scroll ready.¡± I moved closer, cing myself between them and Luna Tahlia. ¡°Your best warrior against me, in the arena, to the death. If he wins, you get what you want. If I win¡­¡± ¡°You get all you wanted,¡± Yadev finished for me, his tone dripping with contempt. ¡°The throne, and her name cleared. But a rogue like you wouldn¡¯t know the first thing about the battlefield. Maybe the bed¡­¡± The insult was meant to brand me a whore. I gave him a small nod. ¡°Since you want to die early by the Lycan King¡¯s sword, I won¡¯t stop you from calling me a slut,¡± I replied, my voice like ice, ¡°But pick the date, pick the time, and make sure the right audience is watching because the innocent widow you shamed will walk away proven right.¡± Tension thickened until Young ck suddenly burst from the building and threw himself into his mother¡¯s arms. Relief cut through the air. I guided them both to the carriage, and we rolled away from the pack¡¯s gates. I leaned back, closing my eyes for a brief moment. Maybe it was time to take up a de again. Maybe it was time to shed blood. Send Gifts Back Where 43 Zephyrine Finished ¡°And what do you know about battle? Huh?! What in the hell do you know aboutbat or duels?¡± Nyroth shouted, but I ignored him, heading straight into my chamber. ¡°You should let her be. Maybe this is even better to get rid of her,¡± I heard his mother say, but as usual, I ignored them both. Making this decision, I knew I would never be the same again. After five years of retirement, I was taking up the de once more. I had left Luna Tahlia the moment the loyal guardsmen of ckbridge Pack, those who now believed she was framed, cam¨¦ over. My words had split the pack in two; those who had been brainwashed were now beginning to switch sides. She hadn¡¯t wanted me to take this fight. ¡°Let another man do it, Zephyrine. We can hire a warrior who has fought on the battlefield,¡± she pleaded, but I shook my head. I would handle it. This wasn¡¯t some friendly duel or spar. This was the fight that would decide the legacy of Young ck. I had ced her in safe hands, helped settle her mother to bed, and then left for Hue Pack to retrieve my chest and leave there for good only to be attacked by my mate, furious at the news of mying duel. I pushed the door to my chamber open and sighed softly, steadying my nerves. I could already hear him approaching. The door flew open, and he appeared, jaw tight. ¡°Zeph, if you really want to die early, you should have told me so I could strangle you myself. Why in hell must you punish me this way?!¡± ¡°If you hadn¡¯t backed the false im against Luna Tahlia, maybe I wouldn¡¯t have to go through all this. You are the real architect!¡± I snapped back. He sighed and shrugged, his usual habit before giving some half¨Chearted apology. ¡°Zeph, you can¡¯t go on with the duel. What is with you and that Luna anyway?¡± ¡°She was cheated on by her mate, her Alpha, the father of her pup. He reced her with someone younger, mated her on their marital bed, and made her watch. I can feel her pain¡­ and I can rte.¡± ¡°You make it sound like you¡¯re a saint, Zeph,¡± he muttered angrily. ¡°Yesterday, at the council, you hugged another man in front of me, and you think you¡¯re a saint?¡± ¡°Says the man who mated with his childhood crush over and over while still bound to me.¡± My voice was calm now, no anger left. That was how I knew Nyroth and I were truly done. What connected us was only the mate bond, a pull that made me attracted to him at certain moments, but the Lycannar had over me was different, dangerous, undeniable. I turned away, but his voice burst out, sharp with jealousy. power ¡°So you¡¯re leaving me for a psychopath? A murderer? Someone who doesn¡¯t even know the difference between right and wrong? Who believes he can spill blood whenever it suits him?¡± I swallowed and turned to face him. ¡°know he¡¯s unstable. I know he¡¯s dangerous. But trust me, he makes me feel better than you ever could.¡± ¡°What?¡± Yes. He¡¯s obsessed but only with me. He stalks only me. And when he doesn¡¯t fit in, it¡¯s because he doesn¡¯t have to. You fit in 9:30 PM perfectly¡­ yet what good is that if you stand by and do nothing when others insult me?¡± Finished His face went pale at my words, but I didn¡¯t wait for his reaction. I pulled out the drawer, took my chest, and headed for the door. In the living room, Pam and Olivia waited with triumphant smiles. They thought this duel would be my end. I was about to walk past when Nyroth stepped forward, blocking my way. ¡°I won¡¯t reject you, Zeph,¡± he said tightly. ¡°I don¡¯t care about that anymore. If you can lie with another woman while still mated to me, and I can kiss another man and feel more connected to him, then maybe the mate bond is nothing at all. Maybe we were never meant to be lovers, only to help each other find the one we were truly meant for.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t feed me that horseshit! I am not some matchmaker who will hand you over to the Lycan King. You are going nowhere.¡± He grabbed my arm, and I yanked free, but in the process, the chest fell, its lid flying open. The contents scattered. The source of th?s content is fin?novel The invitation scroll from the Lycan King to my brother rolled to Pam¡¯s feet. My mother¡¯s bracelet glinted on the floor, and the broken hairpin my brother had given me years agoy at Nyroth¡¯s feet. I felt the tension spike in the air. I hurried to snatch up the scroll, folding it back into the chest, then reached for the bracelet and ced it inside. When I went to grab the hairpin, Nyroth was faster. He picked it up, staring at it in confusion, his brows furrowing. ¡°Where did you steal this?¡± I nearly sagged with exhaustion. Snatching it from his hand, I shoved it into the chest. ¡°It¡¯s mine,¡± I said tly. But then his grip caught my wrist again, different this time. When I turned, I saw something new in his eyes. Horror. ¡°You stole that hairpin from Ka, didn¡¯t you?¡± I bristled. ¡°It was gifted to me by my brother on my tenth birthday. Go ask your crush where she keeps hers.¡± And with that, I walked out, vowing to leave the pack for good. Yet somehow, deep down, instead of weakening, the mate string between Nyroth and me only seemed to grow stronger. Send Gifts Back Where 44 Nyroth I couldn¡¯t breathe. ???? No. I must have been going insane to even think such a foolish thought. I stood frozen for a while, reying what I had just seen in my mind. The hairpin. The half piece that matched the one I owned. No. No¡­ Finished I staggered back a step, then turned and rushed to my chamber. My hands trembled as I crossed the room to the corner and pulled out the old chest. I stared at the lid for what felt like an eternity before forcing it open. Insidey the other half of the hairpin. A cold chill raced down my spine. Had Zeph stolen it? Where did she get it? Why did she have it? The source of th?s content is find?novel I mmed the lid shut with a thud and headed out. My younger sister and mother were in the living room, their expressions tight with concern, but I didn¡¯t stop to answer them. I needed to confirm if what I¡¯d seen was real or if I was losing my mind out of fear of losing my mate forever. I burst from the house just in time to see Kai¡¯s chamber door swing open. Tilting my head, I caught a glimpse of him crouched on the far end of his bed. Ever since Apex had walked into my pack, into my council chamber, looked my Beta dead in the eyes, and told him his death was long overdue, Kai had never been the same. I let out a shaky breath and mounted my horse, spurring it into a gallop toward ckbridge Pack. There were questions burning in me, and only Ka could answer them. It wasn¡¯t long before the pounding hooves slowed before the towering gates of the ckbridge Pack¡¯s main hall. The air buzzed with tension. Pack members stood in knots, murmuring about the rogue woman who had stood her ground against Beta Yadev. ¡°She¡¯s so brave. I didn¡¯t know she had that in her.¡± ¡°Do you know her?¡± ¡°I¡¯ve seen her in Hue Pack. She lived there until recently. I heard Apex Blood, the Lycan King, is her man.¡± ¡°Really? How lucky! I¡¯m rooting for her in the duel.¡± I ignored the whispers, though they grated against me. My reputation with Ka was no secret here, only an unspoken truth people didn¡¯t dare voice aloud. Inside, I made my way through the hallways toward Ka¡¯s chambers, On the way, I crossed paths with rogues who had fled Hue Pack after Apex¡¯s invasion. They had gone pale at the mere sight of the Lycan King, frozen in ce as he spoke. He had spoken with a strange blend of confidence and gentleness that unsettled me, like the politics of our world meant nothing to him, as if he carried far heavier demons than any of us could imagine. Jaw tight, I entered Yadev¡¯s living room to find them deep in discussion over the uing duel. ¡°It¡¯s to the death, which means you¡¯ll have your revenge,¡± Ka told the rogue leader. ¡°Make sure you humiliate her. It¡¯s an official duel so the Lycan King won¡¯t be able to interfere.¡± She paused the moment she sensed me, turning with that same sweet, seductive smile that had always pulled me in. 9:31 PM p p. Finished ¡°Well, look who¡¯s here.¡± She glided toward me, cing a palm t on my chest. ¡°We¡¯ll have our victory soon, Nyroth. Kill two birds with one stone, get rid of your unwanted mate and seize the throne like we¡¯ve always nned.¡± I couldn¡¯t speak. The sheer coldness in her tone chilled me. Why hadn¡¯t I seen this side of her before? Perhaps because she¡¯d been an envoy of peace for five years, and I¡¯d believed she was as gentle as the role she yed. ¡°I need to speak to you.¡± I said, taking her wrist and pulling her aside. ¡°But I¡¯m busy¡­¡± ¡°It won¡¯t take long.¡± She searched my eyes now, curiosity turning to unease. ¡°What is it?¡± I pulled the hairpin from my pocket and held it out to her, studying her face for a reaction. Nothing. She stared at it like it was nothing but trash. ¡°What do you want to discuss with me?¡± she asked tly. I swallowed hard She didn¡¯t recognize it. ¡°Ka,¡± I began, my voice unsteady. ¡°Do you remember the fire all those years ago? The night you saved my life?¡± She frowned faintly, trying to recall, and the sight twisted in my chest. She didn¡¯t even remember such an important day. ¡°Yes. What about it?¡± ¡°You saved me that night, didn¡¯t you?¡± She nodded, still watching me carefully. ¡°Yes. Why are you asking again?¡± ¡°This hairpin¡­ it fell from your hair when you shifted into a wolf. It broke in two. I found this piece when I woke up to see you beside me. Don¡¯t you remember?¡± A small frown flickered across her face before she looked at the hairpin again. Then a dry, humorless smile touched her lips. She was about to reply when her father entered, calling her urgently. ¡°It¡¯s about the duel,¡± he said, and Ka nodded. She nced back at me with a swift smile. ¡°Let¡¯s discuss thister, Nyroth. After the duel.¡± She left with her father, the rogues following in her wake. I stood there, the truth slowly dawning on me. She didn¡¯t own this hairpin. But she had been there that night at the festival. Did that mean¡­ she wasn¡¯t my savior? Send Gifts 2.2K Back Where 45 Chapter 45 Original content can be found at find?novel Zephyrine Finished It was a cold night, the wind whistling past, dry leaves rustling under my steps as I made my way toward White Pack on foot, the chest clutched tightly in my hands. I didn¡¯t bother using my speed. I didn¡¯t hurry. I felt¡­ empty. The fact that Nyroth still refused to break the bond, and the knowledge that Lycannar would never stop chasing me, made my chest heavy. And yet, here I was, heading toward another man, Moon, who would do anything to have me. Tonight, I would visit the memorial hall. I would pay my respects to my parents. I would ask them for strength and guidance, because for the first time in five years, I was about to do what they had taught me best. Fight for justice. Fight for peace. As I continued walking, a sudden warmth pressed against my back. A familiar presence. The feeling of being watched. Followed I stopped and turned, and there he was. Lycannar Blood. He walked with his horse at his side, his long strides perfectly in sync with the beast. When I stopped, I expected him toe to me. But he didn¡¯t. He stopped where he was, watching me from a distance. I sighed. He had probably heard about my duel. No doubt he was furious, just as Nyroth was. I turned away and resumed walking. Behind me, his footsteps resumed too. He didn¡¯t try to overtake me. Didn¡¯t close the distance. He just followed. Silently. Patiently. And with every step, that heavy emptiness in me began to fade. A strange warmth spread in my chest, knowing he was behind me, his eyes fixed on me. It made me feel¡­ safe. When we reached the gates of White Pack, I turned. Our eyes locked for a brief moment. His face was unreadable, distant, mysterious. Then, without a word, he turned away as if to leave. That surprised me. ¡°Wait,¡± I called, frowning. He paused, looking at me for only a few seconds before turning away again. ¡°Lycannar!¡± He didn¡¯t answer. I moved quickly, blocking his path, breathless. ¡°How dare youe into my night like this and think you can just walk away? Do I mean nothing to you?¡± ¡°Speak for yourself,¡± he murmured. I searched his eyes. And then, unexpectedly, I smiled. ¡°You¡¯re mad at me?¡± He tried to bypass me. I blocked him again, leaning closer with a teasing smile. ¡°You¡¯re mad because I issued a duel, aren¡¯t you?¡± He didn¡¯t answer. I sighed. ¡°Fine. Will youe with me to the memorial hall? I want to see my parents.¡± Finished For a long moment, silence hung between us. I thought of Nyroth, how easily he would have rejected such a request. My heart thudded as I waited for Lycannar¡¯s answer. Instead of speaking, he stepped past me, walking toward the White Pack gate. He stood there in his usual ce, waiting. Waiting for me and I know why. He¡¯s waiting for me to go in and change up. Emotion welled up unexpectedly, warming my chest. Lycannar¡­ is a perfect, imperfect man. I didn¡¯t know how to deal with myself. *** The sky rumbled overhead when Lycannar brought his powerful horse to a halt before the memorial hall. He dismounted in one smooth motion, then lifted me down with such ease I wondered if I was truly that weightless. I didn¡¯t speak. My eyes were fixed on the second floor, where my parents¡® ashes rested in a niche I had rented. Staring at it now realized how far I¡¯de from that first day, how much I¡¯d healed. All because Lycannar had shown me there was more to life than being bound by fate. Memories of Nyroth watching silently as his family insulted me came rushing back. The night he sent me out into the cold. How quickly time passed. ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± said atst, smiling faintly as I took Lycannar¡¯s hand, our fingers intertwining. I led him forward, unlocking the chamber. Inside, the vessel stood, holding the ashes of Warlord Vale and War General Seraphine. My skin prickled with goosebumps. Slowly, I stepped away from Lycannar and knelt before them, paying my respects. I had always imagined introducing them to the man they believed would be my mate. Instead, a king hade. One who was obsessed with me. Was that right? I turned, catching Lycannar¡¯s gaze. For the first time since we entered, he was looking elsewhere. ¡°It¡¯s only one vessel,¡± he murmured. ¡°Their ashes are together,¡± I replied softly. He stepped closer, then nced at me with a question that seemed to weigh heavily. ¡°Were they good to you?¡± Goosebumps rippled up my arms. His eyes were those of a man willing to burn the world for me. ¡°They were the best parents,¡± I whispered, Without another word, he went down on one knee, sped his palms together, and bowed his head in the Lycan way of paying respect. I watched in silence. When he stood again, something warm lodged in my chest. Nyroth had never done anything like that. Sometimes¡­ a stranger was better than a man I¡¯d known for years. ¡°I wasn¡¯t mad at you,¡± Lycannar said suddenly. Cold spread through me. He was answering the question I¡¯d asked back at White Pack. ¡°You have no idea how I¡¯d act if I were mad at you or if I stopped being obsessed with you.¡± ¡°Lycannar¡­¡± 9:31 PM P P . ¡°I killed that Alpha. Any duel, any fight, that should be mine, not yours. I don¡¯t want you cleaning up my mess.¡± My heart sank. So it was about the duel. ¡°I can take care of myself.¡± ¡°With your rusty moves?¡± he asked bluntly. ¡°What?¡± ¡°That rogue will fight hard. Can you?¡± His eyes locked on mine. I froze. He knew something. But how? ¡°I know you¡¯re a warrior,¡± he said. My knees almost buckled. ¡°How?¡± He took my hand, his thumb brushing over my skin. Finished ¡°I know a warrior¡¯s hands when I feel them. The calluses, they¡¯re not from chores or hardship. They¡¯re from training. Real training.¡± He pulled me into his arms, and I let him. ¡°If you want to win against that rogue,¡± he murmured, e to my grounds. Spar with me. I¡¯ll teach you new moves.¡± Send Gifts 2.2K Back Where 46 Zephyrine Finished I have been to the Lycan Kingdom a few times before, but never have I ridden in on the King¡¯s own horse with the King himself behind me, holding me close. I was still stunned from earlier at the memorial hall, his keen observance, the way his fingers lingered on mine, caressing my hands in a way Nyroth, my own mate never had. The way he asked no questions, only took me with him. The horse galloped past the night guards, who bowed immediately as the King rode through. Atst, we stopped at the Royal- stable. The stableman rushed forward to take the reins, while Lycannar dismounted and helped me down tenderly, almost reverently. He knew I was a warrior, yet he still¡­ pampered me? I was lost in thought until his fingersced with mine, firm and warm. Together, he pulled me through the Royal Hall. ???s ??????? ?s ?????? ?? find~novel It was my first time here, the towering stone walls swallowing us as we emerged into a massive hallway. Two branching paths led in opposite directions. Lycannar veered right, then a maid appears, bowing his head to the King only to be ignored. I bowed politely in turn. We stepped outside again, and for the first time, I stood at the foot of the ck Tower. The air around it was heavy, the shadows deeper than they should have been. The ce was a living legend, rumored to be the prison of the Lycan Prince. I barely noticed Lycannar slip from my side until his voice cut through the silence. ¡°Catch.¡± I turned just in time to shatch the sword he tossed toward me. My pulse quickened as our eyes met. He was serious. He wanted to spar. Did he know who I was five years ago? If he did, he wouldn¡¯t have handed me a de and invited me to use it. ¡°Come,¡± he said, turning and leading me toward arge, soft¨Cground arena. The earth was worn, but the energy here was thick, like the ghosts of battles past still lingered. Goosebumps prickled my arms. I nced at the sword in my hand. My fingers itched to draw it but I didn¡¯t want to hurt him. When I looked back, he was standing in the center of the arena. No de. Just him. ¡°If you strike me once, you win.¡± I almost smirked. He was underestimating me. Without even unsheathing the de, I lunged. My strike was swift and precise but a gust of wind swept past my face, and before I knew it, he was behind me. A shove between my shoulders sent me sprawling into the dirt. ¡°You¡¯ll die at this rate if you duel that rogue with these weak techniques. The Luna who trusts you her.¡± will curse you for failing The insult burned. I surged forward, striking again, but he sidestepped effortlessly, his counter sending me crashing down a second time. He was on me in an instant, pinning my arm. ¡°Your moves are rusty.¡± ¡°Speak for yourself!¡± I snarled, unleashing my strength, twisting under his grip, breaking free and driving toward him with a flurry of blows. He avoided each one with infuriating ease until I feinted left and, with a snap decision, drew my de. It shed in the semi moonlight, slicing across his arm. 031 PM p p The sight of his blood stopped me cold. ³¡ ¡°Lycannar!¡± I rushed to him, reaching for the wound but it sealed instantly, healing faster than I could blink. Finished ¡°Why didn¡¯t you defend yourself?¡± My voice rose. I shoved at his chest, anger recing concern. ¡°Why would you just stand. there and let me¡­¡± My words died as his hand closed around my throat, not in cruelty, but in something raw and consuming. His lips crushed into mine in a kiss that stole my breath. I grabbed his arm, my nails digging in, responding to the brutal hunger between us. His grip on my neck tightened, almost too much. I tried to pull back, but an animalistic growl rumbled from deep in his chest, ancient and primal, and his mouth moved with even more ferocity until I tasted blood. Suddenly, he froze. The haze broke. He shoved me back sharply, turning away to steady himself. It had happened again. He¡¯d lost control. Without meeting my eyes, he muttered, ¡°I will cool off,¡± and strode toward the ck Tower. His dark silhouette vanished into it, swallowed whole. I stood there, tasting blood, my breath uneven. Why does he have to be so hungry for me? Am I really that¡­ alluring? Send Gifts 2.2K B Back Where 47 Zephyrine G ¡£ Finished I choose my steps carefully, walking in the direction he had taken, deeper into the ck Tower. For some reason, everything in me screamed to leave the Lycan Kingdom, but I couldn¡¯t bring myself to do that. I needed to know how he was faring. Was he even okay? The dark hall stretched before me until I reached the familiarrge dining room, the very one where he had once held me on the table, bruising my neck with his kisses. My gaze drifted to the staircase that curled upward into darkness. His home. I swallowed hard. I could stay here and wait for him to cool off¡­ or I could go up there to meet him. Silence wrapped around me while I debated. Secondster, I found myself climbing the stairs. Step after step, until I emerged at a quiet hallway. Goosebumps prickled my skin. The walls were ancient, different, etched with a history I couldn¡¯t name. At the end of the corridor, the sound of flowing water beckoned. A door stood slightly ajar, and beyond it stood Chantel, motionless as a statue. He didn¡¯t speak or move when his eyes met mine. I was used to that by now. Following the sound of water, I stepped into an open space and froze. It was thergest bath chamber I had ever seen. With ancient candles around, The walls were lined with strange, ancient markings that made my heart shudder. They meant something¡­ something far beyond my understanding. Every instinct told me to leave, but my feet refused to move. Because before me, Lycannar was bathing in a vast pool. The water reached his chest, but it could not hide the breadth of his shoulders or the dark runes etched across his back and neck. His hair was loose and wet, gleaming in the dim light. He gave no reaction to my presence, only sinking lower into the water until he disappeared. And somehow¡­ that called to me. Heart pounding, I moved to the edge of the pool and knelt. When I dipped my hand into the warm water, my palm brushed a cheek and with that, he surfaced again, eyes glowing an eerie green that stole my breath. This¡­ this is power. Magic. I forgot how to breathe, lost in his gaze, letting myself be ruined and manipted all at once. ¡°Lycan¡­¡± I breathed his name, helpless. ¡°Lycannar¡­¡± He silenced me with a touch, his thumb brushing my lips, smearing the blood he¡¯d drawn earlier. His gaze lowered in frustration. ¡°I can¡¯t be gentle,¡± he said, voice tight. ¡°I don¡¯t know how to be.¡± My heart ached at the rawness in his tone. ¡°But I¡¯m fine,¡± I whispered. ¡°No, you¡¯re not,¡± he replied softly. ¡°You¡¯re forged, but that doesn¡¯t mean you don¡¯t deserve to be handled gently by a man. I can¡¯t give you that. Every time I kiss you¡­ every time I want you¡­. I go primal. And I don¡¯t want to hurt you.¡± Silence pressed between us. I searched his eyes. Then want me anyway you can,¡± I murmured, and he looked at me in awe. ¡°Kiss me however you want. Rough, harsh¡­ just 9:31 PM P p . @ Finished do it.¡± ¡°Zephyrine¡­¡± I leaned in, lips almost brushing his, my gaze tracing the runes on his shoulder. ¡°You are very beautiful,¡± I whispered, unable to stop myself. ¡°And I want to be touched by you.¡± The water was the only sound between us. Then, slowly, he kissed me, just a faint touch of lips. ¡°I¡¯m still healing from the full moon,¡± he murmured. ¡°I can¡¯t take you tonight.¡± ¡°I decide when you take me, Lycan,¡± I breathed against his mouth. ¡°Whenever I want.¡± His jaw tightened. ¡°You will give me your answer in three days. Will you share a bed with a man you have no bond with?¡± I leaned even closer. ¡°Maybe I don¡¯t need three days to know what or who I want. Maybe it¡¯s the obsessive king I¡¯d choose over an Alpha who cheated on me first.¡± That was thest thing I said before his hand cupped my cheek again, not to kiss me this time, but to whisper an order. ¡°Strip.¡± Cold washed over me at themand, my breath shaking. For the first time, I would stand naked before a man. Not even Varyn had seen me this way since I came of age. Nyroth had never bothered to look at me twice. But this king¡­ Straightening, I reached for my dress, pulling it over my head without hesitation. This was it. what I wanted. One by one, the pins fell, the fabric pooling at my feet, my undergarments following. Shoes discarded, I stood before him, bathed in the steady, unblinking stare of a man who saw everything. He didn¡¯t speak. Instead, he extended his hand. I took it, letting him guide me into the water. His gaze stayed locked to mine before trailing down to my lips, my throat, the curve of my breasts half¨Chidden by the water. His eyes worshipped me. Find the newest release on find~novel His hands touched my neck, his lips brushing mine with tenderness until he snapped, turning primal in an instant. I gasped as he spun me around, pinning me against the smooth stone of the pool wall, heart hammering. I had chosen this man and the monster I would have to survive. Send Gifts 2.2K ºÏ Back Where 48 Zephyrine The growl came first. A hot, rough breath ghosted over my shoulder, and then I felt him. His hard length pressing against me. My heart plummeted when his palm curved over my waist¡­ and then I sensed it shifting. ¡°Lycannar¡­¡± ¡°Stay still,¡± he whispered against my ear, but the voice wasn¡¯t his own. It was his beast taking over. ¡°Close your eyes.¡± Finished Every instinct screamed that I shouldn¡¯t, that letting my guard down would be a mistake. But my eyelids fluttered closed just as he wanted, and then I could only listen., only feel. His palm grewrger, heavier¡­. and then wet, the fingers blooming into ws, sharp, but steady. He caressed my belly in a slow, deliberate stroke before sliding upward, brushing against my breasts. I shuddered at the sensation, at the knowledge this was the first time I had ever felt such a thing. Lycan¡­¡± I moaned. That massive hand came to my neck, tilting my head back before his mouth descended, kissing my throat savagely. The scrape of fangs almost made my eyes fly open for a heartbeat. My moon goddess! He had fangs? Did normal Lycans have them? I barely had time to think before his lips imed mine, devouring my breath. I kissed him back, stunned by how easily I surrendered to something¡­ someone¡­ I didn¡¯t fully understand. I let him grip my neck harder, loved the way it tightened, until he pulled away and just like that, the air went still. Quiet. His presence was gone from inside me, and my chest ached at the loss. I opened my eyes and turn. He stood there, human again, watching me as though weighing what I might do next. I swam toward him, and he waited. Our gazes locked, neither of us speaking, until he reached out, brushing his thumb over my lower lip. ¡°You¡¯re a virgin.¡± The sound of his voice made my breath hitch. Low, using, almost dangerous. ¡°Isn¡¯t that better?¡± I murmured. ¡°I won¡¯t be gentle,¡± he said, eyes narrowing in something close to anger. ¡°Lycan.¡± ¡°What if my beast hadn¡¯t sensed it? I would¡¯ve just mmed into you without knowing, I don¡¯t deserve that piece of information?¡± I swallowed hard, heat pooling between my legs at his tone. ¡°You make it sound like you¡¯ll be gentle even now that you know.¡± His jaw tightened. ¡°You asked for this, Zephyrine.¡± Before he could say more, I closed the space between us, my fingers sliding over the hard nes of his chest, down to his solid stomach. My gods¡­ he was built for sin. ¡°Break every barrier, Lycannar. Make me a woman. If you hesitate¡­ another man will.¡± Finished His grip on my waist turned possessive in an instant, and I smiled into his chest. Finally, a man who would be too obsessed to let me go. ¡°Do that,¡± he vowed darkly, ¡°and you¡¯ll have blood on your hands.¡± Every word sank deep into me until his lips found mine again but he didn¡¯t linger there. His tongue traced down my throat to my breasts, and when he took my nipple into his mouth, I gasped, my legs winding around his waist. ¡°Lycan¡­¡± He didn¡¯t answer. Instead, he kissed me harder, lifting me out of the pool as tension coiled like a storm in the air. One moment, we were both tender. The next, I was grinding against him, desperate for his hips to m into me. This content belongs to F?ndNovel He carried me down the hall and into a room I¡¯d glimpsed earlier. A living room, sparse but centered around a small dining table with only one chair. Setting me on the table, he stepped back, breathing hard. I wanted him more than I¡¯d ever wanted anyone. For the first time, I saw all of him naked, unashamed. The runes I thought stopped at his neck and shoulders sprawled over his chest, arms, and torso. Even his ankles bore delicate golden chains, beautiful yet somehow chilling, as if they bound him. My gaze dropped at his hard length and my breath caught. I would bleed tonight. He turned, closed the door, and leaned against it, eyes locked on mine. ¡°Spread your thighs.¡± My heart plummeted. This was it. I obeyed slowly, baring my soft, untouched flesh. His hand traced my cheek, down my throat, over my breasts, and to my thighs before he swallowed. Gently he came to kneel with a slow, reverent sigh, as if he¡¯d been thirsting for me for years. ¡°Atst¡­ this is you, Zephyrine,¡± he murmured, and before I could reply, his mouth covered me. My hands gripped the table¡¯s edge as his tongue worked me, relentless, as though he had been starving for me all his life. ¡°Lycan¡­¡± I moaned, almost loosing my sanity but he only suck me softer. When he finally pulled away, he licked a slow trail along my inner thigh down to my toes. Then he rose abruptly, one hand gripping my neck as his beast surged forward. Positioning himself at my entrance, he gave one brutal thrust, breaking through everything that had marked me as innocent. I gasped sharply, the pain sharp and real¡­ but the pleasure came just as quickly, wrapping around it like fire. Blood spill out from inside me and when he saw this, he simply held me close. Primal, merciless, he drove into me again and again before dragging me down onto hisp in the single chair. Straddling him, I took him in deep, my legs tangling around his hips. ¡°Lycan¡­¡± I whispered. He slowed, his glowing gaze searching mine, ¡°Please don¡¯t stop. Please.¡± That was thest thing I said that night. Lycannar didn¡¯t just im me. He devoured me, body and soul. I let myself fall over himpletely, trusting a man I should never have trusted. 213 9:31 PM P P . And with every thrust, every shattering wave of pleasure, I forgot entirely that I had a mate. Send Gifts 2.2K 4 Finished 9:31 PM P Back Where 49 201 Finished Zephyrine Peace. Turmoil. I felt both at once. My body ached, sore and heavy with exhaustion. Slowly, I fluttered my eyelids open only to feel the solid warmth of a chest beneath my cheek. I blinked the haze away¡­ and froze. A king. For what felt like an eternity, everything stilled. Morning light filtered through, painting his skin in gold. Why in the empire is Lycannar so¡­ beautiful? Hey asleep deep, unbothered on the floor where we had wrecked each other, where we had mated, taken and given everything we had to offer. My eyes roamed his face; he looked almost dead in his stillness, but the steady rise and fall of his chest told me otherwise. I let my gaze wander lower, tracing the faint runes across his neck and chest. Forbidden marks. My mind flickered back tost night, how he had shifted in the water. How his fangs had grazed my lips when he kissed me. Why did he have fangs? Find the newest release on f¦É?dn¦Ïvel No answer came. Only the hollow ache in my chest as I looked at him again. He was a king, powerful, unmatched in skill. I had seen firsthand what he could do without even a sword in hand. The fastest shifter I had ever encountered. And yet¡­ I couldn¡¯t be happy with him. We were ipatible. Soon, people would call me his whore for real, because now¡­ I was his slut. We had no bond. Only unspoken lust. That wasn¡¯t enough. What would Varyn think of me? My parents? Would they be ashamed I gave myself to a man who wasn¡¯t my mate, my husband? And worst of all, what if Lycannar woke and looked at me the way he looked at the others? What if he looked into my eyes and saw my death? Would the obsession vanish? The thought wed at my chest. Before I could be humiliated or hurt, I would rather inflict the pain first. I carefully slid from his arms and crept toward the door. My hand had just touched the wood when it mmed shut, as though by some unseen force. I went still. Did he have magic? When I turned, my heart stumbled. He stood there, watching me. His hair was a mess, yet somehow it made him more dangerous, more beautiful. His face was unreadable, until his eyes lowered to my thighs. His frown was subtle, but sharp. The blood of my virginity was still there. I didn¡¯t care. I just wanted my dress from the bathing chamber and to leave quietly. ¨C ¡°What are you doing? His voice was low. ¡°To get my dress,¡± I said tly. ¡°Why?¡± His eyes lifted to mine. ¡°You¡¯re leaving?¡± ¡°I am.¡± Shock rippled across his face, quickly reced by confusion. He got confused so easily. ¡°Why?¡± I said nothing. His gaze softened. ¡°Did I hurt you?¡± Guilt red, sudden and unwanted. ¡°Was I too harshst night?¡± No. I just want to leave. Last night meant nothing.¡± 9:31 PM p p His eyes widened in horror. ¡°What? Last night was what?¡± ¡°Nothing, Lycan. Now can I go?¡± He stepped closer, catching my wrist. ¡°What are you talking about, Zephyrine? How could you say it meant nothing? It¡¯s our first night together.¡± And probably thest. I¡¯m not staying here to be ttered. You got what you wanted, now let me go.¡± Finished Silence crashed between us. He released my wrist and turned away. The door opened as if by his will. I could have walked out. I didn¡¯t. My throat tightened, tears stinging my eyes. He walked into his bedchamber. I followed without thinking. ¡°Are you not going to say anything?¡± He stopped, startled, as though he hadn¡¯t expected me to follow. The royal robe slipped from his fingers. ¡°How did you getin?¡± ¡°That wasn¡¯t my question. Are you not going to say anything about¡­ us?¡± He didn¡¯t answer. Instead, his gaze swept past me toward the doorway, puzzlement deepening. ¡°No one is supposed to enter this chamber except¡­ Chantel,¡± he murmured, almost to himself. I wasn¡¯t listening. ¡°Now you¡¯re avoiding the discussion about us. I should leave.¡± I turned, but he caught my wrist again. ¡°Why would I avoid any discussion about us?¡± ¡°Because you got what you wanted.¡± ¡°Stop saying that,¡± he growled quietly. ¡°It makes me feel like I used you. Why would I want you for sex alone? You think I stare into those eyes of yours, ride out of my kingdom to your pack, eat in your home, without trust issue because of one night?¡± I froze. ¡°I¡¯m a king, Zephyrine. Not to brag, but I can have any woman I want. Virgin or not. Beauty or more. But you¡­ you stand above them. One night isn¡¯t enough for me. That night only made me want you more. This body of yours¡­ it¡¯s mine. No other man¡¯s.¡± Tears slid down my cheeks. He looked horrified, as though unsure what he¡¯d done wrong. I shoved at his chest. ¡°Why didn¡¯t youe for me five years ago and say this? Why now?¡± He faltered. I shoved him again. ¡°I hate you for not finding me sooner.¡± ¡°Then let me make¨Cup for the time I lost,¡± he said softly, pulling me toward his bed. What began as a vicious argument dissolved into a desperate, animalistic iming. His growls filled the air, his body pounding into mine with feral need, and I wed at his back as if holding him there would keep the world from breaking apart. Back Where 50 Zephyrine Finished I feel too tired to even lift a limb when I woke up again. My stomach grumbled in hunger and I turned in the bed Iy on alone. For a brief second, I wondered where I was until I saw his cloaks and the row of ck clothes. He had no other color. His boots lined up in their ce, all ck, polished and shiny. My eyes gently pulled upward. There was a veil around the bed, and at the side was a small library. A lot of ancient books lined the shelves, making it clear he loved reading. I sighed and was about to drop my gaze when the sight of w marks on the wall made me stiffen. Wait a second. I stared longer, scanning around. w marks and ancient prints on the wall. I¡¯d swear it was a spell to keep a beast at bay. My eyes fluttered tiredly again, wondering where he was when the soft sound of footsteps came through. My heart went still at the sound, and I fixed my gaze on the door, which was already open. Lycannar appeared after a few seconds, his hair falling deliciously over his shoulder, wearing only trousers. His upper body was bare, and I nearly smiled at the nicest view ever. We stared at one another in silence, and for a heart¨Cbeating moment, I wondered what he¡¯d say now. What I was to him now. Just then, he walked toward the bed and his gaze softened. His palm came to my temple, checking my temperature, and I could only stare into his eyes, lost in their depth. ¡°You slept for a long time. It¡¯s already dusk,¡± he said softly and that jerked me back to reality. ¡°What?!¡± I tried to get up, but exhaustion sent me flopping back on the pillow with a groan. Lycannar looked worried. ¡°Are you okay? How do you feel?¡± I blinked, testing my body, and when I had the answer, I lowered my gaze from him and murmured, ¡°I feel sore.¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± he said softly, and I gently looked up at him to see him smile boyishly. ¡°What¡¯s funny?¡± ¡°Your cheek is red.¡± ¡°Get off me.¡± I pushed him, but he only caught my wrist and leaned in to kiss my lips. When he pulled back, he looked deep. into my eyes, and I sighed. ¡°Dessyn will be worried about me. The Dusk household.¡± ¡°They know you are here,¡± he said, and before I could respond, he added, ¡°I will bathe you. I know you¡¯re exhausted.¡± Bathe me? I suddenly pulled away from his hands. ¡°That¡¯s another trick,¡± I used, and he raised an eyebrow. ¡°Why should a King use a trick to bed with his woman?¡± he asked, and I frowned. ¡°And stop creasing your face like that. It¡¯s not a way for queen to behave.¡± He pulled away from the bed. ¡°I will draw your bath ande soon. Prepare.¡± After he left the chamber, I realized I had been holding my breath. What¡­ what did he just say? 0:32 PM P p Not how a queen should behave? Like¡­ what did he mean by that? Am I¡­. ¡°I told you to get ready.¡± Finished He appeared at the doorway, startling me so much I almost screamed. Lycanmar walked toward me to carry me up from the bed, but I pulled away further, my eyelids fluttering. I needed to get something straight. ¡°Lycannar¡­. what do you mean by¡­¡± I swallowed, searching his eyes. ¡°By what¡­¡± Updates are released by ¡°My family are downstairs. Zephyrine. I¡¯m introducing you to them as my woman. If you have any family left and want me to pay respect, I will. What I want from you is eternity, the rest of your life. I want you to give them to me.¡± ¡°Lycannar¡­ ¡°Come on. I can tell you¡¯re starving and they¡¯re waiting. Plus, don¡¯t let the dinner get cold.¡± He lifted me from the bed so easily and headed toward his bath chamber. I couldn¡¯t move in his arms. I could only circle my hands around his neck and trust him to clean me up. When he lowered me into the warm pool, I let out a soft sigh and hugged him closer, savoring the moment. He came in with me, his fingers wrapping around my tender skin as lust red between us again. Then I turned to stare at him, my heart thudding at what was happening. The tension. The connection. The bond we had shared now. He kissed my lips at first before I felt his fingers slide to my inner thigh, massaging my aching pussy. I leaned on his broad shoulders, sighing softly as his movements stayed gentle until I suddenly began to shiver. I clutched at his arm, digging deep until my wolf took over for a brief moment, my fingers turning to ws as I dug into his skin. ¡°Lycan..¡± ¡°Heal first,¡± he whispered, knowing exactly what I wanted. ¡°Heal from the soreness first, and you¡¯ll be the one begging me to stop thrusting into you.¡± I gasped softly at those words, they only made me wetter. But I obeyed him. I leaned in and let him bathe me while I moaned helplessly at his touch, which kept roaming over my skin. Send Gifts 2.2K B Back Where 51 Zephyrine 4.37% Finished ¡°Here. It¡¯s one of Mearez¡¯s dresses. Serena said you¡¯re closer to her height, but I still think Mearez¡¯s dress will fit you well.¡± I epted the dress from him, staring at it for a long moment before ncing for a mirror only to find none. ¡°You¡­ you don¡¯t have a mirror?¡± I asked, then remembered what he¡¯d told me before, how he had never looked into one since birth. He didn¡¯t answer. Instead, he simply stood there, watching away as I began to dress. ¡°You think I¡¯m weird?¡± he asked softly from behind. I paused briefly, my fingers stilling on the fabric. ¡°Come help me with the back,¡± I said.¡± a steady gaze, kilot blinking, not looking He stepped forward, his fingers brushing against my bare skin as he fastened the dress. The light touch made me swallow hard, trying to contain the heat curling low in my stomach. ¡°You¡¯re not weird to me,¡± I finally murmured, turning to face him when he finished. My palm rested t against his chest. ¡°From all I see and know, you¡¯ve only¡­ lived as you were taught.¡± He swallowed, silent. I didn¡¯t linger. I brushed past him toward the exit. ¡°Come on, Lycannar. Don¡¯t keep your sisters waiting.¡± I hurried down the stairs before he could catch up,ughing softly to myself until I reached the dining hall and froze. The ¡°family¡± I had expected only his two sisters and his uncle but what I saw was farrger and far more unsettling. I turned to retreat, but Lycannar was already descending the stairs. His steps were slow, deliberate. One. Two. Until he stood before me, fully dressed, quiet and unreadable. ¡°Lycannar¡­¡± He took my hand, fingers threading into mine, and simply pulled me toward the table, his jaw set with unshakable resolve. ¡°This is Zephyrine. She is my woman.¡± His tone was less introduction and more a warning. A prickle of unease crawled over my skin. If this went badly, there would be blood. Slowly, I scanned the table. His uncle sat across, A man with steady, calcting eyes. Beside him sat a graceful woman with cold poise. Two men and one woman followed, all richly dressed but carrying gazes that hinted at strained loyalty. Find the newest release on F¦ÉndNovel ¡°This is my uncle, Doreth, and his wife, my aunt Eiryn,¡± Lycannar said. I bowed politely. ¡°The three are my cousins. Gen, Baron, and Beauty.¡± Baron, the middle one, smiled warmly. The others gave me dry, unweing looks. On the other side sat Mearez and Serena. Finished ¡°You already know my elder sisters,¡± Lycannar added. Mearez beamed at me, and I couldn¡¯t help but return it. Serena bowed; I did the same. My eyes drifted further down. ¡°The young man is my elder brother, Hades, and the older man is from my mother¡¯s side, Ureh.¡± my uncle I bowed again, but both men stared back intensely, too much like Lycannar himself. Instinctively, I moved closer to him. ¡°Stop scaring her, Hades. She¡¯s still healing, Lycannar warned. A grin broke across Hades¡¯s face instantly. ¡°Fair enough.¡± I sat in the chair Lycannar pulled out for me, and he took his seat at the head of the table. The maids swept in withvish dishes. Rich soup, fragrant meats, vors I¡¯d only dreamed of since leaving Ash Pack. Starving, I dug in. But as I reached for the vegetables, my gaze collided with Aunt Eiryn¡¯s, and I choked. Lycannar was faster than the maid, pouring water, holding it out to me, his hand rubbing soothing circles on my back. ¡°You okay?¡± he asked quietly., I nodded when I finished. ¡°Thank you.¡± The room went still. But the stares weren¡¯t on me, they were on him. ¡°It¡¯s strange to see you caring for a werewolf, Lycannar,¡± his aunt said smoothly. ¡°Does she know who are?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t n to keep any secrets from her,¡± he replied, Eiryn¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°And does she have ast name? I hear she¡¯s a rogue, no pack, no ce.¡± Cold washed over me. I felt his anger even without a mate bond. How was that possible? ¡°I don¡¯t care about her status, Aunt. It¡¯s her I want, not herst name.¡± you 2/2 22:16 Fri, Sep 5 R ¡°Well, then,¡± she said, voice cutting, ¡°she should be ready to endure the consequences of being¡­¡± ¡°Mother,¡± Baron interrupted, frowning. ¡°Please. Let her have peace.¡± She turned on him sharply. 37%2 Finished ¡°Let her have peace? Do you think being with Lycannar¡¯s blood will give her peace? Do you know who the King truly is? She¡¯s a rogue and¡­¡± The sudden growl cut her off. It wasn¡¯t just a growl. It was a low, shuddering rumble that made the air vibrate. Everyone froze. Lycannar¡¯s head lowered, his jaw tight. His palm on the table shifted, hair sprouting, bones snapping for a moment before returning to normal. ¡°I will say this once,¡± he said, his voice edged with his beast. ¡°If anyone calls her a rogue again, insults her, or shows her disrespect, be it family or outsider I will draw blood.¡± The weight of his presence pressed over the room. The maids flinched, dropping a tray in fright. He¡¯s not my mate. And yet, he protected me more fiercely than Nyroth ever had. I smiled inwardly. Jackpot. This round was mine. Send Gifts 2.3K 44546 22:16 Fri, Sep 5 R Back Where 52 Zephyrine 37% Finished ¡°How do you feel?¡± Mearez pulled me toward the window, scanning my eyes and body as if searching for hidden wounds. ¡°You don¡¯t need to be polite. I know he can be¡­ intense in bed.¡± I lowered my gaze and gave a small nod. ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡± ¡°You have no bruises?¡± she pressed, taking my hand gently. ¡°Hmm?¡± I shook my head and met her eyes, sighing. Her care was genuine, and it only made me love and respect her more. ¡°I have no bruises, He only¡­ choked me. But I¡¯m fine.¡± She blinked at me, her expression softening with apology before she exhaled slowly and nodded. ¡°I heard you issued a duel?¡± she asked, then added, ¡°Lycannar seems to be taking it lightly. It¡¯s as if he believes you¡¯ll win.¡± My gaze drifted from Princess Mearez to Lycannar, who was speaking with Hades across the hall. ¡°I can fight. He knows that. We spar.¡± ¡°You spar?!¡± she gasped, almost horrified. ¡°With¡­ Lycannar?¡± ¡°You sound terrified.¡± ¡°I¡¯m surprised,¡± she admitted. ¡°He didn¡¯t hurt you, did he?¡± ¡°Not at all. He¡¯s only primal when we get intimate.¡± To that, Princess Mearez caressed my palm gently, her voice dropping to a soft vow. ¡°Listen. You¡¯re not alone anymore. The Blood family, especially me, Hades, and Serena will always be in your corner. If you need anything, Zephyrine¡­ absolutely anything¡­ don¡¯t hesitate to ask.¡± ¡°Princess Mearez¡­¡± ¡°Call me Mearez,¡± she interrupted with a warm smile. ¡°You¡¯re my younger brother¡¯s joy. For that, I will forever worship you.¡± Goosebumps spread over my arms. She truly appreciated me, not just for being here, but for epting Lycannar¡­ and for giving myself to him. She knew. Everyone knew. I nodded my thanks, but before I could speak, Lycannar approached, his presence drawing my gaze down shyly. ¡°It¡¯ste. Are you sure you want to go home?¡± ¡°Yes. The Dusk household will be worried.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll walk you. Come.¡± I nodded and nced toward his family still seated at the table. ¡°I¡¯ll go say goodbye first.¡± Leaving him and his sister, I approached the table. Their conversation faded as I bowed slightly. ¡°Thank you for the meal. I¡¯ll take my leave now.¡± ¡°So soon?¡± Baron asked. ¡°I¡¯ve been here sincest night.¡± ¡°Oh, alright. Which pack do you live in?¡± he asked, but before I could answer, Eiryn spoke. ÁÖ²è 37% 99 Finished ¡°She¡¯s been in Hue Pack for the past five years. Recently moved to White Pack.¡± She met my gaze with unnerving precision. ¡°You¡¯ll attend the council meetings as the King¡¯s woman, won¡¯t you?¡± I froze. A sudden responsibility I wasn¡¯t ready for. ¡°She¡¯ll be avable for thatter,¡± Lycannar¡¯s voice cut in as his arm circled my waist. ¡°If she can¡¯t start learning to rule, she should at least learn the etiquette of a queen,¡± Eiryn muttered. The rightful source is find?novel ¡°I¡¯ll help her with that,¡± Princess Serena, who had been silent until now, offered. She turned to me. ¡°We¡¯ll start after your duel. Agreed?¡± I hesitated. This was getting serious¡­ ¡°Okay.¡± I bowed again and let Lycannar lead me down a hallway until I stopped and pointed toward another corridor. ¡°I think that¡¯s the way to the exit,¡± ¡°You can take this way too. Besides, I want to show you something.¡± He led me into the Royal Stables. My steps faltered as I spotted a white, powerful horse waiting near his own mount. My breath caught. ¡°A little present for epting me into your life,¡± he said. I turned sharply to stare at him. ¡°Did you say little?¡± ¡°Hmm?¡± His eyes held no hint of emotion I could read. ¡°Lycan..¡± 214 ¡°What?¡± His voice was low. ¡°You don¡¯t like it?¡± ¡°I¡­¡± Finished ¡°Then tell me what you want. I¡¯ll get it for you. I chose white because it suits you. She¡¯s my horse¡¯s mate, so I thought we could twin¡­¡± I closed the distance and kissed him, silencing him for the first time. When I pulled back, my breathing was unsteady, and memories came rushing in. A white horse, a gift from my father before my first war. She had died in that same war five years ago¡­ and I had never recovered. But this mare looked exactly like her, pulling me back toward the part of myself I had buried. I stepped forward and stroked her mane. She sniffed my face softly, already bonding with me. I giggled despite myself. ¡°This must be expensive¡­¡± I murmured, then looked at Lycannar again and an unease crept into. my chest. Does this mean¡­ I¡¯m already in a rtionship with a king? ¡°I don¡¯t have a stable in White Pack. She¡¯ll stand out¡­¡± ¡°I thought you¡¯d say that. I¡¯ve already n to write to your Alpha to arrange everything. She¡¯ll be delivered to your pack tomorrow. But tonight, you¡¯ll ride in this carriage.¡± He gestured, and I turned to see the most exquisite carriage I had everid eyes on. ¡°It¡¯s yours. I had them make a less attractive one so it wouldn¡¯t draw attention.¡± Less attractive? If this was the modest version, I didn¡¯t dare imagine the original. Before I could say anything, I felt someone behind me. I turned to find a young woman, probably younger than me by a few years. Two messy buns framed her delicate face. She bowed. ¡°This is Blue,¡± Lycannar said. ¡°She¡¯ll be your personal maid from now on.¡± ¡°Lycannar!¡± ¡°Just for tonight, she¡¯ll settle with you. Tomorrow, I¡¯ll send the letter for official permission. She¡¯s a Lycan. She needs it to live in a werewolf pack. Go on. Good night.¡± ¡°Lycannar¡­¡± I started, but he was already walking away, the people in the stables bowing as he passed. A king. That¡¯s who he was. But a maid? I was still squatting. Back Where 53 Zephyrine ? 37%¨C Finished I waspletely drained when the carriage finally rolled into White Pack. The night guards stiffened at the sight of such a grand ride and moved closer to check identities. When they saw it was me, recognition lit their faces and they quickly stepped aside, letting the coachman Lycannar had assigned wheel us through the gates. When the carriage stopped, I couldn¡¯t bring myself to get out right away. It was¡­ soothing in here. Annoyingly lovely. I could feel myself getting addicted to it, though I knew I shouldn¡¯t. ¡°Mydy, are you okay?¡± Blue¡¯s gentle voice came from beside me, making me pause. I turned to look at her in silence. She is beautiful, sweet, with that innocent face that made me uneasy. It wasn¡¯t her fault, but¡­ this was wrong. ¡°You should go back to the Lycan Kingdom. I¡¯m fine. I don¡¯t need a maid. I barely do anything anyway. You should go.¡± 7 Blue blinked, and I waited, expecting her to ept the escape. Instead, she lowered her head instantly. ¡°Mydy, do I annoy you? Please don¡¯t send me back. His Majesty will have my neck before I can exin anything to him.¡± ¡°Ugh.¡± I groaned, finally epting my fate. I was the fool who had caught the King¡¯s eyes. I stepped down from the carriage, brushing off Blue¡¯s attempt to help me. The door of the Dusk family so hard I took a step back, half afraid she house suddenly burst open, and Dessyn rushed out, chest heaving might copse. ¡°I know you¡¯re worried about me and¡­ ¡°My gods.¡± She shoved past me, eyes locked on the carriage. ¡°Zephyr, this¡­ this carriage is one of its kind! Where did you get it?¡± Wait, she isn¡¯t worried about¡­ gods. ¡°Lycannar gave it to me,¡± I said simply. She froze and slowly turned to me. ¡°What?¡± ¡°It¡¯s a gift¡­ for epting his proposal.¡± ¡°What?!¡± she shrieked, loud enough that the night guards who had been whispering started inching closer to eavesdrop. ¡°Lower your voice,¡± I hissed, but she was trembling just like she had the night Lycannar came to dinner. ¡°My gods. Zephyr, this is huge and¡­¡± She stopped mid¨Cfret when she noticed Blue, who bowed politely. 22:17 Fri, Sep 5 R ¡°Who¡­ who is she?¡± ¡°I am Blue, mydy¡¯s personal maid,¡± Blue answered before I could. Dessyn went pale. ¡°His Majesty gave you a personal maid?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know what he¡¯s thinking. I doubt he even realizes I¡¯m squatting here for¡­¡± ¡°Squatting?¡± she cut in with a frown. ¡°Zephyr, this house is your home too.¡± I sighed. ¡°But we don¡¯t have enough room for a maid¡­ or a coachman.¡± 37% Finished ¡°Mydy,¡± the coachman finally spoke, ¡°I¡¯ll be returning to the Lycan Kingdom tonight and resume early tomorrow, as ordered.¡± ¡°Oh, I see. Well, thank you. Good night,¡± I said. ¡°My pleasure.¡± He bowed and left. ¡°We have a guest chamber that¡¯s been abandoned for ages,¡± Dessyn said brightly. ¡°Blue can stay there once we clean it. Right, Blue?¡± ¡°Yes, mydy.¡± Blue beamed, and I nearly smiled back but forced it down. Before I could say more, Dessyn caressed the carriage onest time, then opened the door wider for Blue to enter. I shook my head and followed them into the warm house. But once inside, memories from days ago hit me hard. My breath caught. Moon. ¡°Where¡¯s Moon?¡± I asked quietly. ¡°He¡¯s barely left his chamber since that day,¡± Dessyn replied, her voiceced with worry. ¡°I¡¯ll help Blue settle in.¡± I nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll check on him.¡± At his door, I knocked once but no answer. Twice, still nothing. I was about to try a third time when the door opened and Moon appeared, eyes locking with mine for a long, unreadable moment. ¡°Hello,¡± I murmured. ¡°Can I¡­e in?¡± He didn¡¯t speak, only stepped aside. E His room had changed since I¡¯dst been here years ago. My gaze caught on the massive sketch hanging on the wall. Me, in my armor, sword in hand, astride my warhorse. In my prime. I swallowed hard. Was he¡­ worshipping me in his own way? I turned back to him, my heart pounding. ¡°Moon, I¡­¡± ¡°Are you happy?¡± His quiet question cut through my words. I froze. ÁÖÃü 37%ÈÕ Finished ¡°Are you happy, Zephyr?¡± he asked again, softer this time. ¡°Because if you are, then I don¡¯t need an exnation. As long as you¡¯re happy and safe.¡± My heart sank. Lycannar was perfect if I ignored his beastly temper when he kissed or held me..If I gave him what he wanted, he¡¯d be the best choice. ¡°I¡¯m happy, Moon,¡± I whispered. Get full chapters from Find1Novel He swallowed, nodded once. ¡°Then I¡¯m fine too.¡± Silence weighed between us until I sighed. ¡°I¡¯m tired. I¡¯ll get some sleep.¡± ¡°Good night.¡± I left, closing the door behind me only to stop cold in the hallway when I heard soft, muffled sobs from inside. He was¡­ crying. I stood there, helpless, until Dessyn appeared with a smile. ¡°Come on. You have to tell me everything,¡± she said, tugging me away from Moon¡¯s chamber. Send Gifts Back Where 54 Zephyrine ²¹Æø 37%ÈÕ Finished ¡°Alright! Now spill it.¡± I heard those words, but I pretended I didn¡¯t and threw out another question instead. ¡°When is Mother returning from her trip? And I know I have to inform Father too about Blue¡¯s arrival, and also¡­¡± ¡°Spill it, Zephyrine Ashmere. You did it, didn¡¯t you?¡± she cut in, and I raised an eyebrow at the full name she just used. ¡°Will you lower your voice?¡± ¡°Oh, maybe I should start calling you Zephyrine Blood instead. Which one will you prefer?¡± I rolled my eyes tiredly and began undressing for the night, but paused when I noticed her gaze trailing down my body. ¡°My goodness, Dessyn, will you stop?¡± ¡°Not until you spill it.¡± I sighed and continued undressing. Reaching for my nightgown, I slipped it on before walking to wash my hands and face. When I climbed into bed, she had already poured out two goblets of wine. I arched a brow. ¡°I couldn¡¯t help but get addicted to the wine Apex gifted me. I bought the second batch myself. It¡¯s not as perfect, but it will do and besides, your situation calls for a celebration. Now, spill it.¡± I took the goblet from her, sipping slowly. When I lowered it, I caught her watching me over the rim of hers, and I nearly snapped. She onlyughed at my frustration. ¡°Okay. Here you go.¡± I began, and she froze, eyes unblinking. She wanted the full story. ¡°Lycannar and I went to the memorial hall together, and from there¡­ we went to the ck Tower.¡± Dessyn stiffened, staring at me. ¡°What?¡± ¡°What?¡± I echoed. ¡°You just said ck Tower. I heard that ce is forbidden to everyone, even his sisters. But you entered it?¡± Her words made me pause. Earlier this morning, when I followed him into his chamber, he had been stunned to see me step in. Wait¡­ why could I cross the threshold when no one else could? ¡°We mated inside it,¡± I said quietly. Dessyn¡¯s lips twitched into a knowing smile. 22.20 FSS AQU 42.3744 ¡°He¡¯s any form.¡± I finished, liking my goblet for avaber sip but she caught many went before I osadk¨¢ firsn¨ªk. ¡°That wise was to be you. Don¡¯t think you can mop jus there? Tm not going in details with grea. He is my man I froze as the ward left my mouth. Was what Dewyn¡¯s grin spread wider. ¡°You¡¯re an Ashmere. For you to be with a man you¡¯re not med to. I know you. That means the bust was heavier than anything you could resist.¡± Thowed my head wallowing ¡°He didn¡¯t give me any other choice. You have to see him totide the pool it by ancient canda. He the most beautiful man I¡¯ve ever seen¡± ¡°What did he do to you. Zephyr?¡± ¡°He made me forget I have a mace¡± I whispered honestly the made me sans doubring the work of the Moon Goddes. The mate bond between Naroth and I doesn¡¯t stand a chance against arben I feel for Lycanner? I exhaled shakily, then drugged ¡°Lycanner is something else in bed¡± Dessyn¡¯s eyes lit with interest, but I showed her arm. ¡°You¡¯re misunderstanding ¡°Oh,e on. This is a king we¡¯re talking about. I¡¯ve always wondered what he¡¯d look Free without those ck clothes and that cloak. You should tell me, Zephyr. We¡¯re best friends.¡± ¡°You didn¡¯t tell me about yours, so why should I tell you about mine?¡± ¡°Mine is your elder brother. You don¡¯t want to know what he looks like without armor and clothes, do you?¡± 1 raised an eyebrow, sighing ¡°Mine is fierce in bed.¡± I said. ¡°Mine is gentle in bed.¡± She replied. ¡°Lycannar was attentive.¡± ¡°Varyn was also attentive.¡± ¡°After we mated¡­ he held me close and fell asleep, and I did too the moment my head touched his arm ¡°After we made love¡­ he held me close and whispered sweet words to me.¡± ¡°When I woke he bathed me, introduced me to his family, and dered me to them as his woman 22:20 Fri, Sep 5 R Silence fell. I watched Dessyn¡¯s excitement turn sour. She lowered her gaze, sniffing. ¡°The next day, he took his or and went to war. He promised to return¡­ but he lied.¡± The tension between us thickened. Tears welled in her eyes despite her effort away, brushing them off angrily 2 37% Finished N?w ?ovel chapt?rs are published on fin?novel to hold them back. She turned All these years, she had never really talked about Varyn. I had never asked. I didn¡¯t know she was hurting this much. I thought I was the only one aching and/searching for my brother but here is a woman who loved him. ¡°Dessyn¡­¡± ¡°I hate him,¡± she murmured, sniffing. ¡°I hate Varyn so much. He promised mepanionship, but gave me loneliness instead. All these years, no letters, no words¡­ he¡­¡± ¡°Dessyn.¡± I reached for her hand, caressing it. ¡°Varyn will be back. Jurrek won¡¯t stop looking, and neither will 1.¡± She flicked her gaze to mine, fear shing in her eyes. ¡°What if he doesn¡¯t remember the night we shared? The passion? What if he¡¯s forgotten me?¡± ¡°Stop. My brother is not an asshole. He¡¯s not the type to run from anything. He wille back to us.¡± She nodded, tension easing. I grabbed both goblets, handing her hers. We clinked them together and downed the contents in one go. ¡°So now we both aren¡¯t virgins anymore. Done it once each. We should throw a party for that,¡± she teased. ¡°That¡¯s odd¡­ and I don¡¯t think once will be enough for Lycannar. He¡¯lle for my body again.¡± ¡°Really? How can you tell?¡± she pried. I set my goblet down,y back, and pulled the nket over me. ¡°Good night.¡± Send Gifts 2.3K 18 The Rogue Is A Female Alpha Back Where 55 Zephyrine ³´¼Ò 37% Finished It was the aroma swirling through the house that woke me. I blinked, frowning, wondering who would be cooking so early in the morning. Dessyn? I turned to see her still asleep beside me. Slipping out of bed, I padded toward the bath chamber to freshen up, but the question pulled me back. ¡°Who¡¯s cooking so early?¡± Dessyn¡¯s voice was groggy. I shook my head. ¡°Moon is the worst at cooking. Didn¡¯t he serve at the battlefield with you?¡± I nodded, still half¨Casleep. ¡°Yeah¡­ bad enough that everyone avoided camp meals when it was his turn.¡± ¡°So who is¡­¡± I started, but the knock at the door cut me off. My brow furrowed. ¡°Who would that be?¡± No one in the Dusk household knocked on doors, Maybe me, but not the Dusks. So who¡­ ¡°Mydy?¡± A soft voice drifted through. I froze. Blue? ¡°Ah, it¡¯s Blue, your personal maid. How could you forget?¡± Dessyn teased, sitting up. I didn¡¯t answer. Instead, I opened the door. Blue stood there, smiling brightly, her posture perfect as she bowed. ¡°I¡¯ve finished the chores and prepared breakfast. Oh, were you going to bathe? I should help you.¡± She stepped forward, but I put up a hand. ¡°Slow down. I don¡¯t think you need to bathe me.¡¯ She blinked slowly, murmuring, ¡°But His Majesty said I should.¡± ¡°No need. Lycannar just exaggerates. Ignore him.¡± Her brow furrowed. ¡°Really? His Majesty doesn¡¯t exaggerate. His word isw.¡± ?????? PER I groaned, and Dessyn¡¯s smirk widened. 37% Finished ¡°Better you ept Blue already, Zephyr. She seemspetent. What will it hurt? Or should I keep her?¡± I shot Dessyn a re, which only made her shrug. ¡°See?¡± she muttered. With a sigh, I gestured for Blue to follow me. She came along cagerly, entering the bath chamber to prepare everything. Sheid out a drying cloth, then drew a generous amount of water in the absence of soap. Without hesitation, she undressed me gently, eased me into the tub, and slid in beside me to help. I stayed silent, staring at nothing, my eyes fluttering close at the soothing scrub until her voice broke through, soft and warm. ¡°I am happy to serve you, mydy.¡± My eyes fluttered open. ¡°You won¡¯t be serving me for long,¡± I said inly, knowing I wouldn¡¯t need a maid once I returned to Ash Pack. Th? link to the orig?n of this information r?sts ?n F?ndNovel ¡°I will be good to you,¡± she promised. That¡¯s His Majesty¡¯s order. He said I should do whatever you ask and never report anything back to him. He said if I¡¯m good to you, you¡¯ll like me and never let me go.¡± I paused at her words. Innocent, yet¡­ telling. ¡°Lycannar said that?¡± She nodded. ¡°Out of all thedies presented to him, he looked right at me and chose me. I know it¡¯s a big chance, so I won¡¯t waste it.¡± My breath caught. Lycannar had looked into her eyes? Why choose her? **** Breakfast was as delicious as the aroma had promised. She¡¯d prepared it earlier than I expected, and I couldn¡¯t help marveling at her skill. When Father finally came out, I rose from my chair. ¡°Please, sit,¡± he said. ¡°Don¡¯t act like a stranger here. Dessyn told me about your maid, Blue. She can stay as long as she likes.¡± Without pause, he nced around. ¡°Where¡¯s Moon?¡± I looked away. Moon hadn¡¯t stepped out of his chamber sincest night. I wondered how he was coping. Before I could answer, a knock came. Blue opened the door, and Alpha Auedric entered with a smile. ¡°So, she¡¯s the Lycan who will be living with us? Impressive.¡± I bowed politely, but he waved it off. ¡°Please, Phy 37% Finished No need for formality.¡± Then, to Nathan, he nodded before turning back to me and add, ¡°An official letter came from the Lycan King. He¡¯s delivered your white horse, sealed a trade deal that benefits the Dust and granted permission for a Lycan to reside here. He assures me Blue is harmless and ic she ever shows otherwise, he¡¯ll retrieve her himself. I¡¯ve stamped and approved it. You shoulde see you¡­¡± He was still speaking when rushed to the window. Her knees weakened, and she turned to me with wide eyes. ¡°Zephyr!¡± she screamed, just as I had expected. I ignored her and tuned back to Alpja Auedric. ¡°Lycannar made a deal with you for the Dusk household?¡± He arched a brow. ¡°Lycannar?¡± ¡°Oh¡­ I mean¡­ Apex.¡± A knowing smile touched his lips. ¡°Ah, so you know his real name now. Well, yes. Thanks to you. Supplies for months, all settled or¡­ shouldn¡¯t I have?.¡± Nathan spoke up first. ¡°I¡¯m d you epted. Zephyr is like a daughter to me. I won¡¯t refuse anything her man offers.¡± My cheeks warmed, and I ducked my gaze to hide it. Alpha Auedric spoke a while longer before taking his leave. I was about to join Dessyn at the window when Moon¡¯s door creaked open. He stepped out atst quiet, reserved but as he emerged, I noticed Blue freeze, her gaze locking on him. Awe spread across her face. ¡°I¡¯m going out,¡± Moon murmured, heading for the door without waiting for a reply. Blue giggled softly. ¡°Does he also live here?¡± she asked. I was about to answer when Moon suddenly returned, a sheet of paper in hand. His eyes met mine, ¡°The duel¡¯s been issued,¡± he said. ¡°It¡¯s tonight.¡± ¡°What?¡± Back Where 56 Nyroth 37% Finished I stare at the piece of paper, and for a moment, I forget to breathe. For real she is truly going to a duel tonight, and not just with anyone, but with a savage rogue who wants her dead more than anyone else. Word has already spread through the empire, and it has reached my ears that she¡¯s now being dered as the Lycan King¡¯s woman. But I dare to disagree. Zeph is mine. I brought her here. I sheltered her. I fed her until now. She is my mate and no man else¡¯s. The urge hits me hard. I have to see her one more time. This time, to make her stop this duel. I leave my chamber, heading for the living room where my mother and younger sister are huddled, staring at the same printed announcement that has been sent to every pack. ¡°She¡¯s really dying tonight. Mother, we must go and see how she¡¯s dealt with,¡± my younger sister says. My mother only chuckles to back her up. ¡°I have to go. I heard she stood against Ka. Who in her right mind would do that?¡± They both pause when they notice me, but by then, anger is already flooding through me. I re at Olivia, and she pulls back, startled. ¡°Are you going to the duel tonight to¡­¡± she starts, but I cut her off. ¡°I thought you had to apply for entry at the healer¡¯s home. Why didn¡¯t you?¡± I snap. She jolts back in fear. My mother stands between us quickly. ¡°Is everything okay, son? Why are you so harsh?¡± ¡°Harsh? Why shouldn¡¯t I be harsh? I¡¯m asking her a question. While everyone her age is out looking for something useful to do, why is she still here at home, roaming around? Huh?¡± Olivia takes another step back and pouts, which only infuriates me further. ¡°Try beingzy or stupid one more time, and you¡¯ll be locked in your room for weeks.¡± Before my mother can say anything else, I¡¯ve already left. I head straight for my horse, mount up, and ride into White Pack territory. It doesn¡¯t take long before my horse strides into the pack¡¯s grounds. I dismount and see a crowd gathered outside the Dusk household. Raising a brow, I head in that direction, but Alpha Auedric spots me from his garden andes over, smiling. ¡°Ah, you¡¯re here, Alpha Nyroth. You must have heard about it, that¡¯s why you came, right?¡± I frown, not following. R Updates are released by F?nd-Novel 37% Finished ¡°About what? The duel?¡± ¡°Oh, so you came for the duel? I thought it was about the first¨Cever Lycan toe live in a werewolf pack.¡± ¡°What are you talking about?¡± My voice drops. ¡°The Lycan King did the best for Zephyr. He gifted her a personal maid from his kingdom. A smart, sweetdy, if you ask me. Not only that. You see the crowd over there?¡± He points. ¡°They¡¯re fawning over the horse and carriage the Lycan King gave her. She is officially his woman now. The word is already out there.¡± I didn¡¯t even realize I was already seething in anger. Before I can reply, Alpha Auedric¡¯s beta calls him away, leaving me alone with my thoughts as he excused himself. My gaze shifts to the crowd. The thought of Apex gifting my mate something I never thought to give her `makes me burn with jealousy. Who sent him on such an errand? I march toward the Dusk household¡¯s door and knock, my fist tight. The crowd starts to disperse when they notice me. A young, beautiful woman opens the door. The energying off her doesn¡¯t match that of a werewolf. Definitely, she must be the Lycan Apex sent. I hate her instantly. Saying I feel like wing her throat out would be an understatement. Still, I rein in my anger and nce at the white horse behind her. My heart sinks. I turn to my own horse, just a few steps away, and theparison stings. Mine looks pathetic beside the powerful beast standing in the yard. ¡°I¡¯m Blue. Who do you ask for?¡± the maid says politely. ¡°Zeph. Call her out.¡± My tone is gruff. She smiles, calling over her shoulder, ¡°Mydy!¡± I step back, fuming, but then I hearughter from inside. Zeph. She¡¯sughing with her friend about something I can¡¯t catch. How could she be chuckling at a time like this? Why does she sound¡­ happy? After a few seconds, the door opens wider, and Zeph steps out. I freeze. She looks more beautiful than before, more content. She looks¡­ happy. When she sees me, she swallows hard but walks closer. ¡°Be fast with whatever you want to say. I have to prepare for the duel.¡± ¡°You¡¯re not going to the duel, Zeph.¡± My tone is final. I nce at the horse. ¡°And what is this? Since when do you take gifts from someone? Why did you beg him to give you these things? Is that why you chose him? So he could shower you with presents and maids?¡± She doesn¡¯t reply. That silence, she only uses it when she¡¯s beyond tired of me. I¡¯m about to speak again when Ka¡¯s voice cuts in. 370 ¡°Oh, look who¡¯s here. Nyroth.¡± 37% Finished I haven¡¯t seen Ka since leaving ckbridge days ago, but here she is now dazzling, smug. She pauses when she spots Zeph, ring at her. ¡°Why are you here, Ka?¡± I demand. She grins. ¡°I came to deliver my father¡¯s ascension invitation to Alpha Auedric. Because your stupid mate will fail tonight, and we will win the duel.¡± She turns to Zeph with a re. Then, just to provoke her, she steps toward me, cing a hand on my chest. ¡°You¡¯lle to the coronation, won¡¯t you? Maybe you shoulde early. I got a new nightdress, and I want you to be the first to see me in it. We can¡­ you can also suck me just like you used to, before the party starts.¡± The offer sends a rush of heat through me, and I lower my gaze, unable to say no. I¡¯d be insane to turn that down. ¡°Alright,¡± I say, knowing Zeph heard every word. Ka smirks at her. ¡°Loser. You¡¯ll lose tonight just like you lost your mate to me.¡± Silence fell. I expect Zeph to walk away like before, but instead, her lips curve into a slow smile. ¡°How am I a loser when I¡¯ve bagged myself a king?¡± Ka stiffens at the challenge and steps forward. ¡°Your mate came between my legs once, and the next day he forgot about you his fated mate.¡± ¡°And it took a king just one look before he get obsessed with me,¡± Zeph counters softly, stepping closer to whisper in Ka¡¯s ear, ¡°He¡¯s been fucking you for free all this time, and he¡¯s kept it secret, never publicly acknowledging you. Mine onlyid with me once, and he¡¯s already calling me a queen.¡± She pulls back with a light chuckle, ¡°Loser? Between a king and an Alpha, no, between Nyroth Hue and Lycannar Blood who would you even choose? Cheap slut.¡± Send Gifts 2.3K Back Where 57 Chapter 57 Lycannar 37% Finished I sat in the dining room with Hades while Chantel lingered in the shadows, silent and on alert as always. I had gone out of my way to make this happen, the preparation, the risk. Opening the portal once more to invite Hades into the Lycan Kingdom wasn¡¯t difficult. The difficult part was knowing she might not understand me¡­ or ept me fully when she learns the truth. ¡°How are you going to cope with a werewolf as your woman? And from the look in her eyes, she¡¯s a clever one,¡± Hades remarked, his tone casual but knowing. I said nothing, lifting my ss and draining it in one motion. I reached for the bottle, but he pulled it away and looked at me. I had been drinking, and I still didn¡¯t know why. Maybe because I¡¯d never felt this fear before, not until after Iid with her. After she stepped into my inner chamber, shattering every barrier, breaking the strongest spells with nothing but her soul. She is no ordinary woman. Either she is demon¡­ or my mate. But I saw no mark on her when I bedded her again, nor when I bathed her. She bears no im of mine. I exhaled sharply and bowed my head. Hades studied me from across the table. A demon by birth, He is my stepbrother, older, cunning, and next in line to rule the Demon Realm after my stepfather¡¯s death. Out of everyone in the demon royal family, Hades was the one I respected, even loved. He had spent long months in the Lycan Kingdom during my youth, and those days were some of my best memories. ¡°You¡¯re worried about what she¡¯ll think when she finds out who you really are,¡± Hades said quietly. I looked at him and gave a small nod. ¡°She¡¯s stubborn. Not easily tamed. Strong. I don¡¯t know if she¡¯ll ept a man who loses his mind every full moon.¡± ¡°She gave you her virginity,¡± he countered easily. ¡°She¡¯ll give you her support.¡± I shook my head. ¡°You really don¡¯t know Zephyrine.¡± I leaned back in my chair, remembering the way my demon side had surfaced in the pool just to kiss her. gods, why did he do that? He¡¯s too possessive. He won¡¯t let my Lycan form enjoy her. He wants all of her for himself. They were meant to share, but no¡­ he wants her entirely. ¡°Do you think the council will ept her?¡± Hades asked. ¡°Anyone who opposes her will die by Chantel¡¯s sword.¡± ¡°And her family?¡± ¡°Her parents are dead.¡± ¡°Siblings?¡± I hesitated, frowning. I had never asked. ¡°I¡¯m not going to leave Zephyrine, Hades,¡± I said firmly. ¡°Even if she doesn¡¯t want me, I¡¯ll have her.¡± He didn¡¯t mock me. Instead, he smiled, nodding in approval. 37% Finished ¡°That¡¯s the spirit. When I heard you summoned me, I wondered what could be so important. But this¡­ my gods. I support it.¡± He punched my arm lightly. ¡°It¡¯s good to see you fall in love, little brother.¡± Fall in love? I froze. Is that what this is? If so, why does it hurt so much when she isn¡¯t near? I nced at him and asked, knowing he have his own share of experience. ¡°Have you ever felt this way for a woman? Like a second without her is hell?¡± He only grinned wider and punched me harder. ¡°Strange to see you like this. How did you meet her?¡± I exhaled slowly. ¡°At my father¡¯s funeral.¡± At that, Hades went silent and poured me another drink. ¡°Nothing good came from that stepfather of mine except my two stepsisters¡­ and you. Drink up.¡°. I drank, and when I lowered the ss, he was watching me with that calcting gaze I knew too well. ¡°It¡¯s the best move, little brother. The best. I¡¯m d you did it.¡± I knew what he was referring to, and my mind sank into those blood¨Csoaked memories. ¡°I haven¡¯t found peace, Hades. I thought killing him would give me that, but I was wrong. However¡­¡± My voice faltered. ¡°Last night, after Iid with Zephyrine¡­ something in me changed. I want her at all costs, even if I have to chain her beside me. Even if I have to break her so she can¡¯t run from me.¡± Hades didn¡¯t flinch. He didn¡¯t look at me like I was mad. He understood, just as he had understood when he helped me crush my father¡¯s skull. ¡°Then we¡¯ll do it,¡± he said simply. ¡°If she won¡¯t stay willingly, we¡¯ll imprison her. Break her spirit until she crawls back to you.¡± His words should have unsettled me. Instead, I felt relief. That¡¯s when I heard hurried footsteps. Mearez appeared, her face pale. ¡°The duel has been issued, Lycannar,¡± she said breathlessly. ¡°It¡¯s tonight.¡± My body went rigid. The death duel? 212 37% N?w ?ovel chapt?rs are published on find{n}ovel The Rogue Is A Female Alpha Back Where 58 Zephyrine Finished I stood silently by the window, staring at the dark sky swallowing the empire. From here, I could see the pack members passing through the White Pack Gate, making their way to the duel arena already prepared for tonight¡¯s fight. To the death. That was what this duel was about. I folded my arms across my chest, wondering what if I slip? What if I fail? What if my techniques are rusty, just like Lycannar said? What if¡­ My thoughts broke when the White Pack Gate swung open wide for a carriage to wheel inside. My gaze sharpened. It was the same carriage Luna Tahlia had used. I leaned forward, watching as the wheels rolled to a stop. She alighted slowly, cloaked with her hood covering her face, and walked toward the dusk door. A knock followed. I turned as Blue quickly went to answer. The door opened, and Luna Tahlia stepped in. ¡°Zephyrine,¡± she called, hurrying to me with open arms. I embraced her, though confusion knotted in my chest. What is she doing here? ¡°Zephyrine, I came to say goodbye.¡± Dessyn and Moon rose from where they had been sitting in silence, moving closer to listen. ¡°Why would you say goodbye now? The duel is about to start.¡± She shook her head. ¡°You¡¯ve done enough for me already. Standing against Yadev and her venomous daughter was victory in itself. The loyalists to the bloodline and Alpha¡¯s seat have arranged for me to flee to another pack, to live quietly with Young ck.¡± She took my hand before I could reply, patting it gently. ¡°I won¡¯t be the reason you die, Zephyrine. If you refuse the duel as the Lycan King¡¯s woman, they¡¯ll let you go. I¡¯ll be fine on my own.¡± Her words fell heavy in the room. My chest tightened, but I squeezed her hand softly. ¡°Luna Tahlia¡­ this isn¡¯t just about survival. This is about clearing your name.¡± She looked away, but I pressed on. ¡°They called you a slut. They said your son is a bastard. Will you be able to look into his and¡­¡± ¡°But I can¡¯t have your death on my hands. What if you lose?¡± she trembled. eyes when he grows 22:21 Fri, Sep 5 RW. Moon stepped in, voice sharp and sure. ¡°She¡¯s never lost a battle. Zephyr will win. All you have to do is trust her.¡± ¡°Moon¡­¡± I murmured, but he turned his face away, jaw set. 37% Finished Luna Tahlia swallowed hard. I understood her hesitation. I wouldn¡¯t entrust my life and my child¡¯s to a stranger either. She let out a shaky sigh and walked to the window/ gazing out as though weighing the world. ¡°You¡¯re right. For Young ck¡­ I have to believe in you and stay.¡± She turned back, sping my hand with desperate strength. ¡°Promise me, Zephyrine. You will win at all costs.¡± Goosebumps prickled my skin. I nodded. ¡°My life is also on the line. I¡¯m far too young to die. Besides¡­ I still have a sexy man to enjoy first.¡± Her lips curved into a small smile, easing the tension. Then came footsteps and a knock. Blue opened the door to reveal Alpha Auedric, already dressed for the arena, his beta at his side. ¡°The duel will begin soon. We should leave.¡± I nced at Luna Tahlia, and she nodded. Together, we walked out. In her carriage, her young son sat beside his grandmother. Olga greeted me warmly, and I returned the smile before turning to Blue. ¡°You take the boy when we get to the arena.¡± ¡°Yes, mydy.¡± For a moment, I wondered if Lycannar would be there but perhaps this was strictly werewolf business. Alpha Auedric caught my gaze, his confident smile steady. He already knew who I was, and that trust in his eyes made my throat tighten. ¡°You should win one more, Zephyrine.¡± I swallowed and nodded. I didn¡¯t take my horse. Instead, I climbed into my carriage with Dessyn and Blue, while Moon rode with Auedric. Luna Tahlia joined us as well. The wheels turned, carrying us beyond the pack grounds toward the arena, a ce where blood was meant to be shed and life meant to be taken. But whose life? Whose blood? That question followed me the entire way. R $???37%¨C The Rogue Is A Female Alpha Original content can be found at f?ndnovel Back Where 59 Nyroth Finished Arriving at the arena, I realized I hade too early. The rogues had plotted their games and arrived ahead of time. Ka, ever the schemer, was already there. Many wolves from other packs had gathered, eager to watch the spectacle, the Lycan King¡¯s woman fighting for the Luna who had been framed. I took my position near the floor, eyes sweeping over the wide battleground. My heart sank at the thought of Zeph being overpowered, pinned, and killed before my eyes¡­ all because of what I had helped set in motion. I sat down, my mind reying the events earlier at White Pack. I had been pushed to my limit, I had snapped, and then I¡¯d heard her admit she had slept with him. That meant Zeph was no longer a virgin. She was the Lycan King¡¯s possession now. A carriage bearing my pack¡¯s crest arrived, and my gut tightened when my mother stepped down with Olivia. Both of them were smiling, eager to witness Zeph¡¯s downfall as they always were. I could hardly me them. I had never stood in their way before, and now their malice had grown unchecked. My mother¡¯s ruthlessness I understood. She had been born and bread with high status but tragedy made her went kow once. After wing her way back to the top she had refused to let anyone of low status threaten her ce. Their eyes scanned the arena until they found me. They came rushing over, bright smiles masking their venom. Olivia still avoided my gaze after my earlier outburst. We sat in silence as the arena filled, until another carriage rolled in, bearing the Lycan Kingdom¡¯s crest. My stomach twisted. It was the same carriage the Lycan King had embraced Zephyrine beside. Rage burned in my chest, but I could do nothing. I watched as she stepped down, the maid assigned to her at her side, along with Alpha Auedric, now smug over his alliance with the Lycan King. Luna Tahlia was with them as they disappeared toward the back. The arena hushed as the opponents arrived, and soon the signal fire was lit. Ka rushed to the rogue fighter, whispering in his ear before slipping him something. My heart dropped. They wouldn¡¯t fight fair. Zeph had to know. I shot to my feet, ready to go backstage when a sudden silence rippled over the crowd, the kind that only one presence couldmand. I looked up and froze. Apex Blood. He didn¡¯t arrive alone. Beside him were his two elegant elder sisters, and behind him, his ever¨Cpresent mysterious bodyguard. One more figure followed. He is different, unsettling, as if he didn¡¯t belong to this empire at all. All of them dressed in ck, hauntingly striking. Apex, gentle only to his sisters, seated them before folding his arms and scanning the arena in silence. Movement drew my gaze to the back. Zeph stepping out. It was as though she had felt him arrive. She paused when he turned to her, and the air shifted. Silence deepened. The wind swirled. RW Finished every sky, It was like the connection between them, cold chills sweeping through the arena. ¡°Lycannar¡­¡± I heard her breathe and then she was running into his arms, their mouths meeting in a kiss that was anything but gentle. Hungry. Starved. He kissed her like he wanted to consume her entirely, and she clung to him as if she couldn¡¯t get close enough. My knees weakened. My mate kissing another man before the entire world. And no one would judge her. I was the one who insisted our bond stay private. I watched her smile at him, so free, so unburdened. ¡°They won¡¯t fight fair, Zephyrine,¡± he murmured, and she nodded, jaw set in determination. The rightful source is find?novel ¡°Use more speed than strength. No matter your skill, he¡¯s a male wolf. He¡¯ll be stronger.¡± Again, she nodded obediently. A call from backstage pulled her attention, and she started to leave but then she turned back, ran to him, and kissed him again, fiercely. ¡°You kill him when it¡¯s over. Don¡¯t hesitate. He won¡¯t if he gets the chance.¡± As thoughpelled, she nodded again and vanished backstage. I copsed into my seat, shaken by what I had just seen and overheard. Was this new Zeph going to be a killer? Was he poisoning her mind already? And why, in the name of the empire, was she kissing him like that? No answer came, only the deep drumbeats signaling the duel¡¯s start. And just like that¡­ it began. Send Gifts Back Where 60 Zephyrine ? ?? 36% Finished ¡°You should go sit with Lycannar and his family. They¡¯re here at the arena,¡± I told Luna Tahlia, who nodded and moved toward the stands. Blue was clutching Young ck¡¯s arm, and guards were already circling them, as if prepared to prevent any escape. The drums thundered, a sound that seemed to lodge in my throat. I was dressed inbat gear, but I didn¡¯t feel like the warrior I¡¯d been five years ago. I turned away to catch my breath when Dessyn¡¯s palmnded softly on my shoulder, patting once. ¡°Breathe. Five years is a long time to lose your edge,¡± she murmured near my ear. ¡°But you are an Ashmere, Zephyr. It¡¯s in your blood to take the de and spill it for a worthy cause. Breathe, and you¡¯ll do it.¡± I obeyed, shutting my eyes, inhaling deeply. But the face that shed in my mind wasn¡¯t my opponent¡¯s. It was Lycannar¡¯s. My eyes flew open, heart tightening. What if I lose? What if I die here? Would he move on to another woman? The thought hollowed me out. Even without looking toward him, I could feel his gaze heavy, unblinking, burning through the space between us. He¡¯d kissed me earlier. He¡¯d given me advice that came from someone who¡¯d seen far more battles than I had. It feels like it. ¡°The duel begins!¡± The announcer¡¯s voice rang out, the drums boomed again, and my jaw locked. Enough. I was going in. I reached for Moon¡¯s sword, which I have borrowed. The one that had won countless battles. His pride. His legacy. This would not be the day it tasted defeat. N?w ?ovel chapt?rs are published on FindN0vel I gave Dessyn onest look, no hug. This wasn¡¯t an ending. It was the beginning of a war. When I stepped into the wide arena, the roar hit me like a wave. Werewolves loved the sh of steel.. I didn¡¯t look toward Lycannar, but I felt him, And now, I also feel him with his elder brother. The emotions only made my spine straighten further. I would not fail with those eyes on me. My opponent, a snarling rogue, waited with jaw tight and muscles coiled. Ka herself read the terms and conditions, her smile curling with malicious satisfaction. She wanted to see me fall. The drum sounded too fast. I barely blinked before a shove knocked me to the ground. ¡°Stand and die like a heroine,¡± the rogue growled, ¡°or I¡¯ll slice your throat before the man who loves you can even blink.¡± The spiked boulder he swung barely missed me as I rolled away. My body moved on instinct. I scrambled up, reaching for my sword, but he rammed into me again, a vicious blow that sent me to my back, blood flooding my mouth. 22:21 Fri, Sep 5 R The wound closed almost instantly, but rage surged hotter than pain. I am an Ashmere. We ended battles before they began. This should have been over already. 1 36%ÈÕ Finished I steadied my breath, calcting his steps. Once. Twice. The moment he closed in again, I remembered Lycannar¡¯s words and struck. Steel sang. My de tore across his belly. He froze, eyes wide, hand pressing to the sudden warmth spreading there. Murmurs rose from the crowd as he pulled his palm away, staring at the blood. ¡°Who trained you?¡± he spat. ¡°They said you were a rogue, nameless, nothing. How can you move that fast?¡± His fury made him reckless. He swung the boulder in wild arcs, but I batted it aside and cut into his arm, the wound gaping open. Desperation flickered in his eyes as he reached into his tunic for something. Poison, perhaps. I didn¡¯t wait to find out. One clean strike. My sword kissed his throat. ¡°I am an Ashmere,¡± I whispered in his ear as his life spilled out. Horror clouded his face before his knees buckled and he fell. The arena suddenly fell silent. They hadn¡¯t expected this, hadn¡¯t expected me. They¡¯d underestimated me for thest time. They never expected the duel to end in an instant. Blood dripped from my hands, chilling my skin. But I knew where to find warmth. I turned toward Lycannar and ran. The de ttered to the ground as I reached him, throwing myself into his arms. He held me close, uncaring about the blood staining him, his hand steady against my back. Proud. ¡°I knew you would do it,¡± he murmured. ¡°From the moment I touched your hands and saw your eyes, I knew you could ovee anything.¡± My heart bloomed in his arms. In that moment, I needed no one else. Not Nyroth, who must be staring in shock, nor Ka, whose smugness had just shattered. They had lost. I had won. And now, it was time for Young ck to take the throne. The question is¡­ would he? Send Gifts Back Where 61 Zephyrine ? 36%¨C Finished ¡°Deration for Luna Tahlia per the deal of the duel. She has been framed for the death of her husband and her son, Young ck, belongs to the Alpha. Therefore, she is reinstated as Luna, as her son will be the next Alpha of ckbridge Pack.¡± The verdict was read aloud before Olga slumped forward. It was as though she had been holding on just to hear those words. We quickly rushed her into the carriage and headed home. Now, as I stood in the living room, waiting for Mearez¡¯s words, I couldn¡¯t help but pace. Is Olga going to die? Is she¡­? I suddenly paused and turned slowly toward Lycannar. He had followed us quietly, silently, with Hades at his side, standing at the window without moving. If he had looked into Olga¡¯s eyes, he must have seen her death. I walked toward him to question him, but Mearez entered the living room and sighed shakily. I searched her face for answers, but then the piercing cry of Luna Tahlia rang out from the bedchamber, and my heart sank. Is she¡­ dead? My gaze fell slowly to the blood on my hands. When I looked up again, Mearez¡¯s eyes were wet. This content belongs to ¡°Come here,¡± Lycannar said gently, and Mearez rushed into his arms. He rubbed her back slowly. ¡°She died a natural death,¡± he said quietly. ¡°It was her time. She¡¯s gone to rest.¡± I exhaled a shaky breath. He had known, seen it, and kept it to himself. Walking to Young ck, who was already asleep in Blue¡¯s arms, I nced at Dessyn and Moon sitting silently in the corner, their heads bowed in grief. I had no words until the sound of approaching footsteps filled the room. Luna Tahlia appeared, and I rushed to her. ¡°She died,¡± she murmured helplessly, and I held her. ¡°She died.¡± Her voice broke with grief, but as I held her, an idea began to rise in my chest. I stepped toward Lycannar. Mearez moved aside, sensing my intent. ¡°Lycannar,¡± I said quietly. ¡°I want you to look into Luna Tahlia¡¯s eyes and tell me when she will die.¡± At my request, Serena, who had been standing in the corner, rushed forward but Lycannar lifted a hand to silence her. ¡°Zephyrine, he¡­¡± Mearez began, but Lycannar cut her off with one look. He met my gaze, then spoke with a calm finality. ¡°Before sunrise, she will be burned alive.¡± A cold shiver ran down my spine, and my knees almost gave way. ¡°By who?¡± ¡°By those who want to take the position from her son.¡± I clenched my jaw. ¡°Lycannar, what if¡­¡± ¡°That¡¯s enough,¡± Serena snapped, stepping between us. ¡°He can¡¯t use his curse like this.¡± 36% Finished I blinked at the sharpness in her tone, then nced at Mearez, who looked equally hesitant as if they were hiding something. ¡°Serena, I am fine,¡± Lycannar said, gently moving her aside before opening his mouth to answer me again. But I didn¡¯t want to hear more. He had done enough. ¡°You can leave, Lycannar. You¡¯ve helped more than enough. Thank you.¡± For a long moment, he stared at me silently, swallowing hard. Then, without a word or even a kiss, he left, his family following him. The hole he left in my chest was heavy, but there was no time to dwell on it. I had to move before sunrise. And to do that¡­ I had to be an Ashmere. ¡°Luna Tahlia,¡± I said urgently, turning to her, ¡°listen to me. You must be strong. Bring me writing materials. I need to send a letter immediately.¡± Though surprised by the urgency in my voice, she had overheard my hushed conversation with Lycannar and didn¡¯t question me. She hurried away and returned quickly. I sat at the table and wrote a swift, coded order to the Beta of my pack. If there was any fortress untouchable to our enemies, It is Ash Pack. A ce where warriors were born and bred. 12 Handing the letter to Moon, I met his eyes. He asked no questions, only mounted up and galloped away in my carriage. We waited. No one slept. No one moved. When the first sliver of sunlight began to break the horizon, the sound of approaching hooves reached our cars. Jurrek burst in with Moon at his side, and Luna Tahlia rose immediately, bowing in awe and trembling. ¡°Why¡­ why is the Beta of the most respected pack here?¡± she asked. I turned to Blue, meeting her eyes in silent warning. If she wanted my trust, she would keep what I was about to reveal a secret. R 36%¨C Finished Standing before Luna Tahlia, I said calmly, ¡°I am Zephyrine Ashmere. Thest true¨Cblooded female Ashmere alive.¡± The color drained from her face. She fell to her knees, but I caught her before she could bow fully. ¡°We have no time. You must hurry.¡± ¡°You¡­ you are a female Alpha?¡± she whispered. ¡°Not yet. My brother holds the title. But right now, that doesn¡¯t matter. Listen to me. If you want to live, and if you want your son to live long enough to im what is his, you must flee immediately. Not to another pack, but to Ash Pack. There, no harm will touch you. ¨C¡°And while you hide, your death will be staged. This house will burn tonight, with you, your son, and your mother inside. They will believe they¡¯ve won, but they¡¯ll be wrong. One day, you will return and Young ck will reim what is his.¡± Send Gifts 2.3K Back Where 62 Zephyrine A week passed, and a new Alpha was crowned in ckbridge Pack. Alpha Yadev. 36% Finished Rumors from those who attended the celebration said Ka wept for the death of Young ck, who was meant to inherit the title. The deaths of Luna Tahlia and her son were officially announced. Their home had been burned to the ground, and the ashes of their werewolf forms were gathered for the funeral rites. The pack mourned the loss of their rightful leaders, yet celebrated the rise of the new ones. No word came from Hue Pack. No word came from the Lycan Kingdom. And though part of me longed for Lycannar, I stayed in bed at the White Pack. ¡°Mydy? Mydy?¡± A knock came with Blue¡¯s gentle voice behind it. ¡°The door¡¯s not locked,¡± I called. She stepped in, a faint frown on her face, and approached the bed. Her sigh was shaky. ¡°Mydy, don¡¯t you think you should visit Princess Mearez so she can check on you?¡± I looked away, steadying my breath. I¡¯d been sick since that night. The healers had already been by, I¡¯d rested, taken the potions they provided but I never felt any better. Thest thing I wanted was to step into Lycannar¡¯s kingdom just yet. Blue¡¯s worried gaze lingered on me, and I almost smiled. It is strangefort having a Lycan by my side when their king seemed to neglect me Still¡­ that night, Lycannar had done the best part. If not for his curse, I would have thought Luna Tahlia will be safe and left her unprotected. But still Lycannar seem to have hidden something. I couldn¡¯t quite put my finger on it. Even his sister Mearez who is always quick to help had withdrawn. Which meant there is a reason. A heavy one. I was lost in thought until I heard the sound of horses stopping outside. I paused, listening, expecting the familiar warmth but nothing followed. My frown deepened. ¡°Check who it is.¡± Blue went to the window and peered out. I watched her expression shift before she turned to me. ¡°It¡¯s the Alpha from Hue Pack.¡± Nyroth. Why is he here? From what I have heard he had attended the ascension of Alpja Yadev. ²Ø¼Ò 36%ÈÕ Finished I almost rolled my eyes in exhaustion. I had no time for his games and no desire to see him after what he¡¯d done. He¡¯d helped Ka forge the false evidence that doomed Luna Tahlia. The knock came again, followed by the sound of the front door opening and closing. Momentster, The bedchamber door I shared with my best friend swung open. Dessyn stood there, her lip curling in disgust. ¡°Your ex is at the door.¡± If only he truly is my ex. Forcing myself to push past my weakness, I stepped toward the exit, Blue close behind. I opened the main door to find Nyroth standing there with a chest in his hands. My brow arched, but I stepped forward, waiting for him to speak. ¡°Zeph¡­ how have you been?¡± I stared, hearing something unfamiliar in his tone. What was he ying at? ¡°What do you want, Nyroth?¡± He swallowed, eyes fixed on me, then opened the chest. Inside, he took out a hairpin I instantly recognized. My heart lurched. ¡°Where¡­ where did you find this?¡± ¡°Many years ago at a festival,¡± he began, and I snapped my gaze to him. ¡°Rogues attacked. I was caught in the fire¡­ and¡­¡± ¡°And I saved a boy,¡± I murmured, realization dawning. ¡°When you shifted into your wolf, the hairpin fell,¡± he said quietly. ¡°I didn¡¯t know it was broken until I picked it up. That night¡­ that boy you saved was me, Zeph.¡± My knees weakened. Read full story at F¦ÉndNovel ¡°Our bond¡­ it wasn¡¯t coincidence. After the white wolf fled, I passed out. When I woke, it was Ka I saw¡­ and I thought it was her who had saved me. I loved her ever since. But it was you. At the arenast week, when you fought, even without shifting, I knew. It was you I loved. It¡¯s always been you.¡± A cold shiver ran down my spine. ¡°Zeph¡­¡± His voice softened as he caught my hand, holding it with a tenderness I¡¯d never seen from him. ¡°Forget the past, the cheats, the insults, the pain. I want you back. I¡¯ll announce to the whole empire you are my mate. If my mother or sister speak against you, they¡¯ll pay tenfold. I love you, Zeph. I¡¯m sorry it took me this long to see it.¡± A proposal in broad daylight fron my fated mate. My heart stilled. And then¡­ I suddenly felt it. The presence I knew without seeing. Lycannar Blood. He stood at the far end of the path, dressed in ck as always, hair tied back, hands at his sides. But his eyes¡­ they went first to Nyroth¡¯s hand holding mine. 36% Finished When they found my gaze, a shudder went through me. I had never seen Lycannar jealous, never truly angry with me. But now¡­ oh no. I had just opened a very dangerous door. Send Gifts Back Where 63 The Rogue Is A Female Alpha 36%¨C Finished Zephyrine The time seemed to stop. Everything halted when those eyes locked onto mine. I was the woman who had never been afraid, who never allowed guilt to touch her but in that moment, something shifted. It was as though I had betrayed him in the worst way, and my heart shattered. Sharply, I pulled my hand away from Nyroth and swallowed hard. What was I even thinking? For a fleeting second, the mate bond had clouded my judgment. I breathed, turning to see Lycannar still standing there. I had thought he¡¯d leave, that he might turn and walk away but today, he didn¡¯t. ¡°Lycan¡­¡± I started, but he silenced me with a tender kiss. I tasted him again after a week of longing. Gently, his hand came to my waist, the other cupping my cheek as he kissed me softly. After a few seconds, he pulled back and stared into my eyes. Slowly, I lowered my gaze. I had feared neglect, but it seemed he hadn¡¯t forgotten me. Lycannar¡¯s hand moved to mine, the same one Nyroth had held, and he caressed it tenderly, never breaking eye contact. ¡°You let him touch what¡¯s mine.¡± His voice was soft, yet threaded with a warning that made me lift my eyes to meet his. Pale¨Cgold, his eyes shimmered with danger. I was about to respond when I noticed his face was paler than usual, as if he had been ill and only recently recovered. ¡°Lycan¡­¡± ¡°Just because you smashed her doesn¡¯t mean she¡¯s yours.¡± Nyroth¡¯s voice cut in before I could ask Lycannar about his pallor. ¡°She is my mate. I suppose she didn¡¯t tell you that,¡± Nyroth added, smug. I froze. Lycannar¡¯s eyes remained locked on mine, ignoring Nyroth¡¯s words entirely. ¡°Smash?¡± he repeated, a faint frown crossing his features. The same innocent surprise I remembered. ¡°That¡¯s the word your mate uses, Zephyrine? Smash?¡± Heat flushed my cheeks. Nyroth had never shown me respect. I lowered my gaze. ¡°Let¡¯s go inside, Lycan.¡± ¡°You can¡¯t go anywhere with him, Zeph. We are still having a conversation.¡± Nyroth¡¯s voice returned, and I almost shot him a re. He clearly had no idea how dangerous Lycannar truly is or what he is capable of. ¡°And yet you don¡¯t want me to remove him?¡± Lycannar asked softly. My throat tightened. He rarely spoke directly to anyone else. Perhaps that was part of the curse he carried. ¡°Lycannar¡­¡± I tried, but he had already released his hold on me. ¡°I should go,¡± he said, exhaustion threading his tone, and turned toward the exit. at 36% Finished That was when I felt it. Weakness. Something unspoken but undeniable. I watched him take a step, about to leave, when I screamed. ¡°Lycan!¡± He didn¡¯t stop, despite my voice loud enough. ¡°You should let him go, Zeph. I am here for you/I will make up for everything I have done and¡­¡± Nyroth reached for my hand again, but I flung it off angrily. ¡°Don¡¯t touch me.¡± I pivoted, rushing toward Lycannar, blocking his path. My jaw set as he halted. I could feel the audience, but I didn¡¯t care. ¡°You cannot walk away from me, Lycan,¡± I said curtly. He nodded but remained silent. Frustration coiled inside me. His pale¨Cgold eyes, now shifting toward grey, said more than words ever could. I felt desperation spike. ¡°I¡¯m not letting you go, Lycannar. You will stay.¡± He went silent, eyebrows furrowed in confusion. When he spoke, his voice was soft. ¡°I¡¯m not walking away. I just have to return to my tower.¡± ¡°Lycan¡­¡± I reached for him, noticing the pallor again. ¡°You¡¯re pale.¡± ¡°I¡¯m fine. Don¡¯t touch me.¡± His voice sharpened, and he stared at me with an almost angry intensity. ¡°Consider that mate of yours lucky this time.¡± Bypassing me, he headed out, mounting his horse. A cold chill ran down my spine. Don¡¯t touch me. The words sank deeper than any rejection could, sending goosebumps across my skin. For days I had been unwell, but the weight of his rejection intensified the pain. My knees wobbled, dizziness blurred my vision but still, I ran after him He was about to mount when I called, voice cracking, ¡°Lycan¡­¡± I called, but he didn¡¯t pause. Instead, he moved to mount, and my knees gave way. I copsed to the floor, my head bowed. Fresh chapters posted on Find[?]ovel What¡­ what is happening? I wondered, panic rising as a trickle of blood dripped from my nostrils. Oh¡­ oh
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My eyes rolled back, and I felt myself falling t, but Lycannar was quicker. He caught me effortlessly, kneeling beside me. His touch, his presence, and the sound of his voice that came next felt like a warm dream on a cold night. ¡°Zephyrine?¡± he called softly, and I leaned against his chest, resting for the first time in what felt like forever. The Rogue Is A Female Alpha Back Where 64 Zephyrine 36% Finished I have fallen. Something a warrior, retired or not, should never do. I feel so¡­ so weak, as though my wolf is struggling for her life. For original chapters go to fin?novel Lying in bed, I stared at his broad back. Lycannar stood by the window, arms folded across his chest, gazing out. He hadn¡¯t spoken since he helped me onto the bed. Nyroth lingered as well, worry etched deep into his face, though I couldn¡¯t bring myself to care about him right now. I blinked softly as the sound of a carriage stopping reached my ears. Secondster, the bedroom door opened and Princess Mearez stepped inside, her expression etched with concern. Somehow, seeing her put me at ease. I had witnessed her skills before, and I trusted her. ¡°My gods¡­ Zephyrine,¡± she breathed, rushing to my side and taking my hand. ¡°I came as soon as my brother summoned me. How are you feeling?¡± I couldn¡¯t speak. I couldn¡¯t move. The illness had started after the duel, and I had underestimated it. Who would have thought it could grow so severe? Princess Mearez went to work immediately. She held my hand gently, closed her eyes for a brief moment, then studied my wrist. Her brows furrowed sharply. ¡°I need my medical kit,¡± she said quietly. Blue, standing nearby, nodded. ¡°I will fetch it from the carriage, My Princess.¡± She returned swiftly, carrying a small satchel that held an assortment of delicate tools and needles. She carefully selected the tiniest one and sighed. ¡°It will sting, Zephyrine. Do you want my brother to stay?¡± she asked softly. My gaze instinctively shifted to Lycannar. He was still staring out the window, as though he couldn¡¯t bear to see me like this. ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± I murmured. A needle¡¯s sting could not harm me more than the sword that had pierced me and failed to kill. Princess Mearez pricked my wrist expertly. Blood trickled out, and she froze, staring at it for a heartbeat too long. Then her eyes went wide with rm. ¡°You¡¯re poisoned,¡± she announced, ncing at Lycannar. ¡°And¡­ it¡¯s contagious.¡± A cold wave ran through me. Poisoned? Contagious? ¡°Everyone should leave the bedchamber,¡± Princess Mearez ordered but no one moved, not even Nyroth, whose concern only deepened. ¡°How is she poisoned?¡± Nyroth asked cautiously, but before Princess Mearez could answer, Lycannar finally turned. His pale¨Cgold eyes locked on my face, jaw set tight. R 36%. Finished ¡°Cure her,¡± he said simply. His sister obeyed immediately, taking my hand once more. For a fleeting moment, her warmth seeped into me, then she pulled back, eyes wide in horror. She pricked my wrist again. Blood flowed freely, then healed under her careful touch. Slowly, she lowered the needle and looked at me gravely. ¡°How long have you felt unwell? You must have noticed something earlier,¡± she asked. I could not respond. My heart raced with fear. Poison? But who would dare? I cannot die, not yet. The Ashmere legacy rests on my shoulders. ¡°Immediately after the duel,¡± Dessyn replied, and Blue nodded in agreement. ¡°I told mydy toe to you, Princess Mearez, but she refused. Will she be okay?¡± ¡°There is a cure,¡± Mearez began in a low voice, ¡°but it requires a rare flower¡­ located at the Empire¡¯s End Grove.¡± Cold dread settled over me. The Empire¡¯s Grove. A ce of no return. Whoever poisoned me knew where the cure is and made certain I would not reach it. ¡°Let¡¯s go have a conversation everyone, in the living room.¡± Princess Mearez says and then walk out but no one follows immediately. ¡°Zeph?¡± Nyroth¡¯s voice came hesitantly atst as he approached. ¡°Go away,¡± I muttered. ¡°I don¡¯t want to infect you.¡± His frown deepened, and he retreated. ay deep th dretre can roach Everyone follow through, leaving Lycannar alone at the window. I watched him, unblinking, as silence settled. Finally, he moved from the window and approached the bed. His hand reached for my arm, aiming to help me lie down, but I pushed him away. ¡°Let me go,¡± I muttered harshly. He tried again, but I wriggled free. ¡°Don¡¯t touch me!¡± I snapped. ¡°Stay still,¡± he said softly. My struggle only grew, and then he snapped once, firmly but not cruelly. ¡°Stay still!¡± It was the first time I had heard that tone from him, and I obeyed immediately. He ignored the danger, lying me down gently, positioning my head carefully on the pillow and tucking the nket over me. Every movement, every tender touch left me breathless. He said nothing, offered nofort beyond his careful hands, and then quietly walked out, leaving me in 22:22 Fri, Sep 5 R the warmth of his care and the ache of his silence. Send Gifts 2.3K ?? $ 36% Back Where 65 Nyroth 36%¨C Finished My horse stopped in the courtyard, and Kai rushed forward to hold down the reins while I alighted and headed into the house without a word. What I had heard and seen jolted me more than anything ever could. I had known Zeph for five years, and never once had I seen her weaken or lie sick in bed. It felt so strange, so utterly wrong. I walked through the living room, bypassing my mother and sister without speaking. I had to hurry. This was the moment to show how much she truly meant to me. I pushed open the door to my bedchamber and went straight to my wardrobe to gather my clothes when my mother entered, her eyes scanning the room and me. ¡°You seem to be in a hurry,¡± she said. I paused, letting out a long sigh. ¡°What is going on? Nyroth?¡± I copsed onto the bed, exhausted. At that moment, Kai and Olivia also entered, their faces filled with concern. ¡°Zeph is sick, Mother,¡± I said. ¡°She¡­ she is so sick that she can¡¯t even speak properly, and it breaks my heart.¡± Confused nces were exchanged between them. ¡°How do you mean? Isn¡¯t she the one who killed an able man seven days ago at the arena?¡± Kai asked. I nodded feebly. The poison¡­ I already knew where it came from. I swallowed hard, meeting their eyes. ¡°Mother, a healer was called, and she knows the cure.¡± ¡°And which is?¡± ¡°The flower located at the Empire¡¯s Grove.¡± Dead silence fell. I watched the color drain from my mother¡¯s face and Olivia¡¯s too. ¡°How do you mean?¡± Kai finally asked, seeming to recover from the trauma he¡¯d sustained at Apex. ¡°We all know the Empire¡¯s Grove is a ce of no return. Why would you even think of going there?¡± ¡°Exactly, brother,¡± Olivia added, horrified. ¡°This pack needs you. I need my brother too. Why would even consider going?¡± you ???s ??????? ?s ?????? ?? find~novel ¡°For starters¡­¡± I began angrily, ¡°Zeph is my mate. She is the woman the Moon Goddess fated for me. Surely you won¡¯t advise me to stand aside while she rots and dies, right?!¡± ¡°I wouldn¡¯t advise my own son to watch his mate die,¡± my mother said softly. I swallowed hard. ¡°Any werewolf from Hue Pack is fated to only one mate in a lifetime. You are the Alpha here, Nyroth. You deserve a Luna.¡± She approached and sat beside me, taking my hand gently, holding my gaze. 36% Finished ¡°The Empire¡¯s Grove has its story, and no one who ventures there ever returns. The flower to cure every illness is located there, but no one has ever brought it back home. For such a journey, you must go for someone who means so much. But let me ask you, Does Zeph mean that much to you?¡± My breath hitched. She shook her head as she continued. ¡°She is a rogue, Nyroth. A skillful killer. You saw what she did at the arena. How she drew arrows at the Lycan Kingdom the other night. She is dangerous, a trained assassin before she wormed herself into your life, all because of the mate bond. She is nothing but¡­ look at Ka. She is even the daughter of an Alpha now. She is in love with you. She is smart, ready to be yours. Tell me why you would leave all that behind to die for someone who has cheated on you?¡± I blinked, lowering my gaze and swallowing hard. ¡°I¡­ I cheated on Zeph many times, Mother, and¡­ and Zeph onlyy with Apex after I agreed to the rejection.¡± ¡°That doesn¡¯t justify her dirty deeds. She is worthless, useless, barren. She is nothing but a rogue assassin. You are an Alpha, Nyroth. She shouldn¡¯t even have a ce in your heart or your life.¡± ¡°But¡­ but Apex¡­¡± I swallowed again. ¡°Apex left quietly after hearing the location to find the cure.¡± ¡°See?¡± Olivia chipped in. ¡°He will definitely forget about her now. Who in their sane mind would go there?¡± The question hadn¡¯t even cooled when the sound of a carriage stopping in the courtyard reached us. Minutester, approaching footsteps followed, and the door opened. Ka Yadev stood in the doorway, dressed more elegantly and gracefully than ever, like the daughter of an Alpha she is. ¡°I came as soon as I heard. Are you okay, Nyroth?¡± she asked, rushing toward me. I pulled away and walked to the window to breathe. Silence fell after my reaction, and I heard them all leaving until the door closed. ¡°I heard she copsed, and she is now on her sickbed.¡± ¡°On her dying bed, Ka,¡± I corrected, my gaze settling on her. ¡°I saw what you did the other night at the duel. You gave that rogue something to cheat with.¡± She said nothing, looking at me silently. I expected an apology or at least some remorse, but instead, she shrugged. ¡°It¡¯s a win¨Cwin situation, Nyroth.¡± ¡°What?!¡± I eximed in horror, rushing to grab her arm. ¡°Zeph is my mate. Why would you poison her?¡± ¡°Because she dares challenge me!¡± Ka snapped, jerking her arm free from my clutch. ¡°I am Ka Yadev, Nyroth. No one disrupts my ns. Whatever I want, I get. You, or anything else I will have it. Besides, this mate of yours didn¡¯t even care you existed.¡± ¡°She loved me,¡± I gritted out. ¡°She only went astray when she saw me fucking you the other day.¡± Silence fell between us. Slowly, she walked toward me and ced a palm t on my chest. R 36% Finished ¡°She is going to die, Nyroth. You can¡¯t save her. No healer will find a cure.¡± ¡°One has,¡± I said, and she stared at me in awe. ¡°The Lycan Princess. She is one of the most skillful healers I have ever seen.¡± Ka pulled away, a small frown on her face. ¡°Who would have thought the Lycan Kingdom would also have a healer? A rare treasure?¡± But then she shook her head. ¡°She only know the cure. She won¡¯t be getting it.¡± ¡°Ka¡­¡± ¡°You are not going to the Empire¡¯s Grove, are you?¡± she asked. The eagerness I had felt earlier seemed to wane. I swallowed hard, watching her shake her head again. ¡°It¡¯s a fool¡¯s errand. You won¡¯t die for Zeph, will you?¡± ¡°She is my mate.¡± ¡°And I am your lover, Nyroth,¡± she countered. ¡°I am your first love. We havee a long way. I am the Alpha¡¯s daughter now. I will stand by you, love you more than Zeph ever will. This body is yours. Will you leave it all behind to die for just¡­ a rogue?¡± Heavy silence descended. I replied softly. ¡°Zeph helped me build this pack to what it is now, Ka. When you left me, she filled the huge hole you left behind. I can¡¯t watch her die.¡± ¡°Then don¡¯t go to her. That way, you won¡¯t have to watch her die. The news will only reach you, and I promise it will be a painless death.¡± ¡°L..¡± ¡°I need you too, Nyroth. I have cramps. Will you let me wallow in pain alone?¡± My heart sank at her question, and in silence, I stared at her graceful figure, standing right in my way. Send Gifts 2.3K B 22.23 Back Where 66 Lycannar £¤36% Finished ¡°No! Never! I am never letting my baby brother go anywhere. Mearez, why don¡¯t you speak? Stop him!¡± Serena¡¯s voice rang through the hall of my tower, but no one answered. No one paid any heed. I was already dressed for the journey. There would be no hesitation. I felt no reluctance, no whisper in my mind telling me to stay. Nothing. I reached for the potion on the table and drank the whole bottle. a medicine to dull my demon beasts. Then I turned toward the exit and stepped into the hallway. My two elder sisters were waiting. Mearez stood quietly, still worried, still horrified at what had happened back at the White Pack. Serena, however, will have none of it when I announced I am going to the Empire¡¯s Grove. The moment she set eyes on me, she rushed forward to block my path. I stopped before her, my gaze locked on her angry face, the anger that barely masked her fear of losing her only younger brother. ¡°You can¡¯t go anywhere, Lycannar. I refuse,¡± she said. I waited, knowing nothing more woulde. ¡°It¡¯s the Empire¡¯s Grove. You¡¯ve only just healed from the illness she caused you. Will you still go¡­ and die for her?¡± The illness Zephyrine caused, the third curse from the Moon Goddess. I could see death, but I must not tell anyone how it woulde. I had already broken that rule once when i informed Zephyrine how the Luna would die, and I had paid for it with seven days of immense agony. Today, I had only just begun to recover, and I had rushed to her, only for her to copse before me. I swallowed hard and turned to Serena. I said nothing. That silence said everything, and she knew it. Her mask slipped, and slowly, tears welled in her eyes. ¡°Why is it that my opinion never matters to you, Lycannar?¡± she asked, her voice tired. Then she punched my chest, frustrated. ¡°Why do you never take me seriously? Can¡¯t I give you an order and expect you to follow it? Is it because you are a king now?¡°. She turned to Mearez, who stood silently, lost in her own thoughts and turmoil. ¡°Mearez, he listens to you better. You should tell him going to the Empire¡¯s Grove will get him killed! Those spells cast in the ck Tower weren¡¯t just for show! He¡¯s both dangerous and vulnerable the moment he leaves the kingdom. Can¡¯t you tell him?!¡± Mearez didn¡¯t respond. Serena, frustrated, brushed her tears angrily and left the hall, making me swallow hard. Silence fell. I shifted my gaze to Mearez, standing there. We had left the White Pack together, and it felt as though she already knew I would go on this quest. I walked toward her gently, but she held out a hand to stop me. Without a word, she turned and left in silence. I swallowed hard at their departure. For a moment, I wondered. 22:23 Fri, Sep 5 R For original chapters go to Find?Novel Who could have dared poison Zephyrine? Who was so fearless to think her life could be next? 36% Finished ¡°After she gets cured, you should wreak havoc. Let them all know what¡¯s what,¡± Hades¡¯s voice came from behind me. I set my jaw. He approached, dressed fully for his departure to the Demon Realm. Hands folded over his chest, unconcerned unlike my sisters. ¡°I know you wille back. Serena and Mearez know it too. They¡¯re only worried about the pain you¡¯ll endure in the Grove.¡± I nodded silently. ¡°Where is my uncle, Ureh?¡± I asked quietly. ¡°At the exit. He is waiting for me at the portal. Don¡¯t hesitate to reach out if you need help, little brother.¡± I nodded, watching him descend the stairs and disappear from sight. I turned to the other end of the hall and saw Chantel, ready for the journey too. I let out a heavy sigh and moved quickly to the stable where my horse awaited. Mearez stood by her carriage, while Serena was nowhere in sight. I nced toward her corridor but it was empty. I was about to walk to my horse when footsteps came. Serena appeared from the hall, a saddlebag in hand. Silently, she fixed it to my horse. When she finished, she turned, pressed her lips briefly to mine, and walked away without a word into Mearez carriage. I swallowed hard. She was stubborn, masking her fear and frustration with anger. I turned to the saddlebag but didn¡¯t open it. Instead, I mounted my horse. I hadn¡¯t told any other people about this journey. Everything else could wait. I wouldn¡¯t take more than one night outside the tower. I would be back before nightfall tomorrow. Sick or healthy, nothing would stop me. Send Gifts 2.3K ( 22:23 Fri, Sep 5 RM The Rogue Is A Female Alpha Back Where 67 Zephyrine The dusk that settled over the White Pack is heavier than anything I have ever seen. 36% Finished Seconds rolled into minutes, minutes folded into hours, and the sky, which had brightened earlier, faded into ck. Nyroth had promised he would return, but Lycannar¡­ Lycannar hadn¡¯t given me a word. He had left without a goodbye. He and his sister, and even I had begun to believe he¡¯d do exactly what he had done days ago when I was called to the council. I sat on my bed, my eyes fixed on the empty space in front of me. I haven¡¯t found my brother yet, and the Ash Pack still needed an Alpha. Will I leave all that behind? I was lost in thought when the door opened gently, and Blue walked in with a dinner tray, her eyes on me. To say she was worried about my health would be an understatement. ¡°It¡¯s night, mydy. I¡¯ve brought your dinner. Let me draw your bath. After that, you can¡­¡± ¡°Go out,¡± I cut her off, ring at her, but the look in her eyes only softened, making me feel guilty instantly. ¡°Mydy¡­¡± I lowered my gaze and swallowed hard. She wouldn¡¯t leave. It was as though her life meant nothing to her. I bit my lower lip and let out a sigh. ¡°Tell me a story,¡± I requested softly. ¡°Any one. Just¡­ go ahead and speak.¡± Carefully, she ced my dinner on the table at the foot of the bed and came to sit on the floor beside me, as she used to. Then she began. ¡°Many years ago, in a kingdom isted from the rest of the world, a prince was born. The midwives who attended his birth were killed immediately, and he was locked up in a tower that had been built for him. ¡°In istion, he was abandoned as an infant, left to live alone. Everyone in that isted Kingdom believed he would die but instead, voices were heard from the tower every night, cries of agony echoing through the walls. ¡°One day, a mother of one ill son, who couldn¡¯t bear the sound of the prince¡¯s cries any longer, found courage and went to the King to make a request. ¡®I will take care of the prince,¡® she said, ¡®and ask for nothing in return.¡¯ ¡°The king drew his de but did not strike. He allowed the woman to care for his son. She returned home at the end of each day, shaken and horrified, never speaking of what she saw in the tower. She refused to answer questions about it, only continuing her work, until the prince reached the age of fifteen. ¡°Then the king dismissed her with nothing, as agreed. But the prince had grown fond of her. He woulde looking for her at her home; she would cook, and he would eat with gratitude, sitting among peasants and smiling. ¡°This continued in secret until the king found out. Enraged that his own son dared tough with peasants, 22:23 Fri, Sep 5 R 36% Finished to chase happiness, he punished him. He gave the fifteen¨Cyear¨Cold prince a sword and ordered him to y the woman who had nurtured him. ¡°The prince wouldn¡¯t do it. He hesitated. And in punishment, he was forced to watch his two sisters be abused, beaten, and tortured. When he could bear it no longer, he went to the woman himself and stabbed her repeatedly. Blood filled everywhere, and she died, leaving behind two children. A newborn baby and the ill son who suffered from epilepsy.¡± A lump had formed in my throat, and I blinked quietly. ¡°What happened to the prince? His two sisters? And the children the woman left behind?¡± Blue looked up into my eyes, blinking sadly. ¡°The prince believed he would never be happy again. So he ughtered everyone in his path before he could grow attached. He allowed his father, the king, to poison his mind. ¡°The prince¡¯s two sisters grew up in an abusive home, tortured whenever the king demanded it. As for the children the woman left behind, her son died one day during a seizure. The baby, however, was cared for by the head of the Kingdom maids. She grew up to be a maid and she sits before you today, mydy.¡°. Tears clouded Blue¡¯s eyes and trailed down her cheeks. ¡°His Majesty suffered abuses and torments you could never imagine. It exins why he would only stare and not speak. His two sisters survived hell at the hands of our former king, their own father.¡± I watched her bow her head to sniff, and when she looked back up, she smiled shakily. Content originallyes from F¦ÉndNovel ¡°I had always wondered why the head of the maids had taken such special care of me. I never knew it was on His Majesty¡¯s orders. ¡°Yes, he killed my mother, but I understand his situation. I love him, and I respect him. You may call me anything you want, but it won¡¯t change how I feel for my King. When I was chosen to serve you, I knew I had to do my best. When he told me I should treat you well, I was determined to do just that. ¡°This illness you are passing through, the fear of me getting infected¡­ I don¡¯t care about it. You are the first woman my king has looked at and loved. You make him happy, and for this, I would die for you if need be. So please, mydy, don¡¯t send me away. I won¡¯t leave. We are in this together,e rain or shine, I will serve you until I breathe no more. Until my lifeless body is cremated and my ashes are scattered in the Lycan Kingdom Lake.¡± Send Gifts Back Where 68 Zephyrine *36% Finished I stood at the window, my bath taken by my maid and my stomach fed. I was dressed in my nightgown, standing still as I watched him walk into White Pack, his horse beside him, moving in sync as always. Then my eyes shifted to see Princess Mearez¡¯s carriage stop in the courtyard. She stepped out, this time not alone. Her sister, Serena, also alighted, and together they walked into the house, while Lycannar was approached by Alpha Auedric. I didn¡¯t eavesdrop on their words, but I saw Lycannar nod, and together they walked inside. Chantel, however, stood beside his own horse after dismounting, holding the reins of Lycannar¡¯s horse in ce. I stared at him for a long moment in silence before lowering my gaze. The story that had been whispered into my ears seemed to carve something deep into my heart. I was about to step away from the window when Nyroth mounted his horse and rode into White Pack, surprising me. I hurried back to watch him dismount. He straightened, nced briefly at Chantel, and then walked into the house. ¡°Where is Zeph?¡± Nyroth¡¯s voice called urgently across the room. ¡°She is in the bedchamber,¡± I heard Dessyn reply, footsteps approaching. I turned as the door opened, and my mate stood in the doorway, staring at me. ¡°Zeph,¡± he said as he walked toward me, his eyes softening. ¡°How do you feel?¡± Th?s chapter is updated by f¦É?dn¦Ïvel For the first time, he seemed tender, as if he truly cared. I lowered my gaze and frowned gently. ¡°I feel tired.¡± ¡°Then you should lie down,¡± he said quietly. Without waiting for my response, he pulled out a handkerchief and held it to his nose, surprising me. ¡°Oh, the handkerchief? My mom suggested it. Don¡¯t worry about it,¡± he said. ¡°Listen, I¡¯vee to tell you I¡¯ll go to the Empire Grove to get the flower for your cure, but you¡¯ll need to be strong, Zeph. Can you wait few days?¡± I looked at him in confusion. ¡°Why?¡± ¡°Ka¡­ she has bad cramps. She wants me with her. You know she¡¯s the daughter of an Alpha now, and I need to support her so our packs can trade. I¡¯ll stay a few days. After she recovers¡­ I¡¯lle to you. I¡¯ll help you¡­¡± The door opened at that moment, interrupting him. Lycannar, the prince who had be a king, the one abused by his father, cursed by the Moon Goddess, abandoned at birth in the prison we call his tower, entered. a 22:23 Fri, Sep 5 R £¤36% Finished His presence was formidable. And as strange as it sounds, just being near him filled me with immense relief. ¡°You shouldn¡¯t be on your feet,¡± Lycannar said, taking my arm and guiding me to sit on the bed. He lowered to one knee before me, his palm cupping my neck tenderly. When our eyes met, I saw his brows knit in awe. He noticed the tears welling in mine and frowned. ¡°Zephyrine,¡± he called softly, but I didn¡¯t respond. Instead, I turned to Nyroth, my resolve firmer than ever. ¡°Go ahead, Nyroth. Stay with the woman you love and leave me to rot. But hear this. The moment I heal, I will arrive in Hue Pack to reject you. If you do not heed this, I will retaliate with war. I swear on my pack¡¯s name.¡± Thest tears rolled down as I lowered my gaze, sniffling. He lingered a moment before departing. For a long while after he left, I simply sat, steadying myself. Finally, I lifted my gaze to Lycannar, and he sighed quietly. My eyes roamed over his attire, the rings on his brow, his readiness. I knew he was on a quest, one even my own mate would never attempt. ¡°We both have our secrets and our pain,¡± I whispered softly, tiredly, ¡°but I ask one thing. please, be honest. The ck Tower¡­. how long can you endure without being in it?¡± ¡°One night.¡± ¡°You wille back to me,¡± I said, more as a warning than a plea. ¡°Tomorrow night, Lycannar. You must return. Do you understand?¡± He searched my eyes in silence. Then, suddenly, he kissed me. I tugged him down to the bed, lying on him, our lips crushing together. I loved being in his arms; I had no regrets. As I closed my eyes, I felt his hands around me protectively. Atst, he me on my back and looked down at my face, watching me breathe. Tenderly, he trailed his fingers along my lips. ¡°My sisters will stay here with you. Serena might be blunt, but she means well. Mearez will be gentle. You should listen to her. Your friend¡¯s father says it¡¯s okay if they stay.¡± My heart felt heavy, but I nodded. I kissed his lips again and watched him stare at me a moment longer before moving to get up. I quickly held him down, my heart racing. ¡°Lycannar¡­ I appreciate the maid you gave me. I know how much she means to you now, and I already love her.¡± He didn¡¯t speak. He only nodded and straightened. Just as he was about to leave, I called out again, panic in my voice. ¡°Lycannar¡­ you are¡­ the first man who kissed me and made love to me.¡± He stared at me silently, expression calm, then walked to the bed and took my hand. ¡°I know,¡± he replied softly. ¡°My beast can tell many things about you.¡± ¡°Like what?¡± ¡°That you¡¯re scared to see me leave.¡± He searched my eyes again. ¡°I¡¯m not going to die.¡± 36% Finished ¡°I know you won¡¯t,¡± I replied sadly, lowering my gaze. ¡°You don¡¯t seem like someone who¡¯d die easily.¡± He kissed me, whispering softly, ¡°I will listen to your voice, remember your face, our kisses¡­ your moans when I am losing myself in the Empire Grove.¡± ¡°And I will remember your gaze, your grace, your devotion, our kisses¡­¡± I kissed him once more, whispering, ¡°and our time at the ck Tower when I nearly went mad waiting for you.¡± Send Gifts Back Where 69 Zephyrine 36% Finished One kiss on my temple, and he walked out. I didn¡¯t realize I had been holding my breath until he left the bedchamber. I stayed still, wondering what he would endure, what he would suffer, before he came back to
  1. me.
The bustle from the living room pulled me back. I/could perceive Alpha Auedric¡¯s scent, and then Moon¡¯s voice reached me. ¡°I¡¯m going too. I¡¯ll have my horse ready.¡± I froze at his words. No. Moon couldn¡¯t make the journey to the Empire Grove. He couldn¡¯t¡­ ¡°You won¡¯t be stopping me, so save your breath.¡± I heard him snap at someone, followed by the sound of the door closing. Hurriedly, I rushed to the window. I saw him walking into the night toward the pack¡¯s stables, determination in every step. I sagged my shoulders. He wouldn¡¯t back down now. Not ever. I lowered my gaze, thinking hard about the situation. Lycannar, the one I had met just days ago, who is not my fated mate, is willing to endure hell for me. Moon, for whom I¡¯d never shown anything beyond sisterly affection, was ready to cross fire and blood to help me. Yet my fated mate, the one chosen by the moon goddess, had decided he would stay with his crush rather than me, who was dying. ¡°The kingdom can wait. We¡¯ll stay here overnight,¡± Princess Serena¡¯s voice interrupted my thoughts, and I blinked to see them. Lycannar and his two elder sisters hade outside to say farewell. From where I stood, it was obvious their bond was unshakable, something no one could break. ¡°I¡¯ll be back tomorrow night. You both don¡¯t need to worry,¡± Lycannar assured them. Meare? nodded stiffly. ¡°I¡¯m more worried about how you¡¯ll deal in the grove. I heard it tampered with people¡¯s sanity.¡± ¡°And you are the god of traumas. You¡¯ve had thousands of them growing up, baby brother,¡± Serena muttered. Lycannar didn¡¯t respond. At that moment, Moon pulled up on his horse, waiting ahead. ¡°I should go,¡± the Lycan King said softly, I expected him to kiss his sisters goodbye, but he didn¡¯t. It was as though he didn¡¯t want it to look like a final farewell. He walked toward his horse and expertly mounted it. Before I could blink, he was galloping out of the pack, his ever¨Cmysterious bodyguard Chantel keeping pace. Moon followed. I let out a shaky sigh as they disappeared from view and I whispered a small prayer. RW 36% Finished ¡°I¡¯ll pass on dinner tonight, Blue. I¡¯m tired, so I¡¯m going to bed,¡± Dessyn¡¯s voice pulled me back to reality as she walked in. I turned to see her acting as if nothing were wrong. She moved further in, preparing for bed, and I nearly rolled my eyes in exhaustion. ¡°Dessyn, you should leave. I don¡¯t want you to get infected.¡± ¡°Save your breath, best friend. I am not Nyroth who is afraid despite being an Alpha.¡± I swallowed hard at her dismissal, watching her change into her nightgown. As she climbed into bed, I couldn¡¯t help myself. ¡°Dessyn, please¡­¡± She paused, giving me her full attention, her eyes defiant, then shrugged. ¡°I¡¯m not leaving you, Zephyr. We¡¯re in everything together. You understand? If you¡¯re worried about infection, Princess Mearez is here. She¡¯ll cure me.¡± No sooner had she spoken than the princesses stepped in. Mearez and Serena. Their presence felt almost too good to be true. I took a step back, putting distance between us, and silence fell. Serena spoke first. ¡°My baby brother is such a thief. I can¡¯t believe he bagged such a beautiful woman.¡± ¡°Lycannar isn¡¯t that bad either,¡± Mearez replied with a smile, walking toward me and gently taking my elbow. ¡°Let¡¯s get you to bed. You shouldn¡¯t be standing.¡± I pulled away, but she only smiled. ¡°It¡¯s fine. The infection isn¡¯t that lethal, and besides, my brother will bring back the cure. Everyone will drink the potion.¡± I allowed her to help me into bed and watched as she wrapped me in a nket. Serena walked to the mirror and sighed. ¡°Lycannar is sacrificing too much for a woman who isn¡¯t his mate. He even stepped into this chamber which has a mirror without fear,¡± ¡°She¡¯s worth everything, Serena,¡± Mearez replied quietly, then turned to me with a soft smile. ¡°Go on, sleep. I¡¯ll stay by the bed, okay?¡± I stared at her gentle face, then slowly turned to Serena, who stood by the mirror, her hands folded on her chest. ¡°Thank you for staying behind,¡± I said softly. ¡°No need. Pay us back by loving Lycannar,¡± Serena replied, then sat beside the bed. ¡°You love him, don¡¯t you?¡± 22:23 Fri, Sep 5 R ? ??? 36%? ??? ????? ???????s ??? ?????s??? ?? FindN0vel Finished Silence fell. Dessyn cleared her throat, speaking for the first time since the Lycan princesses walked in. ¡°She must feel something for him to the extent that they¡¯ve made love once,¡± she said. Serena nodded, then frowned. ¡°The man who just left, who is he anyway?¡± Nyroth. I bit my lower lip as Dessyn answered. ¡°He¡¯s her mate, Alpha Nyroth of Hue Pack.¡± ¡°What?!¡± Mearez eximed, rushing to my side. I nodded feebly. ¡°My gods, does Lycannar know about it?¡± ¡°I told him,¡± I admitted. ¡°And?¡± Serena pressed. ¡°He was mad for a brief moment, then cooled off when I told him I¡¯d go for rejection.¡± ¡°He¡¯s going to kill him,¡± Serena muttered tly, and I swallowed. ¡°I won¡¯t see Lycannar ever again if he dares kill anyone more for my sake. I won¡¯t forgive him, and he knows it.¡± Silence fell. Mearez patted my arm gently. ¡°He won¡¯t do anything to make you angry. Lycannar knows how much you mean to him. You have nothing to worry about. Now close your eyes and sleep.¡± Her soft voice, her gentle gesture, wrapped around me like a warm nket. I obeyed, and the moment I lowered my eyelids, I slept. Send Gifts Back Where 70 Chapter 70 ???? ????s? ???????s ?? find?novel Lycannar 36% Finished I have been around the empire twice. The first time was when I saved Blue¡¯s brother, and the second time was when I did what my father hated the most. Have him cremated and ced his remains in the Werewolf Memorial Hall. That way, there would be no peace for him. But tonight, I am heading toward a ce I have never known, only heard of. She is sweet. She is strong. And most importantly, she is steadfast. I would have worried too much to leave her behind, but the fact that my two sisters are with her keeps my mind at rest. Riding toward the sunrise caught up with us when we arrived at the loneliestne I have ever seen. My horse skidded to a stop, and my breath hitched with it. Chantel, riding behind me, dismounted immediately to check my horse. Then he paused, ncing around. The sudden cold breeze was mysterious. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± a voice came from behind, but I didn¡¯t pay attention. Moon, they call him that, lives in the same house as Zephyrine. He means a lot to her, and she to him, enough that he is willing toe this far. ¡°Your Majesty, look,¡± Moon said again, and I obeyed this time. They say the Empire Grove is at the end of the world, but to me, it seems located here, where the whispers of residents refuses to bless us. This loneliest path we¡¯vee across since leaving the town and packs behind so long ago. I look ahead and see nothing but a storm brewing. A cold chill runs down my spine. It¡¯s not just a storm, it¡¯s a warning. My beast can feel it. ¡°It¡¯s the Empire Grove. I¡¯m moving in,¡± Moon said suddenly, kicking his horse into motion. I swiftly block his way. ¡°It¡¯s not the Empire Grove. It¡¯s an illusion,¡± I mutter under my breath, keeping my gaze down so I won¡¯t see his death or the sorrow he will endure, but he is adamant. ¡°Get out of my way. I¡¯m going to get the cure!¡± he charges ahead, and my horse races after his, Gradually, a buildinges into view. Arge shining castle. Moon stops his horse before it and dismounts hurriedly to enter, but I am swift. I grab his arm and push him away just in time, taking the piercing hit from a spiky branch instead, He steps back in horror as blood drips from my chest. Chantel arrives at that moment, eyes wide. He dismounts and rushes to me, pulling out the branch as Silence falls. ¡°I¡­ I¡¯m sorry,¡± I heard Moon apologize but I ignored him. I nce down at my chest. It has already healed and the pain is gone. £¤36%ÈÕ Finished Gently, I walked toward Moon, and I felt him go still as I stopped before him. Slowly, he looked up into my eyes, and I paused, letting it happen. I let myself take in the misery, the sorrow, the longing¡­ and finally, the date and time of his death. After a few seconds, I took a step back, feeling dizzy, ¡°Stay here,¡± I tell him, then enter the castle. He rushes after me, leaving me no choice but to signal Chantel. My bodyguard pulls him back just long enough for me to say. ¡°You will die ten minutes from now if you step into the castle. You can go in if you doubt me.¡± Immediately, my strength wanes. My beasts, especially the demon, weaken, and I feel like sinking but I hold
  1. on.
Gritting my teeth, I stepped into the castle, only for the surroundings to evaporate and transform into the Lycan Kingdom. Right as I struck my first kill just at the foot of the ck tower. I know this is an illusion. This is how the grove wanted to toy with me. A mirage, creeping into my deepest, ugliest memories. I paused where I stood, looking around and there he was. My younger self, knife in hand, blood everywhere, a dying man at my feet. My father had whispered into my ears, and I had done exactly as he instructed. What he told me was the ¡°best way¡± to protect my sisters. I lowered my gaze, walking ahead into the ck tower. When I pushed open the door, the scene shifted again to the bedchamber where I had been groomed. I froze at the doorway, staring at the older woman my father had hired. ¡°Teach him what sex means so he won¡¯t be distracted by it when he grows older,¡± had been his order. My innocence was stolen. I averted my eyes and stepped out of the bedchamber, when the sound of flesh meeting flesh to echo through the air. The environment dissolved once more, returning me to the scene of my nanny¡¯s death. A woman I had called mother, and whom I had killed with my own hands. I looked away quickly, unable to meet the horror in her eyes, lying there in the dirt, bleeding from multiple stabs. When everyonebeled me a monster, when everyone abandoned me, she had been the only one to ensure I survived as a pup. And what did I repay her with? Death. I turned away and continued walking, only for the environment to shift again. This time, a doory ahead. I was no longer in the Lycan Kingdom. Slowly, I approached and opened it and There it was. The cure. One single petal hovered in the air, bathed in sunlight. I swallowed hard, moving forward to take it but then I felt the shift in the air. 22:23 Fri, Sep 5 R £¤36% Finished ¡°I should have known you¡¯d never amount to any good,¡± my father¡¯s voice slithered through. ¡°I should have driven a de into your demonic heart the moment you were born.¡± I set my jaw. Those were the same words he loved repeating. ¡°No one will ever love you, Lycannar. You are a man, a Lycan, and a demon. You belong neither fully to the demon realm nor to the Shifter empire. The woman you¡¯re trying to save¡­ she has a fated mate. You think that¡¯s a coincidence?¡± ¡°Zephyrine is mine, Father,¡± I muttered under my breath. I reached again for the flower but his mocking chuckle filled the air. ¡°You saw her holding his hands. She is still drawn to him. You will only ever be useful for dangerous quest, just like you are for war in the demon realm. No one will like you or ept you, Lycannar. You will grow without aging, rotting quietly and sorrowfully in your tower while she chooses her mate, marries, has pups, and lives happily.¡± His voice grew louder as I moved toward the petal, plucking it from its branch. Immediately, the world evaporated, and I found myself standing on the lonely path again. Chnatel was ahead, Moon too. The castle had vanished but then again I knew it was only an illusion. I must have seen things that weren¡¯t truly there, but¡­ the words¡­ were they bluff, or would they trulye to pass? Send Gifts 2.3K 4 2.2 Back Where 71 Zephyrine 36% Finished ¡°Zephyrine? Zephyrine?¡± I fluttered my eyelids open, tired and heavy, to see Princess Mearez¡¯s concerned face. She looked so worried that my chest ached. I saw her lips move, but I couldn¡¯t focus. I couldn¡¯t summon the energy to answer or even pay attention. I tried to close my eyes again, but Serena came and nudged me gently. ¡°Zephyrine, you can¡¯t sleep. Try to stay awake. It¡¯s already dusk.¡± Oh. I must have slept through the entire morning. I swallowed hard and spoke in a whisper, barely audible. Princess Mearez leaned in, straining to hear. ¡°Lycan¡­ is he¡­ okay?¡± She pulled back for a brief moment, then nodded, ¡°He will be fine. He will be here soon. You need to stay awake. You have to be strong.¡± At that moment, Princess Serena turned toward the door, groaning with urgent concern. ¡°Is he not going toe? His pack isn¡¯t that far away, is it? I raised an eyebrow, curiosity flickering. Whose pack? Who else wasing? The door opened then, and Dessyn rushed in, panting as though she¡¯d been running non¨Cstop. ¡°Alpha Nyroth isn¡¯t at his pack. He¡¯s at ckbridge Pack, and when I got there, it was, oh gods, through the window! He granted me an audience, and¡­ my gods, he¡¯s naked! Bare¨Cchested!¡± ¡°And why isn¡¯t he here with you?¡± Princess Mearez asked, her tone sharp. ¡°He¡¯s¡­ with Ka.¡± ¡°Who is Ka?¡± Serena asked, her voice tight with curiosity. I turned away, letting out a shaky sigh. I already knew what Ka meant to him. How he gaze at her. How much I¡¯d prayed, hoped, begged for Nyroth to look at me that way, but no. He never would. Not even once. ¡°She¡¯s his mate. If he can channel a bit of energy to her wolf, it will ease her pain. But why won¡¯t hee?¡± ¡°I can¡¯t believe this is how mate bonds work in the Werewolf Empire,¡± Princess Mearez muttered to herself. I closed my eyes slowly, letting the words sink in. Nyroth had failed me every single time I gave him a chance to prove himself. Every time, up until now, he failed again and again and chose Ka over me. While I rot here, he finds the urge toy with her, even when the mate bond between us is still intact. 22:24 Fri, Sep 5 Get full chapters from find?novel R 4.36%ÈÕ Finished Moon, goddess, why would you fate me to such a man? Why? Even after I¡¯ve saved your empire from demons and brought peace to the entire world, why will you pay me with¡­ My tired eyes drifted to the dark sky outside the window. The cold breeze swirling through sent a chill down my spine. Lycannar¡­ I wonder how he¡¯s faring. Is he okay? I was lost in thought when the distant sound of the White Pack¡¯s gates opening reached me. The pounding of hooves brought my heart to a halt. The princesses and Dessyn rushed to the window. ¡°My gods. It¡¯s my baby brother!¡± Serena eximed in awe. They all rushed out. Footsteps echoed from the living room, carrying voices as well. ¡°My princess, I¡¯ve made preparations for the potion,¡± Blue¡¯s voice called. ¡°Lead me to the kitchen. Quick,¡± Princess Mearezmanded, and I heard the soft sound of kisses. Serena to Lycannar. ¡°Are you hurt anywhere?¡± Dessyn asked Moon, but he didn¡¯t respond. His footsteps receded instead. What happened? I forced myself to sit up, turning toward door. The approaching footsteps grew louder, each step melting the chill in my chest and recing it with warmth. Finally, he appeared in the doorway. I forgot to breathe for a moment. Lycannar. He stood frozen for a heart¨Cstopping second, his eyes locked on mine. I stared back. No scratches, no signs of the dangers he had faced at the empire grove. Was the danger there exaggerated, or had he truly emerged unscathed? ¡°Lycan¡­¡± I whispered softly. He stepped forward, then paused. His eyes dropped to my hand, and I felt him recoil. Coldness surged suddenly, and my heart sank as he set his jaw and turned toward the exit. ¡°Lycan?!¡± I called after him, but he didn¡¯t reply. The sound of his horse departing reached me momentster, and I bit my lower lip until it almost bled. My gods! What happened? I tried to get out of bed, but my knees buckled, and I copsed to the floor just as Dessyn entered, rushing toward me. ¡°Zephyr¡­¡± ¡°Let me go. I need to¡­ I need to talk to him,¡± I said, exhaustion seeping into my voice. Dessyn helped me back to the bed. 22:24 Fri, Sep 5 RU ¡°Why?¡± she asked. Finished ¡°Lycannar,¡± I whispered, my voice almost gone. ¡°He just left, and I don¡¯t know why. I¡­ I need to talk to him. I need to¡­¡± ¡°Zephyr!¡± she snapped, yanking me back to reality. I gasped, breathing hard. ¡°What is wrong with you? He only left. He¡¯lle back. Or you can go to him. Why are you trembling?¡± Am I¡­ trembling? I looked down at my hands. My knuckles were white. And then it hit me. How much I fear losing Lycannar. I might not want to admit it, but he upies thergest, deepest ce in my heart now. The mate bond from the moon goddess means nothingpared to what I feel. I leaned back against the pillow, quiet, my hands still trembling. He had looked at them. Definitely reminded of Nyroth holding my hands. Is he mad at me? Still? Could he¡­ be jealous of that? Oh no. Back Where 72 Lycannar My horse galloped into my Kingdom and stopped at the Royal stable under the night sky. 36% Finished I dismounted and entered the hall at once as the stableman came to hold the horse. I headed straight toward my tower when a shift behind me caught my attention. I slowed and turned. The movement flickered in my vision before vanishing. It looked more like¡­ my father disappearing into another hallway. I frowned and continued walking, but then I paused and let out a shaky sigh. ¡°Chantel, inform the guards to go to White Pack and escort my sisters home when they are done.¡± He said no word, only bowed and moved swiftly to carry out my orders while I mounted the stairs and pushed open the door to my bedchamber. I rushed to the table to pour a goblet of calming potion but it slipped from my hand when dizziness hit me suddenly. I stumbled to the bed and copsed onto it, breathing hard. I shouldn¡¯t have informed Moon he would die. If I hadn¡¯t¡­ I wouldn¡¯t feel this weak, this sick. I bowed my head, trying to fight the fatigue, when soft footsteps drifted in from the hallway. ???? ????s? ???????s ?? find{n}ovel I looked up, expecting Chantel, but the door was ajar and no one was there. I stared into the nk space, goosebumps rising across my skin. Someone is here. Someone. ¡°She will never love you. She will hate you soon. She will leave you for her fated mate and you will rot here. Alone.¡± The whisper froze me. It was my father¡¯s voice. I had left the Empire Grove unharmed, thought I was safe¡­ but now¡­. I walked to the door and slowly closed it. Then I moved to the corridor of my tower, where I often watched the sun set. Below, I could see my kingdom¡¯s people going about their nightly tasks. It gave me a small peace to seeughter among them, but then a movement caught my eyes. Someone walking there didn¡¯t belong. He paused and looked up at me. My blood ran cold. Father. The sound of a door opening pulled me from my gaze, and I slowly turned to see Chantel standing quietly at the doorway, at attention as always. I turned back to where I had glimpsed my father on the lower floor but he was gone. Only the cool night breeze swirled around now. I pulled away from the corridor and decided to prepare for bed. I made my way to the bath chamber, therge space lit with ancient candles that burned forever. Memories of Zephyrine in the water came flooding back. Her body, her gaze, her lips, those long, beautiful fingers¡­ 36% Finished ¡°He held them, didn¡¯t he?¡± My father¡¯s voice cut through my thoughts. I swallowed hard. ¡°She feels nothing for you, son. No one will love you. She will get better and return to her mate. No one will love a creature with no ce here or in the other world.¡± I swallowed his bitter words and undressed, stepping into the pool. The water was soothing, and I closed my eyes to savor it but visions of Zephyrine in the arms of her mate shed before me. They kissed, and she stared at him the way she used to look at me. I jerked my eyes open and breathed shakily. It¡¯s not real, I tried to tell myself. Just hallucinations, remnants of the Grove visit. I steadied my breath and looked ahead to see Chantel silently observing. I turned away, finished bathing, and stepped out of the running pool. I picked up my robe and dressed. As I walked through the hall, I felt another presence below. My uncle, Dareth. Quietly, I descended the stairs to the dining room where he stood with two elders from the council. The same elders who never appeared unless absolutely necessary. Why are they here tonight? ¡°Your Majesty,¡± my uncle bowed. I paused at the foot of the stairs, waiting. His eyes ran over my wet hair, my bare feet, the golden anklets around my ankles. ¡°Uh¡­ Your Majesty, we havee to remind you, because it seems you have forgotten. This is the Lycan Kingdom, and we have no business with the Werewolf Empire.¡± I said nothing, staring at him. He continued, fidgeting slightly. ¡°You have barely attended council meetings since ascending the throne, so we havee to remind you about the Beta post. You didn¡¯t address it.¡± Still, I remained silent, studying him. Atst, I nodded. ¡°Let¡¯s discuss it tomorrow at the meeting. I will be there.¡± Ignoring his bow and the elders¡® presence, I returned to my tower. I pulled off the Royal robe and dressed for bed. Just as I finished, Chantel appeared at my doorstep, refreshed and ready to guard as he always did. I walked to the bed and sat, doing nothing for a moment. I reached for a book but couldn¡¯t concentrate. My thoughts weighed heavily. What if Zephyrine is in another man¡¯s arms? And¡­ why does the nket on her bed cling to her body like that? It should be me holding her so tight? I groaned in frustration and closed the book. Gently, I looked at Chantel and sighed. ¡°Come in,¡± I ordered. He obeyed quietly, lowering himself into the chair by the table. He must be tired too; he shouldn¡¯t have to 22.25 Fri, Sep stand all night. 36% Finished I draped the nket over myself with a heavy sigh and closed my eyes, trying to sleep but my heart was restless, my thoughts tangled with betrayal. I opened my eyes to see Chantel watching me. Silence fell until he spoke. ¡°Should I go kill him?¡± The question lingered in my mind. I could wipe out that useless mate of hers and prepare for her wrath.ter but no. ¡°She said she won¡¯t see me again if I harm him,¡± I muttered. ¡°For now¡­ let him live.¡± Send Gifts 10 2.3K 3 Back Where 73 Zephyrine 36% Finished The bright sunlight bathed my face,pelling me to open my eyes to see that morning had alreadye. Iy there for a while, then slowly sat up, taking in my surroundings. I was alone in the bed, and everywhere felt quieter than usual. Carefully, I got off the bed and walked to the window, my gaze fixing on the exact spot he used to stand whenever he came by. Lycannar. His name echoed in my heart, and I lowered my gaze, closing my eyes to try to feel his energy but I couldn¡¯t. Whenever the massive gates of the Lycan Kingdom closed behind him, I couldn¡¯t even perceive his scent. Why did he have to leave immediately after being there for me? Who gave him the right to turn his back when I needed him the most? Did he think he could barge into my heart, steal everything I am, and expect me to just watch him walk away? I stood there in silence until the soft sound of the door opening caught my attention. The footsteps stopped forward, and I turned to see her. Blue. Her beautiful eyes met mine, and she trailed her gaze down my body. ¡°You are¡­ feeling well, mydy,¡± she muttered, a proud excitement clouding her face. ¡°Princess Mearez is still the best healer. I knew she would get the job done.¡± Silence fell between us when I didn¡¯t respond. I watched her stare, and slowly, her gaze dropped. ¡°Did I¡­ say anything wrong, mydy?¡± I turned away, staring out at the bright sky. It was a peaceful day, and I let out a soft sigh. Blue now served as a reminder that Lycannar was still in my life, still in my heart. I slowly looked down at my fingers and swallowed hard. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell Lycannar about my identity?¡± I asked quietly. ¡°You know who I am. You know I am an Ashmere. You saw the Beta of Ash Pack bow before me the other night at Luna Tahlia¡¯s house. Why keep that a secret from your king?¡± ¡°I am following orders, mydy,¡± she replied softly. ¡°His Majesty said I should serve only you. That means I must be loyal to no one else but you.¡± ¡°So that means¡­ if I leave here¡­ if by any chance I return to my pack¡­ you wille along?¡± She met my eyes, hesitation and worry flickering across her face, tinged with sadness. ¡°I will go anywhere with you, mydy. Don¡¯t¡­ push me away. Please.¡± I lowered my gaze from her face. She was fiercely loyal. From her stance, from her attitude, I could tell she would die for me. 22:25 Fri, Sep 5 R ¡°Who am I?¡± I asked softly. Silence. I looked up, finding her fingers entwined nervously. 36% Finished ¡°From whispers, words I have heard in the house, and what I have seen so far¡­ You are Zephyrine Ashmere. The only daughter of thest Warlord, Vale. Your mother is a war general, Seraphine, and your brother, Varyn, is the best war strategist. He was supposed to be Alpha after your parents were reported dead in the war¡­ but he¡¯s missing.¡± I stayed quiet for a long time, almost smiling at her words. She knew it all. ¡°You have been my personal maid for a while. Tell me,¡± I said carefully, ¡°who is best for me. Nyroth or Lycannar?¡± A small frown creased her face, and she shook her head. ¡°Do you have topare my king to any other man?¡± she asked, and my heart tightened. ¡°Between a man who looks at only you like he¡¯d devour you, and a man who chose another woman when you were dying¡­ who do you think is best?¡± A cold chill ran down my spine. I stepped back, her words heavy in my heart. Before I could respond, the door opened again. Dessyn walked in, looking exhausted. She paused when she saw me standing. ¡°Zephyr!¡± she rushed forward, hugging me tightly. I stood in her arms, staring at her as she pulled back. ¡°My gods¡­ how do you feel? Are you okay? Princess Mearez said you¡¯d be fine, but I never knew it would be so soon. Are you¡­¡± Her voice trailed off. She walked to the bed and flopped onto it tiredly, running her fingers through her hair. ¡°Last night felt like a year. I wouldn¡¯t know what to tell Jurrek if anything had happened to you. Alpha Auedric is equally worried, and¡­ rumors are flying about the duel you had with the rogue.¡± I was about to ask a question when a knock came at the door. I turned slowly to see Moon step into the chamber, quiet and gentle. His eyes found me, and for a fleeting moment, I saw a smile on his face. He took a step forward and hugged me tightly. ¡°I was so worried about you, Zephyr,¡± he whispered, his gaze locked on mine. ¡°It¡¯s¡­ it¡¯s so good to see you back to yourself.¡± I nodded, aware that Blue watched Moon without blinking. N?w ?ovel chapt?rs are published on Find¡ïNovel ¡°Thank you for making the journey, Moon. I am so¡­¡± ¡°Tell that to His Majesty,¡± Moon interrupted softly. ¡°If it wasn¡¯t for him¡­ I wouldn¡¯t have survived.¡± I stiffened at his words, and the others flinched too. Moon¡¯s gaze met mine, his lips curling in a small, defeated smile. ¡°He¡¯s a king after all¡­ powerful and¡­¡± He paused, nodding. ¡°He took a hit for me. His chest bled because of my mistake, and he did all the work. He stepped into the empire grove¡­ and though it was just before us, to him it felt like somewhere else. I heard him respond to a voice only he could hear. And after he plucked the flower and mounted his horse¡­ I felt a change in him.¡± Fri, Sep ¡°What¡­ what changed? What happened to him?¡± My heart thudded in my chest. ¡°He is pale. It¡¯s like he¡¯s sick.¡± 36% Finished I stiffened further. Lycannar hadn¡¯t been himself the day I copsed. He was pale and yet he had made that journey. Now¡­ he is¡­ ¡°I will go to the Lycan Kingdom.¡± Send Gifts Back Where 74 Zephyrine Finished I watched the massive gates of the Lycan Kingdom open wide for my carriage as the guards cleared the way to the Royal carriage stand. When it stopped, I stepped down. My long ck hair cascaded around my waist, and I wore a gown that hugged my form perfectly. With calm determination, I made my way into the hall. I moved straight toward the ck Tower, ignoring hesitation. All the maids I passed bowed respectfully, and the guards paused at attention. Even the doors ahead seemed to open itself for me, as if an unspoken decree allowed me to enter the Kingdom whenever I wished. I reached the dining hall, but it was empty. Not even Chantel, who usually lingered in the shadows, was there. I nced at the stairs, debating for a moment, before beginning my ascent. Emerging into the dimly lit hallway, no one appeared in sight. I continued toward his living room, each step slower as memories of our time there pressed in. I paused in the doorway, my eyesnding on the table where he had once seated me and whispered those intimate instructions. A rush of heat curled up my legs, and I quickly looked away, only to notice the floor where we had spent the night, where I had rested my head against his chest and slept like nothing in the world could harm me. My heart clenched. I moved forward toward his bedchamber, the one he had said was strictly forbidden for anyone to enter. The bed was empty but tidy. I bent to pick up a goblet lying on the floor and ced it beside a bottle of potion on the table. Then I walked to the corridor window and gazed out at the Kingdom. ¡°Vast¡± felt like a small word to describe the world Lycannar ruled. Lycans went about their daily lives,ughter carrying across the streets. My heart swelled; it was clear his reign had brought them peace. I was lost in thought when movement caught my eye. Princess Serena appeared on the lower floor, two maids behind her carrying scrolls. ¡°Princess Serena?¡± I called, and she froze, almost everyone stopping to look upward. Her eyes widened in astonishment. ¡°Zephyrine? My gods¡­ what are you doing here? You were supposed to be in bed!¡± ¡°I want to see Lycannar. He¡¯s not in his chamber,¡± I replied. She smiled. A knowing smile that made my cheeks heat. Follow current nov?ls on fin?novel ¡°Come on down. I¡¯ll take you to him.¡± 36%. Finished I nodded and hurried down the tower. Bursting out into the open, Serena paused, staring at me head to toe, then back at my face. With prideful amusement, she entwined her fingers with mine. ¡°You are one fine woman. Come on,¡± she urged, smiling at everyone watching. ¡°She¡¯s my baby brother¡¯s woman.¡± ¡°But¡­¡± ¡°Don¡¯t be shy. Everyone should know you¡¯re off¨Climits,¡± she said with a chuckle. We entered a new hall that led to a section of the Kingdom I hadn¡¯t explored. Before we could continue, a guard rushed forward, bowing slightly. ¡°Princess Serena, you are needed at the market square. It¡¯s urgent.¡± Serena paused, then turned to me with an apologetic smile. ¡°Let¡¯s go to Mearez. She is nearby. She will take you to the King.¡± I nodded, allowing her to pull me forward once again. This time we entered the healing wing, which had a soothing, peaceful feeling. Passing through chambers of the sick and weary, all healers bowed before us, even as they worked. Finally, Princess Serena opened the door to a lecture hall where she was tutoring aspiring healers about potion¨Cmaking. The healers, seeing us, immediately bowed. Mearez paused mid¨Clesson and quickly approached me. ¡°You really want the King to be mad at you, Zephyrine, hmm?¡± Her tone was teasing, but affectionate. My chest heated at her words, and I shook my head.¡± ¡°I came to say thank you,¡± I whispered, the lump in my throat making my words catch. Mearez¡¯s smile softened. ¡°I have to solve a problem at the market square. You should take her to my baby brother,¡± Serena instructed her sister before leaving with a warm smile. Alone with the gentle healer, Princess Mearez smiled brightly. ¡°You look beautiful. Come on, I¡¯ll take you to him. Wait¡­ it¡¯s almost noon. Lycannar will need his potion.¡± She retrieved a bottle of potion and a goblet, bidding farewell to her students as she led me out. We moved through a quieter, heavily guarded hall, tidy, with maids standing at attention. Finally, we slowed near a chamber where I could hear the King¡¯s elders speaking, sending goosebumps across my skin. Lycannar Blood. A King. Seated at the head of the table, his gaze fixed on the table while listening to the discussion of his eight elders, including his advisor, his uncle. My eyes swept over him, and my heart fluttered. Handsome was too small a word. Power didn¡¯t evene close. The rings on his eyebrow, the runes curling from his chest to his neck, his ck attire, his posture. Lycannar exuded dominance and danger. He was a man who belonged to only one woman. Me. Back Where 75 Chapter 75 Zephyrine 36% Finished ¡°So we believe making your cousinspete will be better. One of them who wins will be crowned as the beta. What do you think, Your Majesty?¡± Silence. I stood there with Princess Mearez, my breath caught in my throat as I watched him consider the decision. ¡°Let other menpete too,¡± Lycannar said quietly, his gaze downcast. The elders shared a look with Lord Dareth. ¡°I don¡¯t think that is a good option. You mean to let a peasant rule by your side?¡± His uncle asked sharply, and suddenly time seemed to pause. Lycannar, still staring at the table, slowly lifted his eyes to meet his uncle¡¯s. My breath hitched. He would have seen something, horrible things, like his death. The fact that he held eye contact forced the whole hall into strict decorum. Then he turned toward the elders, giving each one a piercing look. It wasn¡¯t merely a stare; it was a warning. Chantel stood ready, willing to spill blood at hismand. ¡°Have the people you call peasantspete too. Whoever wins will take the vow with me as my beta,¡± he concluded. Now I knew that anyone who spoke against it wouldn¡¯t live to see tomorrow. The elders nodded their agreement wisely, and I sighed in relief. Just then, Lord Dareth turned toward the exit and spotted me. Gently, he turned back to Lycannar, whose eyes had returned to the long table. ¡°Your Majesty, we have discussed among ourselves as a council as well. A king without a wife or concubine, at least¡­ perhaps you would prefer one to warm your bed tonight?¡°. I swallowed hard at the suggestion, and I swear I already felt my face flush with rage. I stood with bated breath, waiting for Lycannar¡¯s response, He finally looked up at his uncle, who immediately bowed. The King¡¯s gaze lingered briefly on me near the exit. He knew I was there but he chose to ignore me. My heart skipped a beat when he looked away. His expression was unreadable. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me you were suffering from forgetfulness? I would have told my sister to heal you,¡± he said quietly. ¡°I introduced my woman to you the other night. Have you forgotten so quickly?¡± Fresh chapters posted on F¦ÉndNovel Silence descended over the hall, and I paused to let his words echo in my mind. He had¡­ taken my side. Lord Dareth turned to the elders and chuckled dryly to ease the tension. ¡°You won¡¯t me old age, my dear nephew. We will prepare thepetition at once and report back on who wins. How about that?¡± Lycannar nodded, and the meeting was dismissed instantly. The elders took their leave, bypassing Princess Mearez and me with a low bow. I felt their eyes linger on me before they finally departed. 36% Finished Atst, Princess Mearez pulled me aside in the council chamber and began talking about her problem, but I stayed in the doorway, watching him. ¡°Your first meeting as a king and you¡¯re already threatening the elders with a re, Lycan,¡± she said, smiling and He shrugged. ¡°Come take your potion. How do you feel?¡± Lycannar grabbed the goblet of potion his sister had poured and drank it in one gulp. ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡± ¡°As you should be. I have to go. I¡¯ll leave Zephyrine to you. Don¡¯t you see she is strong? She¡¯s healed already.¡± At that, Lycannar gave no response. Princess Mearez sensed something immediately and took the goblet away, heading out. As she passed me, she whispered, ¡°Good luck.¡± She left, leaving me alone in the hall with the King and his mysterious bodyguard. Silence fell, and I took the moment to stare at him. His eyes were fixed on the table before him. Finally, he looked up and met my gaze. I saw his eyes trail down my hand, the same one Nyroth had held and then rise back to my face. ¡°What do you ride here?¡± he asked atst, and I nearly bit myself at his tone. ¡°My carriage.¡± ¡°I will walk you to it,¡± he said, rising and moving toward the exit. I didn¡¯t budge. ¡°I¡¯m not leaving just yet.¡± He paused and turned to me. His eyes shed, though I couldn¡¯t tell if it was anger, jealousy, or both. ¡°Why?¡± He was mad at me, and I seemed to know why. ¡°Lycan, I¡¯m sorry about¡­ I¡¯m sorry you had to see Nyroth touching me, but I assure you it¡¯s¡­ it¡¯s really nothing.¡± He stared at me quietly for a moment, then nodded. He moved toward the exit, but I blocked his path, tired of his silence. ¡°Lycan¡­¡± ¡°It¡¯s nothing,¡± he repeated, the sh of anger unmistakable. ¡°A manys hands on you, and you dare tell me it¡¯s nothing? Do I not mean anything to you?¡± I frowned at his words. ¡°Lycan, you are making it a big issue. It¡¯s really nothing.¡± ¡°Nothing? Maybe I should have agreed to a concubine to warm my bed. That surely would mean nothing to you, would it?¡± My anger spiked. even ²Ø35%Œ£ Finished ¡°You won¡¯t even dare share that body of yours with anyone, Lycannar,¡± I warned hotly. He matched my gaze. ¡°Same goes for you. If you want that mate of yours to keep his hands intact, tell him to stop touching my woman. I am not merciful, Zephyrine. I will end him if I see himy hands on you again.¡± He meant it. For a moment, I wondered how far he¡¯d go, how many would have to die before Lycannar imed me, whole and soul. I swallowed hard at the thought of his concubine remark and gently stepped closer, cing my palm t on his chest. The warmth, the solidness, the thudding of his heartbeat¡­ it made me feel whole. ¡°I can use a de too, Lycan,¡± I whispered, looking into his eyes, my lips brushing his. ¡°Aside from your sister, whom I love, respect, and understand, these lips, this body, you, the King of the Lycan Kingdom, you are mine. Any woman whoes near you will be lost without a trace. If you doubt me, then try.¡± A spark of threat passed between us, and the air grew heavy. His lips hovered near mine for a brief moment before everything crashed. In the next second, I found myself lifted into his arms, my hands circling his neck. He pinned me against the wall and kissed me hard, fiercely, as if iming me entirely. Send Gifts 2.3K ºÏ Back Where 76 Zephyrine 35% Finished Starvation. I had never realized just how much I had wanted him nor did he seem to know how much he had missed me until we entered the dining hall and could no longer hold back. As soon as we were out of the public eye, he grabbed me by the waist, and I clutched him in return, allowing his lips to im mine. He tasted sweet, solid, and intoxicating, and I lost myself immediately in his arms. We left the council hall in a rush, hand in hand, not caring about the eyes lingering on us. All that mattered was each other. He kissed me with a hunger that erased all other men, and maybe I didn¡¯t need anyone else. Maybe all I wanted, wanted fully, was right here, holding me. Breathlessly, I reached for his shirt, and he let me pull it over his head. I tossed it aside and returned to his chest, heart skipping at the sight. His hair was matted, his runes visible across broad, powerful skin. I was still drinking him in when he grabbed my chin and pressed his lips to mine again, shattering my focuspletely. I moaned into him, my palm pressed to his unwavering chest, then broke the kiss, panting against his lips, forehead against his. Slowly, I met his gaze and kissed him again, unable to stop. ¡°I want to taste you too,¡± I muttered breathlessly, and he searched my face. ?????? ???? Find?Novel ¡°Who taught you that?¡± he asked, lifting an eyebrow. ¡°Just because I was a virgin doesn¡¯t mean I¡¯m naive. I want to taste you, Lycan,¡± I whispered, and without waiting, I pressed my lips to his. My n found its way to the hardness straining against his trousers before he could resist. ¡°Oh gods¡­ you¡¯re so hard,¡± I muttered, wrapping my fingers around him. His grip tightened around my waist, holding me firmly as I sank to my knees. I worked quickly, freeing him, letting his hard dick spring into my eager hands. My heart leapt as I wrapped my lips around him, sucking carefully. He brushed a strand of hair from my face as a low groan escaped his lips. Then he lifted me to the table, fumbling with my dress. Panting, I let him pull my underwear aside, exposing me fully. My heart thudded when he paused, swallowing hard, before cupping my cheek to kiss me tenderly. ¡°I missed you,¡± he muttered against my lips, then lowered his tongue to explore me. My thighs trembled, and I moaned loudly as he worked, making me to forget everything except the heat and pleasure between
  1. us.
Lust overtook reason, and we threw caution to the wind. Lycannar positioned himself, easing inside me with care, his hand still wrapped around my neck. I gasped as he filled mepletely. ¡°Ugh,¡± he growled. ¡°You¡¯re so tight.¡± He began to move, thrusting with gentle insistence that gradually grew heavier. My hands gripped his shoulders as his pace intensified, his clutch around my neck firm. 35% Finished His hands moved to my thighs, spreading me for deeper, more merciless thrusts. I moaned loudly, caring nothing if anyone, maids, guards, overheard. When I could no longer breathe, I punched his chest, but he ignored it. The sensation peaked, and he approached his climax. Lycannar¡¯s grip tightened, and I shut my eyes, feeling him fill mepletely, warmth spreading through me. Only then did he slow, his hands softening. I coughed, catching my breath,ying back on the table exhausted. My eyelids closed briefly before I opened them to see him, stunned by the intensity of what had just passed between us. ¡°I hurt you?¡± he muttered, but I clutched his wrist before he could step away. ¡°Kiss me,¡± I demanded. ¡°Now, Lycan. Kiss me like I¡¯m yours. Because I am.¡± He paused, then leaned down, pressing his lips to mine tenderly. But control slipped again. His hands dug into my breasts mid¨Ckiss, drawing a tiny trace of blood on my lip. Pulling back, breathless, I stared at him. He had snapped, lost control, driven entirely by hunger for me. He stared at me for a brief moment before leaning down again, capturing my lips with his. Tender at first, his kiss quickly sharpened, his hold growing intense. His hands tugged at my breasts just as his mouth pressed harder against mine, and I tasted blood. Slowly, he pulled back, breathless. I stared at him, my own heart heaving, blood forming on my lower lip. He had snapped. Completely. One fierce, possessive force, starving for only one person. Me. We paused, staring at one another for a brief, charged moment, before he finally pulled away to dress. He grabbed his shirt from the table and came to me., ¡°Come. Let¡¯s go to my chamber,¡± he murmured. I allowed him to lift me, my hands wrapping around his neck as we moved through the hall. Up close, I could see every inch of him. Every shadow, every line. His lips¡­ those lips. ¡°You are mine, Lycannar,¡± I whispered softly, pressing the words into him. He paused mid¨Cstep, shifting his gaze to me. ¡°What did you say?¡± ¡°You are mine. I will kill any woman who darese close to you.¡± Silence fell, heavy and electric. I leaned in and kissed him softly. That was all the invitation he needed. Lycannar took control instantly, lifting me into his arms with my legs wrapped around his waist. His hardness pressed against me, demanding, iming. This time, he entered sharply. I gasped, punching his chest as my body reacted to him. He drove deeper in response, and together we sank to the hallway floor. ¡°Pull your dress off,¡± Lycannar demanded, urgent and possessive, helping me out of my gown. My bodyy bare before him, and he imed me entirely, as if I had always been his. 22:27 Fri, Sep 5 R The Rogue Is A Female Alpha Back Where 77 Zephyrine 35% Finished I drifted awake to find myself in the arms of Lycannar. For a brief moment, I didn¡¯t move. We were in his hallway, and he was fast asleep, as he had been the other day. I could feel the ache from my thighs and the gentle bruise on my neck that wasn¡¯t healing. The exact spot where he had choked me. Slowly, I looked up at his face. He looked so much at peace, and he was fast asleep. I sighed and then lowered my gaze. He was always fierce when making love to me. It was as though he feared I¡¯d push him away. My fingers found their way to the bruise, feeling the sting, and I sighed again. We need to talk about our sex life and how he will deal with his intensity. I looked back at his face, and my eyes fell on the rings in his left eyebrow. Curiously, I reached for it and trailed down his eyebrow to his pointed nose. I was smiling to myself when my eyes caught the sight of sweat beads on his forehead. A frown creased my face as I ced my palm on his forehead only to get the shock. He was¡­ he was burning up. ¡°Lycan?¡± I called softly, but he didn¡¯t respond. His eyes were closed, and he looked so dead if it weren¡¯t for the heaving of his chest. I sat up, cing my palm on his chest, nudging him as I called again. ¡°Lycannar?¡± Slowly, he fluttered his eyelids open but didn¡¯t move or speak. He only stared at me as though wondering where he was. ¡°Lycan, you¡¯re burning up,¡± I said softly, but in response, his eyes moved away from my face and down to my neck. A small frown etched his features when he saw the bruise. Then I felt him move away from the floor. In silence, he walked into the bath chamber without any words. For a while, I sat alone in the h?ll, wondering what was wrong with him. Then I followed behind, standing at the entrance to watch him in the pool, his back to me. I walked toward him and gently entered the water, staying my way far from him to take my bath in silence. My back was also to him as I scrubbed my arm. Then I felt him from behind. ¡°I¡¯m sorry I hurt you,¡± he muttered quietly. I ignored him, continuing to take my bath, and then I felt his touch. His hands gently gripped my waist as he turned me toward him. His eyes were filled with apology, and I could tell he was also struggling to be normal. ¡°I¡¯m sorry I choked you. I just¡­ I just lose myself whenever I make love to you. Whenever I kiss you.¡± Silence fell after his words. I didn¡¯t respond right away. Instead, I stared at him, then moved closer, my palm resting on his chest. ¡°I¡¯m not leaving you, Lycan. Is that not what you are worried about?¡± 22:27 Fri, Sep 5 R His eyes stared back at me for a brief moment before he looked away. ¡°I am a weird man who is forever exiled to this tower. You have many reasons to leave me.¡± ¡°So you¡¯d let me?¡± I asked, earning a sharp stare from him. *.35%¨C Finished ¡°Trust me. Zephyrine¡­¡± he mutteredzily as he lowered his gaze. ¡°You will die before I let you another man¡¯s woman.¡± be My heart plummeted at those words from him. He made it sound so simple, but staring at him, I knew so well he meant every word. ¡°Thank you,¡± I muttered softly, and he looked at me in confusion. ¡°Moon said you saved his life back at the Empire¡¯s grove. You must have seen his death,¡± I said. ¡°And more of his longing and affection for you,¡± he muttered and moved away. I swallowed. So it wasn¡¯t only death he sees, but also something else¡¯s? ¡°Lycan¡­¡± ¡°Their longing, sorrow, everything bad¡­ that¡¯s what I see when I look at someone¡¯s eyes. He loves you,¡± he cut me off quietly. ¡°You are not bothered by him?¡± I asked in surprise, and he sighed. ¡°I saw his death. When the first one fell after I saved him, I saw the second one.¡± ¡°In it¡­ you can tell he isn¡¯t your rival in love?¡± I asked quietly, but he didn¡¯t give any response. Instead, he pulled me toward him and gently lowered his gaze to my breasts. ¡°Lycan¡­¡± I muttered, but my voice faded away when he leaned in to kiss my nipple. I floated before him, my hands finding their way to round his neck, bringing him close to me. ¡°Let me try being gentle. For once. If I get harsh¡­ you should tell me,¡± he said quietly. Lycan stir me gently and kissed my lips. His palm caressed my waist and down to my buttocks. Then he leaned in to take my nipple in his mouth, sucking on it tenderly, and I pulled back my head, moaning softly. Gently, he pulled back to stare into my eyes for a brief moment, noticing my trembling hands, then lifted me to sit on the poolside, my thighs spread before him. He stared at my vagina for a while and brushed his thumb against it softly. I moaned out sharply, my fingers digging deep into his arm, and he brushed over my pussy again, marveling at it. ¡°Look at you, milky and beautiful,¡± he looked up at me gently, a lump rising in my throat. ¡°I am expanding you wide with my dick. You know that?¡± I couldn¡¯t find my voice. I could only nod my head, and he gently brushed over me again before lowering his tongue to lick me. I held him tight as I pulled my head back, moaning softly. He opened my thighs wider for better entry and pleasured me like he never had before. Gentle until my thighs began to shiver. 22:27 Fri, Sep 5 R I was lost. We both were, and we didn¡¯t overhear the sound of footsteps until the bath chamber door opened. 35% Finished ¡°Baby brother, will you¡­ oh!¡± Princess Serena was saying but immediately saw us and looked away to clear her throat. ¡°Uh¡­ I didn¡¯t know Zephyrine was still around. Dinner is ready. Zephyrine, love, will you be staying over for dinner?¡± I made an effort to reply immediately but couldn¡¯t. Lycannar wouldn¡¯t stop sucking on my pussy, and I realized my hold on him had turned vicious. Due to the intense pleasure, my wolf had emerged a bit. My fingers had shifted to ws and were drawing blood from Lycannar¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Y¡­yes.¡± I finally answered. Princess Serena left, while Lycan brought me down into the pool, sliding right into me. Hard, he thrust into me. With my back against the pool wall, my legs around his waist, our lower bodies buried in the water, Lycannar imed me. His thrusts were gentle and tender until they gradually grew intense. His hold on me tightened, and I punched him to stop. ¡°Lycan¡­ please¡­¡± He paid attention, searching my eyes, then continued, swallowing hard. This time, he thrust gently and leaned in to kiss me, making me swallow every moan he made me elicit. For more chapters visit find~novel Send Gifts 2.3K Back Where 78 35% 4 69 Finished Zephyrine I picked one of Lycannar¡¯s shirts from where he had hung them and slipped it on, watching it fall to my knees. I reached to pull my hair up, but his fingers wrapped around my waist, pulling my hands down. ¡°Leave your hair down. I love them that way.¡± He ced a soft kiss on my neck, then pulled away,pelling me to turn. He was fully dressed for dinner and pouring a potion into a cup. I watched him drink it, then lower the cup, waiting as though he wanted it to settle. ¡°What¡¯s that for?¡± I asked, and he hesitated before replying. ¡°To dull my beasts.¡± Beasts. He made it sound as though he had more than one. I was about to question him when the sound of footsteps reached us and the tter of cutlery being set drifted through the hall. At the doorway of the bed chamber, Princess Mearez appeared, stopping at the threshold. She smiled happily. ¡°Zephyrine,e in. Dinner is ready.¡± I walked toward her at once, letting her guide me out of Lycannar¡¯s living room and into the hall. ¡°How do you feel?¡± she asked softly as we walked. ¡°Fine.¡± She pushed a door open into an outdoor space. Four chairs surrounded a small table, and I paused when I saw the dinnerid out. Princess Serena was pouring a drink as I approached. She smiled at me. ¡°She is here.¡± ¡°Come sit. You m t be tired.¡± Princess Mearez pulled me down into a seat, taking hers beside me, searching my eyes. ¡°Did he hurt you anywhere?¡± I swallowed hard at what she meant. ¡°Just a bruise that refuses to heal on my neck.¡± Princess Serena rushed over to check, letting out a frustrated groan. ¡°Have you both talked about it? I mean¡­ your sex life?¡± she asked, and I nodded. ¡°He¡¯s gentle when we made love an hour ago.¡± Princess Mearez sighed in relief, and I felt warmth spill from her touch. Before I could move, I noticed the HE bruise on my neck fadingpletely. She had healed me. ¡°My love, are you on birth control?¡± I stared at Mearez at the question, and Serena added, ¡°You might end up being pregnant if you¡¯re not.¡± I shook my head. This content belongs to find?novel ¡°I¡¯m not.¡± The sisters exchanged a nce before turning back to me. 35% Finished ¡°Have you both discussed bearing pups yet?¡± Princess Mearez asked, and I shook my head slowly. ¡°How about I give you a potion that will dy any pregnancy?¡± I paused at her words, sighing shakily. I had never thought that far but now, after hearing them, I understood its importance. Lycannar and I had made love three times only today, each time leaving me filled with his release. ¡°I¡¯ll discuss it with him before I take any potion, Princess Mearez,¡± I finally replied. Just before anyone could respond, footsteps approached, and Lycannar appeared in the doorway. His sisters quickly settled down, and I felt him walk closer. He sat beside me, eyes on the prepared meal. Slowly, I saw the corner of his lips curve into a small smile. ¡°What¡¯s the asion?¡± he asked, lifting his eyes to his sisters. Princess Mearez smiled. ¡°Your first time at the council meeting as king.¡± ¡°We¡¯re also celebrating your rtionship with Zephyrine,¡± Princess Serena added. ¡°I still can¡¯t believe he found a woman he wanted.¡± Lycannar didn¡¯t respond. Instead, he studied the cutlery and nced at his sisters, as though asking for permission. ¡°Go on,¡± Princess Mearez said, then turned to me. ¡°Go on, Zephyrine.¡± I picked up my cutlery and began. I hadn¡¯t eaten in a while, so I ate without shame, savoring the lovely dinner. I reached for a ceramic cup, but Lycannar passed it to me, filling it with water. As I drank, I noticed the two princesses fidgeting, picking at their meals, stealing nces at Lycannar, who was focused on his own te. I wondered why they seemed hesitant. ¡°Uhm¡­ Lycan?¡± Princess Serena finally called. ¡°Hmm?¡± He replied without stopping. ¡°Lycan, I¡­ actually, we¡­ Mearez and I want to speak with you.¡± Lycannar paused, meeting their eyes steadily. He nodded, listening. 213 22:27 Fri, Sep 5 R £¤35%•þ Finished ¡°I¡­ uh¡­¡± Serena tried, but under his gaze, she couldn¡¯t continue. The fear in her eyes was clear. Lycannar turned to Mearez, who lowered her gaze and pretended to focus on her te. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± he asked softly. The sisters exchanged an uneasy nce before swallowing. ¡°It¡¯s about¡­ Mearez,¡± Serena began again, and Lycannar turned to his eldest sister. ¡°Speak.¡± Princess Mearez sighed shakily and looked quietly at her younger brother. ¡°Lycan¡­ I¡­ it¡¯s about¡­¡± She hesitated, then shook her head. ¡°Serena also have something to say¡­¡± ¡°No!¡± Serena quickly blurted out. ¡°No.¡± Lycannar stared at her for a long moment, refusing to take his eyes off her. Finally, he nodded and continued eating. Awkward silence followed. I knew Princess Mearez and Serena had something important to say but simply couldn¡¯t. The fear and the unspoken tension between them was palpable. A glimpse of the Lycan Royal Family¡¯s power dynamic. ¡°Eat your dinner, Mearez,¡± Lycannar said softly, and she obeyed quietly. Neither Serena nor I spoke. I nced at Lycannar, noticing him slowing his pace. Beads of sweat dotted his face, and he swallowed hard, hiding difort. Gently, he drank from his cup, then rose from his seat, kissing his sisters¡® foreheads. ¡°Thanks for the dinner. Good night.¡± He straightened and turned to me, brushing a few strands of my hair aside before walking out. His departure left the air thick with lingering coldness and silence. Send Gifts Back Where 79 Zephyrine 35% Finished I volunteer to clean the dishes. I am an Alpha¡¯s daughter back at my pack, but in the battle camp, I have been taught to fend for myself and be independent. I wash the dishes while Princess Serena takes them back to the kitchen. Princess Mearez rinses the dishes beside me, her expression downcast. I can tell she¡¯s not paying attention. I pause to watch her rinse one of the ceramic cups and, as she moves to ce it in its rightful spot, it slips from her hand. Before it shatters on the floor, I move fast. A speed that onlyes after endless training. I snatch the cup before it breaks and straighten up to hand it back to her. For a heart¨Cstopping moment, she stares at me before slowly taking it. ¡°There is more to you than meets the eye sometimes, Zephyrine,¡± she mutters with a small smile. I search her face in response. ¡°You¡¯re bothered by something, aren¡¯t you?¡± I ask, and she looks away, blinking. ¡°It¡¯s nothing,¡± she replies quietly, resuming her task. After a moment of silence, I speak softly. ¡°My mate, Nyroth, who I lived with for five years, has a sister but she has only scorned me, called me names,¡± I pause to turn to her. ¡°You, Princess Mearez, are the first woman, aside from those who truly know me, who has been kind. You¡¯ve always worried about me and made sure I¡¯m fine.¡± ¡°That¡¯s because you are Lycannar¡¯s woman. Don¡¯t think too much about it,¡± she responds quietly. I stop and turn to her fully. ¡°That¡¯s not true,¡± I whisper. She nods. ¡°I know you¡¯re bothered by something. Maybe I can help. I can inform Lycannar on your behalf. In bed¡­ I¡¯ve heard men will do anything, especially when their cock is hard.¡± She suddenly chuckles and nudges me. ¡°Don¡¯t say words like that. They¡¯re not words a queen should use.¡± I giggle and murmur, ¡°I am not a queen yet. Maybe I won¡¯t be.¡± She looks at me, and I smile sadly. ¡°If my man¡¯s sister hides from me¡­ then maybe I¡¯m not wanted.¡± Silence falls between us for a long time. We only stare. She lowers her gaze and shrugs as if it¡¯s not an issue. ¡°Growing up as a princess under my father¡¯s care is one thing, but living as Lycannar¡¯s sister is another. He won¡¯t let us get involved with any man. He said¡­ they don¡¯t mean well for us.¡± I watch her swallow hard and continue with her task, a sad smile on her face. ¡°He killed the man who¡­ who made me a woman. Had me locked in my chamber for months. The second ?, , 35%¨C Finished man who dared look at me had his eyes plucked out. Over the years, I realized it¡¯s better to stay alone and single. I didn¡¯t want anyone blood in my hands, so I maintained abstinence until¡­ until the day I ran an errand on behalf of Serena. She was supposed to deliver an invitation scroll but couldn¡¯t because she was so busy.¡± I listen attentively. ¡°I met him, Zephyrine, in the pack he rules. A pack so powerful, and he is so powerful with it that they sync. A¡­ very handsome man. One that makes your heart skip. I forgot, for a moment, that I am a princess. I handed him the invitation scroll, and I swear, I lost myself when he stared into my eyes and said his thanks.¡± ¡°He is a werewolf, then?¡± ¡°Yes, he is,¡± she replies, ncing at me, her cheeks already reddening. ¡°I met him again at the coronation. He arrived grand and confident. He¡­ didn¡¯t arrive with any woman, so I could tell he¡¯s very much single.¡± ¡°If he didn¡¯t arrive with a woman and he¡¯s a ruler of a pack, that means he is an Alpha with no Luna yet.¡± ¡°No. He is not an Alpha,¡± she corrects. ¡°He is a beta.¡± I raise an eyebrow and nod thoughtfully ¡°You know the name of the pack? I am a werewolf, I could tell you if it¡¯s a good pack or not.¡± Princess Mearez swallows hard andes closer, as if she doesn¡¯t want anyone to overhear. ¡°He is the same man who stood up to the Rogue Alpha that nearly hurt the King at the coronation.¡± I frown in confusion. ¡°Chantel?¡± She pauses and stares at me. ¡°Chantel is not a werewolf or a beta.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ yes, but who stood against the Rogue Alpha on that¡­¡± Coldness settles over me, and I nearly shiver. ¡°Wait¡­ Jurrek?!¡± I exim in awe, pping my palm over my mouth. Princess Mearez stares at me, surprised. Jurrek? Wait¡­ Princess Mearez has a crush on Jurrek? ¡°I am trying to inform Lycannar, but I can¡¯t. What if he¡­ he ends the beta like he did to the men in my past?¡± ¡°Jurrek is from Ash Pack. There are many packs that can¡¯t be prated. Ash Pack is one of them. Very secure. Lycannar can¡¯t¡­¡± I begin to speak, then pause as I notice Princess Mearez staring. ¡°You speak like you didn¡¯t know the man who is obsessed with you. Do you have any idea who killed that Alpha who spilled wine on you? Chantel¡­ mere bodyguard. What do you think would stop a Whole King, Lycannar?¡± My knees go weak, and I lower my gaze. She is right. Not telling Lycannar yet is the best move. What if Jurrek lost his life? I wouldn¡¯t even find it in my heart to forgive myself. 22:28 Fri, Sep 5 R 3.35% Finished Princess Mearez was about to return to her task when I reach for her hand, surprising her. ¡°Did Jurrek look at you in any way that suggested he also¡­¡± ¡°No,¡± she cuts in softly. ¡°He didn¡¯t show any expression. What do you think?¡± I look away and sigh. More reason to return to my pack quickly. That way, I can force proximity with Jurrek and Princess Mearez, determining where their rtionship will go. ¡°I think we should wait. I have a feeling you willugh atst,¡± I mutter under my breath. She stares at me in wonder, without words. Send Gifts ¡£ 2.3K W 23/2 Official source is f?ndnovel
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Fri, Sep 5 The Rogue Is A Female Alpha Back Where 80 Lycannar ??,35%¨C Finished I stood in the corridor, the sickness gnawing at me, and set my jaw against it, letting the cold night breeze swirl around me. Mearez had wanted to speak in that moment, but she stayed silent. She knew what would follow if she had. I stared ahead into the nk night, and just like that, memories of how my two sisters had suffered at the hands of our father came rushing back, making me swallow hard. If only I had acted sooner¡­. if only I had killed him swiftly¡­ he wouldn¡¯t have made them endure so much. I was lost in thought when movement caught my eyes below. It was him again¨Cmy father, walking among the people beneath the night sky. He paused, slowly lifting his gaze toward me, a wicked grin masking his face. ¡°Alone and rotting. That¡¯s it. That¡¯s all you will ever be.¡± His voice came softly, and my heart sank into a depth of sadness but then I heard the soft click of my door closing. Footsteps approached, and a gentle hand rested on my back. Just like that, the sight of my father and his voice vanished from my mind. ¡°Lycannar?¡± Her soothing v Latest content published on f?ndnovel pulled me back to reality. Quietly, I turned toward her, my heart pounding at the sight of her, so beautiful in my home, in my clothes, in my obsession. I leaned over and pressed my lips to hers. She responded without restraint. The cold breeze swirled around us as she slowly turned, pulling away to gaze out from the balcony, a small smile ying on her lips. ¡°Your kingdom is enormous,¡± she said, giggling softly. I stepped closer, standing behind her, my hand resting on the carved stone corridor. She lel back against my chest, her smile lifting toward me. I kissed her lips again as she turned her head, then watched her scan the horizon, eyes drinking in every detail. ¡°That¡¯s the cloth shop where I saw you from the other day,¡± she pointed ahead, and I leaned in to kiss her hair. ¡°How did you know I was there?¡± ¡°You summoned me.¡± I murmured. She stiffened. ¡°I didn¡¯t.¡± ¡°You did. My beasts respond to desire. You wanted to see me, and they sensed it.¡± 3.35% Finished Slowly, she turned in my arms, meeting my gaze for a long moment before pressing her lips lightly to mine. ¡°Lycan¡­ Princess Serena and Mearez didn¡¯t have a lover,¡± she said softly. I waited. ¡°Don¡¯t you think it¡¯s time?¡± I studied her eyes for a long moment, then looked away, jaw set. ¡°No man will love them for who they are.¡± ¡°But I do. I love you for who you are, Lycan.¡± I paused, the words sinking into me. Slowly, I turned back to her. Her cheeks flushed, and she realized the weight of her confession. She lowered her gaze and stepped out of my arms, her heartbeat audible as she walk into the chamber. I stood in the corridor, stunned, my mind reying the word. Love. She loves me? I finally stepped into my bedchamber. Shey on the bed, facing the wall. I swallowed hard, preparing for bed before climbing in beside her. ¡°Zephyrine?¡± I murmured, my palm brushing her waist. No response. ¡°Zephyrine?¡± Gently, I traced my hand along her thigh, lifting the cloth she wore to slide my palm up her body to her breast. Softly, she moaned as my palm brushed between her thighs. She finally turned toward me, eyes dark with lust. ¡°Say that again,¡± I whispered. ¡°Please.¡± She stared at me, then lowered her gaze, cupping my face in her hands as a soft sigh escaped her lips. ¡°Lycan?¡± ¡°Hmm?¡± ¡°Do you want me to be on birth control?¡± She asked, and I raised an eyebrow, heart racing. ¡°Why¡­ why would you even think of that?¡± She swallowed, lowering her gaze. ¡°I can¡¯t have a pup out of wedlock¡­ and¡­ you are not my mate.¡± ¡°You want a bond? A union?¡± She met my eyes, a smile curling her lips. ¡°I love it here,¡± she said softly instead. ¡°Can I stay for tonight?¡± I stared at her, heart swelling, eyes falling on her lips. ¡°Can¡¯t you stay forever?¡± ¡°Lycan¡­¡± 219 22:28 Fri, Sep 5 & R 35% Finished ¡°I want pups with you. As many as your body can give. I won¡¯t run from responsibilities. I won¡¯t let any be born out of wedlock.¡± She stared at me briefly, muttering, ¡°I hate you.¡± I watched her, heart clenching. ¡°I hate you foring to me just now. I won¡¯t forgive you for not finding me sooner. I won¡¯t forgive you.¡± I threw caution aside, pressing myself onto her, hugging her tightly, terrified she¡¯d vanish, afraid this was all an illusion. I kissed her deeply, and she began to undress me. With candles burning in each corner, she turned to straddle me, and we gave ourselves fully to one another. Intense and hard, every ounce of desire exchanged until only unquenchable lust remained. Send Gifts ºÏ 2.3K Back Where 81 Zephyrine .35% ** Finished I drifted awake, stirring, and immediately noticed he wasn¡¯t beside me. I fluttered my eyelids open, and darkness swallowed the bedchamber. All the candles had been blown out, leaving only a shadowy silhouette of a creature seated in the center of the room. Lycannar in his Lycan form. Fear, every being feels it, even the strongest warrior. Yet years of discipline had made me addicted to the rush, and because of it, I didn¡¯t scream. My eyes trailed down the figure. I couldn¡¯t make out details in the darkness, but I knew it was him. The anklets around his ankles gave him away. Now they glowed faintly, as though keeping him bound. Gently, I sat up, reaching for a candle, but his voice cut through the silence. It was the beastly sound I had heard only when he lost control. ¡°Don¡¯t,¡± he said, and I went cold. I turned back to him. Even in shadow, I could feel his gaze. He sat on the chair, enormous, unlike any Lycan. I had ever seen. Silence stretched between us, my heart hammering: ¡°Why are you so¡­ big?¡± I asked quietly. He didn¡¯t respond at first. Then, softly, he said, ¡°I can¡¯t sleep. I can¡¯t tell if you¡¯re real anymore.¡± ¡°Lycannar¡­¡± ¡°I grew up in hatred and blood. All my life, my father spat no pleasant words at me, only cruelty until the day he died. He would stand at that doorstep he can¡¯t cross, sneering, and say ¡®You will always be alone. You will never find peace. You will never be happy.¡± Goosebumps crawled across my skin as I watched his legs shift. The anklets glowed, as if imprisoning him even when he moved. ¡°I¡¯ve been trapped in this chamber for years, in this kingdom. I believed those words¡­ until I met you, Zephyrine. When I went to the Empire Grove to retrieve the cure flower¡­ I started seeing things. My ugliest memories, voices in my head. His voice, reminding me I would never find peace or happiness. Sometimes he¡¯d be among my people; other times, in my own home. It looked so real I couldn¡¯t tell illusion from truth. I told myself it was the Grove¡­ but now, now I know.¡± ¡°Lycan.¡± ¡°His voice has always been there, even before I went to the Grove. That ce didn¡¯t harm me because I was already doomed. Can a king who has already fallen fall again?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t say that,¡± I whispered, my heart breaking at his bitterness. ¡°Lycan, never say that to yourself.¡± Silence returned, broken only by our shared breathing. Finally, he spoke again. ¡°Staring at your sleeping face¡­ it¡¯s addictive, Zephyrine, and¡­¡± He paused, letting out a shaky sigh. ¡°I am scared.¡± ¡°You are a king,¡± I reminded him softly. 35% Finished ¡°A king has fears. Especially one who has a woman like you. I fear you¡¯ll leave me, that my intensity, my jealousy, my obsession will scare you away. You¡¯ll call me toxic, and I¡¯ll lose you like I lost everyone else.¡± My heart clenched. I rose and lit a candle. When I turned back, he had shifted to his normal form, still seated, still immense in presence. Slowly, I approached him, letting the nket fall to reveal my bare skin. I ced the candle on the table and straddled him, feeling his hands grip my waist tenderly. ¡°My father taught me many things, Lycan. Among them¡­ his favorite advice is wherever my heart lies, I should follow. My fated mate loses each time I give him chances.Through disrespect, neglect, lies. But you, Lycannar¡­ you are different. Rough when making love, yes. Obsessed at times, yes. Butst night, what I said about love¡­ it¡¯s the truth.¡± ¡°Zephyrine¡­¡± ¡°I love you, Lycannar Blood, with all my heart. I love your face, your hair, your sisters, your home, your eyes, Your heart. I love everything about you¡­ except your killing.¡± He remained silent, searching my eyes. His touch on me grew hesitant. He swallowed hard. ¡°I can work on that.¡± he murmured. ¡°You won¡¯t kill anyone for my sake? Promise me.¡± He stayed silent, and I cupped his cheek warmly. ¡°Answer me, Lycannar. You won¡¯t let anyone manipte you. You won¡¯t let old voices rule you, hmm?¡± He swallowed again, heavy with conflict. ¡°You won¡¯t ever leave me if I didn¡¯t kill anyone, right? You¡¯ll reject the man who ims he¡¯s your mate?¡± My heart tightened at his plea. I leaned in to kiss him. ¡°Lycannar.¡± ¡°I will lose my mind if I see him with you again, Zephyrine. I swear to the gods, I will.¡± My chest ached, and I pressed against him, lips meeting his as he whispered. ¡°I know it¡¯s too soon, but can I call you my Queen?¡± I pulled back to meet his gaze. His expression was serious, unyielding. ¡°Can I call you my love too?¡± No words came. Instead, he kissed me tenderly, gripping my waist, guiding me to sit on him as he entered me gently. ¡°You let me know if I get too harsh,¡± he groaned lowly. I circled my hands around his neck, surrendering to his thrusts, helpless, moaning into the night. Checktest chapters at F?ndNovel Send Gifts 35% Back Where 82 Zephyrine Waking up in the morning in ck Tower hit different. The soft murmur of Lycan Kingdom traders, discussing their errands as they departed, filled in from the window. Finished I rose to find Lycannar at the table, drinking his morning herbal tea. His royal robe draped over his broad shoulders, his hair still dripping wet. His eyes locked on me, fixed on the exact position I had seen him in the midnight hours before we gave in to our desire. ¡°Good morning,¡± he whispered softly, and I felt a shy smile curl across my lips. I pulled the nket to my chest and sat up, letting my tangled hair cascade down my back. His gaze never left me, and my heart swelled as I realized there was no avoiding the fact that I was utterly exposed. I leaned back against the headboard, studying him. ¡°Good morning.¡± I finally murmured. ¡°How do you feel?¡± I lowered my gaze, whispering quietly, ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡± Get full chapters from find?novel ¡°No soreness?¡± I shook my head, cheeks warming. ¡°No.¡± Then curiosity got the better of me. ¡°Lycan, I haven¡¯t seen Chantel anywhere since yesterday.¡± He stared at me silently, and I quickly understood the weight of that quiet. ¡°He¡¯s your bodyguard. I just want to know where he is,¡± I pressed. ¡°He is in his bed chamber down the hall,¡± he said atst. I bit my lower lip, noting a shift in him. His gaze flicked from my face to my chest, his jaw tightening. ¡°Somehow¡­ I hate how the nket clings to your body so tightly,¡± he muttered. His eyes lifted, intense. ¡°It was supposed to be me. I¡¯ve never been jealous of a nket until now.¡± A shiver ran through me. His obsession was awake, wild, and growing by the second. ¡°I¡¯ll take my bath,¡± I said quietly, quickly tugging the nket away, hoping to appease him. I moved toward the exit, only for him to catch my wrist. ¡°No morning kiss?¡± he asked. ¡°I have to clean up. I¡¯ll have bad breath.¡± 22.28 Fri, Sep 5 35% Finished He ignored my words entirely. In one swift motion, Lycannar pulled me onto hisp and kissed me tenderly. His hand slid to my breast, and I, caught between curiosity and desire, pressed myself closer, beginning to undress him. What began as a warning of his obsession turned swiftly into him iming my body like it belonged to him alone. *** With his palm resting on my lower back, he led me to the dining room and pulled a chair for me beside him. ¡°Thank you,¡± I said, lowering myself respectfully before Lord Dareth, Lycannar¡¯s uncle, and his cousins, seated across from me. They returned the gesture with their own bows. I turned to the Lycan princesses sitting beside me, who smiled warmly. Breakfast began. The maids filled my cup, but I paused, staring at the meal. A few days ago, I had been poisoned, and I still didn¡¯t know the source. I trusted the Lycan princesses with their dinnerst night, but this breakfast with Lycannar¡¯s cousins and uncle, and food prepared by the maids¡­ I hesitated. ¡°Uh¡­ Your Majesty? I have something to inform you about, Lord Dareth¡¯s voice interrupted. I kept my focus on the meal, debating whether to eat. ¡°It¡¯s about the betapetition. We¡¯vepleted it and have a winner.¡± Silence fell. I nced at Lycannar. Of course, nopetition had taken ce because yesterday was merely the announcement. Lycannar didn¡¯t respond but I could tell he was listening. ¡°ording to the contest, your cousin, Baron, won. He will be your beta. The elders and I have set the date and time of the ritual that will bind you both, as well as the ceremony for his ascension. It will be held two days before the next full moon.¡± Lycannar remained silent, merely nodding. Lord Dareth continued. ¡°About the ceremony¡­ do you remember the fearless, beautiful werewolfdy who is now the Alpha¡¯s daughter? Ke Yadev?¡± I froze at her name wondering What about Ke. ¡°She will be called to host the ceremony.¡± Silence descended over the room. I turned to Lycannar, waiting for his response. ¡°The hostess that oversee my coronation should host the ceremony,¡± he said firmly. ¡°I know you¡¯ll say that, Your Majesty, because this mistress you have with you is her best friend. But worry not. Ke is knowledgeable in hosting,¡± Lord Dareth added smoothly. 22:28 Fri, Sep 5 R Mistress? That¡¯s what others saw me as? Lycannar¡¯s mistress? My heart thudded painfully. 35% Finished Then, suddenly, Lycannar grabbed the fork from his te and drove it into his uncle¡¯s palm. His sisters jerked back, his cousin¡¯s eyes went wide, and Lord Dareth screamed. A maid dropped a tray in fright. ¡°Lycannar!¡± the eldest cousin challenged, standing. But the king¡¯s sharp re pinned him in ce. ¡°Sit!¡± He dared not disobey. Slowly, he sank back into his chair as Lycannar withdrew the fork, the wound healing almost instantly. He tossed the fork aside, reached for his goblet, and drank as though nothing had happened. ¡°She will be my queen soon. The queen of this kingdom. Call her dirty names, and you will pay with your life.¡± Lycannar dered. I froze at the public promation. Even the moon goddess bond couldn¡¯t stop him now. Send Gifts 2.3K THEY Back Where 83 Zephyrine .35% Finished They left one by one. Lord Dareth and his three children. I could tell from their silence and the sharpness in their gaze that they already loathed me. I remained still, my head bowed over the breakfast before me, my appetitepletely gone. ¡°You should eat your breakfast. It¡¯s not poisoned,¡± Princess Mearez said softly. I looked up at her. She still appeared shaken from what had happened, but the calm in her expression suggested she¡¯d seen Lycannar snap like this before. I turned my attention back to the meal and picked up my cutlery, but before I could take a bite, a messenger entered and bowed low. ¡°Mydy? Your friend is outside,¡± he said. My eyes widened, and I stared at him. A friend? Just then, the faint scent of the Dusk household swirled in the air. It was Dessyn. I hurried to the exit, stepping into the open courtyard, and saw her standing beside my carriage, a wide smile on her face as she marveled at the kingdom. ¡°Dessyn?¡± I called, and she paused, turning toward me. ¡°Zephyr.¡± She rushed into my arms, hugging me tightly. ¡°My gods¡­ you¡¯ve only been gone a day, but it felt like a year.¡± I pulled back, taking in her face. ¡°Why are you here?¡± She looked past me at the vast kingdom, sighing softly. ¡°Wealth at its peak. If I were you, I wouldn¡¯t even bothering home. But then again¡­ you are an Ashmere. A werewolf from the richest pack in the empire.¡± I raised an eyebrow at her words and nudged her gently. ¡°Learn to keep myst name off your lips until I reveal myself. What are you doing here?¡± I asked again, more firmly. She let out a weary sigh. ¡°My mom is back from her trip¡­ and she wants to see you.¡± I froze, confusion crossing my face. ¡°She knows I¡¯m here?¡± ¡°Yes. And she urgently wants you back home. She sounded¡­ bothered, even after I assured her you were in safe hands. Apex can kill anyone but certainly not you. Still, she insists, and here I am.¡± RIN 35% Finished I frowned at her words but finally nodded. ¡°I¡­ I need to say my goodbyes to the Lycan royals, then I¡¯ll go.¡± I returned to the dining hall, but only the Lycan princesses remained. Lycannar was nowhere to be seen. I approached them quickly. ¡°It¡¯s my friend who¡¯se. I have to go. Where is Lycannar?¡± ¡°He left just now. He should return soon,¡± Princess Mearez replied, while Princess Serena grumbled beside her. ¡°They ruined my breakfast. I still don¡¯t understand why my uncle Dareth would speak so carelessly in front of the King. Didn¡¯t he know how much Lycannar cherishes Zephyrine?¡± I swallowed hard. Princess Mearez rose and took my wrist, guiding me toward the window with a sigh. ¡°Zephyrine¡­ have you discussed birth control with my brother?¡± she asked. ¡°He doesn¡¯t want any dy,¡± I whispered, and at once a small smile tug at her lips. She paused, then asked softly. ¡°And you? What do you think?¡± I studied her face, seeing how desperately she wanted a certain answer. ¡°I love Lycannar¡­ and I would also love to have his pup.¡± The color drained from Princess Mearez¡¯s face, shock written across her features. She stared at me a long moment before suddenly pulling me into a tight hug. ¡°Thank you so much, Zephyrine,¡± she whispered, looking into my eyes when she pull back. ¡°Have you confessed to him already?¡± I nodded, exhaling slowly. ¡°Last night.¡± ¡°My gods¡­ Lycannar will be even more intense now. The voices in his head will be¡­¡± she began, then paused to caution herself but I nodded. ¡°I already know about it. He told mest night. He thought the voices came from the empire grove, but¡­ no. They were there before that. We n on facing it together.¡± She gazed at me again, gratitude shining in her eyes. ¡°Thank you, Zephyrine. You have no idea what he has endured. I am so d he has a piece of your heart.¡± ¡°You make it sound like I¡¯m doing him a favor. Hepletes me, cherishes me, and makes me feel love. I am blessed too, Princess Mearez.¡± Silence fell between us, broken only when she lowered her gaze, speaking softly. ¡°Zephyrine¡­ the poison that made you sick days ago, it wasn¡¯t from your meal or your water. It came from 213 22.2 Fri, Sep 5 35% Finished poisonous blood. Just a drop can be deadly. Then I thought back¡­ and remembered the duel you fought a week ago. That rogue you killed¡­ his blood sshed on you. That mean it was poisoned. Who could do such evil? Who would hold such a grudge against you that they¡¯d try to kill you without your knowledge?¡± My knees went weak at her words. Ka. It had to be Ka. A cold chill ran down my spine as the thought crossed my mind. Nyroth¡­ he must have known about it, right? ¡°Zephyrine?¡± ¡°Please¡­ tell Lycannar I¡¯ve left,¡± I said urgently, moving to go. Then I paused, turning back to grasp Princess Mearez¡¯s hand, pleading. ¡°Please don¡¯t tell my love about this. He would go insane and that would mean more bloodshed.¡± Th?s chapter is updated by Find?Novel ¡°Isn¡¯t that what whoever did this deserves?¡± she asked gently. ¡°Sometimes¡­ death is too merciful.¡± I released her hand. ¡°I¡¯ll see you again, Princess Mearez.¡± Send Gifts 2.3K Back Where 84 Lycannar I paused at the foot of the stairs, staring at the dining hall. She was not yet back. ¡°Lycannar.¡± My eldest sister rose from her seat, eyes fixed on me. ¡°Zephyrine left already.¡± 35% Finished I said nothing for a long moment. I was surprised she had gone in such a hurry, without a word, without even a goodbye. My gaze dropped to the jewelry I hade to deliver, and I tucked it away, my heart heavy with strange, unfamiliar feelings. Quietly, I began to make my way back to my tower, but Serena¡¯s voice called from behind. ¡°Are you okay with Baron being your beta?¡± I turned to stare at her in silence. ¡°He will share a vow with you and feel your energy. The kingdom will fall into his hands when you cannot rule. I know my uncle, Dareth. He didn¡¯t perform anypetition. He only seeks to rule through his son.¡± I blinked gently and moved forward to the chair where I settled, remaining quiet, aware of my fatigue. Mearez reached out to me, but I pulled away from her hand. Slowly, I looked up to see horror etched across her face. ¡°Lycannar¡­ you used your curse again, didn¡¯t you?¡± she asked, anger evident in her voice. I looked away. ¡°How do you mean?¡± Serena asked, curious. ¡°We were all there when he broke the rule of his curse a week ago.¡± Mearez did not answer; her anger rendered her speechless. She suddenly turns to leave, but I shot up to block her path. ¡°Mearez, I am fine.¡± ¡°Get out of my way, Lycannar. I won¡¯t say it again.¡± Her re was sharp, full of fire. Serena moved forward, worry etched in her features. ¡°What¡¯s going on? Did he break the rule of his curse again?¡± ¡°It¡¯s nothing,¡± I muttered softly. Serena froze, shocked. ¡°You broke the rule of your curse again, right after surviving agonizing pain? Why?!¡± she demanded. I sighed, exhausted. Their anger softened into concern, and Mearez took my hand, guiding me down into the chair. ¡°How do you feel? Lycannar¡­ does your life mean nothing to you?¡± ¡°I can¡¯t die. Don¡¯t worry about it,¡± I muttered, lowering my head and trying to fight the pain. I felt Serena¡¯s palm rest gently on my arm, and I sighed softly, appreciating their presence and support. ¡°If you ever use your curse like this again, I will inform my brother Hades,¡± Mearez warned. I slowly lifted my gaze to her. 22:28 Fri, Sep 5 R 3.35% Finished I didn¡¯t want that. Hades was as kind as he was unforgiving, and he had made me promise never to put myself through such pain again. But I could not stand aside while those close to Zephyrine suffered or die. ¡°I¡¯m sorry I made you both worry,¡± I murmured. Silence settled around us, but Mearez¡¯s hand stayed warm on mine, Serena¡¯s palm soothing on my shoulder. Finally, my eldest sister spoke softly. ¡°Lycannar¡­ I asked Zephyrine. She told me¡­ bearing your pups is what she wants. She¡­ she is in love with you.¡± My heart skipped a beat. I was silent, overwhelmed, feeling the awe in Serena¡¯s gaze as she stepped back to ask. Th? link to the orig?n of this information r?sts ?n find¡¤novel ¡°Are you sure she told you about love? Mearez, she did?¡± ¡°Ask your brother yourself,¡± Mearez said softly. ¡°His woman confessed to himst night.¡± Serena turned to me instantly, her gaze heavy with questions. I met it with a nod, sighing. ¡°I want her. I want her so much,¡± I muttered, lowering my gaze. ¡°I have never wanted anything as much as I want Zephyrine. All of her.¡± ¡°My gods,¡± Serena whispered,ing forward to press a hard kiss to my lips. ¡°I¡¯m so happy for you, baby brother¡­ someone like Zephyrine, who¡¯s beautiful, smart, and strong. I couldn¡¯t imagine anyone more perfect for you. Mearez, what do you think?¡± Mearez remained silent, her eyes tinged with sadness. Softly, she said, ¡°What if she sees Lycannar for who he truly is and withdraws? What then?¡± ¡°Mearez, you¡¯re thinking too far,¡± Serena cautioned, though Mearez pressed on. ¡°They are making love already, without barriers. What if she gets pregnant? Do you know what her pup will be? Part werewolf, part Lycan, and part demon. She needs to know what she¡¯s getting into, Lycannar. Don¡¯t you think you should tell her now?¡± A cold chill ran down my spine at Mearez¡¯s words, but before I could respond, my uncle Dareth entered, nked by seven elders from the council. An official, sudden meeting. I straightened, concealing any sign of surprise. My sisters mirrored my expression. None of us expected this. ¡°Your Majesty, I apologize for the impromptu gathering, but we have found something significant while clearing your father¡¯s chamber.¡± I froze. What could they have found? Anything about thete king was enough to haunt me. My sisters¡® nces mirrored my confusion. ¡°Here it is. A decree. Written, signed, and stamped. As if my brother knew death wasing for him, he left these final words.¡± My uncle Dareth handed me the royal scroll. I stared at it for what felt like an eternity. It was sealed. Why hadn¡¯t I noticed it the night I strangled him? 35% Finished Finally, I reached for the scroll, unfolding it carefully. The handwriting was unmistakable my father¡¯s. Authentic. True. ¡°By my sovereign will, I dere this my final and unbreakable decree. Should death im me, my only son, Lycannar, shall ascend the throne to rule over all Lycans. At his side shall sit Cyran Selric as his Queen. Should he fail to honor thismand, my daughters Mearez and Serena shall be stripped of every title, every privilege, and cast into eternal servitude as ves. Let it be known this decree is absolute, eternal, and backed by the full power of the crown. None shall dare defy it, for to do so is to invite the wrath of the realm itself.¡± The scroll went cold in my hands. My blood ran icy. I could feel my sisters¡® eyes on me, but I did not look up. Even in death, my father had found a way to torment me. Why? Send Gifts 2.3K 1 Back Where 85 Zephyrine This text is hosted at f?ndnovel Finished ¡°Ugh. Are we home already?¡± Dessyn¡¯s voicees, whining. ¡°I could live in this carriage forever. Look at howfy it is?¡± I don¡¯t respond. My mind is elsewhere, lost in itself, lost in thought. I pray, with the little connection and bond left in me, that it isn¡¯t true. That Nyroth doesn¡¯t know anything about Ka¡¯s intention to kill me. Unaware of my surroundings, I step out of the carriage, making my way toward the Dusk household, my mind deep in thought, until I feel a nudge from behind. I blink, snapping back to reality, to find myself standing in the living room. Dessyn stares at me, concern etched in her features. ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Zephyr?¡± she asks, but I can¡¯t answer yet. I look away and freeze as I see movement ahead. Morwen, the great priestess, Dessyn¡¯s mother. She steps out from the hall, stopping just a few paces away. Instinctively, I rush toward her, ready to throw myself into her arms, but she surprises me. She holds out a palm, stopping me cold. ¡°Stay right there,¡± she says. I pause, confused. ¡°I heard the rumors, and I¡¯vee to realize they are nothing but the truth.¡± Morwen, a fine woman with short hair stopping at her shoulders, has always been a motherly friend to me. She coborated with the healer back in Ash Pack during crises and sometimes performed rituals before the Ashmeres went to war. I have always loved and respected her work, but now, after years of absence, she seems¡­ changed. I try to read her when Blue appears from ahead, her head bowed, sadness written in her posture. I raise an eyebrow in horror. Wait¡­ what? ¡°You¡¯re here, My Lady,¡± she murmurs, hiding her face, but I refuse to just stand aside. I walk up to her and see tears in her eyes. She blinks them away and forces a smile. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± I ask, not at her, but at Dessyn. My eyes widen in shock. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with my personal maid? I didn¡¯t bring her here to be hurt. What¡¯s happening?¡± Dessyn looks equally surprised, exchanging nces between me and Blue. Before she can respond, Nathan, Dessyn¡¯s father, walks into the living room, exhaustion sagging his shoulders. ¡°Father,¡± Dessyn rushes to him, concern in her voice. ¡°Father, what¡¯s going on?¡± ¡°Ask your crazy mother!¡± Nathan snaps, and I stiffen. I slowly turn my gaze to Morwen. She juts her chin, stepping forward. ¡°First, Zephyr, you are like a daughter to me, and I am giving you an order,¡± she says, pointing at Blue. ¡°This Lycan cannot stay here.¡± R 35% Finished I freeze. An order. From her. ¡°Why?¡± I ask, disbelief thick in my voice. ¡°Why?¡± she repeats, stepping closer, staring down at me. ¡°You are an Ashmere. A warrior, a leader and yet you allow a Blood to taint you.¡± A Blood? That¡¯s Lycannar. Lycannar Blood. ¡°I heard the rumors on my travels,¡± she continues, ¡°and at first I doubted them. But now, seeing the darkness he brings here, I know it is true. This maid of yours returns to the Lycan Kingdom today, and you will end whatever is between you and that¡­ monster this very day.¡± My heart plummets. Silence falls, shattered only by Nathan¡¯s voice. ¡°Morwen, I have told you already. The King is a good man. He hade for dinner before and You certainly won¡¯t tell Zephyr what to do!¡± Morwen smirks at me. ¡°A good man? Really? You have no idea what he is under the full moon¡¯s light. Do you know why the ck Tower was built for him before he was even born? Do you think the Moon Goddess, who bound you to another man with a Mate Bond, is stupid? Do you think your dead parent will rest in peace if they know you allow a monster to see your body?¡± ¡°His name is Lycannar,¡± I mutter quietly, but my voice is firm. Morwen freezes, taking a step back. ¡°Those who don¡¯t know his real name call him Apex. You can, too or better yet, address him with respect. Call him His Majesty. He is a King. Never call him a monster.¡± Her face turns pale, and she spits on the floor. ¡°I should have known this would happen,¡± she snarls. ¡°He has poisoned your mind, Zephyr. That King is not a man you can be involved with. His secrets are all dark. If you think he will make you happy, you are wrong. The bond you share will bring only destruction. You will return to your mate and stay with him. Do you understand?¡± ¡°Mother, what is wrong with you?¡± Dessyn straightens from her father, stepping between us. ¡°What is going on? What are you saying?¡± ¡°That she cannot marry a monster! A freak! He is far from holy. He is cursed!¡± Morwen snaps. Dessyn turns to me in panic, holding my hand, but I pull away, anger rising. ¡°I won¡¯t be merciful next time, Dessyn. She should stop calling my Love names.¡± I move to walk away, but Morwen¡¯s challenge cuts through the room. ¡°Names? Your love? Fine. We¡¯ll see what you call your love tonight. Invite him over for dinner, and I¡¯ll invite Nyroth Hue, your mate, as well. Then we¡¯ll sit together and see which one is truly worthy, the one fit for the great Goddess of War. Well, that is¡­ if he even has the nerve to cross the threshold of this doorway.¡± I stare at her, stunned. Morwen is deadly serious, every line of her face hard with determination. I frown, confusion twisting tighter in my chest. What the hell is going on? And¡­ what does she mean by Lycannar under the full moon being something else? Back Where 86 Zephyrine .35%¨C Finished ¡°He is here, Zephyr.¡± Dessyn¡¯s voice floats through the chamber above the thick tension, and I go cold. It¡¯s said all over the empire that the cursed Lycan King has a mistress. A rogue who caught his eyes and stole his senses. That¡¯s me. Morwen left her duties as a priestess, abandoned her coven, to ¡°save¡± me. But I can¡¯t leave him. Just because he is cursed doesn¡¯t mean he is¡­ bad. Is he? ¡°Zephyr?¡± Dessyn¡¯s voicees again as she walks from the window to the bed where I sit. ¡°Zephyr, he¡¯s entered the Pack.¡± I stare ahead into empty space, my mind spinning. I¡¯ve always loved and respected Morwen, and I will continue to but only if she stops being rude to Lycannar. I sent Blue to inform Lycannar I¡¯m inviting him to dinner. Only I have that audacity. Blue returns with a small nod and the words he will arrive and here he is. Gently, I rise from the bed and move toward the living room, Dessyn behind me. I can tell she hates her mother¡¯s behavior as much as I do. Even Nathan seems exhausted from her ranting. I arrive in the living room to see Morwen standing in the center, eyes fixed on the door. I pause at her smirk. She¡¯s issued a challenge that Lycannar won¡¯t dare cross this doorway. I called it a bluff, but now, staring at the door, I feel hesitation. Somehow I can tell he is right outside. I can feel the warmth in the air, the scent of flowers mingled with the sharp tang of blood. The unmistakable presence of Lycannar. This update is avable on I stand there, hoping he wille to me, that he will open the door and step in. But no knockes. Not a single footstep. ¡°Demon.¡± Morwen spits, and goosebumps flood my skin. I can¡¯t bear it any longer. I move toward the door and open it. He is standing there. His eyes, pale gold, glow softly. Something in the air seems to unsettle him. His gaze move ahead to lingers on Morwen, then he takes a step toward the exit. My heart shatters, and I rush after him, just in time to stop him at his horse outside the Pack. ¡°Lycan?¡± I call out, and he stops, turning. He looks pale, and horror floods me. ¡°Lycannar.¡± I call him again in panic. He pulls me into his arms, hugging me tenderly. I feel his struggle to stay sane, to control himself, and I hug him too, softly rubbing his back. ¡°Lycan¡­¡± I whisper as I finally pull back to look at him, cupping his face in my palms. ¡°Are you okay? Lycannar?¡± He stares at me in silence. Before he can answer, footsteps approach. Morwen halts before us, ring straight at him. 35% Finished ¡°A man who can¡¯t enter the house of a priestess, and you think I¡¯ll sit aside while you marry my daughter? Never. Whatever you feel for her should die tonight, Lycannar Blood. Zephyr is off¨Climits to a creature with no ce in this world.¡± I stiffen, turning toward her, but she keeps her gaze fixed on Lycannar, who won¡¯t meet her eyes. Protectively, I hold him close, standing between them as though to shield him. Morwen res once more, then finally walks back into the Pack. Her departure leaves silence and ache behind. I turn to him; he stares after her, a small frown on his face. ¡°Lycan. I¡¯m sorry. You don¡¯t need to listen to her. I¡¯ll talk to her.¡± He doesn¡¯t hear me. Instead, he asks, voice low, ¡°Who is she?¡± He shifts his gaze to mine. ¡°I thought you said your parents are dead.¡± ¡°She¡¯s¡­ Dessyn¡¯s mother. She¡¯s like a mother to me too,¡± I reply quietly, my palm brushing his arm. ¡°Lycan¡­ are you okay?¡± He frowns but nods. ¡°The house¡­¡± he murmurs, looking ahead. ¡°It has a lot of¡­ holy relics. They weren¡¯t there when I came days ago.¡± My breath hitches. I recall how he turned away from the Moon Goddess¡¯s statue before. ¡°Morwen must have brought them with her. She¡¯s a priestess.¡± I sense his tension at the word. A priestess. What does that have to do with anything? In silence, he lowers his gaze, swallowing hard. ¡°I can¡¯t go in there. It¡¯s too dangerous for me, especially now that I¡¯m weak,¡± he mutters, and my heart races. ¡°How do you mean, Lycan?¡± He looks away. I stand my ground, pressing. ¡°I deserve an exnation. You can¡¯t enter because of some holy relics?¡± He takes a step back, but I grasp his wrist, forcing him to meet my gaze. ¡°Don¡¯t I mean anything to you?¡± ¡°You know you mean everything to me,¡± he replies, finally meeting my eyes, then sighs. ¡°I¡¯m cursed. Holy relics are one of my weaknesses. They strip me of my sanity. If I dare walk into that house¡­ I¡¯d end up¡­ killing everyone unknowingly. I¡¯d go on a rampage.¡± His words crush me, and I feel tears rise, but then a carriage approaches. The Crest of the Hue Pack glimmers on its side, and I freeze. Nyroth Hue is here for dinner. The carriage stops, and he steps out, apanied by Kai. ¡°Zeph, my goodness. What are you doing out here?¡± Nyroth asks, as if he doesn¡¯t even see Lycannar. ¡°You shoulde in, my beloved Mate. Thanks, by the way, for inviting me to dinner.¡± 22:29 Fri, Sep 5 R He walks into the Pack, whispering to Kai as he goes, 35%= Finished ¡°Maybe I should sleep over in her chamber tonight. I missed touching her body. She looks so lovely in her nightgown.¡± I want to sink into the floor. He said that to provoke Lycannar. I nce at the Lycan King. No expression, but his eyes lock onto mine, burning with fury. ¡°My love, listen¡­¡± I begin, but he pulls away, mounts his horse, and in a sh, gallops into the night, back to his vast kingdom. Send Gifts Back Where 87 Zephyrine 35% Finished I stood still, my heart sinking. Before, I couldn¡¯t pinpoint why I hated it, why it brought me a sadness so deep I had never felt before when Lycannar rejected me but now I knew. The weight settling on my shoulders, the ache in my chest, all stemmed from the simple truth that I am hopelessly in love with him. I blinked, trying to steady my emotions. Only the Moon Goddess knew what was going through his mind now, what he might be thinking or feeling. Slowly, I turned toward the White Pack and walked inside, each step heavier than thest. I pushed open the door just in time to see Kai giving Blue an order. ¡°Hey, you there! Come pour me a drink.¡± I froze at the doorway, unnoticed by everyone, and watched as Blue moved to obey. ¡°Let me,¡± I said softly from the doorway, striding toward the far end where the dining hally. I took the jug from Blue¡¯s hands and poured water into Kai¡¯s cup, meeting his smirk with icy patience. ¡°You should have let the maid do it, Zeph. Isn¡¯t that what she¡¯s for? ving and¡­¡± Smashed! He hadn¡¯t finished, hadn¡¯t registered my movement, when I mmed the jug into his head. Hard. Sudden. He crumpled from the chair, dazed, stunned. The room went silent. Everyone froze, stunned by the audacity of it, but I wasn¡¯t done. I reached for the bowl of boiling soup on the table and handed it to Blue. I stepped aside, folding my hands across my chest. ¡°Pour it on him,¡± I ordered. Ever loyal, Blue obeyed instantly, as if expecting themand. The scalding soup spilled over the Beta of the Hue Pack, and Nyroth sat there, jaw dropping, eyes wide. I turned to him, my re sharp and unwavering. ¡°Lycannar said your stupid, rude Beta wouldn¡¯t live long. Maybe it¡¯s me who will be his executioner. See thisdy of mine?¡± I pointed at Blue. ¡°She is only a maid to me, only to me. Tell your Beta to be rude to her again, and he¡¯ll know the exact time of his death.¡± His face flushed pale. He was stunned, forced to nce at Kai writhing in pain, then back to me. ¡°Zeph¡­¡± ¡°I wasn¡¯t the one who called this dinner, Nyroth,¡± I said, my voice cold. ¡°But I am d you¡¯re here because I have a question. I will let you live, I swear, if you are honest with me.¡± He stared, a crease forming on his brow. ¡°Tell me¡­ do you know it was Ka who poisoned me?¡± *.35%¨C **Finished ¡°Zephyr¡­¡± Dessyn¡¯s voice whispered in awe, but I ignored her. I kept my gaze locked on Nyroth, reading the guilt etched into his face. ¡°Answer me, Nyroth. You knew she poisoned me, and yet you stayed with her. You let it happen, right?¡± He swallowed hard, lowering his gaze. ¡°You make it sound like you would plead for my life if you were in my shoes,¡± he said softly. I stiffened. He knew¡­ and he let it happen. Left me for dead while I had stood against Lycannar¡¯s opinion of killing him countless times. Death¡­ that was the height of it. I lowered my gaze, clearly shaken, but he continued. N?w ?ovel chapt?rs are published on find¡¤novel ¡°I wanted to tell you, Zeph. I wanted to save you, but¡­ Apex beat me to it many times. Listen, I apologize, and now I am ready to be yours. I will leave Ka alone. Forget that you stole her hairpin and lied about saving me years ago. I will forget your ¡®promiscuous¡® attitude, that you are a Rogue. I will wee you back. Let me mark you, Zeph.¡± My shoulders sagged at his words. Instead of forgiveness, I felt only disgust. The hairpin my brother gifted me, he believed I stole it. He made it sound like being a Rogue was the greatest crime, calling me promiscuous, as though he had been faithful all along. ¡°I want you to fix the date and time, Nyroth. Rejection. Do it or I will.¡± He frowned at that, gradually, uprehending. ¡°Zeph¡­¡± ¡°Get out.¡± Nathan¡¯s voice rang sharp now. ¡°Your mistress poisoned your mate, and you let it happen. Kept it secret. Slept at night! Get out of my house!¡± Nyroth¡¯s jaw tightened as he rose, Kai following, humiliated and enraged. Both cast furious res at Blue and me as they left. The door closed, the sound of their carriage fading into the night. ¡°Zephyr.¡± Dessyn rushed to hug me tightly. ¡°My gods, I¡¯m so sorry. How did you find out? I¡¯m sorry you have to go through that.¡± I hugged her back, steadying my emotions. A mate who never cared, who ignored me even as I was dying¡­ it was a bitter, hollow feeling. Silence fell heavily until Morwen¡¯s voice cut through. ¡°Zephyr? You should let him mark you.¡± Everyone turned to stare, shocked at her words, as though she had lost her mind. ¡°Mother! You saw what happened! Nyroth wanted to kill his own mate. If he¡¯s rotten to that extent, what more is left?¡± Dessyn gasped. ¡°It was his mistress who tried to kill her, not him,¡± Morwen countered calmly. ¡°His silence also meant death. For five years, Zephyr ved for him. Compensation for her parents¡® deaths 35% Finished was used to build Hue Pack, and in return, he humiliated her, kept their mate bond secret, and cheated with his foolish first love, thinking she saved him, not knowing it was Zephyr. What else must happen for you to understand rejecting Nyroth is best?¡± Dessyn questioned. ¡°Loving Lycannar Blood is not the best either,¡± Morwen gritted her teeth, then turned to me. ¡°Zephyr, follow me to the coven tonight for cleansing. Lycannar Blood has left a part of himself inside you. We must remove it.¡± I stared in silence, and Nathan stepped forward, blocking his wife. ¡°You forget who she is. A woman like you has no right to tell her how to live her life. You, who left your husband and children behind, think you canmand a woman bound to rule? Go to the coven yourself. Zephyr will do as she pleases, and we will all support her.¡± Send Gifts 19 2.3K B The Rogue Is A Female Alpha Back Where 88 Lycannar 31% Finished ¡°My Majesty is sad.¡± Ravana, my ck raven perched on my shoulder, croaked, but I ignore her and stare at my Kingdom gate and beyond. To say my heart is heavy tonight would be an understatement. Being in a tight spot like this dredges up unpleasant memories, some I never want to remember, yet sometimes I cannot avoid. While I am still immersed in the tangled situation of my father¡¯sst will, I find myself face¨Cto¨Cface with a priestess. One who knows who I am truly. I lower my gaze and close my eyes, and just like that, it shes. Visions of her, her scent, her presence. I flutter my eyes open and sigh, bitterness crawling through my heart. Then ites again, his voice in my head. My father¡¯s. A chuckle first, then mockery. ¡°She have a dinner with him tonight and definitely willugh with him. In fact, she¡¯d let him held her hands. They will kiss¡­¡± ¡°Shut up!¡± ¡°They will make love.¡± ¡°Stop.¡± ¡°And he will end up marking her while you are forgotten in this prison You are in!¡± ¡°Enough!¡± I snap suddenly, my beasts emerging, my body groaning in agony. I pull away from the corridor and walk into my chamber. My raven flies off as I lose my strength and sink to my knees, but Chnatel, at the doorway, rushes in to help me up. I hold out a hand to stop him. I groan, jaw set, as I see the anklet glowing softly. Binding me, keeping me imprisoned, in control. I breathe shakily, rise, and head out, Ravana flying above me as I make my way to the stables. I saddle my horse immediately and ride out of my Kingdom. The night is cold. The gate is already locked, but the guards, seeing me, swiftly open it and step aside. I follow the path, tracing her scent, and finally stop outside the town, before a coven in the middle of nowhere. I dismount, Ravana perching on my shoulder, and I stand still for a long time. My demon part hates holy relics. They call it out and it emerge. The priestess has tested my patience tonight, daring to stand between Zephyrine and me. She has the audacity to say she is off¨Climits. I set my jaw and walk forward, pausing briefly at the entrance. Slowly, I step into the coven, following the sound of jingles. The further I walk, the more I shift. My fingers snap and reform into ws. My face contorts, nose sharpens, fangs emerging. 22:39 Fri, Sep 5 RU For more chapters visit Find~Novel 319 Finished By the time I reach the shrine with the great statue of the Moon Goddess, I have fully shifted into my demon form. My eyes darkenpletely as I stare at her. She kneels alone before the statue, a few flickering candles around her. Her palms rub together as she prays, but she gradually stops, sensing my presence. ¡°For you to have the audacity toe here, that means you are ready to be disgraced.¡± She straightens and begins to turn toward me. ¡°I will make sure you¡­¡® Her words die on her lips. Face instantly pale, eyes widening in horror. I watch her tremble as she stutters, eyes fixed on the crown atop my head, the one that marks my position in the demon realm. ¡°You are¡­ You are the Demon Prince.¡± She stutters. ¡°The one they set off at war. The one who single- handedly wipe out all the warriors from Ash Pack.¡± That battle, five years ago. I stare at her in silence. The one I buried deep in my heart and soul, the one I thought would never rise again¡­ yet here it floats before me. She is shaken. She has no idea who I truly was before. ¡°How do you know I am a hybrid?¡± I ask, my demonic voice shaking the coven. She shudders again. ¡°I am one of the priestess who help build the ck tower,¡± she mutters. ¡°Your father had secretly called upon the priestesses from Wolf Empire. We casted a strong spell to hold a demon. It¡¯s not for You. It¡¯s for your mother.¡± I go cold. ¡°You know my mother?¡± ¡°The Demon Queen. One with beauty that causes the Lycan King to go crazed with Lust. The reason thousands of warriors died in battle. Of course I know such wicked woman.¡± I take a step forward. She fights to hold her ground but fails, retreating, heart thudding in her chest. ¡°Zephyrine and you can never be together, Lycannar. You are everything she stand against. She will never ept you once she know who you are.¡± ¡°You know why the moon goddess curse me?¡± I ask, and she shudders. ¡°Because you are the product of sin.¡± ¡°No.¡± I shake my head. ¡°Because she doesn¡¯t want me to be happy. She said I don¡¯t deserve it. My father break thews of all mortals to mate with my mother, to be happy. So happiness for the lineage of Blood will never happen but guess what? I found love. Her. Zephyrine, and I will do anything, everything to have her.¡± I take another step close and grab her arm before she can escape. My demonic eyes pin hers, and she shudders. ¡°I give my words to Zephyrine that I won¡¯t kill for her sake and I will honor it to some point. I am a man starved of love until she came into my life and fed me full with it. I have been lonely for decades but she walk into my tower and whispers the words of love to me. If you think You can stop me, you are wrong. Even the goddesss you worship can try. Zephyrine is mine and I will burn the whole empire if they stand in 22:39 Fri, Sep 5 RU my way to have her.¡± CURRENT 31% Finished I release her roughly. She copses to the floor, legs unable to hold her. I turn, shifting gradually back to my normal form as I walk towards the exit, walk to my horse, mount, and ride back to my Kingdom. Send Gifts 2.3K RI 31% The Rogue Is A Female Alpha Back Where 89 Zephyrine Finished I couldn¡¯t sleep. No. I just couldn¡¯t rest. I tried to get dressed for bed but found myself standing at the window, staring at the spot where he had left me. A soft sigh came from behind me, Dessyn¡¯s voice. This update is avable on Find1Novel ¡°You should go to him, Zephyr. Trust me, you won¡¯t sleep a wink unless you see him and talk to him.¡± I lower my gaze and slowly turn to see her sitting on the bed. Blue stood at the door, both worried about
  1. me.
Today had resulted in something I hadn¡¯t seening from a long mile away, and tonight had taken more than I could ever muster. I am only grateful that Moon isn¡¯t home to witness such moments and hear the truth about Nyroth, my own mate condemning me to death. I wonder what would have happened to me. ¡°If it wasn¡¯t for Lycannar who came that day, and left in rage, triggered the pain and made it intensify¡­¡± I shake my head slowly. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t have known I am dying.¡± ¡°Zephyr¡­¡± ¡°If it wasn¡¯t for Princess Mearez¡­ I wouldn¡¯t have even known what cure to use, Dessyn.¡± She lowers her gaze in sadness, and I look away to steady my emotions. ¡°If it wasn¡¯t for all of you who stood by me, if it wasn¡¯t for Lycannar and Moon and Chantel who made that journey and brought back the flower cure¡­ I wouldn¡¯t be here tonight. Hale and healthy.¡± I sniff, leaning on the wall, exhausted. ¡°He knows I am poisoned by Ka and yet he kept it to himself. He knows she tried to end my life, and yet he abandoned me to rot. I swear to the gods, if Lycannar had been the one who hurt Nyroth, I wouldn¡¯t see him ever again. I told him many times. Despite his rudeness and all, I protected him from the Lycan King. We all know Lycannar will not think twice before ending his life, but I won¡¯t have any of it because Nyroth is my mate!¡± I sigh shakily, my heart shattering. ¡°But he never did feel anything for me. Not even from the onset. Nothing at all. He believes Ka saved him even after seeing evidence. He believes I am lower to him because I choose to live as a rogue. He chose to leave me for dead because he believes I am useless. I will reject him and make him regret.¡± I turn toward the window and peer out when softly, Dessyn walks up and settles her palm on my shoulder. ¡°You should go to Lycannar tonight. Blue will be safe with me. For you and for him, Zephyr. Go on.¡± I lower my gaze at her advice. She is still one of the few people who can see through me, see what I feel. I want Lycannar so much. So very much that my heart aches. I can¡¯t bear the fact that he is mad at me, and I hate to think he might have the wrong thoughts. ? ? 31%¨C Finished I slowly look down at the white, powerful horse he had gifted me, and I sigh. Maybe I should take a ride tonight. It¡¯s a powerful horse, more like the one I rode into battle five years ago to defeat the demons and send them back to their realm. I stop in the royal stable and dismount, rubbing her mane for a few seconds as the stablemanes to take her reins. ¡°Mydy,¡± he greeted, and I bowed in response. Quietly, I walk into the hall, appearing in the dining hall. It¡¯s empty; silence hangs heavily. Gently, I head up the stairs and into Lycannar¡¯s chamber, expecting to see him on the bed, but no. He is nowhere to be seen. I walk out from there and into his bath chamber, but he isn¡¯t there either. Where is he? He definitely can¡¯t be in any meeting tonight, right? No answeres. I turn gently toward the far end of the hall, recalling Lycannar¡¯s words that morning that Chantel¡¯s bed chamber is at the far end. I make my way there and knock on the door gently. No response. I knock again, still nothing. I was about to knock a third time when the door opens,pelling my knuckles to hover in the air. Chantel appears in the doorway, his hair covering most of his view as usual, but his eyes are unwavering. I get a chill. This will be the first time I stand this close to him. ¡°Chantel, do you know where Lycannar is?¡± I ask, but he does not respond. He only stares at me like a statue. I try again. ¡°He is not in his chamber. I can¡¯t find him anywhere.¡± Still silence. He continues to stare, and I swallow hard. If not for my fearlessness, I wouldn¡¯t dare look at him again. He looks so ominous, so strange. I am about to ask again when I feel the force ahead, the unmistakable presence, the warmth.. ¡°He won¡¯t speak to you.¡± Lycannar¡¯s voicees, and I stare harder at Chantel. He stares back, then walks into his chamber, closing the door. I stand still, aware that I haven¡¯t heard Lycannare up the stairs. I turn atst. He is no longer there. I walk straight to his bedchamber and pause in the doorway. He isn¡¯t there, so I walk down the corridor and find him staring out with his hands folded across his chest. On his shoulder perches the same raven I first saw when I came to the Lycan Kingdom. Powerful, understated dominance. Memories of how he had walked away from me surface, and I stare at him from behind, wondering where he hase from. Finished ¡°Where are youing from, Lycannar?¡± I finally ask, my words intended to be soft but ended uping out cold, unmistakablyced with jealousy. ¡°Why do you care?¡± he mutters, and I set my jaw, anger flooding in me. I dash forward to stand before him. ¡°Where in the hell are youing from, Lycannar Blood?¡± His eyes are on his kingdom before they shift to mine. I see his jaw set, the anger and jealousy clear. ¡°Why?¡± he asks instead. ¡°You scared I might also have gone to a woman?¡°, ¡°You won¡¯t dare.¡± ¡°Try me.¡± He challenges, walking into his chamber. I follow, pushing him from behind, but it makes no impact. He is too strong, too formidable. ¡°I hate you,¡± I mutter coldly, and he turns to re. ¡°Thank goodness you are speaking the truth now. Why are you here if you do hate me?¡± ¡°Lycan.¡± ¡°I respect you, Zephyrine, and I respect your choices. I won¡¯t hurt your mate because you love him so much, but do not test my patience. Just because I am obsessed with you doesn¡¯t mean I am a second choice youe to when you are bored of your mate¡­¡± I p him instantly. Hard. His head tilts aside from the impact. I am so mad at him, and yet desperate. ¡°It¡¯s you I love and you know it!¡± Slowly, he looks at me. I re, but that enmitysts only a second before everything shatters. We move at the same time, meeting in the middle, kissing as though it will be thest time. Send Gifts 2.3K Back Where 90 Zephyrine .31% Finished Wey on the bed utterly spent, our clothes scattered on the floor, while we remained naked in one another¡¯s arms, still feeling the power of what we had just shared. I loved it. Everything about being in his arms like this, being pampered by him and cherished. I closed my eyes to savor the quietness when his voice came softly. ¡°He touch you?¡± I waited a few seconds, knowing fully well who he was asking about. ¡°No.¡± ¡°You sat with him?¡± ¡°No.¡± ¡°You still want him?¡± To this I couldn¡¯t respond. Want him? No. Never. I am so certain. I pull away from Lycannar to sit up. He watches me run my fingers through my hair and then reach for my gown. ¡°I have to go,¡± I said, aiming to dress, but he reaches for my wrist and pulls me back down to him. My heart swells at his tender touch and I sigh shakily. ¡°My love¡­¡± ¡°Stay tonight,¡± he requests softly, his palm caressing my arm once again, soothing me. ¡°Please.¡± Gently, I look up to stare at him and lean down to kiss his lips. We had argued, and yet it led to something splendid. ¡°I¡¯m famished, Lycannar,¡± I say. ¡°I haven¡¯t eaten anything today.¡± To this, he smiles. As though he can¡¯t help it. He rolls me over to kiss my lips, my head resting on the pillow. ¡°Let me make a dinner for you. Supper, in fact. Since it¡¯s sote.¡± My eyes go wide in awe and admiration. ¡°You can cook?¡± He raises an eyebrow. ¡°I have been here alone for years. I am only just allowing maids to ascend the stairs. Of course I can cook.¡± He pulls away to reach for his royal robe but pauses to turn to me. ¡°But¡­ I don¡¯t know. It might not be up to your taste.¡± ¡°Since the cook is up to my taste, I am sure his cooking will be.¡± I say flirtatiously, my eyes shifting to his length and he chuckles quietly at what I mean. 1/4 ???s ??????? ?s ?????? ?? find[?]ovel R 31% Finished The pleasant sound floods me with immense joy, and for a heart¨Cstopping second, I watch him dress with at smile on his face. Quietly, he walks out, leaving me to deal with the cold and awe of how beautiful he is when he smiles. How utterly gorgeous a man can be. I have heard horrible rumors about him, but getting to know him deeply, I see he is nothing like the monster the empire portrays him to be. Slowly, I get up from where I sit and walk toward his numerous identical clothes, about to pick one when I hear a creak ahead, from the corner of the wall. I turn toward it, curiosity piqued. Gently, I make my way toward it, and again the creak sounds. It¡¯s behind. the books. I reach to search, but then it flies out, startling me sharply. I take a step back to see it. A raven. Perching on the table, eyes sharp and fixed on me. I sigh shakily, relief flooding me. It¡¯s not something unusual. I¡¯ve seen Lycannar¡¯s raven a few times before. ¡°You want one too?¡± a croakes from behind, and I go cold.¡± I whirl around sharply. What?! ¡°I have a brother. You want him?¡± the raven asks again, and my knees go weak. I slowly approach it, palm extended in curiosity, and it settles gently on it. Carefully, I hold it to my face to examine it in wonder ¡°You can talk?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°My gods. Howe? How can you? Did Lycannar know?¡± The raven flutters her feathers. ¡°One question at a time. My Majesty knows I can speak.¡± ¡°Wow. But¡­¡± I was saying when Lycannar¡¯s sudden appearance stops me. He appears with two tes of roasted meats but pauses when he sees me with his raven, then walks into the chamber and ces the tes on the table. The raven flies off my palm to perch on his shoulder, settling as though it has always belonged there. ¡°Her name is Ravana. My father gave her to me,¡± he exins as he reaches for me and walks me toward a chair. ¡°You okay?¡± I can¡¯t shake it off. I watch him quietly and nod atst. ¡°I never knew she could speak. Howe?¡± ¡°It¡¯s a forbidden spell,¡± he replies quietly as he nods at the food. ¡°Go on.¡± I blink at his response and then slowly look down at the roasted meat. A small smile curls at the corner of 211 31%¨C Finished Sep my lips as I pick up my fork and knife. The aroma crawls into my nostrils, and when I taste it, I giggle quietly. ¡°Ravana, your raven said she has a brother. Is that true? She asked if I want him.¡± To this, Lycannar shakes his head. ¡°It¡¯s only her. She¡¯s just being silly.¡± ¡°Come to think of it, I haven¡¯t seen her since thest time you appeared at the hall.¡± Lycannar nods. ¡°She has been with Chantel.¡± I raise an eyebrow, then frown in confusion, ¡°Lycannar¡­ Chantel¡­ why won¡¯t he speak to me?¡± ¡°He¡¯s like that with everyone.¡± ¡°But why?¡± For a few seconds, he stares at me as though debating whether to answer. ¡°It¡¯s the spell cast upon him.¡± ¡°How do you mean?¡± He waits again before exining. ¡°I grew up alone in this tower. Lonely and¡­ quiet. My father came to visit one day and decided to give mepanions. This raven, who can speak, and Chantel, who will be loyal, there for only me, and me alone.¡± Silence falls after his words, and I grow more confused. It¡¯s not adding up. ¡°Lycannar,¡± I call quietly. ¡°Your father is the one who said bitter words to you. Is he also the one who gifted youpanions so you wouldn¡¯t be lonely?¡± ¡°No.¡± He whispers, and I wait, curious. ¡°I have a stepfather. Two, actually. One is the father of my brother Hades, and the other is the father of my elder sisters Mearez and Serena. I call all of them father, but it was Hades¡® father who gave me Chantel and Ravana.¡± I pause from chewing, the fork slipping from my fingers as I stare at him in awe. ¡°Wait¡­ does¡­ does that mean Princess Mearez and Princess Serena are not really true blood? You are the real and only offspring from thete Lycan King?¡± He nods gently. ¡°My sisters are true princesses too, in a way. They are born from the true Queen of this kingdom, only from a different father. My own father also gave me birth from a different mother. My own mother already had my brother Hades with herwfully wedded husband before she begot me with my father.¡± ¡°My gods. Who would have guessed you all are step¨Csiblings?¡± 31% Finished ¡°No one knows except family members, and we n on keeping it that way,¡± he says, and I swallow hard at what he means. Did he consider me a family member too? $74 ¡°In any case, we all don¡¯t care about it. My brother Hades loves us all. He¡¯s the eldest. Mearez came next, then Serena, andstly me. We love one another¡­ too much.¡± ¡°I know that already,¡± I whisper quietly. ¡°I have seen the bond. I know how much you all love one another. About your older brother though, I don¡¯t really know him that much.¡± ¡°You will know him soon,¡± he sayszily, then looks down at the te. Slowly, I follow his gaze, only to be stunned. I have eaten my portion and his as well. Slowly, he looks right into my eyes, and I swallow. ¡°Goodness. I¡­ well, Your Majesty, I have to admit¡­ your supper is very great,¡± I admit jokingly, and he leans back in his chair, chuckling into the night. Send Gifts 1 2.3K B Back Where 91 Zephyrine 31% Finished I wake up to his palm on my breasts, my head resting on his arm, my back pressed against his solid chest. The chirping of birds fills the air, apanied by the lively chatter of Lycans going about their day but then I feel a summons, different from all others. Powerful. Familiar. I close my eyes to listen, and ites through, steady, confident, respectful, calm, resonating deep into my soul. ¡°Zephyr.¡± I flutter my eyelids open and ease off the bed gently. I reach for the Lycannar shirt and put it on, watch it fall over my knees, and walk toward the corridor to stare outside. Past the people, beyond the massive gates of the Lycan Kingdom, I see him. Mounted on a powerful white warhorse, I recognize his energy before his face. Jurrek Bane. For him toe all the way from Ash Pack to here means one thing. It is important. Perhaps¡­ has he found something connected to my¡­ brother? I step away from the corridor and reach for my dress, fastening the back when Lycannar¡¯s voice calls through. ¡°You are not staying for breakfast?¡± I turn to him gently and walk up to sit on the bedside, my lips brushing his softly. ¡°I have to go.¡± He searches my eyes and tenderly cups my neck with his palm, drawing me down for another kiss. Then he sits up and reaches over the table beside the bed where a small ck box sits. He takes it and extends it to me. I stare at it briefly, then back at his face. His pale¨Cgold eyes stare back, unwavering. ¡°I was supposed to give it to you yesterday morning, but you left before I could,¡± he whispers. I take the box gently from him. Quietly, I open it, and my heart sinks. It¡¯s a ring carved from the purest gold, like the crown I saw on the day of his coronation. Slowly, I look up at him. Is he¡­ proposing? ¡°Not yet,¡± he replies, as though reading my thoughts. He lowers his gaze and says softly, ¡°It¡¯s just a small present.¡± For more chapters visit f?i?n?d?n?o?v?e?l? I pull back, awed. Why does he belittle every gift he gives me? 31% Finished ¡°If a ring made from the purest gold is little, then I wonder what is big,¡± I say softly, my heart tightening. Then I lower my gaze and take the ring from the box, extending it to him. ¡°Take it,¡± I say, and I see his expression falter. ¡°Why?¡± he asks quietly, a trace of sadness in every word. ¡°You don¡¯t like it?¡± My heart nearly bursts at the intensity of his love, adoration, devotion. His obsession. He has never hidden it even once. He makes it so obvious. I am his everything, and he would be lost forever if I left. ¡°Take it¡­ and put it on for me,¡± I tell him. For a long moment, he only stares at me. Atst, he obeys. He takes the ring, and I hold out my fingers. Watching him slide it onto my middle finger, I feel the weight of the im. It¡¯s public, undeniable. Lycannar leans in to kiss my palm with reverence afterward, and I reach to run my fingers through his long ck hair. He raises his head to kiss me again, then breaks off to hug me tightly. N ¡°I¡¯m addicted to you, Zephyrine. I¡¯m totally obsessed with you. ¡°I know. I know, my love.¡± I pull back to search his eyes, my heart swelling with joy and relief. ¡°I hate to leave you.¡± ¡°You don¡¯t have to go,¡± he says, and I swallow hard. But I do have to. I have a life, a pack, a responsibility, an enormous one. I kiss Lycannar¡¯s lips once more, then slip off the bed and walk out. I emerge into the Royal stable in no time. The stableman rushes over to hand me the horse reins, and I reach to caress her mane. As I head toward the exit, Lycannar¡¯s raven flies over to perch on my shoulder. A chill runs down my spine, and Iugh. ¡°What¡¯s the asion?¡± I ask. ¡°To bid you goodbye.¡± I stop and look up toward the corridor of the ck Tower. Lycannar stands there in his robe, sunlight bathing him in glory. Grace is too small a word to describe him, yet he dares believe he amounts to nothing? That¡¯s not true. I stare at him for several seconds and smile. He doesn¡¯t respond, so I turn fully toward him. ¡°You smile back,¡± I say aloud, forgetting he can hear me even if I whisper. The Lycans going about their daily tasks pause, ncing at me and then up to the King they bow to. Lycannar has never smiled in public, I can guess, but at that moment, his eyes fix on me and he smiles. Murmurs fill the courtyard, but I am already on my way out, my heart tingling with joy. Ravana flies off my shoulder as I walk beside my white horse and head toward White Pack on foot. Immediately I step out of the Lycan Kingdom, the thrill lingers, then fades, reced by the summons again. I stop smiling. My joy twists into something else, urgent. I continue walking until the Lycan Kingdom fades behind me, and only then does he appear before me. Jurrek Bane, the great loyal Beta of Ash Pack. ?? 31%¨C Finished He stands there, a sealed letter in hand. His stance today is different, and my heart skips a beat when he draws me into a hug. My brother¡¯s most loyal and steadfast friend. The Bane lineage has served Ashmere Alphas for generations, each willing toy down life and honor for the pack. Jurrek¡¯s father did the same for my own father, both wiped out on the battlefield five years ago. Now he stands with me, arms strong around me. He has watched me grow, loved me as a brother, a beta, a protector. His respect is paramount; he rarely calls me by name unless the weight of emotion demands it, and he touches me only when it truly matters. ¡°Word came from the border, My Lady,¡± he says as he pulls back to stare at me. ¡°Words about your brother, my best friend, the Great War Strategist. A letter was delivered by a man iming he knows Varyn¡¯s whereabouts, but he said he will speak only to an Ashmere, an Alpha.¡± Goosebumps crawl over my skin, and I stare at him, wide¨Ceyed. ¡°That¡¯s a trick. He¡¯s a false liar,¡± I murmur, nearly crazed with emotion. ¡°That¡¯s not true.¡± ¡°I also have the same thought when we heard the words,¡± Jurrek says, handing me the letter. ¡°But here it is, sealed. He ims it is thest written by your brother. No one will dare open it but you. Confirm the truth and return to Ash Pack with feedback, My Lady. Every order you make will be obeyed without hesitation.¡± He kisses my forehead, then mounts his great warhorse and rides into the sunrise, back to Ash Pack. Send Gifts 2.3K 1 Back Where 92 Zephyrine Finished I walked all the way back to White Pack with my horse beside me, ignoring the stares and whispers that followed. I had told Lycannar the horse would stand out and it did. After all, it was mated to his own, only a different color, standing out just like he did. The sun was high when I stepped into the pack, and Blue appeared from the house as if she had been expecting me. ¡°Mydy,¡± she called, but I handed her the rein and walked into the house in silence, only to stop, shocked, in the living room. There she stood with all her belongings. Morwen. Moon had returned from his training session and stood beside Dessyn. Nathan was seated at the dining area, chin resting on his palm, his gaze fixed on the priestess who looked like someone who had seen true darkness and could not recover. ¡°You are leaving, Mother?¡± I asked softly. She stared at me, disbelief in her eyes. ¡°He¡­ had sex with you?¡± she asked, and my skin crawled. Are we still on this issue? ¡°That is her private business with Apex, Mother,¡± Dessyn replied sharply, but Morwen ignored her and pressed on. ¡°You love him?¡± Something troubled her. Something tied to Lycannar. She searched my eyes, taking a step forward. ¡°He is everything you stand against, Zephyr. Everything you have fought against. Do you still want him?¡± I met her gaze, then lowered it and sighed. I was still raw from Jurrek¡¯s letter and Lycannar¡¯s love. Slowly, I looked back at Morwen and nodded. ¡°I love him, Mother. I made love with him. I can¡¯t leave him. I won¡¯t leave him.¡± Her face went pale. She spoke cautiously. ¡°What if you find out he¡¯s not what he seems to be? What then?¡± ¡°Lycannar has never hidden anything from me. What I don¡¯t know about him is because I haven¡¯t asked or do not need to. He¡¯s cursed, I know. Unsteady, intense, obsessive, possessive, toxic¡­ I ept him as he is.¡± ¡°So you will leave your mate for a cursed king?¡± I studied her, curious, confused, and surprised at once. Latest content published on Find~Novel ¡°Wait. Have you met this so¨Ccalled cursed king? Have you seen him? Powerful, gorgeous, confident, and faithful. I am sick of peopleparing Lycannar to Nyroth. It¡¯s an insult to what the Lycan King stands for. Have you ever stepped into that kingdom, felt the power he wields, dared to stand alone with him and not feel the thrill?¡± RL 31% Finished She lowered her gaze and blink as though lost in memories. ¡°That¡¯s power, Mother, but I don¡¯t want power. I have enough, even left some behind. All I want is a man who cherishes me and Lycannar does, to the point it aches. Nyroth was only rude, neglectful. I will reject him.¡± Morwen¡¯s gaze fell, realizing I had made up my mind. Quietly, she noticed the ring on my finger. Slowly, she looked back up at me and nodded. ¡°Since you are determined, I will let you be. When the truth is revealed, I will return with my shoulder forfort and words of guidance. Until then, Zephyrine Ashmere, farewell.¡± With that, she bypassed me with her small luggage and walked out, departing from White Pack without looking back. I stood still, wondering why iming Lycannar now felt harder. Or wait¡­ am I also cursed to never be happy? ¡°She never once was a mother to us or a wife to my father. It¡¯s good she¡¯s gone for good,¡± Moon broke the silence and reached for me softly. ¡°I heard what happened from my sister. Are you okay?¡± I nodded, and Dessyn stepped forward. ¡°Kai was here early this morning, Zephyr. He said you¡¯ve been summoned to Hue Pack concerning your mate bond with Nyroth.¡± I nodded again and slowly walked into the bedchamber I shared with Dessyn. Quietly, I sat on the bed, heart heavy. The door opened softly, and Dessyn entered, her eyes full of concern. ¡°Zephyr, what¡¯s wrong?¡± I revealed the letter Jurrek had given me. ¡°Jurrek appeared before me today, Dessyn. He brought this letter and words.¡± I looked up, and she didn¡¯t speak, emotion brimming in her eyes. She dared not breathe. It was about Varyn, the man she loved. ¡°Words havee from the border, Dessyn. A man ims to know what has be of my brother on the battlefield, but he will only speak to an Ashmere Alpha.¡± She swallowed hard. Tension thickened the air. ¡°This letter is evidence,¡± I continued, voice shaking. ¡°It ims to be thest handwritten words by Varyn. Reading it will help me decide.¡± I sighed shakily. ¡°You are Varyn¡¯s love. You deserve to know.¡± Again, she could not speak. I lowered my gaze and opened the letter, fingers undoing the seal. I did not notice my breathing until I saw the words. Written in haste or perhaps pain. Dried blood stained the parchment. It read, R 31% Finished ¡°To you, beloved sister, if you ever read this. Know that there is no one left trust neither among our kind at home nor on the battlefield. We are betrayed, cornered, and retreat is impossible. Lives of warriors have been lost and destroyed. Those of us who remain have been saved by an unthinkable beast, a world within a world, creatures living among us beyond imagining. To maintain sanityes at a cost, and I fear I am. losing mine. You should stop searching for me, little sister. And if you can, deliver this to her. Tell Dessyn to never move on. I know it is selfish, but tell her to live forever as my widow, until herst breath.¡± Send Gifts ¡£ 2.3K Back Where 93 Zephyrine 31% Finished It hung between us. The heaviest tension. For what seemed like an eternity, none of us moved. None at all. We could hardly breathe. He had written the letter as a send-off, to keep me from chasing him, to find peace but he wasn¡¯t dead. Not when the letter was written. Judging by the age of the parchment, it had been written years ago. Goosebumps crawled over my skin, and I looked away to clear my throat. Slowly, I extended the letter to Dessyn, but she wouldn¡¯t take it. ¡°Part of it addresses you. Go on,¡± I urged quietly. She took it, reading in silence. Slowly, she looked away, exhaling shakily, but her legs could no longer support her. Dessyn sank to the floor, her sobs breaking the silence. I didn¡¯t move to console her. I was already drowning in too many emotions. ¡°I will get married to the next man I meet the moment I leave this house!¡± she vowed angrily. I looked at her, seeing only the rawness of her grief. ¡°I failed to live as his widow. I don¡¯t care about him anymore. Never.¡± Her words came and went, and I knew the truth. She was emotional, acting on impulse. I looked away, sighing as silence descended again until her voice came through. ¡°Zephyr¡­¡± she called, walking to sit on the bed. ¡°Zephyr¡­ I have never learnedbat, nor have I ever been on a battlefield or killed. Please¡­ do you know a way we can¡­ bring him back?¡± I saw her fingers trembling and slowly looked up into her eyes. Seconds ago, she had vowed never to be bothered by him, and now she was shaking in fear and desperation. I reached for her hand, sighing shakily. ¡°You will stay as my brother¡¯s woman, Dessyn. Do you understand?¡± ¡°Zephyr¡­¡± ¡°And we will find him. Find those who betrayed the Ashmeres on the battlefield and make them pay.¡± ¡°But how¡­¡± she asked, searching my eyes. I swallowed hard. ¡°By being strong,¡± I said, rising to the window. ¡°By being strategic. We can¡¯t trust anyone but the very few. Dusk household and Jurrek, only.¡± I walked back to her and took her hand tenderly, my love and respect for her swelling. ¡°Varyn acknowledged you in his letter. That alone makes you his betrothed. We will do everything to get him back.¡± She searched my eyes, silence heavy. That gaze asked one powerful question that made my heart tighten. ¡°You will have to ascend the seat reserved for your brother before you can find him, Zephyr. Stand among 31% Finished the great, break a chain that has never been broken in history, take the vow as the female Alpha¡­ can you?¡± *** The water soothed my skin. I closed my eyes to the warmth and tender scrubs from Blue, who carefully cleaned my breasts. Instinctively, a soft sigh escaped me. Memories surged. Lycannar, his touch and ache came through in my inner thighs. Blue looked at me innocently, continuing her task. ¡°Are you okay, My Lady?¡± she asked softly. ¡°You haven¡¯t spoken to me since morning¡­ I began to wonder if¡­ if you¡¯re mad at me.¡± I stayed silent, letting her finish. Afterwards, she dressed me in a fine gown and seated me before the mirror to braid my hair. I stopped her. ¡°Let it down,¡± I ordered quietly. ¡°It¡¯s how my man wants it.¡± She obeyed, letting my hair flow around my waist. ¡°You look beautiful, mydy. So beautiful and¡­¡± Her gaze fell to the ring on my finger. ¡°And even more beautiful.¡± I smiled quietly at her reflection in the mirror, then turned to the bed and sat. ¡°Come here, Blue,¡± I said. She came closer, ready to sit on the floor, but I pulled her up beside me. ¡°Mydy¡­¡± ¡°Sit. Befortable.¡± Silence fell. I stared at her intensely. Then I began. ¡°I love your king, and I appreciate every gift he¡¯s given me including a blessing like you.¡± ¡°Mydy¡­¡± ¡°I am soft, Blue. If I want to be. And I can be very hard if I choose. I will kill as much as I will save.¡± I nced at the ring on my finger and sighed. ¡°Lycannar and I met at our lowest, fed one another with love. Now he has crossed a path in my heart with no way back. He is mine even if he doesn¡¯t want to be and I will never spill the blood of anyone dear to him.¡± I looked into her eyes, nodding. ¡°You mean a lot to Lycannar. For him to entrust you to me, it means too much. I will cherish you, Blue. Adore you. Protect you. But there is one condition.¡± I could feel it. Her heart thudding, the fear of the unknown. ¡°You will be loyal to me.¡± ¡°Mydy¡­ I am loyal to you.¡± ¡°Prove it.¡± I pinned her with my gaze. She swallowed hard. Panic edged her voice. RIN ¡°How¡­?¡± ¡°Jump off the window¡­ and die.¡± Her color drained. She recoiled. ¡°I am a Lycan. Height won¡¯t kill me.¡± ?? 31% ¨C Finished Chapter 93 This update is avable on f?i?n?d?n?o?v?e?l? Zephyrine 31% Finished It hung between us. The heaviest tension. For what seemed like an eternity, none of us moved. None at all. We could hardly breathe. He had written the letter as a send-off, to keep me from chasing him, to find peace but he wasn¡¯t dead. Not when the letter was written. Judging by the age of the parchment, it had been written years ago. Goosebumps crawled over my skin, and I looked away to clear my throat. Slowly, I extended the letter to Dessyn, but she wouldn¡¯t take it. ¡°Part of it addresses you. Go on,¡± I urged quietly. She took it, reading in silence. Slowly, she looked away, exhaling shakily, but her legs could no longer support her. Dessyn sank to the floor, her sobs breaking the silence. I didn¡¯t move to console her. I was already drowning in too many emotions. ¡°I will get married to the next man I meet the moment I leave this house!¡± she vowed angrily. I looked at her, seeing only the rawness of her grief. ¡°I failed to live as his widow. I don¡¯t care about him anymore. Never.¡± Her words came and went, and I knew the truth. She was emotional, acting on impulse. I looked away, sighing as silence descended again until her voice came through. ¡°Zephyr¡­¡± she called, walking to sit on the bed. ¡°Zephyr¡­ I have never learnedbat, nor have I ever been on a battlefield or killed. Please¡­ do you know a way we can¡­ bring him back?¡± I saw her fingers trembling and slowly looked up into her eyes. Seconds ago, she had vowed never to be bothered by him, and now she was shaking in fear and desperation. I reached for her hand, sighing shakily. ¡°You will stay as my brother¡¯s woman, Dessyn. Do you understand?¡± ¡°Zephyr¡­¡± ¡°And we will find him. Find those who betrayed the Ashmeres on the battlefield and make them pay.¡± ¡°But how¡­¡± she asked, searching my eyes. I swallowed hard. ¡°By being strong,¡± I said, rising to the window. ¡°By being strategic. We can¡¯t trust anyone but the very few. Dusk household and Jurrek, only.¡± I walked back to her and took her hand tenderly, my love and respect for her swelling. ¡°Varyn acknowledged you in his letter. That alone makes you his betrothed. We will do everything to get him back.¡± She searched my eyes, silence heavy. That gaze asked one powerful question that made my heart tighten. ¡°You will have to ascend the seat reserved for your brother before you can find him, Zephyr. Stand among 31% Finished the great, break a chain that has never been broken in history, take the vow as the female Alpha¡­ can you?¡± *** The water soothed my skin. I closed my eyes to the warmth and tender scrubs from Blue, who carefully cleaned my breasts. Instinctively, a soft sigh escaped me. Memories surged. Lycannar, his touch and ache came through in my inner thighs. Blue looked at me innocently, continuing her task. ¡°Are you okay, My Lady?¡± she asked softly. ¡°You haven¡¯t spoken to me since morning¡­ I began to wonder if¡­ if you¡¯re mad at me.¡± I stayed silent, letting her finish. Afterwards, she dressed me in a fine gown and seated me before the mirror to braid my hair. I stopped her. ¡°Let it down,¡± I ordered quietly. ¡°It¡¯s how my man wants it.¡± She obeyed, letting my hair flow around my waist. ¡°You look beautiful, mydy. So beautiful and¡­¡± Her gaze fell to the ring on my finger. ¡°And even more beautiful.¡± I smiled quietly at her reflection in the mirror, then turned to the bed and sat. ¡°Come here, Blue,¡± I said. She came closer, ready to sit on the floor, but I pulled her up beside me. ¡°Mydy¡­¡± ¡°Sit. Befortable.¡± Silence fell. I stared at her intensely. Then I began. ¡°I love your king, and I appreciate every gift he¡¯s given me including a blessing like you.¡± ¡°Mydy¡­¡± ¡°I am soft, Blue. If I want to be. And I can be very hard if I choose. I will kill as much as I will save.¡± I nced at the ring on my finger and sighed. ¡°Lycannar and I met at our lowest, fed one another with love. Now he has crossed a path in my heart with no way back. He is mine even if he doesn¡¯t want to be and I will never spill the blood of anyone dear to him.¡± I looked into her eyes, nodding. ¡°You mean a lot to Lycannar. For him to entrust you to me, it means too much. I will cherish you, Blue. Adore you. Protect you. But there is one condition.¡± I could feel it. Her heart thudding, the fear of the unknown. ¡°You will be loyal to me.¡± ¡°Mydy¡­ I am loyal to you.¡± ¡°Prove it.¡± I pinned her with my gaze. She swallowed hard. Panic edged her voice. RIN ¡°How¡­?¡± ¡°Jump off the window¡­ and die.¡± Her color drained. She recoiled. ¡°I am a Lycan. Height won¡¯t kill me.¡± ?? 31% ¨C Finished ¡°That¡¯s if you use your ability. Don¡¯t. Jump right there and kill yourself,¡± Imanded, my patience thinning. ¡°Now!¡± She trembled, sinking to her knees, but I turned away. Then, in a heartbeat, she bolted toward the window. My wolf surged forward, muscles coiling with precision and speed. In a blur of motion, I caught her wrist mid-leap, yanking her back just as air left her lungs. Tears clouded her eyes. Tears of fear, confusion, relief. I set my jaw and walk up to her, wiping them away. ¡°Get ready,¡± I said firmly. ¡°We are going to Hue Pack, and tonight we leave for Ash Pack.¡± Send Gifts ¡°That¡¯s if you use your ability. Don¡¯t. Jump right there and kill yourself,¡± Imanded, my patience thinning. ¡°Now!¡± She trembled, sinking to her knees, but I turned away. Then, in a heartbeat, she bolted toward the window. My wolf surged forward, muscles coiling with precision and speed. In a blur of motion, I caught her wrist mid-leap, yanking her back just as air left her lungs. Tears clouded her eyes. Tears of fear, confusion, relief. I set my jaw and walk up to her, wiping them away. ¡°Get ready,¡± I said firmly. ¡°We are going to Hue Pack, and tonight we leave for Ash Pack.¡± Send Gifts Back Where 94 Zephyrine ??31%- Finished My carriage rolled into Hue Pack, stopping in the courtyard right beside a carriage I recognized all too well. The one belonging to Ka Yadev. The crest of ckbridge Pack gleamed boldly, a reminder of the pack she and her father stole. I stepped out, Blue right behind me, fussing with a stubborn strand of hair that refused to stay in ce. Adjusting my dress, she followed silently as we entered the hall. The guards stood at attention. The maids, who had always ignored me, stared longer than necessary. Whispers swirled, but I ignored them, striding/into the Council meeting hall with purpose. I paused briefly at the doorway. Nyroth, Alpha of Hue Pack, sat at the head of the table. Beside him, Ka¡¯s fingers were entwined with his, her head resting on his shoulder. They were trying to provoke me, to make me jealous but those days were gone. I no longer envied Nyroth¡¯s affection for Ka. Time had shifted, and so had I. ¡°The Lycan should stay out,¡± Kai¡¯s voice cut through the tension, but I ignored him, along with Pam, Nyroth¡¯s mother, and Olivia, his sister. I moved to the seat reserved for me, Blue pulling out the chair. I was here for business, not for emotions. I am done with the Hues. Nyroth fixed his gaze on me. I felt it, though my eyes stayed on the table. Then came the sound that made my stomach twist. His lips on Ka¡¯s, even in front of the Hue elders. He didn¡¯t hide his feelings anymore. The mate bond still keep a connection between us and I hated it.. ¡°Let¡¯s get this over with,¡± I said curtly, tone sharp, eyes empty of emotion. ¡°The date and time.¡± Nyroth paused, fingers still on Ka, trying to read the source of my audacity. Finally, he pulled away, sighing. ?? ??? ???? ?? ???? ???? ???????s, ????s? ??s?? f?i?n?d?n?o?v?e?l? ¡°Zeph, I¡¯ll give you onest chance. I¡¯ll forgive everything you¡¯ve done. I¡¯ll give you shelter. You¡¯ll stop being a rogue, hopping from pack to pack. I¡¯ll forgive¡­¡± ¡°The date and time,¡± I cut him off, my stare piercing. Even his mother hissed, sitting a few chairs away. ¡°She¡¯s grown wings after sleeping around. I won¡¯t me you. If only you had a mother to teach you right from wrong.¡± ¡°And your precious son, who actually has a mother to school him? Look at him rotting away. Seems having a mother isn¡¯t exactly a magic fix, is it? Useless, just like the woman who birthed him.¡± Silence fell over the chamber. Olivia¡¯s face turned red, her voice sharp. ¡°My goodness! How dare you call my brother and mother useless? You are the useless one! Who¡­¡± Her words died on her lips as I looked at her. She trembled, memories of how I had bested a skilled rogue man in a duel shing in her mind. R 3.31% Finished ¡°I¡¯ve been mated to your brother for five years, lived here all the while. You¡¯ve been trying to be a healer, but even now, you¡¯re nothing but a brat with no mate and no future. Tell me, who¡¯s useless?¡± Olivia went pale, recoiling. Then Ka stepped forward, voiceced with venom. ¡°You think because the Lycan King bedded you, you¡¯re above everyone in the empire?¡± I let my eyes sweep over her, slow and dangerous, a smirk tugging at my lips. ¡°He is the King of all Lycans. Even being spared a nce from him is an honor most could never dream of. You? You¡¯ve earned nothing but the what you stole. Being a second-hand to a man who is already mated¡­ that¡¯s exactly your ce.¡± Ka¡¯s eyes shed with anger, her smirk returning. ¡°I guess you haven¡¯t heard the rumors about you?¡± I leaned back, letting my golden ring catch the light, drawing her gaze. ¡°A mistress, yet he would never look at another woman. Gifted me the most precious present with devotion in his eyes. The type of devotion you¡¯ll never know.¡± I smiled, cold and measured. ¡°I bet the Alpha who slept with you never imed you publicly. Mine did.¡± Ka froze, but then delivered onest blow. Elegantly, she stepped forward, cing a scroll before me. One that held the date and time I would reject Nyroth. She leaned close, whispering wickedly. ¡°There¡¯s something you need to know, Zeph. Today, I was approached by Lord Dareth, the Lycan King¡¯s uncle. His son is ascending the Beta¡¯s seat, and I was asked to host it. He mentioned one more thing. That I¡¯ll host the King¡¯s wedding ceremony too.¡± A chill ran down my spine. She stepped back, smiling slyly. ¡°I was stunned, just like you. I thought, does this mean Zeph will be Queen? But he said the bride is another woman. The daughter of the richest man in the Lycan Kingdom. I bet your so-called lover didn¡¯t tell you. Why would he? He¡¯s only out to milk you and discard you.¡± She turned toward Nyroth, pressing a kiss to his lips in front of me. ¡°My man isn¡¯t a king, but at least he won¡¯t betroth another woman without me being the bride.¡± Send Gifts 2.3K Back Where 95 Lycannar Finished ¡°This is the pending decision since the former king died, My Lord,¡± one of the elders said, pointing to many scrolls before me. ¡°Perhaps, since you are busy with your uing wedding ceremony, your Beta should take care of it?¡± ¡°It won¡¯t be any problem,¡± my uncle Dareth added. ¡°All you have to do is hand him the Royal Seal, and he will take care of it.¡± Silence fell after their words, and I kept my gaze fixed where it had been since the beginning of this tedious boring meeting. I had wondered why my father would suddenly order me to attend this type of meeting and order me to cut down some elders before everyone but now I understood. Some speak foolishly and annoyingly, testing the limits of patience. I looked slowly toward the first elder who had spoken. He had just mentioned my uing wedding ceremony, and I felt the urge to order Chantel to cut him down on the spot. I was about to respond when the sound of footsteps echoed through the silent hall. No one was supposed to pass this way aside from my two elder sisters or my brother Hades but she appeared, stopping just outside, waiting. My heart sank. Zephyrine. Something about her presence had changed. I dreaded what mighte next. ¡°Come in,¡± I said gently, fully aware she would hear me. She obeyed immediately. Zephyrine walked toward me, and I found myself holding my breath as she paused a few steps away, jaw set in restraint. ¡°I¡¯ll wait outside until you finish your meeting,¡± she said but I moved quickly before she could turn away. ¡°It¡¯s fine. What¡¯s wrong?¡± I asked, rising to approach her. ¡°Zephyrine?¡± No response. Just her eyes locking on mine with a dagger¡¯s intensity. If a stare could kill, I¡¯d be dead. I couldn¡¯t understand what had gone wrong. We had shared the night, slept in one another¡¯s arms, kissed goodbye that morning. Why¡­ Punch! I flinched. She hit me once, then again. Only anger would provoke such force. ¡°Zephyrine¡­¡± I reached for her hand, but she struck again. The silence thickened. Then I saw it. Tears brimming in her eyes. A chill ran down my spine, goosebumps crawling across my skin. Newest update provided by find¡¤novel ¡°My gods¡­ Zephyrine¡­¡± 31% Finished ¡°I¡¯ll ask you one question, Lycannar. Fail to answer, and I walk out,¡± she threatened. My heart lodged in my throat. ¡°Are you betrothed?¡± I went cold. How had she¡­ ¡°Zephyrine¡­¡± ¡°Answer me!¡± she cut in with another push. ¡°Do you have a woman in your life?¡± I watched tears streak down her cheeks. Even without hearing me out, she had shattered and it broke me beyond words. ¡°It¡¯s not what you think,¡± I whispered softly. She took a step back. ¡°So it¡¯s true?¡± ¡°I can exin¡­ it¡¯s not¡­¡± I reached for her hand, but she shoved me, ring. ¡°I hate you.¡± She turned to leave, and in that instant, something ignited within me. My speed, never publicly used, surged. Before she could reach the door, I was there, blocking her path. ¡°Zephyrine, let me exin,¡± I begged, but she brushed the tears from her cheek angrily, moving to bypass me. ¡°Zephyrine.¡± I blocked her again, forcing her to look at me. ¡°Get out of my path, Lycan. I won¡¯t say it twice,¡± she challenged, eyes shing. I did not yield, earning her wrath. Her strike was swift, ws aimed at my chest. Blood spattered, and Chantel surged forward but I held out a palm, stopping him, eyes fixed on the fierce woman before me. ¡°Let me exin. Stay.¡± She ignored me, watching the wound close, her fingers stained with my blood. Tears streamed again, and she went down but I caught her, setting her gently on a chair, kneeling before her. My palm cupped her cheek. ¡°Zephyrine,¡± I called softly. ¡°It¡¯s a decree I never knew existed. Found in my father¡¯s chamber just days ago.¡± Her eyes searched mine, weeping bitterly. ¡°And you couldn¡¯t tell me?¡± she asked shakily, voice thick with disappointment. My touch softened. ¡°I never deemed it important. It¡¯s something that will nevere to pass. You are mine, I am yours. I won¡¯t let anyonee between us. Mere words from a dead, abusive father should never bother you.¡± Hearing that broke something in her¡­ and in me. Her eyes roamed my face, heart-stopping, before she leaned in to im my lips tenderly. Tasting her tears stirred my heart. I gripped her waist, lifting her onto the table. 31% Finished Oblivious to everyone in the chamber, we became the only world that mattered. She kissed me hungrily, hands pulling at my shirt, and I responded in kind. Chantel stood silently at the door after closing it behind him, elders having retreated. I tore at her gown, freed myself, and thrust into her. Zephyrine¡¯s moans filled the sacred council chamber as my hips mmed against hers relentlessly. We lost ourselvespletely. Titles, morals, and every barrier forgotten as we consumed each other in raw, unrestrained lust. Send Gifts ¡£ 2.3K Back Where 96 Zephyrine ? ?? ?? ? ¡¢,31%. Finished He drove the final thrust inside me, and I felt him. His release warming me from within. For a long moment, we didn¡¯t move, just breathing hard, staring at one another, lips inches apart. He stood there, towering above me while I sat perched on the table, my hands steady on him with his hard length buried inside me. We had lost each other once again, yet now, here we were right in the council meeting chamber. A ce considered sacred, yet neither of us cared. If our lust ever reached its peak in the presence of the Moon Goddess, I wouldn¡¯t hold back, and I was certain he wouldn¡¯t either. Lycannar finally leaned down to kiss my lips. I gripped him tighter, kissing him back, feeling him Manhood going harder inside me. ¡°Lycan¡­¡± I protested against his lips, but in response, he moved again. I breathed shakily, pulling my head back as he mmed into me with relentless force. Th? link to the orig?n of this information r?sts ?n F¦Énd£Îovel I moaned sharply, thighs trembling, hips quivering. His palm cupped my neck, thrusting harder and harder, and my moans echoed shamelessly throughout the chamber. I couldn¡¯t hold back, even if I wanted to. Atst, his release came, and I fell against him in exhaustion. He held me tight, kissing my hair, palm tenderly patting my back. For a long time, I stayed in his arms, steadying myself, until he finally pulled out, leaving himself inside me. ¡°You okay?¡± His gentle voice came softly. I nodded, sighing against his chest. He pulled back, gazing at me before cing a soft kiss on my lips. I blinked at him, wondering if he was even real. Why does he love me so much? My eyes fell to his chest, where I had shed. The wound had healed, but the memory of it pained me. I was the one who had inflicted it, and the one who felt it. I lowered my gaze, pushing him away, angry that he hadn¡¯t defended himself when I attacked. He didn¡¯t speak, only walked to dress. I got down from the table and began dressing as well. ¡°Can you give me a ride back home?¡± I asked, putting on my underwear and raking my fingers through my hair, avoiding his gaze. ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Thanks.¡± I murmured, moving toward the exit, but he caught my wrist, holding me fast, eyes fixed on mine. ¡°Who told you I was betrothed?¡± he asked, curiosity knitting his brow. I pulled my wrist away, emotions still raw. ¡°I went to Hue Pack today to get the date and time I will reject Nyroth,¡± I murmured, gaze lowered. ¡°There he was, with his lover¡­ and we exchanged words. She told me the man I¡¯m head over heels for has a bride.¡± I saw his expression shift, a small frown forming. RW. ?? ? 31%=- Finished ¡°Who is she?¡± ¡°Ka Yadev. The one who hijacked the ckbridge Pack from Luna Thalia.¡± ¡°No. I mean, who is she to my Kingdom?¡± His tone shifted, genuine confusion, an innocence that warmed my heart. ¡°She said she met your uncle, Lord Dareth.¡± He bowed his head, murmuring to himself, frown/deepening. ¡°Why would My Uncle Dareth go to her?¡± ¡°She said he offered her the task to host your beta¡¯s ascension ceremony.¡± He exhaled thoughtfully, recalling details. ¡°The hostess who oversaw my coronation had the stamped royal words to host every festival in my kingdom, right?¡± ????? I nodded. He walked away, muttering under his breath. ¡°I should have killed him when my brother Hades told me to¡­ He moved toward the exit. ¡°Chantel?¡± I raised an eyebrow as his bodyguard approached, head bowed in respect. Was he about to order a death? ¡°Lycan,¡± I called. He turned innocently. ¡°What are you going to do?¡± ¡°Have him killed,¡± he said simply. My heart sank. ¡°Why?¡± ¡°Because he¡¯s the reason you cried,¡± he stated as if it were ordinary in the shifter empire. I stepped toward him, heart racing. ¡°No. That¡¯s not how you handle things. He¡¯s your blood.¡± He stopped, searching my eyes. ¡°I thought you were there when I said I won¡¯t spare anyone whoes between us.¡± ¡°And you gave me your word you wouldn¡¯t kill anyone for me, Lycan.¡± He stared at me, jaw set. My frustration spilled over. He seemed unreal, his logic and priorities far removed from mine. What exactly he feel for me is beyond reasoning. This isn¡¯t love. ¡°You won¡¯t kill anyone. Do you understand me?¡± ¡°Why?¡± R ¡°Lord Dareth is your uncle, and there are more ways to deal with problems than killing.¡± After a few seconds, he nodded, gaze lingering on mine as if recalling my words. ¡°When are you rejecting him?¡± He¡¯s asking about Nyroth. I lowered my gaze. ¡°On the next full moon.¡± His expression flickered, reced almost immediately by calm. ¡°You¡¯ll¡­ need anything that night, won¡¯t you?¡± ¡°I¡¯m not sure yet. I¡¯ll be weak after I reject him.¡± He reached for my hand gently, silence stretching between us. ¡°Thank you,¡± I whispered, swallowing the lump in my throat. ¡°I¡¯ll go say hello to your sisters and meet you at the Royal stable soon,¡± I added. ¡°Alright.¡± .31% Finished I walked out, heading toward the healing wing to bid farewell to his sisters, who had always been sweet to me. My journey back to Ash Pack was set. By this time tomorrow, I would be in my birthright pack. And yet¡­ a nagging thought lingered. I wondered how my Lycan King would react to my departing words, and even more¡­ how he would respond when the truth of my real identity was finally revealed. Would it shatter him, or would he bend the world to stand by me, as he always had? Send Gifts Back Where 97 Zephyrine 31% Finished They bowed as I walked past, their respect palpable. The healing wing was tidy and serene when I arrived, a quiet contrast to the storm in my heart. I made my way toward the hall where I had met Princess Mearez the other day, only for the door to open before I could reach it. Princess Serena stepped out, nked by her usual two maids carrying scrolls. They looked urgent and busy, yet the moment she saw me, she froze. ¡°Zephyrine?¡± she called, a bright smile lighting her face as she circled her fingers around my wrist. ¡°Have you met my baby brother?¡± I smiled at her usual way of referring to Lycannar, the man who had left me breathless, my body aching for him. To Serena, he was the baby brother; to me, he was everything else. ¡°I came to speak with you and Princess Mearez,¡± I said softly. Her brow furrowed in curiosity, but without another word, she gently pulled me toward the hall she had just exited, speaking over her shoulder to her maids. ¡°Go on. I will catch up with you bothter.¡± ¡°Alright, Princess Serena,¡± they answered in unison and left. Inside the hall that opened into a chamber, I found Princess Mearez busy preparing a potion with three of her students, all diligently focused. I paused for a few seconds, watching. These were skills Olivia, Nyroth¡¯s sister, had long failed to acquire despite her efforts in every healing school in the werewolf world. ¡°Mearez?¡± her sister called softly, but she held up a hand, buying herself minutes. ¡°It¡¯s Zephyrine.¡± Her palm lowered, and she turned to face me fully. The warmth in her gaze immediately stirred something inside me. I crossed the distance and embraced her, a rare gesture on my part. I had thought it would be easy, but now I realized it was far from that. ¡°Leave us,¡± Princess Mearez ordered her students, who obeyed and closed the door, leaving just the three of
  1. us.
I stepped back, sighing shakily, their eyes full of curiosity and wonder. ¡°What¡¯s wrong, love?¡± Princess Mearez asked, taking my hand tenderly. ¡°Did Lycannar hurt you?¡± ¡°No,¡± I replied. Both princesses exchanged relieved nces. The source of th?s content is Find?Novel ¡°What¡¯s wrong then?¡± Serena asked softly. ¡°I¡­ I have the date and time I will be rejecting my mate,¡± I announced. Relief washed over them; they had been holding their breath in fear and anticipation. ¡°That¡¯s good news, Zephyrine,¡± Serena said. ¡°After breaking the bond, you will finally understand Lycannar¡¯s affection fully.¡± 31% Finished I nodded, aware that the mate bond still clouded my senses when I was around Nyroth. After the rejection, rity would return. ¡°I am going on a trip,¡± I continued. ¡°I don¡¯t know when I will be back. You both have been so good to me, and I want you to know you will always be in my heart while I am away.¡± A tense silence fell. Princess Mearez¡¯s hand went cold as she let it drop. Serena stared at me for a long moment, unblinking. I sighed shakily. ¡°Without you around him, Lycannar will lose his senses,¡± Serena said. ¡°Is this about¡­ are you worried he will choose us over you?¡± I blinked at her, caught off guard, while Mearez nudged her gently. ¡°Serena, stay calm.¡± ¡°No,¡± Serena countered. ¡°She needs to understand what¡¯s at stake if she leaves my baby brother.¡± ¡°I am not leaving him,¡± I replied firmly, determination clear in my voice. ¡°How do you mean he would choose you both over me?¡± The two princesses exchanged a look before Mearez exined. ¡°My father¡¯s death opened the door to freedom for us. We thought all abuse was over and Lycannar free from maniption, but we were wrong. He wrote a will. Lycannar is betrothed to a woman of his choosing. Failure toply¡­ we, his sisters, will be enved.¡± A chill ran through me. ¡°Lycannar wasn¡¯t worried about it initially because he has a way of solving problems,¡± Serena added. I froze. ¡°Not by killing?¡± ¡°That depends on their behavior. But for now, Lycannar is informing my brother Hades. The scroll has the Royal seal and everything is authentic. But you have nothing to worry about,¡± Mearez reassured me. My knees went weak. I sank into a wooden chair, staring nkly, my thoughts racing. Even in death, Lycannar¡¯s father had a way to taunt and manipte. The thought of his sisters being at risk for me¡­ my heart clenched. ¡°Zephyrine?¡± Mearez called, and I looked up at her, heart heaving. I walked over and hugged her again, then turned to embrace Serena quietly, ¡°I am going on a trip, as I said, but this isn¡¯t about leaving Lycannar. It¡¯s about returning to my pack. I will be back before the eve of the full moon. Until then¡­ whatever happens, whatever you hear¡­ know this from me. My heart and body belong to Lycannar.¡± Send Gifts ·Ë 2.3K B Back Where 98 Zephyrine 31% Finished He was waiting for me in the royal stables when I arrived, and without hesitation, I went straight into his arms, surprising even him. I pressed my lips to his, iming him before anyone present, letting it be known that it was me who held his heart and no one else. I pulled back atst to stare into his eyes, and he kissed my temple gently before turning toward his horse. The stableman immediately brought a step for me to mount. I paused, ncing at it and then back to Lycannar¡¯s face. A small, knowing smile tugged at his lips; it seemed he could read my thoughts, feel my energy. He remained still as I mounted the horse skillfully, using him as my stool. Perfectly, I seated myself, and the stableman swallowed nervously, in awe at my skill. ¡°The king pampered her,¡± I heard someone whisper. ¡°Don¡¯t you see how skillful she is too?¡± Lycannar ignored them all, mounting behind me. My back pressed against his chest, his arms secure around
  1. me.
¡°Ready?¡± he asked. I leaned back into him. ¡°Yes.¡± He kicked the horse, and in an instant, we were out of the Lycan Kingdom. The ride home was smooth and fast, and before I realized it, the horse stopped before the pack of white. Neither of us dismounted immediately. I stayed still, letting the overwhelming feelings wash over me, wondering how he would react to the news of my trip. Would he ask questions? Be suspicious? Wait? With my heart heavy, I found his fingers on the reins and slowly entwined mine with his. His palm was warm,rger than mine, and his fingers beautiful, adorned with rings on his pinky and forefinger. Pure gold, powerful,manding. ¡°Lycan¡­¡± I whispered, and he leaned forward, nuzzling my hair. ¡°Lycan¡­ I¡­ I have to tell you.¡± ¡°What?¡± he asked, kissing my hair while lifting it from my neck to ce a soft kiss there. I sighed, my body responding to his touch. ¡°Uhm¡­ actually¡­ it¡¯s nothing that serious.¡± I stopped mid¨Cthought. Why was I scared? Because I feared his anger and I never knew what he was like when mad. Lycannar had never truly been angry at me. How would he be if he were? ¡°Lycannar¡­ I am going on a trip.¡± R *.31%2 #Finished He stiffened instantly. The warmth behind me seemed to vanish. I expected words, but he dismounted and stepped forward, staring at me as I looked away, swallowing hard. Silence fell, thick and suffocating. His gaze alone made it worse. Slowly, I dismounted and turned to face him, my heart racing. ¡°My love¡­¡± I reached for him, but he stepped back, eyes unreadable. ¡°Lycan¡­¡± ¡°Where are you going?¡± he asked, direct, unyielding. ¡°Lycannar¡­¡± I called softly, then swallowed. ¡°It¡¯s¡­ it¡¯s important that I go, and I don¡¯t want to leave without saying goodbye.¡± ¡°Goodbye?¡± he asked again, and I quickly corrected myself. ¡°I will return before the full moon. This isn¡¯t a final goodbye, my love.¡± He stared, his usual frown softening but still present. ¡°You don¡¯t want to tell me why you have to go or Where you are going,¡± he said. I swallowed hard. ¡°I have no intention of keeping secrets from you, and¡­¡± I stepped forward to take his hand. ¡°I have no intention of lying to you.¡± Checktest chapters at find{n}ovel ¡°Then tell me where you are going,¡± he demanded again, but this time his voice was softer, almost pleading. I looked at him long before replying ¡°I am going home. I am taking my parents¡® ashes back. They do not belong in the public memorial hall, and I do not truly belong in White Pack.¡± A long silence fell, choking me. Finally, he spoke, more as a request than a question. ¡°You wille back to me?¡± ¡°I swear on my life.¡± ¡°You will think of me?¡± ¡°It¡¯s hard not to.¡± ¡°No man will touch you?¡± I nodded. ¡°My nakedness is yours, Lycan. No man will ever see me without clothes except you.¡± He said nothing further. Swallowing hard, he lowered his gaze, then pulled back to his horse. His movements were unusual, controlled, deliberate. I saw him shift briefly, then regain his normal form. ¡°Lycan¡­¡± I called in concern. He paused, jaw set, before looking up at me. Something was off, but he was still himself. Finished ¡°Tell me again that you wille back,¡± he demanded, his voice deep, edged with the growl of his beast. I nearly cried. I stepped forward, cupping his face and pressing my lips fully to his. ¡°Before the full moon, I will return to you. I swear it.¡± I broke the kiss, breathing shakily. ¡°But I won¡¯t return to be your mistress, Lycannar, nor your concubine, nor your second choice. I will return to im you.¡± Send Gifts 2.3K Back Where 99 Zephyrine 31% * Finished It waste at night when I arrived at the memorial hall to retrieve my parents¡® ashes, apanied by Blue, Dessyn, and Moon. I had already bid farewell to Nathan, Dessyn¡¯s father, and Alpha Auedric half an hour. ago. This was where our paths diverged, for the other road led to Ash Pack. I stepped out of the memorial hall, clutching the vessel tightly, and carefully set it down in my carriage. With a heavy heart, I turned back to Dessyn. She fought hard to hold back her tears, and I understood why. This was the first step toward finding her beloved, my brother. Gently, I took her hand and gazed into her eyes. ¡°I will be back before the full moon. Until then, you must be safe and be strong.¡± She nodded, swallowing hard. Find the newest release on Find_Novel(. ¡°You¡¯ll send a letter, won¡¯t you?¡± I didn¡¯t respond. Instead, I pulled her into a hug, rubbing her back gently. Stepping back, I turned to Moon, but before I could speak, he pulled me into a tight embrace. ¡°Take care of yourself, Zephyr,¡± he said, his voice desperate. I held him tighter, letting the warmth of his presence linger before he finally released me. I sighed softly, turning toward the carriage. Blue lifted my dress carefully, making mefortable as I settled in. ¡°Be safe,¡± Dessyn whispered again, bidding farewell to Blue before taking her ce beside me. A Lycan apanying me to Ash Pack. The carriage moved swiftly, and I tried to still my emotions, focusing on the path ahead. But as the memorial hall faded behind us, a growing ache filled my chest, unbearable and sharp. The warmth I had carried all this time felt reced by something bitter, an emptiness that pressed against my ribs. ¡°Stop the carriage,¡± Imanded suddenly, and it was obeyed immediately. I stepped down, eyes scanning the darkness ahead. And then I saw him. Lycannar. He stood at a distance, his silhouette unmistakable. My breath hitched, my heart bleeding with longing. I had expected him to ride forward, to call me back, but it was as if he hade only to witness my departure. No final goodbye. The one we had was already heavy enough. Before my eyes, he turned his horse and galloped into the night, and my chest tightened as though he had taken my joy, my warmth, and all the parts of me that made me who I was. I realized then I was no longer the same girl who had left Ash Pack five years ago. I had changed, grown, be more. 31% Finished I had believed leaving my pack was futile, but I was wrong. I had lost Nyroth, yes, but I had found someone worth it. A king. A true lover. ******* The sound of Ash Pack¡¯s massive gates opening woke Blue. She had leaned over my shoulder and dozed off, but under the bright morning sun, she opened her eyes to witness greatness before her. The gates swung wide, and our carriage rode in, passing the longne, the sacred fountain, and finally stopping before the massive, jaw¨Cdropping building of Ashmere. Word of my return had spread before I arrived, and I could feel it in the air. Preparations had been made. I carried the moonstone vessels with care. Jurrek Bane was the first to step forward, extending his palm for me to take as I alighted, standing before warriors, survivors of battles who had endured and prevailed. All heads bowed, including my aunty¡¯s and Jurrek Bane¡¯s, the great Beta of Ash Pack. Goosebumps prickled my skin as the breeze, the looks, and the respect all felt different. I had been gone for five years, and seeing Ash Pack thriving warmed my heart. I turned toward the building and headed inside. The hallways stretched endlessly, the walls imprable, torches burning along the walls, guards kneeling as I passed. I took a familiar turn and entered the memorial hall, where the ashes of our greatest warriors rested before their funerals. With my heart thudding, I ced my parents¡® moonstone vessels in their rightful ce. For a long while, I knelt there, letting the emotions surge. Then I rose and walked out, passing through the hall in silence. When I reached my quarters, I paused to swallow. The threshold no man could cross uninvited. ¡°A dinner will be set for you, mydy. We are celebrating your return, and the elders request a word,¡± Jurrek said, bowing deeply. I nodded. ¡°You and I also will have words. Only you and I,¡± I replied, and I saw him swallow, understanding my meaning. ¡°Yes, mydy,¡± he said, bowing again. I turned away and entered my chamber. The vast, familiar space of the only daughter of a warlord. My parents had pampered me, given me everything. Varyn had done the same. Their training had been harsh but wise, and I had excelled at every challenge. Now I stood in the same chamber where I had grown up, and memories flowed back unbidden. ¡°Mdy,¡± Isolde, head of my maids and courtdies, came forward to bow. ¡°I can¡¯t believe you¡¯re back.¡± I let my gaze linger on her for a moment, then turned to the other maids, who stood silently, waiting for mymand. The warning my brother had given came back sharply. No one could be trusted. He had been betrayed on the battlefield, cornered with no chance to retreat. Even retreat was unthinkable for an Ashmere. 31% Finished I would not trust blindly. I would discern friend from foe. And I would reim my ce, as the daughter of Ashmere, and as a queen in my own right. Send Gifts Back Where 100 Zephyrine ¡°She is a Lycan. Don¡¯t you see how different she is?¡± ¡°Why is she even here?¡± ¡°Well, I heard the rumors that Apex gave¡­ ¡± 31% Finished I turn to the maids who were speaking silently, and the rest of the words froze on their lips. ¡°Address the Lycan King with respect if you want to speak about him.¡± I said quietly and gently turned to beckon at Blue. ¡°She is my personal maid, and she will stay here.¡± My maids exchanged nces, and Isolde walked ahead to speak carefully. ¡°But Mdy¡­ there is no chamber left for a new maid, and also¡­ a Lycan in a werewolf pack will need permission to¡­¡± ¡°I will talk to my love about it.¡± I cut her off with a small smile and added, ¡°Blue will stay here. I mean in my chamber. No need to make a room for her. I will take my bath.¡± Isolde stared at me in awe, and I saw her face flush. Gently she nodded and walked to open the bath chamber door wide. Yes, I realized she was faithful. They had truly made preparations. Slowly I stepped into it. My eyes fell on therge bath pool and the massive symbol of Ashmere right on the wall. Dresses were neatly arranged at the side, and candles burned softly at each angle. Somehow, I could only remember one person. One man. When the tender fingers of Isolde came to undress me, I could only stare at the water, memories taking me down the path. Lycannar and I had made love in his bath chamber, and he had taken everything I am. My dress fell down my feet, and I stepped into the water, the soothing softness making me sigh. How much I had missed home. How much I had missed it. For a long time, I lowered my eyelids to savor the moment, and when I fluttered them open, it was because of Isolde¡¯s hands on me, bathing me. I allowed her. It was her task, but on the other hand, while I missed Blue¡¯s touch, I rxed in the familiar touch of Isolde too. An elderly, smart, beautiful woman. With her hair braided just like the rest of the maids, she carried the air of their leader. ¡°I have bathed you every day for a long time, but after returning after five years¡­ your body has changed.¡± Her whisper came softly to my ear as she cleaned my breast. ¡°It¡¯s more tender and more swollen. You mentioned the word ¡®love¡® a while ago. Mdy, do you have a man in your life now?¡± That question hung in the air, and I swallowed hard. ¡°You all will know soon. Before then, you can listen to the rumors.¡± *** 22:42 Fri, Sep 5 RW Chapter 100 This content belongs to Find1Novel ÁÖ 31%ÈÕ Finished ¡°Don¡¯t remove it.¡± Imanded, my tone harsher than I intended, and she paused, froze. A few secondster, I regretted it. I had been edgy since my return, and I had been cold. I lowered my gaze to sigh. Isolde had moved to pull out my ring, the one Lycannar had gifted me, and I snapped. ¡°It¡¯s the purest gold I have ever seen. But then again, this isn¡¯t among the jewelry an Ashmere must wear, Mdy.¡± I swallowed hard and nodded. ¡°I know.¡± I whispered, staring at my reflection in the mirror. ¡°I didn¡¯t wear 10 sch King¡¯s woman.¡± it as an Ashmere, but as the Lycan Silence descended immediately in the chamber. Everyone froze, even I, finally said it but before they could recover, I rose from where I sat. With the courtdies behind me, I headed out of my chamber, but then I paused when I noticed Blue wasn¡¯ting. I turned to see her in a new dress I had picked for her. Her hair wasn¡¯t braided like the Ashmere maids. She is a Lycan, and I wouldn¡¯t let her change herself or try to blend in. I wanted it to be known that it is okay to stand out. That she is from another species, another kind, but yet we can coexist. I beckoned at her with my gaze, and at once she rushed forward, her head now bowed. ¡°Stay behind me and never leave.¡± I said softly, and she nodded. ¡°Yes, Mydy.¡± I made my way out of my quarter and arrived at the threshold to see Jurrek waiting. ¡°Mydy,¡± he said softly. ¡°The dinner is ready, and everyone awaits.¡± I nodded my head, and he shifted his gaze to Blue, and without words, he led the way toward therge, long dining hall. A very long table stood in the middle, chairs around it each upied by my family and my elders. All stood immediately as I walked in, eyes fixed on me, My aunty sat ahead, my mother¡¯s younger sister, Kostyra, and beside her was her husband, Lord Yua. Beside Lord Yua, to the end, were a few of my rtives that remained, while across them sat the representative elders from Ash Pack, The hall was heavily guarded. Warriors like guards stood at each corner in attention. Maids were in attendance, and the table was filled with a lot of different dishes I could ever think of. I walked ahead toward the chair, and Jurrek pulled it out for me to settle. Only then did everyone sit down. Silence fell after that, and my eyes fell on the meal. Somehow I found myself swallowing hard. It looked delicious, and the aroma was tempting, but I killed the distraction by looking away just when a voice came through. ¡°A Lycan in the pack. With you, Zephyrine. Maybe the rumors aren¡¯t false after all.¡± My aunty¡¯s voice. Kostyra and I slowly looked up at her. 31% Finished She shed me a sweet smile, just like she had always done. And before I would have meekly replied in kind, instead I asked curtly, ¡°What do the rumors say?¡± Silence fell at my tone, and I read the room. They had all expected the cheerful woman, but who they met was different. ¡°They said you are the Lycan King¡¯s mistress,¡± one of the elders said, and I looked at him in silence. ¡°If you really want to be the first female Alpha, you will have to earn it by being respectful. You can¡¯ty in bed with anyone.¡± I lowered my gaze at his words, and a sigh fell from my lips. His uncle had insulted me once, and Lycannar had retaliated by stabbing a fork in his hand. This elder of mine had just addressed Lycannar as ¡®anyone. He needed to pay. ¡°Jurrek?¡± I called, and he walked forward, leaning to hear me, but my voice was loud enough for everyone to hear the warning. ¡°Have him strip off his title and status.¡± tter! I heard it immediately my order was given, and Jurrek bowed obediently. In a twinkle of an eye, the elder who had been unfortunate fell on his knees and crawled over, begging. ¡°Mydy, spare me! I beg you.¡± His voice echoed in the chamber, but I looked up toward everyone, ignoring him, for there would be no forgiveness for those who call Lycannar¡¯s name in vain. ¡°First new rule. Lycannar Blood won¡¯t be disrespected. If his name must be called, it is solely with utmost respect. Second rule. No one should mention Varyn, my brother¡¯s name. He is dead. We will give up every search on him. After five years, it is only my parents¡® ashes I found, and that is enough. Andstly¡­ the wait is over. Bring forth the priestess, prepare the rituals. Ash Pack will have its Alpha, and it will be I, Zephyrine Ashmere.¡± Send Gifts 2.3K B Back Where 101 Zephyrine 26% +8 Pearls It feels unreal. To be inside Ash Pack. Standing in the garden, staring up at the night sky where there is nothing. No stars. No moon. Just wide darkness. I lower my gaze when I hear movement from behind me, and his scentes before his voice. Jurrek. Inside the Ashmere Garden, where no one dares enter except by invitation, I have called upon him after dinner. After the deration that my brother¡¯s name is to be off¨Climits on every lip. That¡¯s a lie. An order that shatters my heart, but it is necessary. Not when I can¡¯t tell who wishes his return and who didn¡¯t. I turn to see Jurrek standing before me with a low bow. When he straightens, it¡¯s a stare of confusion and wonder that he renders me. ¡°You want to give up the search for your brother?¡± he asks in awe, unable to stop himself, and I go mute, reading his face. ¡°Why would you want to?¡± Again, I am silent. My heart heaving as I see a frown crease his brow, then horror reces it. Never have I seen him so pale, so shocked, and so scared. ¡°Does the letter say he is dead?¡± I don¡¯t speak, and he takes my silence for a yes. He walks slowly to the chair and sits. I see his fingers tremble, a something that has never happened before. I walk gently to sit across from him and reach for his hands. He doesn¡¯t look like a man who would betray Varyn or any Ashmere, for that matter. ¡°The letter says something else, Jurrek Read for yourself,¡± I murmur softly, passing him the parchment. He pauses for a second to stare at me, then hurriedly takes it. He reads in silence. His eyes scan every word, and when he finishes, he lifts his gaze to stare at me again. Utter disbelief. ¡°An Ashmere speaking of retreating¡­ that is the worst disgrace,¡± he whispers, almost to himself, and goosebumps rise on my skin. ¡°For Varyn to even suggest retreat as the Great War strategist¡­ it means no choice was avable.¡± My heart heaves at his words, and I lower my gaze with a sigh. ¡°I have been to the battlefield, Jurrek, I have seen how Ashmere warriors fought and died. I led the l battle and watched how the Demons fought. I killed them too. ughtered them. And trust me when this¡­ they are fierce. Ancient. The memories of the cries in the battlefield still cling to my heart to this night. Yet, even head¨Cto¨Chead with Ashmere warriors, they would have been forced back. My father went there. My mother was the war general. My brother supervised the strategy. And yet they perished. Why?¡± b ¡°Betrayal from within,¡± Jurrek murmurs, and I stare at him without blinking. ¡°Betrayal that cornered them from all sides. Betrayal that exposed horrors that can never be spoken of. Betrayal that made Ashmere consider retreat for the first time in history. That kind of betrayal, mydy¡­ is why they all perished.¡± I lower my gaze and sigh shakily. My heart aching. ¡Á 6 26%1 +8 Pearls ¡°I will ascend the Alpha¡¯s seat, Jurrek,¡± I murmur softly. ¡°I will have the Moon Goddess¡® blessing as a Female Alpha, and I will find my brother and bring him home. Whoever has hands in his disappearance and betrayal¡­ they will pay. I swear it.¡± He doesn¡¯t speak. Not even once. Not at all. He just stares at me in silence, nodding in agreement, awaiting orders. ¡°I want everyone to believe I give up the search. Bring forth your most trusted men and have their families heavilypensated in case they die on this mission, Jurrek. Once I ascend the Alpha¡¯s throne, I will write a formal letter to the one who said he has words about my brother. I will meet him at the date, time, and location he chooses.¡± Jurrek nods again and says, ¡°Understood, mydy.¡± He searches my face onest time and sighs. ¡°I¡¯m sorry I have to step away as the beta of this pack now, but you should never worry. I will be beside you if ever you call.¡± A small frown curls on my face. ¡°Why are you leaving?¡± ¡°You will be an Alpha. The elders speak of appointing a female beta for you. Remember, I am chosen as your brother¡¯s beta. If I¡­¡± ¡°You will be my beta, Jurrek,¡± I say, cutting him firmly. ¡°Whoever opposes that loses everything. You will take the vow with me when the Moon Goddess blesses me. Do you understand?¡± He lets out a heavy sigh and bows again. ¡°Yes, mydy.¡± I look away and blink. My heart heavy once more. Only the Moon Goddess knows how and where my brother is now. Only the Moon Goddess knows. ¡°His lover¡¯s name was mentioned in the letter,¡± Jurrek¡¯s voicees again. ¡°That alone makes her forever his. It¡¯s a im that she belongs to him even in death.¡± I swallow hard and nod. That¡¯s right. An Ashmere word, especially one like Varyn¡¯s, isw. ¡°Dessyn will wait for him. Her body, soul, smile, and everything is Varyn¡¯s, and when he returns¡­ we will all rejoice.¡± I turn to Jurrek and nod. ¡°We will allugh.¡± He reaches for my hand and gives it a squeeze. He must have seen my struggle for control, and he nods as though to say he admires my strength. Send Gifts Content originallyes from find~novel Back Where 102 Zephyrine +8 Pearls Footsteps, soft, yet heavy. Then the pounding of hooves, echoing through the battlefield. A sharp leaves my lips before I charge, my Great War horse propelling me forward with feral speed. Blood sshes as I sh my way through the chaos. Ahead, a portal opens, and from it crawl creatures that have no right to exist in this shifter empire. Demons, their limbs slick with darkness, pour forth. Rain of arrows suddenly hails down. ¡°Shield!¡± I scream, and the echoes. One arrow from behind, but before it can pierce me, a shove from behind. Moon deflects it. He takes the arrow in my stead and falls to the ground. The formation breaks. My warriors falter, distracted by the sudden chaos. Before I can steady myself, blood and screams spill around me. Heads roll, shields shatter. ¡°Cowards,¡± I murmur under my breath but then I see her. From ahead, the demon general, her face hidden in shadow. She leads the attack with precision and cruelty, leaving a trail of Ashmere warriors¡® bodies in her wake. I surge forward. Retreat is not an Ashmere option. My warriors follow. Suicidal, but loyal. We have the Moon Goddess¡® blessing. Rituals for protection and luck . We reach the portal, and I swing my de, splitting the unholy spell as it grumbles and recoils. The Demon war general freezes, horror on her face, and charges again. Darkness surges from her. So thick, choking, corrupting everything it touches. Her horse gallops in rhythm with mine, des drawn. We sh, sparks flying as I roll and parry, the impact rattling my bones. Before I can blink, my helm falls. My long hair cascades down, my face revealed. I meet her gaze, eyes I will never forget, the ones that haunt my nightmares to this night. A soft voice shakes me. ¡°Mydy? Mydy?¡± I suddenly jerk awake, swiftly reaching for my de behind the bed, aiming it at her. Visions blur. My senses wither. When the sound of running footstepses, I blink again and realize it is a nightmare and the one I have threatened with my de is no one but Blue. I drop the sword immediately. Instead of moving away for safety, away from me who has just threatened her life, she rushes to hug me, as though to bring me back to reality. For a long time, I stay in her arms, my heart racing. Many reasons I left Ash Pack after the war five years agoe to mind. This is among them. The nightmare that refuses to leave. I blink again, and Blue pulls back to bow. 173 ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Mydy. I¡­ I was only worried about you.¡± Isolde, who has watched with concern with the maids, steps forward in anger. 26%. +8 Pearls ¡°You dare not touch an Ashmere. She is going to be an Alpha. How dare you hug her?¡± she snaps at Blue, but I hold out a hand in exhaustion. ¡°Let her be.¡± Th?s chapter is updated by Find[?]ovel I swallow hard and slowly look down at the sword on the floor. Same one that has earned me nothing but victory. Gently, I pick it up and return it to its sheath easily. I ce it behind the bed where I withdrew it and sigh shakily. ¡°Mdy?¡± Isoldees forward, worried. ¡°Are you okay? Perhaps¡­¡± ¡°I am fine,¡± I murmur, leaning back, my head resting on the pillow. Bluees to draw the nket over me, then dries the beads of sweat from my forehead. ¡°Mydy,¡± she calls in concern, kneeling on the floor and taking my hand. ¡°I¡¯m worried about you.¡± My heart tightens at her genuine gaze, and I lower my eyes. This is it. I haven¡¯t even be an Alpha, and I have already started sleepless nights. ¡°Tell me a story,¡± I whisper softly to her, and she stares at me innocently. ¡°Start speaking.¡± Isolde hears this and walks ahead again. ¡°Mydy, she shouldn¡¯t be in the same chamber with you, not¡­¡® ¡°Leave us.¡± I cut her off, and silence falls. After a while, she nods and walks out, followed by the rest of the maids. When the door closes, I swallow hard and nod to Blue, repeating, ¡°Start speaking.¡± She sits on the fur rug she had spread, and with her hand still holding mine, she begins. ¡°There lived a young orphan. Assigned as a maid in the Royal home. Working for the first Princess, she learned gentleness and kindness. Working for the second Princess, she learned to mask her feelings with rage and bluntness. She moved awayter to work with another great woman. She is loved and treated with kindness. She is favored all the time, and as time passes, she begins to grow tired of receiving. Instead, she wants to give.¡± Her eyes lock with mine, and I stare back in silence. I know who she mean. I know who is the young orphan in her story. Gently, I ask, ¡°If you are given the opportunity to give back, what can you sacrifice?¡± ¡°As if my heart isn¡¯t already yours, mydy,¡± she replies, moving forward, her hand holding mine more tenderly, goosebumps curling on my skin. ¡°I see you struggle, and it breaks my heart. You put on a brave 26% +8 Pearls face and will sit on the high throne. You didn¡¯t eat the dinner ced before you. You eye your elders with doubt and stare at your family with uncertainty. That has been how my King has lived, until he began to believe no one loved him and never would.¡± I blink and slowly flutter my eyes closed. It is already taking its toll on me. To have no one to trust. I can¡¯t detect them. ¡°I will be called to the holy chamber where the Moon Goddess resides,¡± I whisper before opening my eyes to stare at her. ¡°You will stay behind and learn to stand on your two feet. Obey when you aremanded. Join the maids in tasks and listen with your expression/straight and uninterested. With that, you will have information on who wishes me well and who doesn¡¯t. You are a Lycan. You will feel their energy more clearly. Show me what you¡¯ve got, and I will decide if you can join in the quest that only includes my most trusted allies.¡± Send Gifts Back Where 103 Zephyrine 1926%? +8 Pearls I head out, nked by my courtdies and guards. Jurrek bows in greeting, and I bypass him in silence. The doors to the long hall swing wide open, and I step inside, pausing. There she stands. The great Priestess of Ash Pack. She had once worked alongside Dessyn¡¯s mother, but now Morwen¡¯s presence is no longer needed. This one is enough. I make my way to the seat. Heads bow around me, but I ignore them all, taking my ce with eyes fixed on the priestess ahead. She remains bowed, even as the others straighten, at ease. I¡¯ve received the information that the Moon Goddess has given a sign, supporting my ascension but there is a condition. A date, a time has been assigned. My visit to the holy chamber is ordained, and I am here to hear her message of light. The condition. ¡°Zephyrine Ashmere. You will be the first ever Female Alpha,¡± the Priestess finally speaks, her voice echoing through the hall. ¡°Your great white wolf will undergo the transformation from a mere werewolf to an Alpha but there is a use.¡± I swallow hard, eyes fixed ahead. She straightens fully, gaze unwavering. ¡°The Moon Goddess requests your presence in the holy chamber tonight. This is a journey you must take alone.¡± Silence falls, goosebumps rising across my skin. ¡°Rituals will be performed to pray for your safe return. Preparation awaits you, but once you step into the holy chamber, you will emerge as an Alpha.¡± I heave a breath as she drops the next revtion. ¡°And once you be an Alpha, you will belong to no man except the one you are fated to be mated with.¡± Everything shatters. Coldness surges through me. Did I hear that correctly? ¡°No man may im you, nor may youy with any, unless you seek the Moon Goddess¡® wrath,¡± she continues, walking toward me. ¡°No creature may bind you except the one she has destined for you.¡± She stops before me, holding my gaze. ¡°Once the Moon Goddess blesses you as Alpha, you will not be involved with any creature, any man, any Alpha, or any King unless you are mates. Failure to obey¡­ Ash Pack will fall.¡± Lay with no man? Such a cruel condition. My chest heaves under the weight of the task. My mind twists toward Lycannar, and I know he will go mad if I do not return at the time I promised him, Slowly, my gaze drops to the ring on my finger. Coldness surges through my veins. The Moon Goddess surely hates Lycannar enough to issue this decree. She wants to take me from him, to make sure he is not happy. No wonder her statue weakens him. But why? *** Under the night sky, I make my way toward the holy chamber. There are many things I can overlook, many people I will never stand against but if the Moon Goddess chooses to act unfairly, perhaps it is time to meet her gaze and never bow. 12:30 Sat, Sep 6 GM. ÁÖ 26% +8 Pearls The pack is cloaked in silence, thick with tension. This is the moment when an Alpha candidate faces trials. I stop before the holy chamber door. I¡¯ve heard the tales from my father, who entered and returned with blessings from the Moon Goddess. He imed it took no more than an hour, though time runs differently in the empire. He had spent an entire week, believing it was only one hour. Now, standing before the door, I pray it takes no longer than necessary. There is much to do, and many awaiting me. I take a step forward, then stop again. Every Alpha who crosses this threshold returns with a gift, alongside the Goddess¡® blessing. My father returned with a great sword, one that conquered all battles except thest, which defied all reason. I wonder what I will bring back. Slowly, I turn my gaze to Jurrek. He alone earns my trust among the Ash Pack members for now. We exchange a look, an understanding passing between us. Blue nods gently when I looked at her. Everything is in motion. It is time for me to rise to glory. Latest content published on f?ndnovel I turn from everyone who has apanied me and walk forward, pushing the door open. The moment I step in, it ms shut behind me and Darkness, thick, suffocating darkness swallows me whole. Send Gifts 2.3K ºÏ 1 Back Where 104 Nyroth I sign thest decree and hand it over to Kai, then lean back in my chair with a sigh. 26% +8 Pearls ¡°Inform the packs we trade with that we¡¯ll be renewing our partnership, especially Horn Pack. They¡¯ve been begging for it. Tell the Alpha we¡¯ll be signing more deals.¡± ¡°Alright, Alpha Nyroth,¡± he replies and leaves immediately, eager toplete the errand. I remain seated for a long moment, lost in thought. A week has passed since the meeting where we would reject one another, a week remembering how she stood fiercely against my mother, my sister, and Ka. I¡¯ve always felt something about Zeph didn¡¯t add up. Now I know. She is nothing but a whore. She must have lied about her virginity to gain my favor, and now, catching the Lycan King¡¯s attention, she dares raise her voice in my face. I set my jaw hard. She hasn¡¯t even flinched seeing Ka in my arms. Something that usually is enough to break her heart. I lower my gaze to think. The hairpin.. she must have stolen it from Ka. If not, why wasn¡¯t she there that night when I woke? I rise from my seat and push open the door to my office. Down the hall, whispers reach me. It¡¯s my sister and mother. I push open the door, and Olivia nearly jumps out of her skin. She steps back quickly, hiding the result of her trial test, again, for the healing school. I study her face, and slowly, I understand. I walk into the living room, extending my hand. ¡°Give it to me.¡± ¡°But¡­¡± ¡°Now!¡± I snap. She shudders and passes me the paper, retreating behind our mother. I nce down. Failed again. I swallow hard. Slowly, I look up, but my mother steps forward. ¡°You can¡¯t me her. Your mate has already traumatized her enough. On the eve of her trial, That Rogue of a mate came to insult and stress her. If only you had acted sooner¡­¡± Zeph. Again? ¡°At the trial, everyone whispered there was no healer like the Princess in the Lycan Kingdom. If only Zeph could help me meet her¡­¡± Oliviains, voice trailing off as I stare harder. I sigh. Olivia is right. I¡¯ve seen the Lycan princess heal. She works miracles, detecting cures in seconds. But Zeph won¡¯t help. She¡¯s a liar and a useless rogue. Maybe Ka. O I swallow and turn to my sister. 1 26% +8 Pearls ¡°You should get ready. I¡¯ll arrange a meeting with the Lycan princess for you.¡± ¡°Really?!¡± she exims, then, under my gaze, nods and withdraws. ¡°Do you think you can?¡± my mother asks, worry in her voice. ¡°We all know how much the Lycan King protects his sisters. Zeph won¡¯t help.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll find a way.¡± I leave the living room and mount my horse outside. Under the hot sun, I ride to ckbridge Pack. Over the weeks, much has changed. Those who held/power under Alpha ck have lost everything, titles gone, and ves now outnumber nobles. I approach the council chamber, hearing voices inside. ¡°You mean Ash Pack is the weakest? Oh no. We can¡¯t¡­¡± ¡°It is,¡± Ka¡¯s voice interrupts. I push open the door. ¡°It¡¯s a pack without an Alpha. They¡¯ve weakened after five years of war. No festivals, no trade. We must save them.¡± Overhearing this makes me stunned. I walk into the council chamber. Inside, Alpha Yadev sits at the head of the table, Ka standing beside him. They plot their next attack. ¡°Of all packs, Ash Pack?¡± I warn her. ¡°They were warriors. We saved ckbridge from an infant ruler. We must save Ash Pack from rotting,¡± she says, taking my hand gently. ¡°I actually wanted to meet you tonight, Nyroth. We have things to discuss.¡± I study her eyes. ¡°What is it?¡± ¡°Hue Pack¡­ I¡¯ll expand it for you.¡± My eyebrows creased up in confusion. ¡°How?¡± ¡°By bringing Ash Pack and ckbridge Pack into it. Combine them.¡± ¡°Impossible,¡± I say curtly. ¡°We will¡­¡± Her lips press against mine, silencing me. When she pulls back, my heart races. It didn¡¯t take long before everyone began to depart. The door closes behind us, leaving only Ka and I. A smart woman, skilled at using her body and presence to her advantage. She steps back, lowering her gaze, sadness forming. ¡°Years ago, I saved your life, Nyroth. Then I lost everything when the empire sent me on a mission for peace. I never knew you¡¯d be mated to another, that you¡¯d bring a woman into your home.¡± Get full chapters from find?novel 213 12:30 Sat, Sep 6 GM. My heart sinks. I step to her, taking her hand, but she pulls away. 26% +8 Pearls ¡°You doubt I saved you. Youpare me to that rogue, and now¡­ I don¡¯t know who you are anymore.¡± ¡°Ka, stop.¡± I cup her cheek, searching her eyes. ¡°I feel nothing for Zeph. You know it. She insulted my mother, you, and my sister. In front of all elders. She must pay.¡± ¡°Hasn¡¯t she paid with the heartache of knowing the Lycan King will marry another?¡± ¡°I want more. A disgrace to show everyone she¡¯s nothing but a slut, a rogue, useless.¡± I lean to kiss her. ¡°She is nothing like you.¡± She smiles wickedly and suggested. ¡°How about a public rejection ceremony? Invite Alphas, Lunas, Betas, elders, pack members from near and far. Even the Lycan Kingdom. There, you¡¯ll strip her of everything and expose her as the useless rogue she is. I can host it for you.¡± Pleasure tingles through me. I kiss her again, agreeing to her wise words. Send Gifts 2.3K Back Where 105 Lycannar ¡°The King is here.¡± Whispers ripple among the maids, each alerting the next before it can reach but it¡¯s toote. 26%. +8 Pearls my sisters I catch them in the act. I pause in the doorway of Mearez¡¯s bedchamber, staring at her. Slowly, I shift my gaze to Serena, who quickly focuses on the wall as if seeing it for the first time. I step further into the room, eyes flicking between the luggage and Mearez, now ring at her. A week has passed, tension ring with every breath. The elders urge me to attend to Cyran Selric, arriving today with her father, as my bride. Meanwhile, news came to the ck Tower just as I brood over my woman¡¯s absence, the unending agony wing at me. News that says My sisters are leaving the Royal building for another home, and it turns me inside out. I swallow hard, staring at the maids as they rush out silently, obeying my unsaidmand. The door clicks shut, leaving heavy silence. ¡°Unpack your dresses and go about your days as princesses,¡± I murmur. Serena looks up, rubbing her nape, murmuring, ¡°Cyran Selric arrives today, and you will want to reject her. We don¡¯t want you to suffer because of us.¡± ¡°We are not truly princesses anyway,¡± Mearez mutters softly. ¡°We will move out to the¡­¡± Chapters first released on Find?Novel ¡°Will you shut up?¡± I grit out. Both of you, will you shut it?¡± ¡°Lycan¡­¡± ¡°Call my name again and I¡¯ll have you on house arrest for the rest of the year,¡± I snap at Serena. She frowns, knowing better than to call my words bkuff. She¡¯s lived it once before. I sigh shakily, running my fingers through my hair to steady myself. I walk toward Mearez, seated on the bed, and lower myself beside her. ¡°Serena?¡± I call, and shees from behind, sitting as well. I stare at both of them. ¡°I love you both¡­ more than anything in this world, but that won¡¯t stop me from inflicting pain if you push me.¡± Fear shes in their eyes, but they remain silent. ¡°I don¡¯t want to hear it anymore. Anything about leaving? I will have none of it.¡± ¡°But it is true. Since father isn¡¯t our biological father¡­¡± Serena begins, but pauses, meeting my gaze. ¡°Do you want me to send you to live with my brother Hades?¡± I ask. She lowers her gaze, shaking her head. Of course she won¡¯t want that. Hades is far worse than I am; while I grant freedom and daily tasks, Hades would never allow them to leave their chambers. 3.26% +8 Pearls ¡°The woman father wanted me to marry ising today, and I will deal with it once and for all. Serena, return to the marketce and restore peace among the Lycans as usual. Mearez, go to the healing wing and bring peace to the sick. You both do what you do best and leave me to worry about everything. Understand?¡± Silence falls, dead silence, until Mearez reaches for my hand, her eyes softening. ¡°Lycannar¡­ how do you n on handling a decree your father wrote? It will be hard¡­ and one thing we don¡¯t want is for you to suffer because of us again.¡± ¡°You¡¯ve always protected us since childhood. Now you find the woman you love wholeheartedly. We don¡¯t want to take you from her,¡± Serena adds. Before I can respond, a gentle knockes. ¡°Sire? Your future inws are here.¡± I turn toward the door and rise, pushing it open to face the messenger. For a fleeting moment, I feel the urge to cut his throat for daring to call the Selrics my future inws but I let him live, for one reason. My promise to my woman. I walk to the throne chamber, a ce I haven¡¯t been since my coronation because it reminds me of him, my father. The door stands open, and I see them. Elders, my uncle Dareth, and ahead, thedy said to be my bride. Beside her, a potbellied man who must be her father. I do not look them in the eye. I refuse to invite more sadness into my heart. I already have enough than to stare into their eyes and see deaths. Sudden footsteps announce my sisters¡® presence. They¡¯vee to witness it, but Mearez steps forward to take my hand. ¡°Lycannar, listen. We are fine asmoners, as ves. It¡¯s nothingpared to what you endure for us,¡± she whispers but I walk past her. ¡°Your bride has arrived, Your Majesty. We would like to choose a date for the wedding ceremony,¡± Uncle Dareth says. I step away from thedy. She bows gently, her voice small. ¡°My King.¡± Ipletely ignored her, settling my gaze on my Uncle Dareth and the elders, who stand to watch me bend to their will. I sigh and walk to the chair, sitting. ¡°Since Zephyrine left on her trip, I haven¡¯t felt well, I am not in a good mood, and I will not spill unnecessary blood,¡± I murmur, rubbing my temple. ¡°I will not marry anyone.¡± The elders stiffen and my uncle Dareth hands me the scroll, as if to remind me. ¡°A royal decree,¡± he says, threatening. ¡°Royal decree of a dead man. Abusive,¡± I reply, slowly approaching. The elders step back, leaving him to my gaze. I take the scroll gently and lean in to whisper, ¡°Do you know why I abandoned my father¡¯s ashes in the public memorial hall in the werewolf world? Because I did not want him to find peace. Push me too hard¡­ 12:31 Sat, Sep 6 GM. your ashes may follow before the day ends.¡± He shudders. I pull back, watching his face nch. I turn to the burning hearth and fling the scroll into the mes. 1.»á 26%ÊÛ +8 Pearls ¡°If any wrathes from this, let it fall on me. I have survived cursed. I will survive anything more.¡± I turn toward the exit, ncing over my shoulder. ¡°You¡¯ve heard the rumors. I have a woman. I ammitted to her. Doubt it and lose your life.¡± Send Gifts 2.3K ( 65 Back Where 106 Zephyrine 26%2 +8 Pearls. I recall stepping into the holy chamber, yet what greets me is nothing like I imagined. The space stretches endlessly, andscape familiar yet strange. My eyes scan, recognizing the battlegrounds I have walked before, the ground soaked with memories of loss, where heads were severed, where countless warriors perished. Why here? Why now? ¡°Because it is the exact ce where you have lost more than the world knows, and yet, where you have earned everything beyond measure.¡± The voice echoes, reverberating through my very bones, sending a thrill cascading down my spine. The kind of thrill that makes my knees want to bend, my heart bow in reverence. I know who it is without needing to look. I lower my gaze, heart tightening as I feel her attention upon me. The empty battlefield before me seems alive, breathing, and swallowing me in its weight. Everything I lost, everything I fought for¡­ could it all be here? ¡°Yes,¡± she replies, as if reading my thoughts. ¡°That is exactly what I mean. You did me proud. As a young woman, sword flying like a goddess, you restored bnce to my world. You prevailed.¡± I swallow hard, voice barely a whisper. ¡°And yet¡­ you set a use for my happiness. Should I not deserve more than this?¡± Silence presses in, thick and heavy. I feel the shift in the air, the weight of her presence settling around me. Official source is Find1Novel ¡°You are a woman I have held close in my heart, one I will spare again and again from all harm. You have my blessing as a warrior. Blessed with a great white wolf¡­ and yet you walk into the arms of a Blood to be, tainted. You ask why I must withhold happiness?¡± My chest tightens, the wind around me almost solid, ready to push me down. ¡°The priestess sends your words to me,¡± I murmur. ¡°I ept the blessing, but I do not ept the mate you have chosen, nor the cruel use set before I can rise as Alpha.¡± ¡°Really?¡± Her tone carries the weight of storms, and I sense the thundering. Yet I stand my ground. ¡°I am Ashmere. I sealed the portal from the demon invaders. I honor your name, your world, and yet I walked away asking nothing in return. In that war, I lost everything. And now that I have found a way to be happy¡­ you be a roadblock. A hurdle. I deserve more.¡± Silence envelops me, broken only by the whispers of unseen winds. I feel the weight of her judgment, the truth of my defiance. ¡°Nyroth Hue of the Hue Pack is your mate, Zephyrine Ashmere. He alone can give you offspring.¡± My heart sinks. I whirl, and a cold wind sweeps through me. 6 O 2 R O 12:31 Sat, Sep 6 GM. ¡°You reject him¡­ and ept barrenness for life.¡± She concluded and I nearly fell in awe. 26% +8 Pearls ¡°A second chance mate will appear,¡± her voice continues, icy and unyielding. ¡°But with him, love must be thicker than blood to bear offspring. If the bond falters, forget ever having a sessor.¡± Rage and grief choke me. ¡°Why? Why hate Lycannar so much that you would deny me him? Let him im me! Why cast another into my path when I have just survived betrayal?¡± ¡°It is Lycannar Blood¡¯s curse to never know happiness,¡± she replies, and my knees weaken. ¡°His existence is a mistake. All I have done is for your own good.¡± My heart shatters, a thousand pieces scattering into the void. ¡°What if I im him regardless?¡± I whisper, raw with pain. ¡°What if I choose him even after bing Alpha?¡± ¡°Shepherd your courage, Ashmere. You shall not be involved with any man except your second chance mate. Defy this, and ruin will fall upon your pack. Now kneel, and receive your blessing.¡± I force myself to kneel, trembling, chest heaving. The thrill surges through me again, stirring goosebumps across my skin. ¡°Your forefathers were mighty warriors, bringing peace across my world. You inherit their legacy. For that, I have grant every Alpha like them a spirit guard to walk beside them, loyal unto death. Your father, thest warlord of the Shifter Empire, received an enchanted sword. Now you will receive yours. Zephyrine Ashmere.¡± Goosebumps rose in my skin, my heart tightening with reverence. ¡°Bound by the power of light. Surrounded by the mercy of the goddess beyond all gods and beings, I grant you, Zephyrine Ashmere, Twentieth Alpha of Ash Pack, wisdom, strength, and grace to rule over your pack. Rise, receive your spirit guard, and lead Ash Pack.¡± I obey, rising to find¡­ a storm before me. My eyes widen as the heavy breaths draw near. Towering, powerful, emanating heat. I turn to see my spirit guard. My jaw drops. Graceful beyond imagining, my heart skips at the sight. Not a sword, not a shield, but a presence foretelling both protection anding doom. My spirit guard¡­ is a dragon. Send Gifts 2.3K ¡£ 1 Back Where 107 Zephyrine ¡°Lycannar¡­ Lycannar.¡± I breathed before the murmurs stirred me awake. ¨C ?. 26% +8 Pearls 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. es 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, 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 ???s ??????? ?s ?????? ?? find¡¤novel ¡°Tell me.¡± She came to sit on the fur rug, taking my hand before she began. 1 26% +8 Pearls ¡°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. ²Ã ¡°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. ¡°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? ¡°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?¡± 212 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 that, 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.¡± Back Where 108 Zephyrine ¡°I, Zephyrine Ashmere, take my vow tonight as the Alpha of Ash Pack.¡± ¨C ?. 26%0 +8 Pearls The rituals werepleted. I had drunk, I had eaten the necessary, and I had spoken the words that bound Jurrek to me. Now I could feel his energy clearer than ever. But aside from that, I felt weak. All I wanted was toy in bed with Lycannar and not wake until the pain waned. Yet that night, I found myself standing before the building where Luna Tahlia resided in my pack. Jurrek had brought word that she wished for a visit, and tonight I chose to spare her my attention. Tomorrow is the eve of the full moon, and if I recalled correctly, it will be the day Lycannar¡¯s Beta would take the vow with him. The night was cold, aura heavy around me, courtdies trailing behind. Guards were not yet assigned, but I intended to make arrangements before bed. Atst, the door opened, and she appeared, carrying young ck in her arms. She bowed deeply, but I ignored the gesture, instead taking the child from her. A smile curled at the corner of my lips as the boy reached for my face, but soon sadness sank in. A pup. Something I might never have. I lowered my gaze and passed young ck into Blue¡¯s arms. Just like that, my mood shifted. I walked ahead, beckoning Luna Tahlia to join me. ¡°How is Ash Pack treating you?¡± I asked. She faltered in her steps, forcing me to stop as well. I turned toward her under the path of the litmps, the dark sky broad above us. She stared at me as though I were not even real, then bowed again, unable to contain her thoughts. ¡°Alpha Zephyrine,¡± she whispered. I swallowed hard. The title felt heavier than anything I had ever wanted to bear. ¡°You should not be so formal. Soon you will be the mother of an Alpha. Do not bow before me.¡± To this, she swallowed and stepped closer, sighing. ¡°About that¡­ I have thought long on it.¡± I studied her, seeing the change in her spirit. ¡°Peace¡­ it is here. After that night my mother died, something in me shifted. I no longer wish for that post for young ck.¡± ¡°Luna Tahlia¡­¡± ¡°You are an Alpha. A warrior. Youmand thergest and most respected pack, and I have seen what you are capable of. You are pure. You kill only for justice, for peace but the Yadev¡­. they are cruel. They are worse. I do not want to cross their path again. I was only lucky you saved me that night. I want nothing with them. Let them have the pack.¡± She was panicking, her voice trembling, yet she sounded reasonable. Still, I did not agree. I stepped closer, pinning my gaze to hers. 26% +8 Pearls ¡°You truly would let Ka and her father go free after what they did to you?¡± I asked, and she swallowed hard. ¡°The disgrace. The lies. The pack they stole?¡± ¡°But¡­¡± Get full chapters from f?ndnovel ¡°You still have followers, Luna Tahlia. Many would despise the Yadevs¡® rule. Would you not save them?¡± She lowered her gaze, sadness flickering across her face, and I caught it.¡± ¡°If it were up to me, I would never let Ka go so easily,¡± she admitted; looking up with a shaky sigh. ¡°My husband and I had the perfect rtionship until she began seducing him after returning from her mission of peace. The night I caught them in bed together¡­ everything changed. She is a wrecker. You cannot imagine what she is truly like. You will never know.¡± Her words struck me like a de. My breath stilled, the cold night closing around me. Ka. That vile, grasping woman. The whispers I had heard, that Alpha ck betrayed his Luna, suddenly twisted into something darker, uglier. And now I knew. The woman who destroyed their marriage, who spread rot through her home, was Ka. Rage swelled beneath my skin, sharp and burning. My hands curled, nails biting into my palms. For a fleeting moment I wanted to tear her name from the earth itself, to grind the memory of her existence into dust. I studied Luna Tahlia again. She swallowed hard, eyes wide on me, but all I could feel was the bitter taste of fury in my throat. A shaky sigh escaped before I could contain it. ¡°I never thought we would share amon enemy, Luna Tahlia,¡± I said atst, my voice harsher than intended. Then I scoffed bitterly. ¡°But Ka is not even worthy to be mine. For all she has done, you should not consider her yours either, for bedding your husband. Focus only on young ck.¡± I stepped forward and reached for her hand. She hesitated for a moment, then slowly ced her palm over mine. ¡°I beg you, Alpha Zephyrine,¡± she whispered. ¡°I do not want to fight for the pack. Please, I will do anything to repay you for offering me shelter. A maid has even been assigned to me. I am grateful. It is more than enough. Lately, I have thought of helping with tasks, anything to be useful. But I cannot go back to ckbridge Pack. I beg you.¡± Her words sink into me. Nothing in her longs to fight back. I search her eyes again, about to respond, when movement ahead catches my attention. Jurrek Bane. ¡°Alpha Zephyrine,¡± he calls, taking in my title without hesitation, as though he has long awaited to address me as Alpha. He approaches and bows. To Luna Tahlia, he offers a slight bow, and she responds in kind. ¡°Alpha Zephyrine,¡± he says, turning back to me. ¡°Alpha Orod of Horn Pack is here. He says he has urgent 12:32 Sat, Sep 6 GM. words that you must hear.¡± 20%2 +8 Pearls I raise an eyebrow, confusion prickling at me. Alpha Orod, one of the Alpha I approached on behalf of Hue Pack, when Nyroth¡¯s pack was down. He agreed to the trade out of respect for me and sealed the deal with Hue Pack. Now he is here without warning. Why? ¡°He said it is about ckbridge Pack,¡± Jurrek adds, and Luna Tahlia and I exchange a knowing look. ¡°Come with me,¡± I say to Luna Tahlia, and Jurrek leads the way into the meeting hall. I stop at the entrance, eyes fixed on Alpha Orod and his beta. The guards stand motionless like statues,mp mes flickering along the walls. Alpha Orod swallows hard as he sees me. ¡°You are an Alpha now. You took your vow¡­ and yet you didn¡¯t invite anyone to rejoice with you?¡± I step forward, walking toward him. ¡°The ceremony will be made, Alpha Orod, I assure you. A moment that will be remembered forever. But for now¡­ why have youe?¡± He sighs and shifts his gaze to Jurrek behind me. I notice Luna Tahlia lingering in the hallway, silent, listening. I understand. Her death registration was finalized weeks ago. No one knows she is alive within my pack. Not until Alpha Orod proves his intentions will she reveal herself. ¡°I received an invitation from Alpha Nyroth of Hue Pack a few days ago but concerning the rumor that you are in a rtionship with the Lycan King, I ignored the invitation.¡± he begins. ¡°Then I ran into him at an Alphas¡® meeting earlier today. You won¡¯t believe what he said.¡± I keep my eyes on him, silent, waiting. ¡°He was with Ka Yadev. They proposed a huge deal¡­ rumors to be spread. They need Horn Pack¡¯s support toe to Ash Pack and save it.¡± I stiffen, brow arching. ¡°How¡­ save Ash Pack?¡± ¡°They im it has no Alpha. That it is a pack where medals and honors earned by your forefathers were stolen and manipted. They want to spread the rumor that thest warlord bribe the high council to earn respect, leaving the pack rotten and its members dying behind the walls. They intend to save it.¡± Silence falls like a weight. I stare at Alpha Orod, yet do not truly see him. Thenughter bursts from me, startling in its intensity. I turn to Jurrek, chuckling, and slowly make my way toward the chair. But just as suddenly, theughter dies, reced by something primal. I had even considered forgiving them for taking ckbridge Pack. The audacity of those two nitwits, thinking Ash Pack is theirs to hijack. The honors of my forefathers, achieved through blood and strategy, stolen through bribery? Such a grave, unforgivable mistake. Back Where 109 Lycannar ¡°My King?¡± Anahita called from behind. ¡°It is done.¡± 20% +8 Pearls For a long moment, I simply stood in the corridor, my back resting against the wall, my hands folded on my chest, and my gaze fixed on the gate ahead. I feel¡­ an emptiness that twists my chest, a longing so sharp it makes me almost sick. I lower my gaze and sigh, resigned that she won¡¯t being today either. I turn slowly and step into my bed chamber, stopping in my tracks. Preparations had been made, my orders followed as well, and now standing there, I see the work done, everything more perfect than I could have imagined. The chamber had been altered at mymand. The library remained untouched, but everything else, the cloth racks, the bed, the dining table had been transformed. The bed was the same, but its position had changed. Bed sheets, meticulously arranged. Beside my section of the clothing racks, a feminine section had been reserved for my Queen, Zephyrine. Gowns from the finest designers, embroidered with exquisite fabrics, lined the racks. Robes, elegant shoes, everything she could possibly need and a full¨Clength mirror stood nearby, curtained so I would not catch my reflection. I moved toward the dining area. Small, yet exquisite. Two chairs, newly polished, and a table draped in linens embroidered with the crest of my kingdom. Even the bed¡¯s canopy had been altered, a thin linen curtain now wrapped delicately around it, and above, an embroidered sketch of her face, my first vision of her each morning. Anahita had directed it all when she brought the items, unable to cross the threshold herself. She had entrusted Chantel to arrange everything. Even my bodyguard, who never takes orders from anyone, had obeyed this time, knowing it would bring me peace. For that, I appreciated him more than I could say. I stepped quietly into the living room, and it was even more breathtaking than my bed chamber. Everything that had once been stark and ck had been softened, transformed. My two sisters were there, overseeing each detail, ensuring it was perfect. A window I had never opened before was left ajar, letting a cool breeze drift in, the curtain swaying gently, ¡°Lycannar?¡± Serena¡¯s voice came from behind, her eyes flicking to Mearez. Weeks had passed, and tomorrow I would take my vow with Baron as my beta. Yet, I felt choked by it all, unable to focus. Petitions signed, decrees stamped, but meetings at the throne chamber? Those could wait. ¡°Are you okay?¡± Mearez asked. Silence stretched. For a moment, I only stared at her nkly. Then I closed the distance and embraced her. Her hug was tight, gentle, and soothing. ¡°You will be fine. She wille back,¡± she assured me. ¡°She will be back.¡± 12:32 Sat, Sep 6 G M I kissed her cheek, stepped back, and turned to Anahita, the elderly overseer of all the maids. +8 Pearls She had brought Blue up under my orders, ensuring she wanted for nothing. One of the few I could meet eye¨Cto¨Ceye with, even invite into my ck Tower. I nodded my appreciation; she bowed, a smile on her lips signaling peace. After a while, she and her maids departed. Silence settled. I sensed Serena at the door, Chantel in the bed chamber. ¡°Do you think she will like it?¡± I asked, unsure, my voice almost a whisper. ¡°Do you think she will still love me?¡± Mearez stepped closer, taking my hand, her gaze piercing mine. ¡°Zephyrine is not wayward, nor a woman who speaks without meaning. She promised toe back, and I am certain she will be pleased with the changes you made. This is a big step on your part, Lycan.¡± She swallowed, then moved closer, eyes searching mine. ¡°Lycannar¡­ don¡¯t you think it¡¯s time you tell her who you really are?¡± My chest tightened at her words. To reveal myself to Zephyrine would be simple. What wasn¡¯t simple was anticipating her reaction. What if she pulled away? What if she said I wasn¡¯t who she fell for, that we should go separate ways? ¡°You have to make her understand,¡± Serena¡¯s voice came forward, as if reading my thoughts. ¡°Who you are¡­ she will ept it, because she loves you.¡± ¡°And what if she doesn¡¯t?¡± I asked softly. ¡°What if she gets scared and leaves?¡± ¡°Lycan¡­¡± Mearez began, but I whispered before she could continue. ¡°You know I will never let her go. Whether she wants it or not.¡± I saw her gulp and then nod. Everyone knew I am already obsessed with Zephyrine. I would do everything good or bad, monstrous or tender to keep her. She is my anchor. The only woman, aside from my sister, who loved me genuinely. I swallowed hard, thinking of another woman who had once loved me, given me her body, her heart, and her time. I could not feel for her. Our brief rtionship had left only emptiness. My demon cousin, Xyrrha Abyss, the war general who had led the grave battle five years ago. She had loved me, too, but nothing I felt for herpared to what I felt for Zephyrine. Checktest chapters at f?i?n?d?n?o?v?e?l? Send Gifts Back Where 110 Zephyrine +8 Pearls The door opens gently for me, and I step inside quietly, Blue and Isolde behind me. After confirming that Isolde¡¯s jealousy is harmless, I focus on her too and decide to make amends. Somehow, I trust Bluepletely. First, because she is pure¨Cblooded Lycan who has suffered enough as an orphan. Second, because she loves and respects Lycannar unconditionally, even after all he did to her mother. And third, because she is sweet and genuine, willing to do her best for me. Under thete¨Cnight sky, I honor the invitation for dinner. My aunt had sent the word, and as her blood, I must obey, despite my position as Alpha. Alpha Orod had departed with his beta, and I had thanked him for his loyalty. Luna Tahlia had not yet revealed herself; it would be safe for another day. The fact that Young ck is alive alone could shake the entire empire butter, not now. ¡°Alpha Zephyrine,¡± my aunt Kostyra greeted as she appeared in the hall, bowing. I did not respond immediately, instead staring at her nkly, wondering why she was so curious about Lycannar. Why did she need to know anything about my rtionship with him? ¡°Aunty,¡± I called atst, closing the distance to hug her. She stiffened, then rxed, guiding me gently toward the dining area. Lord Yua, her husband, was already seated, along with three of my rtives. I smiled faintly and settled into the seat reserved for me. ¡°Since you do not want a big ceremony yet for Yoir ascension, we have decided to make dinner,¡± Lord Yua said. I nodded, eyes on the dishes, feeling Blue¡¯s watchful gaze behind me. ¡°I still can¡¯t believe you are here,¡± my aunt said as she settled with her cutlery. ¡°It has been five years¡­ such a long time. And yet you return¡­ able¡­ and even in a rtionship with a King.¡± I swallowed. Here we go again. I lowered my gaze to the wine poured for me by a maid. Red, like blood, and for a brief moment, memories of the past shed before me. I haven¡¯t slept since returning. The only time I closed my eyes peacefully was when I passed out after the Moon Goddess¡¯s blessing. The battle five years ago still haunted me whenever I am here in my pack. ¡°I heard Apex is cursed¡­ I mean, we all know he is cursed. Are you okay with all that?¡± my Uncle Yua asked, bluntly. I swallowed. ¡°What bothers me,¡± I murmured quietly, ¡°is your concern about it. I wasn¡¯t even bothered. Why should you be?¡± I looked up, meeting his gaze, and he understood the tension. He smiled gently and cleared his throat. ¡°Never mind, my husband,¡± my aunt said with a smallugh. ¡°You know what they say about Apex. They say he is forever exiled to the ck Tower. He is not innocent either, with women loving him for his unnatural 12:32 Sat, Sep 6 GM. beauty. And men¡­ you know men. Once they see a woman¡¯s body, they are easily distracted.¡± I could not help but smile. 426% +8 Pearls ¡°If that¡¯s how my uncle gets distracted,¡± I replied quietly, ¡°Aunty, I¡¯d say you deserve far better. Lycannar¡­ yeah, women will fall for his unnatural beauty, but he does not get distracted. What is between us is genuine.¡± ¡°In that case, it is too bad you can¡¯t have him,¡± my uncle muttered, taunting. ¡°As Alpha of this pack, you won¡¯t do anything that would bring chaos to your people.¡± I swallowed hard. He had won, gravely, deeply. By the Moon Goddess¡¯s decree and blessing, I could noty with any man I was not mated to. Once I rejected Nyroth, I would wait for a second chance mate. Only then¡­ I lowered my gaze and sighed. My aunt reached out, caressing my palm. ¡°Zephyrine, you are still my niece, even though you are an Alpha now. Why not let go of Lycannar and focus fully on the pack? There will be many suitors crawling at your feet. What do you say?¡± The tremor in her voice, the coldness from her touch, told me something darker. That she wanted me away from Lycannar. But why? I looked up at her and smiled softly. ¡°Have you ever met him? The Lycan King?¡± She swallowed, shaking her head. ¡°Good night, aunty. Thank you for the meal.¡± I rose and hurried through the hall. Before reaching my quarters, I passed Jurrek, who had appeared on mymand. I bypassed him,manding as I walked. ¡°Come in.¡± He hesitated, the awe from my maids obvious. No man dared cross this threshold, but I knew Jurrek Bane. He felt no romantic inclination toward me. Th? link to the orig?n of this information r?sts ?n find?novel I entered my chamber, walking toward the letter I had written and sealed. With a lump in my throat, I turned to Jurrek, who had stepped in reluctantly, and handed him the letter. Isolde stopping right outside behind those close doors where she can¡¯t hear me. ¡°Ride the fastest horse, Jurrek. To everyone, you are only on a mission for the welfare of the pack. Truthfully, you are delivering a letter to the man who has words about my brother. Tomorrow morning, I leave for White Pack. Once you have delivered the letter and receive response,e find me.¡± He swallowed hard and took the letter carefully. Then he asked, eyes on me, ¡°Your spirit guard¡­ what about him?¡± ¡°Where is he?¡± I asked. 12:32 Sat, Sep 6 GM. 25% +8 Pearls ¡°In the underground chamber, empty for years now,¡± he replied quietly. ¡°The pack members are still shaken by his appearance. I am afraid without you, he might get out.¡± I sighed and walked to the window, staring out. A dragon is my spirit guard. One who could rage and breathe fire. I lowered my gaze and nodded. ¡°He won¡¯t cause any problems. As my spirit guard, he knows protecting Ash Pack is his first priority.¡± I corrected myself. ¡°Protecting me is his first priority. Since I am not in danger¡­ he won¡¯t go berserk.¡± ¡°Such a powerful beast,¡± Blue murmured. ¡°Mydy¡­ what shall we call him?¡± I looked away briefly, thinking. ¡°Le Fey,¡± I answered quietly. Back Where 111 Nyroth 25%2 +8 Pearls The ascension for the Lycan Kingdom was in full swing, yet surprisingly, the King was nowhere in sight, just as absent as he had been at the afterparty of his coronation. I settled into my seat beside Ka, watching the hosts supervise as usual. We had all been invited. The hall was full, just as it had been for the coronation, yet she wasn¡¯t here. Zeph. Soft music yed in the background, lulling me into slow nods. Ka had been tasked with hosting the ceremony by Lord Dareth, though Apex seemed against it. The role was eventually handed to Dessyn, Zeph¡¯s best friend. Thinking of her made me reach for the wine on my table, taking a slow sip. Weeks had passed, and tomorrow night, under the full moon, I would reject her publicly. Ka had been carefully chosen as hostess. I knew she would execute it perfectly. Zeph would be disgraced, and she would regret ever choosing a cursed man so strange over me. I lifted my goblet again, only to find it empty. Swallowing hard, I beckoned the maid walking past, assisting Dessyn. ¡°Refill my cup.¡± ¡°Yes, Alpha Nyroth,¡± she replied, moving to obey until Ka intercepted the goblet, smirking with that familiar, wicked confidence. ¡°Don¡¯t bother. The hostess should serve the cup,¡± Ka said, raising an eyebrow at the maid. ¡°Ma¡¯am, it¡¯s our job to refill¡­¡± ¡°How dare you¡­¡± Ssh! The sound echoed through the hall, silencing everyone. I stared at Ka in disbelief. Why¡­? She had spilled the wine over the maid¡¯s face, standing defiantly as all eyes turned toward them. Dessyn, issuing a silent protest to someone, froze in awe before quickly making her way toward our table. She red at the soaked maid, then fixed her icy stare on Ka. ¡°What did you just do?¡± ¡°Correct a low¨Clife omega because her boss won¡¯t,¡± Ka replied, shing that seductive smile she always used to dominate. ¡°Everyone, be honest. Do you approve of the hostess¡¯s work?¡± Before anyone could answer, Ka nodded. ¡°It¡¯s terrible, yes. Outdated songs, poorly served drinks, rude hosting. I, as envoy of peace, knows there are 12:32 Sat, Sep 6 GM. many things wrong with it.¡± She turned her gaze to Dessyn. 125%ÈÕ +8 Pearls ¡°You are a lowlife. I know your crazy friend bought you this position with her body. If not, you shouldn¡¯t even be here among high¨Cstatus people, being rude.¡± ¡°Bought it with her body? More like what you did to steal the pack your father ruled.¡± Decorum fell heavy in the chamber. I could not stay seated. I sprang to my feet, pointing at Dessyn. ¡°Watch that sharp tongue of yours and Speak only facts!¡± She did not falter, meeting me coldly. ¡°I speak fact. But why argue with a man who¡¯s never been faithful to his mate?¡± My blood boiled. I raised my palm to strike her but the door burst open, and she stepped in, interrupting the tension. Dressed in a gown I had never seen, her hair cascading to her waist, Zeph moved with the quiet authority of a queen. Behind her, the maid Apex had gifted her is in attendance. My eyes traced her from head to toe, finally stopping on the ring around her finger. Apex¡¯s. The hall turned silent. A strange,manding aura radiated from her as she stepped forward, and I swallowed hard at the undeniable truth. ¡°Zephyr,¡± Dessyn whispered, frozen at her presence, rushing into her embrace, making it look like Zeph had just returned from her journey. Dessyn exchanged a silent conversation with her, then Zeph turned toward our table, walking with measured grace. Her eyes swept the maid, soaked in wine, then Ka. Gazes filled with an understanding we did not understand. She scoffed. ¡°You brought your rudeness into the Lycan Kingdom and spilled wine on their servant. You think you will be set free?¡± Ka straightened, smirking. ¡°Why? Will you tell your boyfriend?¡± No sooner had she spoken than a cold wind swept through the hall. Every head turned, and there he was. After a long absence, he appeared. Unbothered yet bothered, as always. Long hair flowing, his presence more maic than I could admit. Apex. Dressed in ck, his gaze low, avoiding direct eye contact, yet brimming with unspoken intensity. His eyes lifted to Zeph with the same unwavering, obsessive focus. I watched him swallow hard, then a faint frown creasing his brow when he saw the maid who has been soaked with wine. He motioned carefully to the maid, careful not to meet her eyes. 213 ÁÖ 25% +8 Pearls ¡°Where is Serena?¡± he murmured. One of his elder sisters rushed forward through the door. Not the gentle healer, but another, sharper presence. She froze at Zeph, moving cautiously, seeing the soaked maid. ¡°What¡­¡± ¡°It was done by this rudedy, Princess Seeena,¡± Dessyn exined. Apex turned to his sister. ¡°It is your task to maintain order among themoners. No mere wolf shall harm my people. Make her pay,¡± hemanded. I swallowed hard. Ka stirred beside me, suddenly aware of her mistake. The heat in the hall thickened until Apex¡¯s eyes returned to Zeph. Without hesitation, he circled his fingers around her wrist. Together, they walked out, like two souls already bound to one another. Send Gifts 2.3K Get full chapters from findnovel Back Where 112 Zephyrine 25% +8 Pearls I arrived just in time to stop their rudeness yet again, though now that I was with Lycannar, I felt a strange reluctance. Leaving Ash Pack had been heavy, but knowing I would return soon allowed me toplete the necessary tasks and depart. The road stretched long under the carriage wheels, and when I arrived at White Pack to leave my luggage, Alpha Auedric and Nathan greeted me with wide grins and newfound respect. They had missed the ceremony due to trade obligations, which I understood, and left quickly to journey to this Kingdom, to the King who drew me into the silent dining hall. 4 In the shadows, I saw Chantel in his usual ce. Slowly, I shifted my gaze to Lycannar, and my gods¡­ what should I call this intensity in his eyes? Obsession? Desire? Both? Back home, I had feared his obsession would have waned. I had feared arriving only to find he no longer wanted me. Instead, it had multiplied tenfold. His gaze roamed my face, finally tracing down my body as if searching for hidden marks, bruises, or lingering aches. Softly, his eyes fell on my fingers and the ring around one of them. Gently, he pulled me closer and cupped my cheek. Without words, he leaned in to kiss me but at thest second, I pulled away, my heart thudding. Surprise flickered in his expression. ¡°Lycan¡­¡± I whispered. He paused, searching my eyes with a gaze that made my chest tighten. ¡°I¡­ I have something to tell you.¡± He didn¡¯t listen. Not a word. His eyes were fixed on my lips, the ones he craved desperately. Gently, he grabbed my waist, bowing his head in restraint. ¡°I missed you,¡± he whispered, inhaling my scent. ¡°You have no idea what your absence has done to me, Zephyrine. No idea at all.¡± A lump rose in my throat. I wanted to confess, No. it is too much for both of us. ¡°Lycan..¡± He ignored me, taking strands of my hair in his palm and inhaling deeply before lowering his mouth to my neck. I swallowed hard, my eyes fluttering closed as his hands moved from my waist to lift me effortlessly. In moments, I was in his arms, legs wrapped around his waist, as he carried me to the table. When he set me down, Lycannar¡¯s need matched mine. He slid his fingers under my gown, sending my chest heaving with pleasure and aching for his touch. O Follow current nov?ls on f¦É?dn¦Ïvel 25% +8 Pearls ¡°Lycan¡­ Lycannar, wait,¡± I whispered, but he wouldn¡¯t listen. His lips came to im mine, and my heart raced. I look away at thest moment to call. ¡°Lycan, listen to me. Calm down.¡± Finally, he obeyed, swallowing hard as he pulled back, trapping me gently with his hand on the table while I remained between him and the world. I had his attention now, yet words eluded me. How could I tell him that the Moon Goddess who cursed him was the same who forbade me from bearing pups if Iy with a man I was not mated to? How could I exin that I could not give him my body without risking my pack¡¯s wrath? ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± His voice was soft. I looked up at him, and for a moment, jealousy red at his unreal handsomeness. When I remained silent, he leaned in, intending to kiss me, but I turned away, chest heaving. ¡°Lycan¡­¡± I called, heart pounding. ¡°What if I can¡¯t give you an heir?¡± Silence swallowed the room. His gaze weighed on me like gravity, and I nearly fainted at the pounding of my heart. He pulled back, stepping slightly away, still silent. Slowly, I met his pale¨Cgold eyes. ¡°What happened?¡± he asked. ¡°I just¡­ I¡­¡± My words failed me. His unwavering gaze made every breath a struggle. ¡°You don¡¯t want to tell me what¡¯s wrong?¡± I fluttered my eyes up and shook my head. ¡°I want to,¡± I admitted. ¡°Go on.¡± ¡°Lycan¡­¡± I whispered his name and he stare in silence. ¡°Why are you hesitant? I am not even mad at you.¡± I swallowed. I am ady who have never have to fear or reluctance but before this man who I couldn¡¯t predict his next actions makes me shiver. I swallowed hard and beginning, ¡°During my trip I was¡­¡± but the words died as footsteps approached. Princess Mearez appeared, urgency in her eyes. Relief and happiness shed across her face as she saw me. ¡°Zephyrine,¡± she called, and I gently stepped away from Lycannar to hug her. ¡°My gods, I can¡¯t believe you¡¯re back!¡± She checked me for bruises, but I smiled softly. ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡± 25% +8 Pearls ¡°Thank goodness. My brother nearly went mad waiting for you. I am so d you¡¯re here.¡± My chest tightened at her words. This devotion was overwhelming. How would I tell him about the barrier that now stood between us? ¡°Lycannar, the moon is almost here. You need to¡­¡± Princess Serena started, rushing into the dining hall, stopping short when she saw me. She hugged me tightly. ¡°I knew you would return. Thank you.¡± Pulling back, she looked apologetic, then turned to Princess Mearez. ¡°The Steel Chamber. Let¡¯s go.¡± Princess Mearez nodded, eyes shifting to Lycannar. ¡°The full moon,¡± she warned. ¡°You have less than ten minutes. You must hurry.¡± The princesses nced at me onest time before leaving with Chantel following quietly. Steel Chamber? Full moon? Why the urgency? 425 I turned slowly to Lycannar and for what seemed like eternity, he stood silently, gazing at me. Without a word, he stepped forward. His hands curled around my neck, pulling me close, and he kissed me softly. I dared not resist. His patience had thinned, and the kiss was sinful, consuming, drawing me into him. ¡°My sisters will ensure you are safe. Mearez will ease your pain tomorrow after you reject that Alpha. I will wait in the ck Tower in two nights. Then we will talk. I also have something to tell you.¡± Without hesitation, knowing he filled my heart, he kissed me again. This time staking a im. The harder I tried to resist, the fiercer the fire between us. Lycannar kissed me like he owned me, then turned and disappeared in the same direction his sisters had taken. I stood frozen, cold, wondering how I would survive a cursed King and still maintain peace as Alpha of my pack. Send Gifts 2.3K ¡£ Back Where 113 The Rogue Is A Female Alpha Zephyrine 25% +8 Pearls I walked under the broad night sky, my gaze drawn instinctively to the full moon peeking out, preparing to shine in all its glory tomorrow night. Tonight was only the eve, yet even now, its silver light felt heavy with meaning. Something was happening back there, something urgent, secret, and dark and I knew only a few in the Blood family were aware of it. My thoughts drifted to what Morwen had said./ Dessyn¡¯s mother. If only I had asked further. She had warned me about Lycannar under the full moon, about his hidden darkness. I had never doubted him, never questioned him but now¡­ curiosity gnawed at me. ¡°Zephyr.¡± The call came from behind. I turned to see Dessyn rushing toward h wonder. ¡°Zephyr. I still can¡¯t believe you¡¯re here.¡± me, her eyes wide with I didn¡¯t respond. Instead, my gaze drifted to Blue, walking out from the hall ahead. Guests poured out of the Kingdom, leaving in a steady stream. ¡°Princess Serena demanded a public apology from Ka for what she did to the maid,¡± Dessyn said, voice low. ¡°I still can¡¯t believe she hit a maid from the Lycan Kingdom. Didn¡¯t she know they¡¯re different?¡± I nodded gently. ¡°I¡¯m eager to see how she apologizes. I bet she¡¯s never been forced to say it before.¡± I lowered my gaze and sighed, my heart aching. ¡°I¡¯m tired. I want to rest early.¡± ¡°I thought you¡¯d be staying with Apex tonight,¡± Dessyn said softly. I remained silent. I couldn¡¯t sleep at Lycannar¡¯s home. It was difficult enough resisting his kisses in the dining hall. If I dared step into his bedchamber, into his hands, I knew I would forget my resolve instantly. ¡°You are an Alpha now,¡± Dessyn teased gently. I nced at her, catching the sheepish grin. ¡°Gods¡­ I can¡¯t wrap my head around it. Tell me, Great Alpha of Ash Pack. What is your spirit guard like? How did the moon goddess look like? How is everything and everyone at home? Should I start addressing you as Alpha Zephyrine?¡± I stare at her for a while before I walked away in silence, heading toward my carriage. She followed, still teasing, until our eyes locked, and the yfulness drained from her face. Concern reced her grin. ¡°Zephyr¡­¡± ¡°I¡¯m exhausted. I just want to go home,¡± I murmured, letting her take my hand protectively and lead me into the carriage. Soon, Blue joined us. ¡°Mydy?¡± Dessyn asked. ¡°Zephyr what do you say to Blue finishing up here with Moon? The party has already ended anyway.¡± Dessyn suggested and I nodded. ¡°Blue, finish up with Moon. Thene home with him afterward. Don¡¯t travel back alone,¡± I instructed. She 12:33 Sat, Sep 6 GM. nodded reluctantly. I can tell she didn¡¯t want to keave me but she is bound by my order. Blue bowed and departed to assist Moon, while Dessyn and I left for White Pack. ********* £¤ 25% +8 Pearls ¡°Are you hungry? We have some¡­¡± ¡°No, I¡¯m fine,¡± I said, making her step away from the door. We arrived at White Pack under thete night sky, and I could do nothing but copse onto the bed in silence. Dessyn lingered at the door, then approached gently. Nathan was away, and Alpha Auedric had left for an official meeting. The pack was silent, everyone asleep. The source of th?s content is find?novel ¡°Zephyr¡­¡± Dessyn¡¯s voice broke the quiet. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± I lowered my gaze and swallowed. When I wouldn¡¯t speak, she reached for my hand tenderly. ¡°Zephyr?¡± I shrugged to hide my vulnerability, but ended up holding her tighter for support. ¡°I met the moon goddess, Dessyn,¡± I whispered. ¡°She gave me her blessing.¡± ¡°That¡¯s good news, isn¡¯t it?¡± ¡°Not entirely.¡± My eyes met hers. ¡°She gave too many uses that could harm me and my pack. She said if I want pups, only Nyroth can give them to me without any hassle. If I reject him, the next second chance mate I receive wille with trials. If I don¡¯t love him genuinely, we¡¯ll never have pups.¡± ¡°Zephyr¡­¡± ¡°She did this as punishment,¡± I hissed, frustration tightening my chest. ¡°She knows I¡¯ve fallen for Lycannar beyond anything else. She knows he¡¯s the love of my life. She¡¯s trapped me. If I try toy with anyone who isn¡¯t my mate, my pack suffers. She knew I might rebel and be with Lycannar. Dessyn that¡¯s why she added that use.¡± Dessyn¡¯s eyes were full of concern. She sighed shakily. ¡°Have you told your man?¡± I felt a chill run down my spine as I shake my head in the negative, ¡°Not yet.¡± ¡°Zephyr¡­¡± she whispered. ¡°Apex, the Lycan King, which we both know¡­ he won¡¯t leave you.¡± My chest tightened. She spoke the truth, and the goosebumps crawling up my arms confirmed it. ¡°He won¡¯t be stopped by you, or even by the moon goddess. You know this, don¡¯t you?¡± I couldn¡¯t respond, my thoughts spinning. Is this why I was gifted a dragon as a spirit guard? So it can save me from¡­ 212 Before I could dwell further, the carriage arrived, and Dessyn rushed to the window. ¡°It¡¯s Moon and Blue,¡± she said softly. 25% +8 Pearls I already knew. My senses were heightened as an Alpha. I could perceive scents from miles away, more deeply than ever. Something else lingered in the air now. A tension that made my skin crawl, a heat in my stomach that red as footsteps approached. Finally, the bedchamber door opened. Moon appeared first, handsome as ever, a chest in his hands, carried lightly. His eyes roamed before settling on me, and just like that, my heart clenched. Send Gifts Back Where 114 Zephyrine ÁÖ+25% ¹« +8 Pearls A brand¨Cnew bottle of deluxe wine. Two golden goblets. Four solid gold bars. These had been gifted to Dessyn as payment for hosting the ceremony of Lycannar and his new beta, Baron. ¡°Immediately after we finish, the Lycan Kingdom gates close,¡± Moon said from the doorway, clearly exhausted. He reached for the wine, but Dessyn pped his hand away. ¡°This is for a special asion,¡± she imed. ¡°What special asion than to celebrate Zephyrine¡¯s ascension as an Alpha? Plus, she¡¯s going to reject Alpha Nyroth tomorrow night, so it calls for celebration,¡± Moon muttered. Dessyn paused, her eyes lingering on the golden goblets for what seemed like an eternity. ¡°Gods, Apex Blood is so wealthy. How many people have gold bars and drinks served in golden goblets?¡± ¡°You forget he¡¯s a king,¡± Moon muttered, reaching for the wine again. This time, Dessyn allowed him. ¡°Did you see any of the Lycan Princesses before you left?¡± I asked, speaking for the first time. He shook his head, eyes on me. For a moment, we simply stared at one another. Finally, he asked, ¡°Are you okay?¡± Before I could answer, the door opened gently, and Blue appeared. ¡°Mydy, Alpha Auedric is here. He wants to see you.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll be out soon,¡± I replied. She nodded and left as I rose gently. ¡°Maybe he¡¯se to celebrate with us. Moon, pour the wine,¡± Dessyn said, lively, carrying the golden goblets into the living room. There I saw Alpha Auedric, invitation parchment in hand, his gaze moving from me to the wine in Moon¡¯s hand. ¡°Goodness. It looks perfect,¡± he murmured. Moon poured him some, and after a sip, his eyes went wide. ¡°Gods! Where did thise from?¡± ¡°The Lycan Kingdom,¡± Dessyn replied proudly. ¡°The Lycan King gifted it to me for hosting his ceremony.¡± ¡°Really?¡± ¡°Really.¡± ¡°We should request a trade with the Lycan King sometime soon,¡± he said thoughtfully, then turned to me. ¡°Or what do you think, Zephyr? Or should I call you Alpha Zephyrine?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t be too polite, please,¡± I replied with a small smile. ¡°You want an audience?¡± ¡°Oh yes,¡± he said, taking another sip of wine from the goblet before handing me the invitation parchment. £¤ 25%áu +8 Pearls ¡°My beta just gave it to me now that I arrived from an official meeting. It¡¯s from Hue Pack. They¡¯re inviting all and sundry to his rejection ceremony tomorrow night. I really hope it¡¯s not what I think it is.¡± A frown creased my brow as I unfolded the parchment. Moon and Dessyn leaned in beside me, their eyes on the writing. There it was. The Alpha of Hue Pack would be rejecting his mate tomorrow night and wanted all to witness the woman who had ¡°cheated and betrayed him.¡± ¡°I can¡¯t believe this,¡± Moon hissed, disgusted. ¡°I still don¡¯t know why you haven¡¯t ordered that Alpha to be ughtered.¡± ¡°Spilling blood unnecessarily isn¡¯t what Zephyr does, Moon,¡± Dessyn replied, finishing with a sharp nce. ¡°However, Nyroth still needs to be taught a lesson.¡± ¡°The party will be hosted by Ka Yadev,¡± Alpha Auedric added. ¡°That¡¯s a heads¨Cup. They¡¯re nning to disgrace you publicly. The invitation went to the Lycan Kingdom too. Apex might be there. His sisters, too.¡± I stared at the parchment, then sighed gently. Just when I had resolved to respect him onest time as my first mate, just when I had thought I could leave quietly as Zephyrine the rogue¡­ Content originallyes from f?ndnovel ¡°And I even considered leaving quietly, just as Zephyrine,¡± I muttered under my breath. ¡°Maybe it¡¯s time to end the rumors once and for all, Zephyr,¡± Dessyn said and Alpha Auedric nodded in agreement. ¡°The insult, the taunts, the belittling¡­ don¡¯t you think it¡¯s time to show everyone your truth? You are an Ashmere, an Alpha. Ash Pack will need you, and you won¡¯t be able won¡¯t be able to avoid public meetings any longer.¡± I nodded, heaving a heavy sigh. Coming out after five years as an Ashmere, as an Alpha¡­ I could almost imagine how stunned everyone would be. But what concerned me most was Lycannar Blood, the man who now dominated my heart. I wondered how he would react if he learned the truth about me. I bit my lower lip and asked, almost to myself, ¡°Do you think my identity will settle well with¡­ the Lycan King? I mean¡­ I don¡¯t care what others think, but I just¡­ I don¡¯t know if Lycannar will have a problem with me being an Alpha.¡± Silence answered me instead. As I looked around, I nearly sagged. Even Alpha Auedric, usually so adept at reading people, gulped down his wine and passed the goblet to Moon with a small nod of appreciation. ¡°We will be there tomorrow, Zephyrine. To wish you all the best. For now¡­ goodnight,¡± he said, turning to leave, stepping out into the night. Send Gifts 2.3K Back Where 115 Nyroth 25%0 +8 Pearls Bright, almost as day, the full moon blessed us. The elders had been called. The priestess of Hue Pack was on standby, and guests were starting to arrive. Ka Yadev never disappoints. It was as though she wanted to prove she could host a ceremony better than Dessyn, as though she wanted everyone to see that the Lycan King had chosen wrong by not letting her host his party. As though to get revenge for what happenedst night at the Lycan Kingdom. I stood at the window, fully dressed for the night, staring up at the radiant full moon. It reminded me of her. Zeph. It was as the night itself when I had met her and realized she was fated for me. Five years ago, when I was at my lowest. I lowered my gaze and tried to shrug off the feeling. I deserved more than what the moon goddess had given me. ¡°My goodness. Look at how beautiful she is.¡± ¡°Wait until you step into the ceremonial hall. You¡¯ll see how she prepared everything,¡± came another voice. ¡°But¡­ who is the mate of Alpha Nyroth?¡± ¡°We¡¯ll find out tonight. Come on. Let¡¯s go,¡± someone replied. I overheard the guests moving inside, saying, and just then, a carriage arrived. I focused on the crest of ckbridge Pack. Under my watchful gaze, Ka rushed out of the ceremonial hall to wee her father, who had arrived. Her flowing dress caught my attention, and I swallowed hard at how elegant she was, how she carried herself with effortless grace. Ka. I watched her father dismount the carriage. Graceful as ever. The great Alpha of ckbridge Pack. Content originallyes from findnovel We had discussed further ns to save Ash Pack. After reaching out to Horn Pack and others for support, I had instructed Ka to wait for their feedback. Once received, we would set the rumors straight and protect Ash Pack members. A small growl escaped me as I noticed the men sneaking nces at Ka. She was elegant enough to attract attention. Lost in jealous thoughts, I froze when I heard footsteps approaching. ¡°Alpha Nyroth, you are needed in the hall,¡± Kai¡¯s voice called, and I exhaled. After what happened weeks ago at White Pack, when Zeph had savagely banged his head, no one hated her more than my beta now. I turned to see him prepared, and I nodded. Together, we headed out. In the living room, I saw my mother also ready. She paused when she saw me, then a wide grin spread across her face. Quickly, she rushed to hug me tightly. Pulling back, her excitement was palpable. ¡°Thank you for finally doing this, Nyroth. Thank you so much.¡± 1 returned her smile and nodded. 3.25% +8 Pearls I should have listened to you all along. Zeph is a rogue. Not just that. She is violent, a killer. Tonight, I will expose her before everyone.¡± ¡°I trust Ka to handle that part well. I¡¯ll get Olivia, and we wille soon,¡± she said, and I nodded. Leaving the living room. I entered the long ceremonial hall where the rejection would take ce. The priestess was still busy with the rituals, and the hall was filling with guests, each at their reserved table. At the high table for the Lycan Kingdom, no one upied it yet, and for a brief moment, panic fluttered in me. I wanted them toe and see for themselves what Zeph truly was. Especially Apex Blood. Perhaps when he realized the woman he was obsessed with was nothing but a violent, murderous rogue, he would turn away. ¡°Alpha Nyroth,¡± a voice called behind me, and I turned to see White Pack arriving. Alpha Auedric, who had summoned me, stepped forward with a polite smile. Behind him were his beta and a few elders. Ahead, Dessyn arrived with her younger brother and her father, and I nearly smiled in satisfaction. Good. They would see how worthless the so¨Ccalled Zeph really was. ¡°Thank you for inviting us to your ceremony. I thought you never had a mate,¡± Alpha Auedric said, loud enough that the bustling hall quieted. I offered him a gentle smile, but before I could speak, Ka stepped forward, nodding with her sweet,posed smile. ¡°Why don¡¯t you wait for the mate to arrive? You¡¯ll see for yourself,¡± she replied. For a brief moment, I thought I saw Alpha Auedric smirk, then he nodded and moved to the table reserved for White Pack, settling in. I watched him for a moment before Ka¡¯s hand came to mine, steadying me. ¡°We¡¯ve prepared everything, Nyroth. In a few minutes, the ceremony will start. Should I add that she¡¯s a whore and a cheater too?¡± she asked, and I swallowed hard. Just then, the entrance opened again, and everyone froze. The two Lycan Princesses had arrived. A historic first. Lycans invited to a Werewolf ceremony, honored guests no less. I stood still, watching them move gracefully into the hall. Heads turned; their grace was intoxicating, the thrill undeniable. ¡°You should add that she¡¯s a thief too, Ka. She stole, she cheated, she¡¯s violent,¡± I said, gritting my teeth. Ka smiled, clearly pleased. She walked over to the Lycan Princesses and bowed. Whether we liked it or not, the Lycans were still above us. Ka directed them to their reserved table, respectful and tactful, though they barely noticed her. They were still waiting for an apology from Ka for her rude actions at the beta ceremony the previous night. I sighed, wondering if Apex would appear. 25% +8 Pearls In that moment, a powerful energy filled the ceremonial hall, making my heart clench. I realized it was not Apex, though at first I thought it was. She arrived in grand style, as though celebrating the fact she would be rejecting me. Zeph. d in a white flowing gown, her shoulder bare by design, her long ck hair cascading down her back, she entered. Soft gasps echoed around the hall. When she stepped in, it felt as though I didn¡¯t exist. Her eyes sought the Lycan Kingdom¡¯s table alone, as if nothing else mattered, and just like that, she made her way there. She bypassed me entirely, as though I were invisible. That action infuriated me, and I swallowed hard. Just as I had nned not to expose her about the stolen money she had offered me at the start of our courtship, tonight, it would finallye to light. I vowed it. Send Gifts 2.3K Back Where 116 Zephyrine ÁÖ¼Ò 25%ßx +8 Pearls ¡°Zephyrine.¡± Princess Mearez called, and I rushed to hug her tightly. Before turning to Princess Serena, I pulled her into another firm embrace. It felt as though this was the first time we had truly seen each other in years. Last night had happened so fast, and I had left far too early. Now, seeing them here at a werewolf event, I couldn¡¯t help but feel grateful. They were here for me. Just for me. ¡°My baby brother said you¡¯ll be weak when you reject that man,¡± Princess Serena said, and I almost smiled. By ¡°that man,¡± I knew she meant Nyroth. I nodded and turned to Princess Mearez, who had been staring at me in silence. It was as though she carried something heavy in her heart, or perhaps she sensed something within me she had never felt before. ¡°The aura oozing from you feels stronger than before, Zephyrine,¡± she finally muttered. I swallowed hard; it was because I am now an Alpha. Before I could respond, the soft jingling of bells from the priestess ahead announced the start of the rejection ceremony. This was it. After five years of no respect and no affection¡­ this was it. ¡°Can Blue sit with you?¡± I asked Princess Mearez, but Princess Serena looked at me in mild confusion. ¡°Of course. You forget she is a Lycan.¡± I smiled and watched my personal maid take her seat gently on the chair. Then I slowly turned my gaze back to the priestess and sighed. I was about to step forward when Princess Mearez caught my wrist tenderly. I looked at her, curious about her words. ¡°Thank you for doing this,¡± she said softly. I searched her eyes, unable to restrain my emotions, and hugged her again. ¡°It¡¯s for me. Not for Lycannar,¡± I said before pulling back. Turning toward the priestess again, I saw Nyroth standing at attention. I set my jaw. Here we go. I took a step forward but then he began his speech, stopping me in my tracks. Everyone had settled down, and the rejection was about to begin. I expected him to go straight to the point, but he seemed intent on giving a speech first. I had no issue with that. I would only retaliate if he crossed a line. I walked to my seat beside Princess Mearez, ready to listen. ¡°I appreciate everyone here at this gathering tonight,¡± he began steadily. ¡°As you all know, any werewolf of Hue Pack is mated once in a lifetime. Surely, everyone is wondering why the Alpha of that same pack is willing to reject his mate, bgjgthe mate he was meant to keep for life.¡± The hall went silent, all eyes focused on him. From the corner of my eyes, I saw Pam arriving with Olivia. ÁÖ¼Ò25%ÈÕ +8 Pearls ¡°This is all because of my mate¡­ sadly,¡± he said, wearing a mournful expression. ¡°My mate is a thief.¡± Murmurs rippled through the hall. I sat there, confused and curious. A thief? How? From the corner of my eyes, I saw White Pack ncing my way, but I stayed focused on Nyroth. I wanted to hear every word. ¡°Five years ago, I met her under a full moon like this one. She was poor, a rogue with no pack, no home. I helped her, sheltered her, and vowed to make her my Luna despite her low status. And what did she do?¡± The hall fell silent. Everyone wanted to hear his ount of my supposed betrayal. Updates are released by find?novel Р¡°She cheated on me many times,¡± he revealed, and murmurs arose again. ¡°Not only that. She is a thief who stole money from a source I do not know. A huge amount, which she used to get on my good side. That was how she crawled into my life. With seduction, bribery, and the mate bond. But that was not why I helped her. No. I cherished her. She is my mate. I did not want her to be homeless and I opened my pack gates for her. But in the end, when she saw a man she thought was better than me, she demanded rejection. I begged. On my knees, politely, with everything I had. But she had made up her mind. That is why I have called upon everyone to witness how I gave her the freedom she always wanted.¡± T Goosebumps prickled my skin as I sat there, staring at him without blinking. For a heartbeat, the world seemed to pause. He had called me a thief because I had given him money. The same money I had sacrificed to save his pack. He had called it bribery, and me a thief. That¡­ was unforgivable. Slowly, I lowered my gaze and swallowed. With each passing second, anger grew inside me. Anger at myself for sacrificing my parents¡® money for a man who had never seen my worth and never would. ¡°Come over, Zeph. It¡¯s starting,¡± Nyroth¡¯s voice finally came, and I swear I could feel it deep in my bones. The weight of all eyes settled on me. Murmurs and gossip rippled instantly through the hall. I remained seated for a few more moments before rising to my feet. He wanted to tell the world how he had sheltered me, how I was a rogue? Perhaps it was finally time to tell him the truth. Send Gifts 2.3K Back Where 117 Zephyrine +25% +8 Pearls I walked forward, standing before the sacred statues, feeling the divine presence settle in the hall and before the priestess ready toplete the rite. I stood there, eyes fixed on Nyroth, and somehow only a small smile formed on my lips. ¡°You¡¯re enjoying this, aren¡¯t you?¡± Ka¡¯s voice came, gentle yet mocking, her eyes hiding behind that same soft, fake expression. ¡°After cheating on him with the Lycan King, you canugh, can¡¯t you?¡± Her words made my smile fade. She had just mentioned Lycannar. ¡°You stole a huge amount of money, Zeph,¡± she continued, sounding pitiful as though trying to help. ¡°That¡¯s not good. You¡¯re a thief and a rogue, and yet he¡¯s still trying to help you. I¡¯m sure the Lycan King won¡¯t¡­¡± ¡°Stop.¡± I snapped, setting my jaw to maintainposure. Hot, deadly calm, I red at her. ¡°Keep Lycannar¡¯s name out of your mouth. You don¡¯t want me to get started.¡± Her eyes widened in challenge, and she chuckled dryly. ¡°Oh really? Get you started? First, to squeeze yourself into Nyroth¡¯s life, you stole a huge amount of money from who knows where, to gift him? Then you were rude every second and minute to his mother and sister? And when you stepped into the Lycan Kingdom, you seduced the Lycan King and demanded rejection from your poor mate? Is that how you want to get started, Zeph?¡± ¡°Even now, you still won¡¯t change your ways or regret it?¡± Pam, Nyroth¡¯s mother, said from where she sat. ¡°After all the monstrous things you¡¯ve done, you still won¡¯t make amends or apologize?¡± Olivia red from where she sat, and I felt it. I could no longer ignore it. The hall fell immediately silent, all eyes including those of the Lycan Princesses on me. Surely they didn¡¯t know the full story. Only the Dusk household knew me from childhood until now. I nodded and looked at Nyroth. ¡°You said I stole a huge amount of money to crawl into your life? Why didn¡¯t you tell them that money was used to revive your dying pack?¡± Murmurs rose up, and he red at me without blinking. ¡°That doesn¡¯t forgive the fact that you stole it from somewhere, you thief,¡± he spat. ¡°I just never asked about the source because I didn¡¯t want to embarrass you. Judging by how skillfully you killed that rogue in that duel, it¡¯s in you¡¯re a robber trained for monstrous things like this¡­¡± ¡°I trained for battle,¡± I interrupted quietly, and he paused. ¡°From childhood, as the only daughter of my father, I bore the burden of living as both a graceful daughter and a warrior.¡± Silence fell again, deafening this time. Nyroth stared at me before scoffing. ¡°Now you¡¯re telling more lies to cover your crimes. You are¡­¡± ¡°That money you im I stole was from my parents¡® death. It¡¯spensation for thest battle they fought that imed their lives,¡± I said, the tension rising, sadness creeping into my bones. ¡°If I had known you and 25% +8 Pearls your mistress woulde to mock me with it, I would have let your pack rot in poverty and rejected you five years ago, immediately when I set eyes on you and felt the mate bond.¡± Our eyes locked, and I saw something stirring in him, but I didn¡¯t focus on that. Instead, I turned to the guests he had invited to mock me. ¡°Alpha Nyroth of Hue Pack has been my fated mate for five years. While he gave me shelter, I was never once homeless. When I struggled to revive that dead pack, now thriving, he was dreaming and lusting over another woman.¡± I nodded and shrugged. ¡°I get it. Once, I thought it impossible. But now I understand you can be mated to a man yet never feel connected to him as you do with another.¡± ¡°Now you¡¯re quoting to justify cheating on him?¡± Ka used, and I spared her only a nce. ¡°You, of all people, shouldn¡¯t mention cheating when you¡¯re a wrecker of homes and bonds,¡± I red harder, shrugging again. ¡°But I should thank you foring into his life. If not for your escapades, I wouldn¡¯t have known right from wrong. I would have endured endlessly but luckily, I met someone more charming and caring than he could ever be.¡± ¡°Zeph¡­¡± Nyroth began, but I turned to him, jaw set. ¡°Let¡¯s get this over with. Not in this lifetime or another do I ever want anything with you.¡± Silence descended on the hall. Bitterly, he set his jaw, and the divine grace swirled around us. ¡°I, Nyroth Hue, reject you, Zephyrine, tonight as my mate and future Luna,¡± he said but nothing happened. No flicker of light, no divine sign. Even the building¡¯s divine wind died down. He turned to the priestess, who bowed slightly. ¡°Herst name must be included for the rite toplete,¡± she said. ¡°She has nost name!¡± Nyroth gritted, obviously furious. ¡°She is a whore, a thief, an orphan¡­ a rogue¡­¡± 39 ¡°She is an Alpha.¡± The voice came from behind, cold enough to freeze the hall. Every eye turned to see Jurrek Bane standing at the entrance, scroll in hand, angry and resolute. He walked forward, eyes locked on Nyroth. ¡°She is an Alpha. Not just that. She is an Ashmere. Goddess of war. One who saved us all from the demon invasion. You will learn to bow and pay respect.¡± Everything shifted. Nyroth turned to stare at me, pale and speechless, unable to believe what he¡¯d heard. ¡°What nonsense,¡± he murmured. ¡°You are¡­¡± ¡°Zephyrine Ashmere,¡± I said, unwavering. ¡°The only daughter of thest warlord in the Shifter Empire, daughter of War General Seraphine, and younger sister of the best war strategist Varyn. I am the first female Alpha ever in history. Alpha of Ash Pack. Warmander on the battlefield. And today, I stand before you, Nyroth Hue, Alpha of Hue Pack, to reject you as my mate and future husband.¡± Everything went still. I could hear a pin drop. The divine wind followed, settling into the hall. Bells jingled Follow current nov?ls on find[?]ovel 12:41 Sat, Sep 6 GM. by themselves, recognizing holiness at first nce. I felt the bond thinning, waning. 25% +8 Pearls ¡°I¡­ Nyroth Hue¡­ reject you¡­ Zephyrine A¡­ Ash¡­ mere as my mate and future Luna,¡± he stuttered, testing if it would work. Before the words died, my wolf stirred, weighing down on me like a heavy burden. Pain radiated through my heart and soul. I bowed my head, trying to contain it, but the agony was unbearable. I went down but Jurrek was fast, holding me protectively, keeping me safe as my bones shifted and reformed. My wolf growled low, agonizing, and emerged before all. The magnitude of the white wolf, power and aura undeniable, radiated like an Alpha. Now No secrets remained. Before my wolf¡¯s eyes closed, I saw Nyroth pale, awed by who I truly was and recognizing atst that I am indeed the same white wolf who had saved him years ago. Send Gifts 2.3K Back Where 118 Zephyrine ¡°She will be fine.¡± ¡°Are you sure? She hasn¡¯t woken up since yesterday.¡± ¡°Will you calm down?¡± £¤25% +8 Pearls ¡°Oh, please. If baby brother returns from the steel room and finds his woman in bed, even we both will pay for it.¡± Princess Serena¡¯s voice came, and I stirred gently. Fluttering my eyelids open, I found myself staring at the candle chandeliers above, warmth from the bed chamber enveloping me pleasantly. This text is hosted at Find~Novel The scent here was different, moreforting than anything I could have imagined. It almost felt like the afterlife. Wait¡­ ¡°Is she¡­¡± I heard footsteps approaching. My goodness, she¡¯s awake!¡± I blinked and looked up ¡°My gods. Zephyrinthe beautiful face of Princess Mearez. can Ou hear me?¡± Of course I could hear her loud and clear. The only thing that felt strange was my wolf. Having been stripped of her mate, I felt¡­ empty. I gently opened my eyes again and tried to sit up, but Princess Mearez came to help me. ¡°I think you shouldn¡¯t try to stand just yet, Zephyrine. You¡¯re still healing,¡± she said. I shook my head. ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡± I refused to allow the useless bond I had with Nyroth to weigh me down. I sat up, resting my back against the headboard, and looked around. I realized I was in Princess Mearez¡¯s bedchamber. The door was locked, and Princess Serena sat at the bed¡¯s edge, concern written across her face. ¡°You should drink,¡± Princess Mearez said, holding out a wooden cup filled with potion. ¡°It will help you regain your strength. Gulp it all down at once.¡± I nodded and obeyed, swallowing the bitter herbal potion before passing the cup back to her. She returned it to its ce, then ced a soft palm over mine, ¡°Are you okay? Zephyrine, how do you feel?¡± I nodded, sighing. ¡°I¡¯m fine. How did I get here? How long have I been out?¡± The two Lycan Princesses exchanged a look, and Princess Serena replied, ¡°Your Beta helped bring you here. He¡¯s at the guest hall now. You¡¯ve been out sincest night.¡± ÁÖ+25% +8 Pearls ¡°Oh.¡± I sighed again, bowing my head. Last night¡­ I had rejected Nyroth Hue. I was supposed to feel relief, but¡­ why was the tension so thick? ¡°I¡¯ve always known there was something more about you, but I never knew it was something like this,¡± Princess Serena said. I looked up gently at her. That gaze, the charged atmosphere¡­ it told me something was wrong. I shifted my gaze to Princess Mearez and noticed her eyes lowered. I swallowed, feeling uneasy. ¡°I¡­ I apologize. I know¡­ I shouldn¡¯t have kept my identity a secret. Trust me, I have my reasons.¡± No words came in response, making me feel even more ufortable. ¡°Princess¡­¡± ¡°By any chance, Zephyrine¡­¡± Princess Mearez cut in softly, staring into my eyes. ¡°By any chance¡­ did you inform the King?¡± I swallowed hard, lowering my gaze and biting my lower lip. ¡°No.¡± y, and I looked at her in confusion. ¡°Why keepi ¡°Why not?¡± Princess Serena¡¯s voice was sharper a secret from a man who¡­ who you love?¡± ¡°Watch your tone, Serena. We won¡¯t me her,¡± Princess Mearez said gently. But Serena only looked away, frowning. For a moment, I didn¡¯t blink. Something was very wrong. Slowly, I turned back to Princess Mearez, my heart beginning to race. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± ¡°It¡¯s¡­¡± she began, then shook her head. ¡°I¡¯ll inform your Beta you¡¯re fine now. The night is still young. I¡¯ll have the guard open the gate to grant you safe passage, and¡­¡± ¡°I¡¯m not leaving just yet,¡± I interrupted gently, eyes fixed on hers. ¡°Not until I know what¡¯s wrong with my identity with you.¡± Silence fell. Dead silence, the tension rising. This was different. I had never felt anything like it. ¡°Zephyrine¡­¡± ¡°Where is Lycannar?¡± I asked quietly, my heart thudding uncontrobly. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Why? You don¡¯t want me again because I¡¯m not a rogue?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t say that,¡± Princess Mearez scolded, and I searched her eyes. ¡°Then what? Because I¡¯m an Alpha?¡± ¡°Zephyrine¡­¡± ¡°An Ashmere?¡± Her gaze went icy at the name. Even Princess Serena bowed her head in silence. That confirmed my fear. It was my identity as an Ashmere that unsettled them. D +8 Pearls I rose from the bed, noticing I was wearing a new gown. I moved toward the door, but Princess Mearez stepped in front of me. For a brief moment, I saw fear and warning sh in her eyes. ¡°Zephyrine¡­ apart from being my brother¡¯s woman, I¡¯ve loved you from the first moment as a sister. I beg you¡­ take my advice. You have to leave this Kingdom.¡± That shattered everything. Wait¡­ what? ¡°Why?¡± I asked, cautious, but she couldn¡¯t answer Princess Serena rose from the bed. ¡°Let her go. We both know whatever path she takes¡­ she will never be free from the Lycan King,¡± she said and My heart sank further. What did she mean by that? What in this Shifter Empire did she mean? What did me being an Ashmere have to do with the Lycan Kingdom? What did it have to do with Lycannar Blood? That question burned in my mind as I made my way toward the ck tower. Send Gifts 2.3K Back Where 119 Zephyrine 25% +8 Pearls Mounting the stairs that night felt different. Stripped of every secret, ascending as who I truly was, An Alpha, an Ashmere, I know I should have felt no tension, but it came anyway. A chill ran through me, carried on the same dark energy I had felt before. I reached the dimly lit hall of Lycannar and froze. I couldn¡¯t pinpoint why, but I sensed the energying from the bath chamber. That¡¯s where he was. I moved toward the chamber and gently pushed the door open. What I saw made me pause. I remembered this bath chamber as ominous yet elegant but now¡­ it had been transformed. Candles burned in low pools of light, casting golden reflections across the marble floors. Rose petals floated on the water, and soft incense curled in the air, delicate and intoxicating. The space had been arranged with a taste that was undeniably¡­ personal. Sophisticated, yet intimate, as if designed for someone to linger in or perhaps for two. My heart swelled, and I stepped inside further, letting my eyes trace the subtle changes. Every corner seemed softened, warmer. The room no longer felt like their of a bachelor; it felt married, domestic, yet with an undercurrent of raw, unspoken desire. I lowered my gaze to gauge the pool, my pulse quickening. Everything in me sensed darkness beneath the allure, and I braced myself. Then, a heavy step from behind made me start. Air left my lungs. Follow current nov?ls on F¦Énd£Îovel It was Lycannar. I could tell from the mixture of his scent. Flowers and blood. That intoxicatingbination I hade to crave. But underneath it, there was a familiar darkness, raw and tight around my chest. I tried to ce it¡­ and then his palm came from behind me. I froze. Lycannar. Gods, how much I missed his touch. My eyes closed as he wrapped his arms around me, his presence bothforting and overwhelming. His palm slid from my waist up to my neck, tender yet insistent. When his lips pressed to mine, a fire ignited deep inside, and I opened my eyes, gasping for breath. By the heat of his hands, the intensity of his kisses, I could tell he hadn¡¯t heard. Not about what had happened, not about who I had be. I turned slowly to face him. The changes in him were subtle at first, then undeniable. His hair fell loose around his shoulders, framing the sharp perfection of his face. His expression was unreadable, dark, and maic, and yet when his lips sought mine again, I pressed my palm to his chest and stepped back. ¡°Lycan¡­¡± I murmured, soft but urgent. He didn¡¯t seem to hear, his gaze drawn to the gown I wore. Without hesitation, his fingers reached for the strap, attempting to pull it down. My heart thundered, and I stepped back again. 12:41 Sat, Sep 6 GM. 25% +8 Pearls ¡°Lycan, I have something to tell you.¡± I said, steadying myself. He nodded, undeterred, and came closer, closing the distance to stand behind me. ¡°It¡¯s about who I am, Lycannar.¡± His fingers traced the zipper of my gown, sliding it down slowly, lips pressing to the exposed skin of my back. A shiver ran through me, simultaneously intoxicating and terrifying. I fought for control. Knowing fully well what we were about to do could invoke the Moon Goddess¡¯s wrath upon my pack. ¡°Lycan, we can¡¯t¡­ we can¡¯t do this,¡± I whispered again, creating distance between us. He stared at me, silent. ¡°I need you to listen. I need to tell you about me.¡± He stopped moving. His eyes locked on mine. Finally, I had all his attention. ¡°Lycannar¡­ remember when I told you I was leaving for my pack weeks ago? I arrived safely. My people received me well,¡± I began, panic rising despite my calm tone. ¡°There¡­ I had to undergo some rituals.¡± Silence stretched between us. I expected words, but he didn¡¯t speak. I started again, gently. ¡°The Moon Goddess¡­ I went to her for her blessing. I became an Alpha, Lycannar, and when I did¡­ she warned me. I cannot lie with any man except my fated mate. That means I cannot¡­ cannot¡­ be with you unless our bond is sanctioned. If I fail¡­ ¡°What pack?¡± His first question cut through my words, calm but insistent. My breath caught. He wasn¡¯t shocked by my being an Alpha. ¡°I¡¯ve felt your energy since you walked into my Kingdom two nights ago. I recognize an Alpha when I see one.¡± His tone left no room for hesitation. He didn¡¯t care what the Moon Goddess had said. I swallowed. ¡°Lycan¡­¡± I whispered. ¡°What pack?¡± he asked again, and I stepped back unconsciously. ¡°Ash Pack.¡± Long silence. He stood still, eyes fixed on me. Why wouldn¡¯t he speak? Then his eyebrows furrowed, a frown forming as he studied me. ¡°What?¡± ¡°Lycan.¡± ¡°What pack?¡± ¡°Ash Pack.¡± His frown deepened, that familiar expression when he was piecing together a puzzle, trying toplete a thought. Slowly, he stepped forward, fingers brushing my arm in a tentative grip. I steadied myself, refusing to flinch. 12:41 Sat, Sep 6 GM. ¡°What did you just say? Which Ash Pack?¡± ¡°There is only one in this Whole Empire, Lycannar. But what does that have to do with anything?¡± 25% +8 Pearls ¡°Does that mean you are an Ashmere?¡± His words hit me like a stone, and my heart sank. ¡°Wait¡­ your parents. The ones I bowed to the other night at the memorial hall¡­ they are the warlord and the war general?¡± I couldn¡¯t help but step back, freeing my arm from his grip. This¡­ this was getting twisted. Send Gifts 2.3K 12:41 Sat, Sep 6 GM. Back Where 120 Zephyrine ?25%??? +8 Pearls Updates are released by find?novel ¡°You are a Lycan. Only a few even know about my father outside this Kingdom. How did you know?¡± Instead of responding, he merely looked me over, then asked again. ¡°Is your elder brother, the war strategist who vanished from battle five years ago? Varyn Ashmere?¡± That question twisted me inside. He knew about the battle five years ago. ¡°Lycan¡­¡± I began, but he had already left the bath chamber, moving out with deliberate steps. For a few heartbeats, I stood frozen, my pulse hammering. Then I rushed after him, down the stairs, bursting into the dining hall. Swiftly, I blocked his path, desperate to know where he was going. ¡°Lycannar,¡± I called, my voice quiet but urgent. ¡°Tell me how do you know about my family?¡± For the first time, I saw true horror flicker across his face, as if he couldn¡¯tprehend it. ¡°You¡­ you are the warrior who cut the dark spell away. You defeated Xyrrha in battle? Is that¡­,¡± he muttered incredulously, stepping closer to lock eyes with me. ¡°If this isn¡¯t fate, I don¡¯t know what is.¡± With that, he walked past me, disappearing into a shadowed hall. My heart plummeted. Zyrrha? Who was that? Why did he speak of a battle as though he had been there? Or¡­ was he there? ¡°Lycan¡­¡± I called again, moving to follow him, but a voice stopped me. The Lycan Princesses entered the dining hall, and my chest heaved. They knew something. They always knew. I approached them, questions spilling from me, directed at no one in particr. I needed answers. ¡°Tell me everything. How does my identity as an Ashmere connect to the Blood?¡± No answer came, only heightening my frustration. The weakness from breaking my bond with Nyroth Hue still lingered, and now¡­ dizziness washed over me, forcing me to sway. ¡°Zephyrine,¡± Princess Mearez said, her concern wrapping around me as she came to steady me but I held out a hand to stop her. Gritting my jaw, I lowered myself onto a chair at the dining table, head bowed. ¡°I have never lied to you, and all my feelings for Lycannar are true. Every moment of my journey, I thought of him. I loved him, and I still do. I respect you both above all and yet, you won¡¯t speak to me?¡± ¡°Zephyrine¡­¡± I turned away, trying to steady my racing thoughts. 25% +8 Pearls ¡°Five years ago, my brother vanished in battle. Overnight, I became an orphan with no blood. Around me were onlyrades, maids, pack members and rtives I could not trust. My parents¡® deaths were confirmed. They died in battle, and everyone who fought with them saw it. But my brother¡­. vanished like smoke in the wind. He is the next Alpha of my pack, but since he is nowhere¡­ I was called to ascend the sacred seat. That¡¯s it. I¡­ I don¡¯t understand. Does Lycannar know my parents? Or my brother? Or all of them?¡± Princess Mearez approached, pulling a chair to sit/gently before me. Her hand came to mine, soft and grounding. She studied me quietly before sighing. ¡°I think it¡¯s better to wait for Lycannar. Only he can make it clear¡­ and vivid.¡± I stayed silent, feeling her soft touch linger. Then I swallowed and I pulled my hand away, turning toward the stairs with a heavy heart. The hallway greeted me with that same lingering dark energy. I moved carefully into Lycannar¡¯s bed chamber and paused at the doorway. The space had been transformed. The living room arrangement stole my breath and I found myself walk towards the bed chamber. His bed, once stark and masculine, now radiated warmth and elegance. Long curtains in deep crimson and gold swirled gently with the draft. Candles flickered in sconces, casting yful shadows on the polished floor. A low divan and a small writing desk had been arranged neatly, while hand¨Ccarved shelves disyed delicate ornaments and vases with fresh flowers. I stepped in, heart thrumming. There was a section clearly meant for someone¡­ me, no doubt. Gowns of silk and satin hung on a rack, nightgowns and elegant shoes lined up neatly, each piece exuding sensuality and care. My gaze shifted to the bed a soft white canopy curtain swirling gently, the sheets pristine, inviting, yet intimate. A mirror, framed in carved obsidian, caught my attention. Lycannar had never used one, yet here it stood, partially veiled with a curtain. I stared at it, pulse quickening. Every detail spoke of him preparing for¡­ someone. For me. The familiar dark energy I had felt earlier whjch I couldn¡¯t pinpoint where I have perceived it came to swirled again. Memories came rushing. The battlefield five years ago, the sh of steel, the aura of a demon war general. Xyrrha. Could that be her? The same Lycannar had just named? My thoughts scrambled, trying to piece it together. I swallowed hard, drawing in the warm, scented air of the bed chamber, and the question that had been gnawing at me pressed to the forefront. How much did he know? Back Where 121 Lycannar I remember vividly the battlefield, that week, the chaos, the blood, the orders. 425% +8 Pearls My brother was the first warlord to go, following the Royalmand strictly. It has clearly said ughter, no mercy, no saving. But something happened on the first battle so Xyrrha, the demon war general, had beenmanded to lead the next wave, and she came home defeated. The one who had bested her, the fierce warrior the surviving demons still whisper about¡­ was it Zephyrine? I stood at the portal, hands folded across my chest, feeling it pulse and shimmer. How tangled everything was. How easily I could find the loose ends now. I bowed my head, recalling all that had happened. I had seen her parents, their faces seared into my memory. I swallowed hard and gaze into space. For a long moment I stared at the portal. A vast ocean stretching behind the Lycan Kingdom. To ordinary eyes, it was just water, but it was more. Beneath ity another realm, sealed from the shifter empire. We call it The demons. I am part of them, I love them, I respect them. It is still my home. My stepfather rules there, kinder than my biological father ever was. My stepbrother, my closest bond, lives there too and will rule it after my stepfather, the demon king died. I stepped back from the ocean bank, exhaling slowly. Fresh chapters posted on F¦Énd£Îovel Zephyrine. She is still in my kingdom. I can feel it. She is raw with emotion, still unaware of truths she deserves to know. If she were to discover that I am part demon¡­ I swallowed hard, the thought bitter in my chest. I turned from the portal and walk into the hallway in silence. She deserves the truth, all of it, but not yet. For now, some pieces could be revealed; the rest wouldeter. I reached the dining hall to see my two sisters. Their gazes spoke volumes, and Mearez rushed forward to stand before me. ¡°Lycannar. She deserves honesty. She has given her true heart for us all. We can¡¯t lie to her.¡± I nodded, swallowing. ¡°I know. I will talk to her.¡± And without another word, I passed her, taking the stairs up to my tower. I stopped at the doorway, scanning the living room. She was nowhere and I walk into the Bed chamber only to find it empty as well. Then I match into the corridor Slowly, I moved forward, eyes finding her standing there, hands folded over her chest. She needed answers. 12.48 Sat, Sep 25% +8 Pearls ¡°Zephyrine,¡± I called softly, sliding a palm around her waist. She softened in my touch and lifted her eyes to meet mine. Those eyes, beautiful, wide, confused broke something inside me. I leaned in, to brush my lips to hers softly, but she turned her gaze away. Her rejection now twisted my heart, yet I understood. She is an Alpha, bound to her people, doing what must be done. ¡°Zephyrine¡­¡± I murmured again, pulling her gently into my arms. She leaned her head on my chest, and for a few moments, time itself seemed to halt. Only us existed. But as always, she snapped back to reality, pulling away and keeping a cautious distance. ¡°Start talking,¡± she demanded sharply and just like that my pulse quickened. ¡°Tell me everything, Lycannar. Now.¡± Her mood had shifted. Even the fire in her eyes hinted at jealousy, and I wondered at the cause. ¡°Let¡¯s go inside and talk,¡± I said softly, reaching for her wrist. She pped my hand away and walked past me. I was left in confusion. I can feel jealousy, restraint and anger in her¡­ what had been whispered to her? Inside the bed chamber, she stood rigid, hands folded, gaze fixed. I sighed, taking in the sight. ¡°Take a seat¡­¡± I offered. ¡°Tell me what you know about my family. And your rtionship with that war general you call Xyrrha? You must love her to know her name,¡± she snapped, eyes piercing. I blinked, nk, caught between awe and disbelief. I get why she is jealous now. ¡°I wasn¡¯t in love with Xyrrha,¡± I said gently. She stared harder, and I shrugged. ¡°I swear it.¡± A small frown formed, and she walked to sit on a wooden chair, her eyes now on me. ¡°How do you know about my parents and brother? What connection do you have with demons?¡± ¡°After the battle, the demons sought refuge in this kingdom,¡± I replied, sitting across from her, eyes locked on hers. ¡°You tore open the portal and broke the darkest spell, a gateway for them. They had nowhere else to go. They can¡¯t live in Werewolf packs or rogue towns. This kingdom became their only refuge.¡± She stared, awed, silent. I wondered what question she might ask next, but none came, She lowered her gaze, shaking her head, murmuring, ¡°So you shelter the demons who killed my parents¡­¡± I went still, not from her words, but from the hatred thatced them. The venom in her tone made my heart plummet. What if she discovered I was partly demon? Would she¡­ break us apart? Regret loving me? I lowered my gaze, set my jaw, and resolved. Some truths must remain hidden for now. She deserved the full story eventually, but the time had not yete. Back Where 122 Lycannar ²¹Æø 25%Äú +8 Pearls The silence that fell between us was deafening. I sat across from her, staring right into those beautiful eyes, knowing full well that anything I said now mattered. That it would shape our rtionship for tonight and for the rest of whatever time we still had until all secrets are revealed. I watched how she took in the revtion that demons were wee in the Lycan Kingdom. Then she pulled back, narrowing her eyes at me, her voice low with anger. ¡°I didn¡¯t know you Lycans supported demons in the war. No wonder you didn¡¯t participate in the battle.¡± I didn¡¯t answer. I only stared at her, silent, and that seemed to frustrate her more. ¡°I¡¯ve always wondered why the Lycans never fought in the war. Why it was only the Ashmere who received the Imperium order. Now I know. You locked your gates like a¡­¡± She cut herself off, but something red inside me. Not anger exactly. Something deeper, darker. My body tightened with it. ¡°Not all battles make it to history, my Queen,¡± I said, my voice low but unyielding. ¡°And just so you know Lycans don¡¯t follow or obey Imperium orders. Only the King has the right tomand.¡± She swallowed hard, then nodded. ¡°Good. Then thank you for telling me where you stand. Since I clearly don¡¯t matter to you.¡± The path she was steering us down made me sigh. ¡°I¡¯m not choosing sides, Zephyrine.¡± ¡°It¡¯s clear you are. Maybe it¡¯s because of that war general you speak of so fondly, as if you shared something more than words. The demons are evil. And it was the Ashmere who saved this shifter empire from them, while you Lycans hid.¡± ¡°Point of correction,¡± I cut in sharply. ¡°The demons are not evil and we never hide. As much as I hated my father, I respected the fact that he didn¡¯t just sit around and stare. We received orders too. I do.¡± Her eyes widened, stunned by the firmness in my tone and revtion. ¡°Demons are nt evil. They¡¯re certainly not. Trust me. They only follow a different culture, abide by differentws not like yours or mine. Don¡¯t call them evil. In your pack, in every pack, there are evil men. Take my father, for example. He¡¯s evil, but he isn¡¯t a demon. He¡¯s a Lycan. The same with werewolves. Some are good, some are vile. The Demon Realm is no different. Their warriors follow orders, just as you Ashmeres did.¡± Silence fell again. I saw her expression shift. ¡°You sound like you know them too well,¡± she muttered, suspicion threading her voice. ¡°How do you know my brother?¡± The question hit the air heavy, sharp. ¡°How do you know my father was a warlord? Or my mother? They were dead before I was even ordered to 6 O 2 R ||| O ¤¯ lead the second battle.¡± A 25%2 +8 Pearls I couldn¡¯t answer. My jaw tightened, my chest constricted. I remembered that first battle. the one not led by Xyrrha but by my brother, who would have fallen if I hadn¡¯t arrived. I lowered my gaze, then leaned back in my seat, fixing my eyes on hers. ¡°I admire the warrior in you, Zephyrine. I respect the Ashmere for pushing the demons back. But don¡¯t mistake me. Demons are not viins. They strike, yes, but they¡¯re no more evil than the men you bow to.¡± Her lips parted, her chest rising with uneven breath. My wordsnded, and yet she said again. ¡°You love her, don¡¯t you?¡± she whispered suddenly, as if the thought had been wing at her all along. ¡°That war general who sought refuge here. She was your type, wasn¡¯t she? Just like you too. Different. Strange. Weird.¡± I raised a brow at that word. ¡°I¡¯m weird?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t twist my words.¡± ¡°That¡¯s what you meant. I¡¯m weird?¡± She red but said nothing. Then she sighed, lowering her gaze, her shoulders tight with fatigue. ¡°Let me ask you two questions, Lycannar,¡± she murmured. ¡°Are there still demons in the Lycan Kingdom?¡± My throat locked. The truth pressed against my ribs like a de. Should I tell her the one before her carried demon blood? ¡°My father made a portal that sent them back to their realm,¡± I replied instead. She nodded slowly. ¡°And what was your rtionship with her?¡± ¡°We are not talking about Xyrrha,¡± I said softly. That was it. She rose abruptly and stormed toward the exit. ¡°Zephyrine?¡± I was on my feet, panic rising, following her down the stairs. ¡°Zephyrine!¡± The dining hall air was heavy when I cut in front of her. My sisters still sat at the long table, their eyes watching everything as she descended in fury. ¡°Will you calm down?¡± I asked, my voice tight. Latest content published on find?novel Her answer was a shove to my chest, hard, but useless. I am stronger than she will ever be. ¡°Get out of my way, Lycannar. I¡¯m leaving your kingdom.¡± She tried to bypass me, but I blocked her path again. When I reached for her hand, she pped it away, eyes zing. ¡°You loved her, didn¡¯t you? You had something with her. Tell me now!¡± 6 2 R III O< Her fury was a storm, but her eyes, gods, her eyes burned with possession. Fierce. Demanding. I gave a slow, pained nod. ¡°We had a rtionship.¡± 25% +8 Pearls The moment the words left my lips, she broke. She moved to storm past, but I caught her wrist. She twisted, fast as a de,unching a strike. I caught it, her momentum slicing air as I deflected. She countered with a kick, but I intercepted and pressed her against the table, pinning her firmly yet gently. Her breath was hot, her jaw set in defiance. She shoved me again, hard, but I held. ¡°So what?¡± she hissed, her voice trembling with rage. ¡°Are you in some long¨Cdistance love with her now? Am I the mistress in your life?¡± ¡°Zephyrine, stop.¡± ·× ¡°I won¡¯t stop until you¡­¡± ?? Her words cut when I crashed my mouth to hers. Hot. Possessive. A war of tongues and teeth. She kissed me back like she would burn me alive, shing into me, consuming
  1. me.
When she finally tore back, she was panting, wild¨Ceyed. I exhaled, shaky, pulling her into my arms, hugging her tightly, burying my face in her long hair. ¡°Stop calling yourself a mistress,¡± I whispered against her ear. She stiffened, then pulled back to search my eyes. ¡°Then what am I? Who am I to you, Lycannar?¡± I cupped her cheek, brushed my lips softly over hers in a iming kiss. ¡°You¡¯re going to be my wife. Whether the Moon Goddess wills it or not.¡± Her breath hitched. ¡°Lycannar¡­¡± ¡°Stay tonight,¡± I begged softly. ¡°Let¡¯s talk this through. Stay with . I miss you too damn much.¡± She searched my eyes again. Then finally, softly, tenderly, she kissed me. When she turned and walked up the stairs, my chest eased just enough for me to breathe. I raked a hand through my hair, exhaling hard. ¡°Judging by that disy, you didn¡¯t tell her about the spear you took five years ago,¡± Mearez¡¯s voice rang out softly. I turned to find her and Serena watching me. ¡°We will keep it a secret,¡± I muttered darkly. ¡°Deep secret.¡± Serena¡¯s brow arched. Sat, Sep ³´¼Ò 25%ÈÕ +8 Pearls ¡°Does that mean¡­ you killed¡­¡± ¡°The Ashmere murdered the Abyss,¡± I cut her off, my tone low, almost broken. ¡°My brother Hades was dying at their mercy. He is Warlord of the Demon Realm. Did you really think I¡¯d stand by and watch?¡± The sisters exchanged a look, tension rising. Mearez sighed finally. ¡°And if Father finds out your woman is an Ashmere?¡± Father. My stepfather. The Demon King. I lowered my gaze, jaw tight. ¡°I¡¯ll send Chantel with my words. Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll handle it.¡± Send Gifts COM IF 2.3K ¥ë Back Where 123 Zephyrine 25% +8 Pearls When I walked back into the bath chamber, I stood still before the water, staring into its stillness. The cold chill crept over me, and I swallowed hard. I felt¡­ bitter. Sad. Pained. All because he seemed to believe so strongly that some demons were good. Yet¡­ maybe he was right. Maybe there was truth in what he said. Just as there are good and evil among us, perhaps the same exists in the Demon Realm. But their aura¡­ it had always been so dark. They had ughtered my warriors mercilessly. Discover more novels at find?novel It was only by the grace of the Moon Goddess that I had survived. If it hadn¡¯t been for Moon, who knocked me off my horse to save me, or Jurrek, who rode up to seize me onto his saddle and galloped us away¡­ I would not be here today. I would have died in the hands of that war general, Xyrrha. A chill ran down my spine again, and for a fleeting moment, I hated myself. If only I had killed her in battle¡­ if only I had slit her throat and dragged her body down in defeat, she wouldn¡¯t have lived to reach this Kingdom. She wouldn¡¯t have lived to share any part of Lycannar¡¯s life. I closed my eyes, steadying myself against the hatred that brewed inside me, the regret that gnawed at me when I heard footsteps. The door opened softly, and the steps paused before they approached. His hand slid over my hips, pulling me into a tender embrace. ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± he whispered against my neck, lips brushing my skin. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Zephyrine. Forgive me for everything.¡± I swallowed hard at his plea. Slowly, I turned to face him, my heart clenching at the thought of him touching her as he touched me. I tried to move away, but his hands held me firm, his eyes pleading. ¡°She¡¯s in the past, Zephyrine. You know how much you mean to me now. Don¡¯t be like this.¡± ¡°Like how?¡± I whispered. He searched my eyes. ¡°Like a crazy woman? An unsteady Alpha? A jealous lover?¡± Before he could answer, my chest tightened and the tears I had kept sealed for so long broke free. They spilled hot down my cheeks, burning my pride as they fell. I choked, breathless, then crumbled. He stood frozen, stunned as I broke before him. My knees gave out, and I sank to the floor, sobbing. It felt like a de had been thrust into my chest. I knew it was his past. I knew. But it hurt worse than Nyroth¡¯s betrayal. The chamber echoed with the sound of my sobs until, atst, he knelt before me, watching me as though I were something beyond his understanding. ¡°Zephyrine¡­¡± ¡°I hate you.¡± I red up at him through tears. ¡°I hate you so much for doing this to me.¡± 25% +8 Pearls ¡°My gods,¡± he breathed, shaken. As if he couldn¡¯t believe this was what his past meant to me. ¡°You know she¡¯s no longer in my life.¡± ¡°And yet you chose her over me,¡± I snapped. ¡°You side with the demons and love The Abyss more than The Ashmere.¡± ¡°No. Why would I ever do that?¡± He reached for my arm, but I shoved him off. He went silent, then sighed heavily. ?? ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I didn¡¯t take the demons¡® side against you. All I said was that both sides follow orders. But fine, if that¡¯s wrong, then I¡¯m sorry.¡± I red at him still, unwilling to relent. ¡°You kissed her?¡± At my question, his shoulders sagged in exhaustion. ¡°Zephyrine, please¡­¡± ¡°You made love to her? How many times? Did you love her more than me? Did you enjoy her moans more than mine? Maybe she was more skilled in bed and¡­¡± I ¡°That¡¯s enough.¡± His voice came low, firm, cutting me off. I gasped softly, trembling. He was steady now, honest, resolute. ¡°She fell for me while she was here. And yes we had sex. Sex, Zephyrine. Not love. I tried, but I couldn¡¯t feel anything for her. I grew bored before anything real could form. This isn¡¯t about her being a demon. And don¡¯t you everpare what I feel for you to that. What I feel for you is consuming. It¡¯s selfish, possessive, obsessive. You are mine. And I am yours. You know that, don¡¯t you?¡± His words left me speechless. Stripped of defense. In an instant, I threw my arms around him and kissed him hard. Lycannar¡¯s hands circled my waist, lifting me back onto my feet without breaking the kiss. Fierce at first, then hungrier, deeper. My fingers tore at his shirt, pulling it off, while he yanked my gown down in haste. In moments, we were bare, locked in each other¡¯s arms. He kissed me like he would devour me, lips trailing to my neck, thentching onto my breast, sucking until I cried out. I clung to him desperately, trembling as he lifted me so easily. His body pressed to mine, his hardness poised at my entrance. My legs wrapped around his waist instinctively as he steadied me, ready to im me but at thest second, breathless, I gasped. ¡°Lycan?¡± He didn¡¯t answer, too consumed. ¡°Lycan!¡± Finally, he paused, eyes burning into mine with starvation, with soul¨Cdeep need. My own body trembled in his hold. I swallowed, aching with how much we both missed one another, ¡°Lycan¡­ we can¡¯t.¡± I whispered. 25% +8 Pearls He stayed quiet, staring at me for a long moment. Then, wordlessly, he carried me into the bath pool. Water embraced us as he lowered me in his arms, his lips finding mine again in another searing kiss. Send Gifts 2.3K R Back Where 124 Zephyrine 25% +8 Pearls It feels almost as if we are a newly wedded couple or perhaps as if we have been married for years, simply going through our nightly routine.. I reach for the towel, hang it in its ce, and move to sit before the mirror. I nce back to see him pouring himself a cup of that potion he ims dulls his beast. We have just finished our night bath, and though my body feels refreshed, I am heavy with lust. He hasn¡¯t thrust into me, not since the moon goddess¡¯s warning and he hasn¡¯t spoken a word since. I sigh softly, turning to face the mirror and lifting the curtain that conceals it. I know Lycannar cannot restrain himself for long; the tension is too thick, the ache unbearable. His restraint is agonizing, for him and for me. It is only a matter of time before he breaks. I stare at my reflection in silence, and what stares back makes me swallow hard. I have changed so much in just a month with him. I was a woman who never cried without cause, yet here I am, grieving over the fact he once had a lover while I was trapped in Nyroth¡¯s pack. My gaze lowers to my palms, and for a breathless moment realization hits me still and cold. I ampletely in love with Lycannar. And I know, with this very hand of mine, I will kill any woman who dares rise as my rival. ¡°You okay?¡± his voicees gently from behind. I turn to see him watching me from the table. ¡°Yeah,¡± I say quietly. ¡°I¡¯m just tired.¡± ¡°Would you like supper? You must be hungry.¡± I shake my head. ¡°I¡¯m fine. Early breakfast will do.¡± He nods, returns the potion to its ce, while I beginbing through my hair. I watch it fall smooth and dark around my shoulders. Tonight, I wear a nightgown he chose. It fits perfectly, dipping low at the chest, leaving a teasing cleavage. A gown chosen for seduction, no doubt. I nce toward him again, expecting him to be watching me, but instead I find him writing. He looks devastatinglyposed, handsome and dominant even while penning a letter. ¡°I never knew you had someone to write to,¡± I murmur. ¡°Official?¡± ¡°Personal,¡± he replies. ¡°It¡¯s to my brother, Hades.¡± I blink in surprise, watching as he seals the parchment, then slides it into a cylindrical ss. Turning, he calls his bodyguard softly, and momentster Chantel appears at the door, head bowed. ¡°Deliver this to my brother Hades. Return immediately,¡± Lycannar orders. 25% +8 Pearls Chantel enters, takes the case, and prepares to leave but his gaze flicks toward the table, lingering on the empty cup that held the potion. ¡°I¡¯m fine, Lycannar mutters, as though to reassure him. Chantel lifts his eyes to his king in silence before departing. The chamber feels heavy until the door closes. ¡°He cares for you,¡± I whisper. Lycannar does not answer. He sat there, one hand on the table, eyes lowered to the floor. After a moment, he looks up with a faint frown. ¡°How did you meet my foremother?¡± he asks atst. I pause. The moon goddess, his foremother. Legend says the first Lycan was born of her womb. ¡°It is a rite in Ash Pack,¡± I say softly. ¡°Did she speak of me?¡± I drop my gaze, shake my head. ¡°Not truly. Only that¡­ I must not give myself to a man I am not fated to.¡± His expression softens at that. He nods, eyes lowering again. I study him silently. My gaze drifts from his long hair to the golden anklets sped at his ankles. Strange adornments he never removes. They look less like jewelry, more like chains meant to bind. I sigh, weary, and decide it is time for bed. I rise, draw the curtain across the mirror for his sake, then lie upon the bed only to stiffen in shock. Above me, stitched into the canopy, is my face. An embroidery so wide and detailed that whenever he wakes or closes his eyes at night, mine is the visage he will see. I blink once, twice, unable toprehend such obsession. Slowly, I turn my head to him. He is deep in thought, troubled. My heart softens, and I slip from the bed to him. He told me he missed me, and I had been too blinded by jealousy to see the truth. I remember now how suffocating it felt in Ash Pack without him. ¡°My love,¡± I whisper, settling astride hisp. He leans back in his chair, his hands circling my waist, eyes fixed on me. His gaze lingers on my chest, on the curve of cleavage revealed by the gown. ¡°Serena chose these,¡± he murmurs. ¡°Said they¡¯d suit you. She was right.¡± I lower my eyes, wrap my arms around his neck, and bring my lips close to his but pause an inch away. ¡°Lycan,¡± I breathe. Desire thickens between us, and he closes the distance, kissing me. When he pulls back, his eyes burn into mine, and his voice drops low. ¡°Let me make love to you another way. One that won¡¯t break the vow you made to my foremother.¡± ??25%! +8 Pearls My heart jolts but before I can react he rises with me in his arms, carries me to the bed, andys me gently against the pillows. ¡°In what way, Lycan? She said I must noty with a man I am not bound to. That I will not bear a pup.¡± ¡°She meant you must not copte in a way that brings forth a pup. But there are other ways. Many ways.¡± His words strike deep, and my breath catches as the meaning unfurls. ¡°You mean¡­ anal?¡± I whisper. ¡°And oral,¡± he murmurs, brushing his lips against mine. His voice is tender yet possessive. ¡°Let me be the first and thest to love you that way. Hmm?¡± Send Gifts 2.3K The Roque Is A Female Alpha Follow current nov?ls on Find[?]ovel Back Where 125 Zephyrine ¡Á ?. 25% ? +8 Pearls My heart plummeted at his words, but not from fear, rather from the dangerous eagerness his promise stirred. Never had I dared to imagine that kind of intimacy, yet now, after hearing him, I realized he was right. To the Moon Goddess, who is forever pure, such thoughts would never exist. I swallowed, staring up at Lycannar, his breath warm against my face. Slowly, I reached for his cor and pulled him down for a kiss. He allowed me only seconds before pulling away, just as the glow faded from his eyes. ¡°You should sleep. Me too,¡± he muttered, voice low. ¡°You must be tired.¡± I blinked, disbelief catching me. Did he mean¡­ ¡°I thought you wanted to¡­¡± I whispered, voice unsteady. ¡°I thought you wanted to make love to me.¡± His gaze burned into mine, but after a long silence, he shook his head. ¡°Not tonight. The full moon hasn¡¯t fully left me. My beasts are restless. If I touch you now, I might hurt you.¡± ¡°Lycan.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t mean what we did before. This time I¡¯d need to bind you to the bedpost. Otherwise, I¡¯d choke you. Hold you down until breath left your lungs. That¡¯s what my beasts hunger for. sex until death. It isn¡¯t truly me, but it is still my fault. That¡¯s for another night, not tonight.¡± With that brutal confession, he rolled to his side and pulled the nket over us. Iy rigid, his words echoing through me. Atst I turned my back to him, refusing to speak. He must have been surprised by it, because his hand slid toward me, but I brushed it away. ¡°Zephyrine¡­¡± ¡°If you wanted me as much as you im, you wouldn¡¯t reject me so easily,¡± I whispered sharply. ¡°I¡¯m protecting you. I don¡¯t want to hurt you.¡± ¡°Then control yourself. Bind me if you must. Just don¡¯t deny me.¡± My voice cracked with anger. ¡°If you can¡¯t, then forget it. I¡¯m tired.¡± I shut my eyes as if in sleep, though every nerve in me screamed for him to touch me. And then he did. His hand slid over my waist, tugging me firmly into him. My heart pounded when his fingers slipped lower, caressing my thigh. He drew my nightgown upward in one slow drag, then slid his hand to my neck, holding me there. With that grip, he forced my head to turn so his lips could im mine. His kiss was hungry, heavy, and ÁÖ»á25%ÈÕ +8 Pearls when my eyes fluttered open, I met the molten lust burning inside him. I had dared him and now there was no turning back. I rolled onto my back, and he loomed above me. His hand cupped my cheek tenderly, but his gaze dropped to the strap of my gown. He tugged it down with deliberate slowness, exposing my pale skin to the air. My breath caught as his eyes traced me, hunger warring with restraint. When my breasts came bare, his eyes shed ck, the beast rising. He started to pull back but I caught his hand and pressed it against me. ¡°Lycan.. ¡°I¡¯ll hurt you,¡± he whispered hoarsely. And then it happened. His hand shifted, bones reshaping, fur spreading. His jaw locked tight, fighting for control. A beast¡¯s w rested on my breast, yet I guided it there willingly. My other hand cupped his cheek, grounding him to me. Hisshes lowered, a ragged sigh escaping. When his eyes opened again, they were grey instead of the normal, often pale gold. My touch had pulled him back. He lowered his face to my neck, his breath scorching. ¡°No one has ever calmed them like this,¡± he murmured, voice raw with his beast¡¯s edge. I gasped when his lips pressed into my throat, his hand now gliding with disarming gentleness along my thigh. He pulled my nightgown away, stripping me bare beneath him. For a long moment, he only looked at me, drinking me in, caging me with his presence. Then his mouth imed my breast, his hand squeezing the other firmly, possessive, controlling. A moan escaped me, one he silenced with a crushing kiss. Updates are released by find?novel I wed at his shirt, tearing it off him. But when I saw the glow of his runes etching across his skin, I froze. ¡°Lycan¡­¡± I breathed, eyes wide. He stared down at me with hunger and madness entwined, and all reason slipped away. I yielded. Entirely. My wrists were pinned above my head, his body pressing me into the bed, his lips branding me with every kiss as he devoured me into the night. Send Gifts 2.3K ¡£ 212 12:49 Sat, Sep 6 DG M The Rogue Is A Female Alpha Back Where 126 Zephyrine 25% +8 Pearls The candle burned softly in its ce. The kingdom was warm and silent, with only the faint chatter of night guards drifting through the stillness. I watched the oil he had brought, and when he returned to the bed, my heart clenched with hunger and fear alike. He stripped off his trousers, and when his thick lengthy cock sprang free, I swallowed hard. He came to me gently, pressing his mouth to mine, his tongue trailing down my neck in intoxicating strokes, before his hand slid to my thigh. Then his lips traced my leg, down to my toes, which he drew into his mouth, sucking softly. At the same time, his fingers found my clitoris. My pulse pounded as I surrendered to him, letting him take control. Then his mouth descended to my core, my clitoris, tasting me. I clutched the sheets, eyes squeezed shut. ¡°Lycan¡­¡± I whispered, before tangling my fingers in his ck hair as he devoured me. His tongue sent shivers through me, until suddenly he stopped. Breathless, I opened my eyes to see him staring at me, lips wet with my taste. He kissed me briefly and muttered, ¡°You tell me when I go too far. Punch me if I lose control like you used to. Understand?¡± I nodded quickly, kissing him again, and in one swift motion I rolled him onto his back, straddling him. ¡°You¡¯re swift,¡± he muttered with a faint smile. ¡°Who trained you?¡± ¡°The Ashmeres,¡± I whispered, sliding down his body. I wrapped my fingers around his hard dick, earning a groan, before I took him into my mouth. A growl rumbled from deep in his chest as he held me still, then released me. ¡°Spit on it,¡± he ordered softly. I obeyed, following his guidance, stroking him as he showed me. His jaw flexed, eyes dark. Then I swallowed him again, and at that moment, something snapped in him. He held me too long, making me choke on his length before letting me gasp for breath. Get full chapters from find¡¤novel Before I could steady myself. He flipped me suddenly, bending me forward, spreading me open. His lips pressed against my ass. A violent chill seized me. I jerked, but he pinned me down with quiet control. ¡°Rx,¡± he whispered. His tongue licked me there again, shocking me, until he reached for the oil. Then came the sharp intrusion of his finger, slow and stretching, then a second finger, burning and strange until it melted into pleasure. He turned me onto my back, parted my thighs, and stroked himself before pressing the thick head against me. I swallowed hard as he leaned down to kiss me. ¡°If you panic, it will hurt. You trust me?¡± ¡°With all my heart.¡± 25% +8 Pearls His kiss silenced me as he pushed inside, slowly splitting me open. I clutched him so hard my ws tore his skin, but he didn¡¯t flinch. He only waited until I could bear him. ¡°You okay?¡± he asked softly. I nodded, barely able to breathe as his fingers found my clit, easing the pain into a flood of pleasure. Then he began to thrust. Slow. Deep. Painful at first, then transforming, shifting into something raw and overwhelming. ¡°Lycan¡­¡± I moaned, arching under him as he drove me open. His rhythm built faster, rougher, oil slickening his savage pace. My head fell back, my moans spilling freely. Then it happened. His warninge true. A guttural growl ripped from him as though his beast tore through the surface. His thrusts turned brutal, each one shaking me apart. He seized my arm, ws piercing my flesh as his mouth crushed mine in a bruising kiss that bled. Pain burned through my mercilessly. The two sensations collided. Pain and pleasure crashing until my body convulsed violently. mrm where his ws sank deep, but his other hand dragged over my clit ¡°Lycan!¡± I screamed as my body broke, squirting, shuddering, trembling apart just as his savage thrusts grew desperate, filling me with his hot release. He held me pinned, still buried inside, until his tremors eased. His breath ragged, his lips came to pressed on my temple as his voice came rough, possessive, absolute. ¡°You are mine, Zephyrine. All of you. Only mine.¡± Atst, he pulled out and dragged me against his chest. With the thin nket half¨Ccovering us, we copsed together into heavy, forbidden sleep, having defied the moon goddess in a violent, obsessive way no prayer or ritual could wash clean. Send Gifts 2.3K B Back Where 127 Zephyrine ³´¼Ò 25% +8 Pearls The sunlight bathed my face, and I stirred awake. But what made me flutter my eyelids open was the soft movement in the room. The sun had been partially shielded. I opened my eyes to see him. Lycannar. He stood by the window, one hand pressed to his chest, his pale¨Cgold eyes fixed on me. The expression in them was like wonder itself, as though he couldn¡¯tprehend I was real. Heat rose through me, and I smiled shyly, lowering my gaze. I could feel him watching me, lingering on the curve of my bare breasts. The ache between my thighs pressed insistently, and I reached gently to cover myself with the nket, but he came toward me with measured gentleness. ¡°Good morning,¡± he murmured, taking the nket from my hands and letting it fall, leaving my skin exposed to the warm morning sunlight. I stared at him, captivated. His eyes sparkled with pride as he lowered his lips to press a soft kiss to my temple. ¡°You are so beautiful,¡± he whispered, pulling back to meet my eyes. ¡°How do you feel?¡± I lowered my gaze to my body. The dull ache I had been carrying stirred, a reminder ofst night. And there it was. The sting of his w on my arm but I stayed silent. I wouldn¡¯t let him regret what we had done. ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± I said quietly. In response, he caressed my lips, lowering to kiss me softly again. My heart swelled, full of love and longing. He was fully dressed in ck leather boots and bracers today, well just like always. ¡°asion?¡± I asked softly. ¡°The throne room,¡± he said, nodding. ¡°Today I¡¯ll work with Baron, my beta. Honestly¡­ it¡¯s new for me, and I don¡¯t feel ready to bond with anyone else yet.¡± I smiled at his words. When I caught his usual frown, I reached for his fingers and held them to my face. ¡°You might not excel at bonding, but you will excel at ruling. You are a King.¡± He sighed. ¡°That¡¯s not how my people see me. They¡¯re loyal because they fear my wrath. I¡¯m the prince who lived in the ck Tower for years. Rarely seen, rarely speak¡­ the one who abandoned his father at the memorial hall to make him suffer.¡± He nodded. ¡°You are right. I am¡­ strange. Weird.¡± I paused, remembering how I had indirectly called him weirdst night. Somehow, it had struck him more than anything else. 24%3 +8 Pearls ¡°Lycan.¡± I said quietly, and he fixed his gaze on me. ¡°You are different. Not everyone will like you. You don¡¯t maintain eye contact like others. You can¡¯tst more than two nights outside this ck Tower. You won¡¯t allow anyone near your sisters. You sleep in a bedchamber no one may cross, and you have a talking raven and a mysterious bodyguard.¡± I caressed his fingers against my check and sighed. ¡°But being different makes you stand out. It doesn¡¯t make you bad. Out there, men envy you, women want you. You don¡¯t need to be like anyone else to have a happy life. You don¡¯t need to bond with anyone else. As long as you do right by your people and protect what matters to you, your uniqueness is a blessing.¡± For original chapters go to find{n}ovel His eyes shed, and he lowered his gaze, frowning. ¡°That¡¯s what my nanny used to say before I¡­ well, before I stabbed her. Being different is a form of blessing,¡± he whispered, and I knew who he meant. Blue¡¯s mother. ¡°You¡¯re sure people want me? The packs?¡± he asked, searching my eyes. ¡°I know almost all the packs want to trade with you. You know the nickname we werewolves gave you? Apex. You¡¯re famous.¡± He smiled gently. ¡°Apex is my name,¡± he said. I blinked. ¡°What? But you said Lycannar?¡± ¡°Both. My mom gave me Apex; my father named me Lycannar. He hated Apex, said it sounded violent. And¡­ well, he was right, in a way. I am violent. But you saved me from it. If it weren¡¯t for the promise I made to you, I would have¡­ added too many bodies to my long list of victims.¡± ¡°Lycan¡­¡± I whispered, and he silenced me with a tender kiss, then pulled back to search my eyes, a hint of nervousness there. ¡°I got you something,¡± he said, producing a ne, pure gold with a tiny, almost familial pendant. I turned my gaze from it to him as he exined, ¡°You know the anklets I wear? They suppress my beasts. I¡¯m very dangerous without them. I¡¯d shift and never return. This ne is made from that same spell, but it does the opposite. It enhances your senses, your agility, and alerts me if you¡¯re in danger.¡± He swallowed. ¡°I know it¡¯s a lot to ask, and I trust you can protect yourself. Still¡­ I can¡¯t lose you, Zephyrine. I¡¯d lose myself. Please wear this for me. We¡¯re not mated, and we¡¯re different. Lycan and werewolf but this¡­ this is for your safety.¡± I kissed him gently, savoring the moment. His unwavering devotion and love radiated from every gesture. For a brief moment, I debated telling him about my search for my brother, but I pulled back. Lycannar has a kingdom to rule, sisters to care for, and too many burdens to share mine. ÁÖ¼Ò24% +8 Pearls ¡°Thank you,¡± I said, taking the ne. He watched me for a moment before saying gently, ¡°Anahita will make your breakfast. She¡¯s head of the maids and brought up Blue. My sisters will join youter. When you¡¯re ready, I will wait for you in the throne chamber.¡± I nodded. He leaned in to kiss me again. ¡°Won¡¯t you be mad I didn¡¯t have breakfast with you?¡± He asked softly. ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± ¡°Apology epted. Go on, Lycannar.¡± He kissed me onest time and left the chamber. I sat there, staring at the amulet. He would know anytime I was in danger if I wore it. Slowly, I lowered my gaze to the w mark on my arm. He hadn¡¯t seen it yet. It wasn¡¯t healing. Definitely, this was a form of danger, too. Send Gifts Back Where 128 Zephyrine 24% +8 Pearls With my hair still dripping, I stepped into the bedchamber to get dressed. The bath had left me feeling refreshed, and I could already perceive the aroma drifting from the kitchen down the hall. Anahita, the head maid of the Lycan Kingdom, had arrived by the King¡¯s order to prepare breakfast, and just the scent made my mouth water. She came with two supporting maids, each respectful, treating me exactly like the King¡¯s woman. I had insisted on bathing alone because if the w mark on my arm was seen, it would surely be whispered to Lycannar, and I wanted none of that. I moved toward the rows of dresses lining the chamber, selecting one of the many expensive and attractive gowns. Shoes on, I approached the mirror and lifted the curtain tob my hair. As a daughter of my mother, I had been taught both how to care for myself and how to allow the maids to assist when needed. ¡°Mother, you taught me well,¡± I murmured, humming a light tune. But a cold wind suddenly swirled around the room, stopping me midb. I turned to the far end of the chamber. The curtain moved again,pelling me to rise from my seat. I approached it, curious why it wasced against the wall in such a way. The rightful source is FindN()vel The new setting of the room revealed it. Before, when Lycannar hasn¡¯t rearranged his chamber, this curtain and the wall behind it had been concealed. I was about to return to my seat when my gaze caught something that made me pause. The curtain swirled once more, revealing a wall. I walk towards it to ce my palm gently against it. That was when I realized it was a door. I hesitated, respecting Lycannar¡¯s privacy. This was his chamber, his domain. I shouldn¡¯t pry. And yet¡­ this was the chamber I would one day share as his wife, his lover. Perhaps I had the right to know. With my heart pounding, I reached for the doorknob and turned it. Stepping carefully to see I am inside a small armory. I froze at the sight before me. A suit of war armor, two swords, and a powerful helm stood on disy but no shield. Cobwebs told me it had been years since anyone had opened this chamber. Memories ofst night¡¯s conversation resurfaced. He had said something I had overlooked in my anger and restlessness. ¡°Not all battles make it into history.¡± He has said. I stared at the armor again, swallowing hard. As a goddess of war, I could tell rank by observing a warrior¡¯s armory. Lycannar was not a foot soldier. Not even a warmander. Perhaps a war general or more. The armor whispered a single word to me. Warlord. *3.24% +8 Pearls Lowering my gaze. I left the bedchamber. I recalled the times he sparred with me, how expertly he had cvaded my attacks. Last night, when I had been angry and throw a kick, he had moved with the same precision. I closed the door behind me and headed walk into the bed chamber once more. Then it struck me. His horse. A magnificent warhorse. Did that mean the Lycans had fought in battles as well? ¡°Mydy?¡± A voice broke my reverie. I turned to see Anahita standing at the threshold, head bowed. ¡°Mydy, breakfast is ready. We will serve the table now.¡± I nodded and stepped out. ¡°I will help. What should I do?¡± I asked. She looked at me, astonished, then shook her head. 635 ¡°Surely you want His Majesty to have our heads? He mentioned you shouldn¡¯t be stressed at all. If he knew you bathed yourself, he might go berserk.¡± I nearly sighed, hearing the echo of what Lycannar might say. I smiled and made my way to the dining area but then I pause to give her an appreciative nce. ¡°Thanks for bringing Blue up. She is very sweet.¡± Anahita paused, then covered my hand with hers. A beautiful, elderly gesture. ¡°When I heard she would serve you next, I was at peace. If His Majesty gave her to you, it means he knows you are pure. And now that I hear you are an Alpha, an Ashmere¡­ I sigh in relief. You will protect her if ever he returned.¡± I raised an eyebrow, confused. ¡°He¡­ who ising back?¡± She seemed momentarily puzzled, stepping closer. ¡°His Majesty didn¡¯t tell you about Gaxib?¡± I frowned. ¡°Who is Gaxib?¡± ¡°Blue elder brother.¡± ¡°No. I thought he was dead of seizure.¡± ¡°That¡¯s what everyone was made to believe. The former king wanted the household dead, but His Majesty 24% +8 Pearls saved Gaxib before he passed. Princess Mearez cared for him at the healing wing for months, secretly, until he vanished like a thin wind.¡± I paused, curiosity and awe building. ¡°Why would Gaxib flee?¡± ¡°He held a grudge against His Majesty. Remember, the King stabbed his mother. Blue forgave him, but Gaxib left a letter, vowing to bring hell to the Lycan Kingdom and reim his sister when he returned. It has been over fifteen years and yet he is not here.¡± Cold chills ran down my spine. ¡°So Blue didn¡¯t know her brother survived?¡± ¡°No, mydy.¡± I swallowed. Lycannar¡¯s kingdom was endlessly mysterious, and I wondered briefly why he had not told me. Footsteps approached at that moment, and the two Lycan princesses appeared at the doorway. Send Gifts 2.3K 1 Back Where 129 Nyroth ¡°Are you sure he is inside?¡± ¡°Yes, Mother, but he won¡¯t open up.¡± +8 Pearls The knock came again, but I ignored it, just as I had these past days, drowning in the same shock that had gutted me. Stunned. Blindsided. Humiliated. Regretful. All because of the one person I never expected to rise above
  1. me.
Who would have thought? But then again, she had gotten away with it because Ash Pack members bear no scent. I had been a fool not to notice the hints. Back at the Lycan Kingdom, she shot arrows with skill, outmatching Ka, the famed archer herself. During the duel, she ughtered a rogue cleanly, never once trembling. That, too, I dismissed. And the worst, what tore me open, was the truth of who she really was the white wolf who once saved my life at the festival many years ago. The hairpin had been hers all along, and when I saw it in her possession, I called her a thief. I believed it was Ka who had saved me. I loved and worshiped Ka, blind to the fact that I loved the wrong woman. A shaky sigh left me as the knock echoed again. Still, I ignored it. The money she had gifted me to save Hue Pack¡­ so it hade from thepensation offered after thest warlord and his wife¡¯s deaths? I remembered the stories. I had not been there when the battle raged, but its aftermath was everywhere. Packs trembling in fear. Whispers of demons consuming our empire. No one dared step forward. Who in their right mind would? Only the Ashmere answered. Only they stood against demons. That was why Ash Pack was revered above all. And yet, the Moon Goddess fated me to their Alpha and I rejected her. Rejected Zeph. Shamed her under the ugliest of circumstances. She was never happy here. I gave her nothing but grief. I never respected her, never touched her. While others mocked and jeered at her, I turned away. If only I had known who she truly was. If only¡­ ¡°Nyroth, are you there?¡± My mother¡¯s voice came again, but then Kai¡¯s cut through. ¡°Move aside, Mother. I have a spare key.¡± 6 O ? OR RII O < The lock clicked, the door opened. ÁÖ¼Ò 24%ÊÛ +8 Pearls Fresh chapters posted on F?nd-Novel I sat on the bed, back turned, nket pulled over me. I never imagined rejecting Zeph would cause this much ache, yet here I was drowning in it. ¡°Alpha Nyroth, there is something you must know,¡± Kai said hurriedly, but I ignored him. Then my mother¡¯s hand touched my arm gently. ¡°Nyroth, sit up. Let¡¯s talk about it.¡± Her words made my throat burn. Talk? What was left to talk about? The moment Zeph shifted and copsed, she was carried away to the Lycan Kingdom and never came back. The answer was clear. She was recovering under Apex care. She and that cursed lycan king were already bound deep in love. gods. ¡°Nyroth¡­¡± my mother urged again, but I stayed silent until footsteps neared the doorway. My younger sister, Olivia. ¡°Is he still like this? What are we going to do?¡± No sooner had she spoken than the sound of the pack gate opening carried through. A carriage rolled into the courtyard. Olivia peered out the window. ¡°Huh?¡± she murmured. ¡°It¡¯s Ka.¡± At her name, I sat up sharply, jaw tightening. Ka. She had been the architect of it all. Every deception. Every downfall. She seduced me, lied to me, and cost me my true mate. ¡°Bring her here,¡± I said to Kai for the first time since the rejection. He obeyed, Soon she appeared, dressed to kill, beautiful and cold. No longer did her eyes seek to seduce me. No bow to my mother. No charm. Just steel. ¡°Nyroth.¡± Her voice was curt at the doorway. ¡°We need to go to the Lycan Kingdom.¡± My brow arched. ¡°Why?¡± She lifted a parchment. ¡°ording to Princess Serena of the Lycan Kingdom, you and I have been summoned to the throne chamber. To apologize to the maid we insulted at the party.¡± Confusion struck. ? ¡°Why me? You were the one who insulted her, poured wine on her face. Not me.¡± My mother nodded, turning to Ka for an answer. But Ka only shrugged. 24% +8 Pearls ¡°You were summoned. You must answer, unless you want the Lycan King himself toe here. We all know how unpredictable he is. He once killed an Alpha openly. You could be next. I¡¯ve said my piece for old time¡¯s sake. Come, or perish.¡± With that, she turned and left. The sound of her carriage fading into the distance chilled me. No one spoke. We all felt it. The truth setting in like a stone in the gut. It seemed¡­ Ka was ready to abandon me. It seemed I was losing on both sides. Send Gifts Back Where 130 Zephyrine 24% +8 Pearls ¡°You won¡¯t believe the rumors already circting the Shifted Empire,¡± Princess Serena said, mouth full. ¡°They im you, Zephyrine Ashmere, Alpha of Ash Pack, are¡­ the real deal.¡± I stared at her nkly before giggling. The way she had phrased it made the room tense, and for a moment I worried the rumors might be dark. ¡°I hate being the talk of everyone in the empire. That¡¯s why I epted my prize quietly, when I was named the Goddess of War in silence, in private.¡± ¡°You still can¡¯t escape being the talk,¡± Princess Mearez chimed in, reaching for her goblet, which I filled for her. ¡°Thanks,¡± she said, sipping, then set it down. ¡°You are an Ashmere. That alone is enough for everyone to speak of. I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if that man who calls himself your mate came begging you now.¡± Princess Serena turned sharply toward her sister, almost ring. ¡°He wouldn¡¯t even dare,¡± she said. ¡°Not even with a case here in the Lycan Kingdom.¡± I raised an eyebrow. ¡°Nyroth?¡± ¡°Is that his name?¡± Princess Serena asked, reaching for the scroll she had brought and reading briefly before nodding. ¡°He¡¯s been summoned to the throne chamber with that rudedy, Ka. Both will apologize to the maid they humiliated at the party. Your best friend, the host, will also be there.¡± I blinked in awe. ¡°Dessyn? Wow. Is she¡­ safe?¡± ¡°Yes. She¡¯s only there to provide exnation. My baby brother won¡¯t harm anyone you care for. You are our wife. Our queen.¡± Iughed softly, shaking my head. ¡°Being a queen sounds boring. Imagine sitting in meetings all day?¡± ¡°Lycannar shares that mindset,¡± Mearez said with augh. ¡°When Father first called him to court to learn how to rule, Lycannar dozed off in the meeting. And he paid dearly for it.¡± For more chapters visit f?ndnovel Iughed, taking another bite. ¡°That day wasn¡¯t funny then, but recalling it now¡­¡± Mearez¡¯s voice softened as she swallowed. ¡°Father had him kneel in the arena for a month straight. Fell gravely ill when finally released. No healer was allowed. He had to go straight to court and endure the meetings while sick.¡± The breakfast atmosphere turned sour, and I unconsciously dropped my cutlery. 240: +8 Pearls ¡°Do you have to tell her that, Mearez? You¡¯re killing the mood,¡± Serena scolded. Both sisters looked at me. ¡°It¡¯s nothing. I¡¯m fine,¡± I said softly, though neither believed me. I lowered my gaze, sighing. No wonder Lycannar felt unloved. His father, who should have been a mentor, had never treated him well. ¡°May I ask a question?¡± I said gently. They paused, looking at me. ¡°Lycannar, is he a warrior too?¡± *** I walked through the hall with Princess Mearez at my side, leading me to the guest hall where Jurrek was staying. Maids and passing Lycans bowed deeply. Princess Serena had left the dining hall early to attend to the throne chamber, while Anahita cleared the dishes. We walked in silence until Mearez stopped at an entrance. ¡°He¡¯s staying here. Thest chamber. You should go in.¡± I looked at the door ahead, hesitating, when she gave me a gentle smack on the arm. ¡°You naughtydy!¡± she teased. ¡°You know the Beta of Ash Pack closely and listened to my words about him without telling me? You must have mocked me, Zephyrine Ashmere.¡± I giggled, shaking my head. I know what she meant. ¡°How could I dare? For what?¡± Iughed again when she yfully red. ¡°I heard things about you him too, but since you just smacked me, I¡¯ll keep it to myself.¡± Pretending to step past, I tried to slip by, using my agility. She wasn¡¯t a warrior so it was easily done. ¡°You¡¯ll be a queen, Zephyrine. How do you expect to survive without me when you n to give the kingdom an heir?¡± she teased. ¡°Out with it, and I¡¯ll grant you lifelong healthcare. Free of charge.¡± from Her words made me pause. A kingdom heir. Slowly, the smile left my lips. Thinking I was teasing, she smacked my left arm, the one Lycannar had wed. Pain shot through me, and I leaned on her slightly. She froze, awe written across her face. ¡°Zephyrine¡­¡± Footsteps interrupted. A familiar scent and voice reached me before I saw him. Jurrek. ¡°Alpha Zephyrine?¡± I straightened, moving away from Princess Mearez, setting my jaw against the pain. Concealing it, I turned to Jurrek, who emerged looking as glorious as ever. The same scroll he had held the other night remained in his hand. ¡°Mydy,¡± he greeted Mearez, who gave a low nod before turning away, visibly swallowing hard. Jurrek¡¯s gaze lingered on her briefly, then shifted to me as he bowed. ¡°How are you feeling now?¡± I nodded, ignoring the pain in my arm. ¡°Perfect.¡± 24% +8 Pearls ¡°You need to read this. It¡¯s urgent. A letter written by him. He who im to know about about your brother. People call him the Mirror Monger.¡± I nodded gently, taking the scroll, and walked a few paces away to read. The Mirror Monger had written that I, Alpha of Ash Pack with Ashmere blood, muste alone. Then he would speak to me face¨Cto¨Cface about my missing brother. I gulped as I folded the scroll, sighing. The journey was inevitable¡­ and by tonight, I would likely have to go. Send Gifts Back Where 131 Zephyrine 24% +8 Pearls I made my way towards the Lycan Kingdom throne chamber, my chest tightening. Princess Mearez had departed with only one word. ¡°Come see me before you leave.¡± I knew she wanted to discuss my arm, and I swallowed hard at the thought of how Lycannar would feel if he ever found out. I passed the scroll back to Jurrek, who walked beside me, and said, ¡°We¡¯ll depart soon. Let me say my farewell to the King.¡± He nodded, and as we moved into the quieter, heavily guarded area, I slowed down.. Follow current nov?ls on f?ndnovel Ahead stood the massive, imprable gate, and off to the side the courtyard opened wide. There, I spotted a carriage bearing the ckbridge crest, and another with the Hue Pack insignia. Without being told, I already knew they had arrived. ¡°Isn¡¯t that your carriage?¡± Jurrek pointed out, and I paused to stare. ¡°The one His Majesty gifted you?¡± I raised an eyebrow. ¡°Isn¡¯t that the same one I was brought in, nights ago, after I passed out?¡± ¡°No. You rode with the princesses in their carriage. I followed on horseback.¡± I sighed when the answer came. Then Dessyn was also here, in that case. Turning back towards the throne room, I resumed my steps, but Jurrek¡¯s hand caught my arm, stopping
  1. me.
¡°Don¡¯t you think it¡¯s rude to just¡­ walk in while a meeting is going on?¡± At that question, I smiled. ¡°Watch this.¡± I walked up to the grand entrance and stood there as if waiting for the session to end. From that vantage, I could see the elders and guests gathered for questioning. But it was the King my eyes lingered on, and my heart constricted. He wasn¡¯t seated on his throne. He wore no crown, and yet no one in the chamber could match the sheer force of aura he carried. Lycannar sat at the table, hands resting on the surface, eyes scanning a report. He looked almost bored, but I knew he missed nothing. Then his gaze lifted, pale gold eyes locking onto mine and in that instant, I realized what I hadpletely overlooked. Regret consumed me. 24% +8 Pearls The Lycans were no cowards. The former King may have been cruel, but he had raised a great man. For that alone, I could forgive every sin he hadmitted. ¡°Zephyrine.¡± My name left Lycannar¡¯s lips softly as he rose and came forward to take my hand. ¡°You okay?¡± He pulled me further into the chamber, and I fixed my gaze on his face, smiling gently. All that mattered was him. Only him. ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± I answered softly. In response, he leaned down, brushing his lips over mine. He was the only one who pampered me, even knowing I was strong. He dominated me, and I loved it. Loved to submit, because he made me feel cherished, safe, whole. My eyes searched his beautiful features/those pale, piercing eyes, his plump lips, the thick eyebrows, and the two rings threaded into them. ¡°You¡¯re about to leave?¡± he asked, pulling me back to reality. I nodded. ¡°Yes.¡± Then, on tiptoe, I pressed a kiss to his lips. ¡°I enjoyed breakfast with your sisters.¡± ¡°Yeah.¡± His hand caressed through my hair the way he always did, and I smiled, lost in love until a throat cleared, dragging me back to the present. I looked around and realized how many eyes were on us. Dessyn had been the one to clear her throat. Nyroth was present, as was Ka. Princess Serena gave me a small, knowing smile, and I returned it. The elders looked on, so I bowed respectfully. ¡°Lycan,¡± I said, turning back to the King. ¡°My beta, meet Jurrek.¡± Jurrek Bane stepped forward, bowing before Lycannar. I stood aside to watch, expecting Lycannar to dismiss him with a nce. But instead, he did something I never imagined. He offered his hand. Jurrek, clearly startled, bowed lower before shaking it. ¡°Lycannar,¡± the King said. ¡°Or Apex. Whichever you prefer.¡± ¡°Jurrek, Your Majesty.¡± Jurrek straightened, nodding, and Lycannar¡¯s voice was steady. ¡°I should thank you for standing with me on my coronation day, when the Rogue Alpha stormed my kingdom.¡± 214 ¡°I did nothing, sire. You needn¡¯t thank me.¡± ¡°I appreciate your kindness to Zephyrine. Thank you for caring for her.¡± Jurrek nodded. ¡°Please, don¡¯t mention it. I made a promise to her brother, that¡¯s all. She is like a sister to me.¡± My chest swelled with love and gratitude. Lycannar had shown my beta respect, and it had been reciprocated. He was a King, but still my man. ?? 24%¡ã +8 Pearls When his eyes returned to me, he held them there for a moment before taking my fingers tenderly. ¡°Before you leave, please¡­ attend to an issue as my Queen,¡± he said, right there in the throne room. The chamber stilled. A bold deration in broad daylight, with his elders present, his beta there. What was he trying to do? ¡°Lycannar¡­¡± ¡°Please,¡± he interrupted softly, entwining his fingers with mine. ¡°It won¡¯t take long. Hmm?¡± I sighed helplessly. Why was it possible for a man to be so terrifyingly powerful and yet so gentle? I nodded, and he guided me into the chair he had just vacated. He pressed a kiss to my temple, then stepped back, folding his arms and leaving the floor to me. My throat tightened. He was asking me to rule, to speak,mand, and decide for his kingdom as his Queen. It would be the first time in history. A werewolf presiding in the Lycan throne chamber. Nervousness coiled in me, but so did something stronger. Inevitability. Whether I wanted it or not. Whether the Moon Goddess approved or not. Lycannar had tasted me, and now he wanted all of me, until there was nothing left. This was a deration. The beginning. I had asked the Orincess earlier if Lycannar was truly a warrior. His sisters had answered, and their words weighed heavy now. ¡°He¡¯s fought more battles than you could ever count,¡± Princess Mearez had said. ¡°The runes on his body was a spell to help him find peace for ughtering so many. Hemands his own army, not vast, not more than enough to fill an arena, yet they return victorious, always. No one can stop him unless he wills it. That¡¯s why Father feared him, why he shackled him with restraints, with the ck Tower, with chains and use us, his sisters, to weaken him. Even the Moon Goddess herself, his foremother, is wary of him. Lycannar is a warlord. On the battlefield, they call him Apex. Apex Blood.¡± Back Where 132 Zephyrine ¡°What is the report?¡± I asked, my tone sharp, the same one I used to rule back in my pack. 24% +8 Pearls The smile had withered off my face, and my eyes were fixed on Princess Serena, who had also slipped into her working mode. With the King present, neither of us would risk disappointment. ¡°At the afterparty of the beta ascension ceremony¡± Serena began, her voice clear, ¡°Ka Yadev, a werewolf, humiliated a maid from this Kingdom. Alpha Nyroth of the Hue Pack is here today as her aplice. He too will have to apologize.¡± A hush fell over the chamber. Slowly, I lifted my gaze to the maid. She was young, beautiful, about Blue¡¯s age, and my chest ached for her. All I could think of was Luna Tahlia, how Nyroth and Ka ruined her reputation until I stopped the rumors with blood. ¡°Are you okay?¡± I asked atst. She bowed respectfully. ¡°I am fine, mydy.¡± ¡°Do you need an apology?¡± I pressed, and she nced nervously at Nyroth, who refused to look her way, then at Ka, who red. Finally, she returned her gaze to me. ¡°I¡­ I don¡¯t want any problem. I am perfectly fine.¡± I studied her, then gave a small nod. ¡°When next they strike you, you¡¯ll be fine too, won¡¯t you?¡± ¡°Mydy¡­¡± ¡°Or perhaps when they use you of theft, or ckmail you, you¡¯ll still want no problem, and you¡¯ll be fine?¡± Her lips trembled as she stared, then lowered her gaze, shaking her head. ¡°If they apologize¡­ what will that change?¡± she whispered. ¡°It won¡¯t erase that night, how she called me an omega and poured wine in my face. It won¡¯t¡­ undo the way she looked at me, as though I was nothing.¡± ¡°And yet you¡¯d let them off?¡± I asked, steady. She looked up again, hesitant. ¡°My family once went to war, the Ashmeres,¡± I told her. ¡°Do you know why? Because at a certain festival, a noble raped one of our maids. By morning, he apologized, and my father forgave him because the maid wanted peace, just like you. She thought being an omega made her worthless. That she deserved no justice. That it won¡¯t make any impact. The next festival, it happened again. Another apology, another forgiveness. By the third, he paid with his life. Omegas¡­¡± My voice hardened. ¡°Being an omega makes them believe they are nothing. But that is a lie. You must stand for yourself. For your rights. And as a Lycan this is why you have a King. In your own Kingdom, no outsider, no werewolf, has the right to humiliate you. Not here.¡± I let the silence hang until my words sank into her bones. When I finally looked up again, her eyes brimmed and she sniffled softly. Readplete version only at f?ndnovel *3.24% +8 Pearls ¡°I demand an apology,¡± she said atst, voice trembling but sure. ¡°Because I am not useless. Not worthless. And I refuse to be humiliated in the Kingdom I was born into.¡± I nodded firmly in support, then turned my gaze straight to Ka. ¡°Go on,¡± I said, cutting through the silence. ¡°Apologize for pouring wine in her face.¡± Ka, seated across from me, set her jaw. ¡°I havee withpensation instead.¡± She gestured at the maid. ¡°What do you say to a chest of gold and expensive¡­¡± ¡°Apologize.¡± My voice cracked like a whip, and she snapped her re toward me. ¡°Keep your stolenpensation to yourself. No Lycan will ept it. Apologize for your rudeness.¡± Her lips pressed into a thin line. Defiance zed in her eyes. ¡°How about letting the maid decide?¡± she countered, turning back to the girl. ¡°Which will serve you better? A fortune to free you from servitude forever or an apology that means nothing?¡± The silence was sharp. We all waited. The maid lifted her chin, her voice steady now. ¡°Just because we are maids does not mean we cannot afford the dresses you wear. This is the Lycan Kingdom. Since our new King¡¯s reign, things have changed. We arepensated well enough. Thank you for the offer, but I will go with an apology.¡± A smile tugged my lips before I could stop it. The girl had struck Ka where it hurt, and satisfaction bloomed in me. Ka¡¯s jaw locked. She turned, bowing stiffly to the maid. ¡°I apologize for spilling wine on you.¡± The chamber stilled. Then came a soft, mocking chuckle from Dessyn, who delighted in Ka¡¯s humiliation. Ka red, but said nothing. My eyes shifted atst to Nyroth. ¡°Princess Serena?¡± I asked. She nodded. ¡°He is summoned to apologize as well. He arrived with Ka Yadev and upied the Hue Pack seat. That makes him responsible for her misdeeds.¡± This time I nearlyughed aloud. Fitting. ¡°I won¡¯t apologize, Zeph,¡± Nyroth said before I could speak. His eyes fixed on me, sharp and wounded. ¡°If ¡ú this is your way of punishing me for our past, it is unfair.¡± I stared back at him, nk. We were finished. All ties severed. And yet, he clung to something unresolved, ¡°Zeph¡­ why didn¡¯t you tell me you were an Ashmere?¡± ¡°Apologize to thedy, Alpha Nyroth. I have nothing else to say to you.¡± My voice was cold, my eyes elsewhere. But he pushed on. 24% +8 Pearls ¡°Zeph, we need to talk. There¡¯s so much left between us. You wronged me by hiding who you are. You¡­¡± His words cut short. Slowly, I turned to see Lycannar had stepped forward, one broad palm pressed t on the table, his pale¨Cgold eyes locked onto Nyroth¡¯s. He had never done such a thing before, never wasted words on strangers. Yet here he was. ¡°This session is not for your wounded feelings,¡± Lycannar said, voice low, threaded with warning. ¡°Choose your words carefully. I have no patience when ites to my woman.¡± Send Gifts 2.3K Back Where 133 Zephyrine The tension in the throne chamber is suffocating, and I know blood might spill if care is not taken. 24% Readplete version only at find?novel +8 Pearls Lycannar is a warlord. Nyroth is nothing but an Alpha. To evenpare them is an insult. Gently, I reach for Lycannar¡¯s palm and ce mine on it, anchoring him back to me. He stares directly into Nyroth¡¯s eyes, holding his gaze to make a statement, and after a long moment, Nyroth sets his jaw, lowers his gaze, and whispers an apology to the maid. ¡°I apologize to you.¡± Silence falls again after that. Atst, Lycannar pushes away from the table and walks toward the window, speaking over his shoulder. ¡°Get out of my kingdom. Both of you.¡± Nyroth rises, casting a nce at me before leaving in silence. Ka follows without a word. I sigh once their presence is gone and rise to turn toward where Lycannar stands. ¡°He is so possessive. You had better calm him, or he¡¯ll kill again,¡± Princess Serena whispers near me, and I swallow. Quietly, I walk over to him, resting my palm on his shoulder. ¡°Lycan?¡± He doesn¡¯t respond at first, staring into empty space. I watch his eyes dim slightly, the color shifting. Then he turns to me and pulls me into a gentle hug, his face buried into my hair. It feels like he¡¯s trying to calm himself through me. Slowly, he pulls back to caress my face, sighing softly. ¡°Lycan¡­¡± I call again, panic tightening my chest, because I know he saw something in Nyroth¡¯s eyes. ¡°Lycannar¡­¡± ¡°I will kill him,¡± he deres abruptly, as if it¡¯s a casual truth. As he always does. ¡°I¡¯ll strangle him without breaking a sweat, Zephyrine. If he dares stare at you again, I¡¯ll pluck his eyes out. I swear it.¡± A chill runs through me. Before I can speak, he bypasses me and walks back to the table, leaving me frozen by the window. Outside, I see Nyroth climbing into his carriage, never once looking at Ka as she does the same. They ride out. For a while, I only stare. Lycannar can be calm for a time, but eventually, he will go berserk. I know he will. Lowering my gaze, I exhale shakily. It is only a matter of time. Even I cannot tame him. When I turn back, he is seated at the table again. The room is silent, everyone waiting for him to cool down, and I understand. 24% +8 Pearls Dessyn has already left the table, the maid too, and both are speaking quietly with Princess Serena at the side. I sigh and approach them. Dessyn quickly walks up to me. ¡°Zephyr. Are you okay?¡± I don¡¯t answer, only squeeze her hand briefly before turning to Princess Serena. ¡°I will leave now. Please, send my regards to Princess Mearez.¡± She smiles and draws me into a hug. ¡°You did well today on your first duty as our queen. I had nned to tutor you on elegance, but I see there is no need.¡± I smile faintly. The maid bows before me, but I stop her, unwilling to let her belittle herself. ¡°Don¡¯t settle for less. You¡¯re only an omega, not filth. You are a Lycan, that means something. If you ever feel threatened, you know who to go to. It will reach the King¡¯s ear, I promise. Hmm?¡± She nods, bowing again in gratitude ¡°Thank you so much, mydy.¡± I smile and watch as she departs with Princess Serena. Soon, only Dessyn, Jurrek, and I remain. ¡°I¡¯ll say my goodbye to the King,¡± I tell them. Jurrek nods. ¡°I¡¯ll wait by the horse.¡± They leave, while I turn back to Lycannar. He¡¯s still quiet, and for a moment, I wonder if something more weighs on him. ¡°Lycan?¡± He raises his head, leaning back in his chair. ¡°I¡¯m about to leave,¡± I say. He nods and rises. ¡°Let me walk you.¡± His hand rests against the small of my back as he leads me out. I bow once more to the elders and his cousin, the Beta, before stepping away. With the King beside me, I can barely breathe, especially now when he seems so furious. Atst, when we reach my carriage, I stop and turn to him. Searching his eyes, I wind one hand around his neck and ce the other against his chest. ¡°Lycannar¡­ what¡¯s wrong?¡± He doesn¡¯t answer. Instead, he leans down and ims my lips in a consuming, possessive kiss. ¡°I won¡¯t lose you to anyone, Zephyrine. I swear I won¡¯t.¡± 24% +8 Pearls The weight of his words makes my heart heavy. His eyes don¡¯t lie. He will do exactly as he says and I know why. People¡¯s lives mean nothing to him, not when ites to me. I kiss him back gently before pulling away. ¡°Why did you send your coronation invitation to Ash Pack first, Lycan?¡± I ask. He stares at me before answering. ¡°Because I respect your brother.¡± That answer makes my chest tighten. He speaks as though he knows Varyn deeply. ¡°I will hold a ceremony to celebrate my ascension as Alpha, and the first invitation will be sent to the Lycan Kingdom. I will invite you and your family to rejoice with me. And this is because of you, Lycannar, only you. You are the only man I love. No one else will have me. And no one will have you except me. Tell Princess Mearez I left. Tell her I¡¯ll be fine¡± I brush my lips against his tenderly, then step back, climbing into my carriage. Jurrek spurs his horse, and we ride out of the Lycan Kingdom. Send Gifts 2.3K 1 Back Where 134 Zephyrine ÁÖ¼Ò 24% Dessyn coughed gently, then shifted closer beside me. When she tried it again, I turned and stared. ¡°What again?¡± +8 Pearls It was as if she had been waiting for that question. She turned fully toward me while the carriage wheeled toward White Pack. ¡°So¡­ how did he react to the news?¡± I nearly scoffed. ¡°I should have known you¡¯d want the story.¡± ¡°The full story,¡± she pressed eagerly. ¡°I mean, you¡¯re an Alpha and no longer tied to any man, Zephyr. You¡¯re an Ashmere. That¡¯s overwhelming. You¡¯re a jackpot for every man who could have you.¡± Those words sank into me and I smiled, almost sadly. ¡°And to Lycannar?¡± She hesitated, then nodded. ¡°Apex is a jackpot too. A man women would kill for. He¡¯s a king, he¡¯s wealthy, handsome¡­¡± ¡°And a warlord,¡± I added softly, watching her flinch. ¡°And Apex is also his real name.¡± She froze, staring at me. After a few seconds she swallowed, looked away, and sighed. ¡°He definitely looks like a warrior. That broad shoulder, solid chest, strong forearm¡­ I wonder what it¡¯d be like to lean on him and¡­¡± She got lost in her words until she noticed my stare. I couldn¡¯t believe she said all that. ¡°Dessyn!¡± She jerked back, clearing her throat. ¡°I¡¯m¡­ I¡¯m sorry. Forgive me. But you can¡¯t me me. He¡¯s such a sexy man, why would you¡­¡± ¡°Dessyn!¡± She looked away, sealing her lips. Itsted only a few seconds before she turned back to me again. ¡°So, how did he react to your true identity?¡± At that, I shrugged lightly. ¡°He already knew I was an Alpha, so that didn¡¯t surprise him. But the Ashmere truth¡­ that stunned him. We talked into the night.¡± ¡°And¡­¡± 24%1 +8 Pearls She wanted the full story. I stared at her briefly, lowering my gaze, unwilling to share the part about demons with her. ¡°And nothing. We made love and just¡­ slept off.¡± Dessyn went silent. I searched her eyes, wondering why she had gone mute. ¡°Love? I thought you said you were abiding by the Moon Goddess¡® wishes.¡± At that, I realized I had slipped. But when I looked into her eyes again; I saw realization dawn, followed by a slow smile before she shoved me yfully. ¡°Lucky you. I can¡¯t believe you did that before me.¡± I shook my head and looked out the carriage window with a sigh. She was such a crazy fellow. She called to me again, but I ignored her. Just then, I spotted the carriage waiting ahead. A small frown drew on my face when I recognized it. ¡°Isn¡¯t that Nyroth?¡± Dessyn asked. I turned to her in surprise. She had seen him too. ¡°What does he want from you again after everything he¡¯s done?¡± I didn¡¯t respond. My jaw tightened as the carriage slowed when Nyroth stepped into the road. ¡°Zeph?¡± He came to the window, calling my name, but I didn¡¯t answer. Jurrek, riding alongside on horseback, saw my disinterest. He nodded to the coachman to keep going. The carriage rolled past Nyroth without a word. I exhaled softly once he was left behind. Such a pain in my life. I was d, relieved, I had rejected him. I leaned back in my seat, only to find Dessyn staring at me in silence. ¡°You know Nyroth is also a hard man. Persistent. When he was in love with Ka, he waited five whole years for her to return. Starved himself of sex just to keep himself faithful to her.¡± ¡°You don¡¯t know Lycannar, do you?¡± I murmured. ¡°He¡¯s not a man who wastes time being patient. He takes whatever he wants, whenever he wants. A man like Nyroth is no match for him.¡± ¡°What about for you?¡± she asked softly, all jokes gone. ¡°Do you think you can handle Nyroth? I know how much you love the Lycan King now¡­ but Zephyr, apart from Nyroth¡¯s stupid attitude, you know he was your first love.¡± My chest tightened at her words. She had seen straight through my brave expression and struck the nail on the head. Before I could reply, the carriage wheeled to a stop before the Dusk household. I stepped out before Jurrek coulde over to help. ¡°Pack sweet pack,¡± Dessyn breathed. ¡°Home sweet home,¡± I replied. 2 6 R ||| O We stepped into the living room, me already tired, when I froze in surprise at the doorway. 24% +8 Pearls Delicious dishes sprawled across the table, and a few guests filled the room. Blue was busy setting the table, but the instant she saw me, she rushed over. ¡°Mydy¡­¡± she called, and I swallowed hard. How much I missed her. ¡°What¡¯s going on? What¡¯s the asion?¡± ¡°To congratte you for finally being free from a killing mate bond,¡± Dessyn answered from behind. I turned to stare at her. ¡°It¡¯s a surprise. I couldn¡¯t tell you on the way.¡± ¡°Congrattions, Zephyr.¡± The voice came from behind me, and I turned. Moon. Gorgeous as always, handsome as ever. He stepped forward, smiling, genuinely happy for me. ¡°I¡¯m excited to see you finally free from the mate bond.¡± Goosebumps rose on my skin when he stepped closer, reached for my fingers, and pulled me gently into his arms. He had always been like this, hugging/me without caring for the audience or my status. I rested my head on his chest. Though he wasn¡¯t as rugged, as solid, or as dangerous as Lycannar, Moon was his exact opposite. And just as I felt safe in Lycannar¡¯s arms, I also felt safe in Moon¡¯s but in a different way. ¡°I¡¯m happy for you, Zephyr,¡± he whispered again, softly. Send Gifts 2.3K B Read full story at Back Where 135 Nyroth 24%. +8 Pearls The carriage stopped in my pack, yet again I found no peace. Not once. It began to dawn on me how much it hurt. Agonizing, even, to see her happy in another man¡¯s arms. I sat still in that seat, recalling the first time I stepped into the Lycan Kingdom. Apex had stared at Zeph without blinking. That day, I was mad. Now I understand the reason behind that anger. It was jealousy. I sighed heavily, wondering how to gain her attention now. She would not talk to me and¡­ gods¡­ that unsettling king never left me a chance at all. 45 ¡°Brother?! Brother!!¡± Olivia¡¯s panic call dragged me back to reality. I stepped out of the carriage just as she rushed toward me, breathless.. My eyes shifted from her face to where she had run from. ¡°You went out?¡± I asked, moving my gaze from the gate back to her. ¡°Mother. You have to stop her,¡± she gasped once she caught her breath. I raised a brow, confused. ¡°How do you mean? Is Mother not inside?¡± I asked angrily, but she shook her head frantically. ¡°She went to ckbridge Pack. She swore to make Ka regret ever using you and lying to you.¡± I froze instantly at those words. I stiffened. Ka. ckbridge Pack. Oh no. ¡°Get inside. I will be back,¡± Imanded my sister before rushing toward ckbridge Pack. I knew who they were, the Yadevs, and I knew what they could do. Only days ago, we had spoken of ruining the Ashmere reputation, believing them powerless since they shut their gates for five years. But those ns were canceled. The pack we thought Alphaless wasn¡¯t weak after all. I arrived in no time, just to hear my mother¡¯s voice yelling. I froze at my feet, then arrived. turned slowly toward the courtyard. Ka¡¯s carriage was already there. She had Hastily, I entered the hall, pushing open the doors to the wide living room just as my mother red daggers at Ka. My mother was seething, as usual, while Ka stood defiant. Alpha Yadev was present, with his guards and men surrounding him. ¡°You harlot. You made him lose everything. You will pay for that,¡± my mother spat furiously, but Ka only smirked. ¡°Your son is nothing but a fool. I owe him nothing. Did he not tell you I gave him my body too?¡± My mother stepped closer, shaking with rage. ¡°If you had not lied about saving him, he would never have fallen for trash like you. You never know what it Sat, Sep 24% +8 Pearls means to be mated. You made him reject his mate, you prostitute! I should have chased you off the day you set foot in Hue Pack after you returned from that so¨Ccalled mission of yours.¡± Ka matched her fury, then lowered her gaze with a mocking smile. ¡°I have nothing more to say to you, old hag. Get out of this pack.¡± She turned her eyes to me and sneered. ¡°With your loser son.¡± That hit a nerve. My mother moved to p her, but Ka retaliated, catching her wrist before any impactnded. My mother¡¯s face shifted to shock and hatred as Ka¡¯s eyes zed with a deathly warning. ¡°If you ever try that with me again¡­ you will not see tomorrow.¡± She dropped her wrist roughly, leaving my mother pale from the threat. ¡°And if you ever barge into my pack again, I¡¯ll make sure you know the truth that being called the first female envoy of peace is nothing but a lie.¡± My mother staggered back, shaken, and I rushed to steady her before she copsed. Just then, Kai burst into the living room, panting as though he had run here. ¡°Mother!¡± he cried, panicked, as I passed her into his arms and stepped toward Ka. It struck me then that she was truly ready to cast me aside, but I needed one answer before I let her go. ¡°Why?¡± I asked, my voice low. ¡°Why did you lie about being my savior years ago? They call you an envoy of peace, yet all you¡¯ve done is bring chaos. Is this how you were taught to keep peace?¡± She stared at me in silence, then leaned closer, her voice a whisper. ¡°I was never an envoy of peace, Nyroth. I only traded blood for power and they gave me the title.¡± Stunned, I could only watch her pull back with a smile. ¡°No need to get worked up. We both used one another to get what we wanted. But now, I¡¯m afraid our little escapade ends here. I have a new man my mother arranged for me. I¡¯ll be dining with him tonight. Wish me luck and I wish you luck too, in whatever future endeavors you may find.¡± She nced once more at my mother, then walked away, leaving me cold and stunned. I stood there a long moment before moving to the exit, the dawning truth heavy in me. Follow current nov?ls on find{n}ovel Kai had already brought a carriage. He helped my Mother inside while I followed in silence. As the carriage rolled away from ckbridge, Mother leaned on me, still pale and shaken by Ka¡¯s threat. I understood her fear. We passed through the crowdedne, people parting for the wheels. But among them, one figure caught my attention, his energy pierced me, lingering in a way I could not name. I turned to nce from the window, and there he stood apart from the crowd, his eyes locked on me until we vanished from sight. Send Gifts ¡£ 2.3K 1 Back Where 136 Zephyrine Œ£Ý‹ The night had settled over us, and I stood at the window, staring at the amulet ne in my palm. 24% Finished I hadn¡¯t worn it since morning, and I had my reasons. As much as I appreciated Lycannar¡¯s gift, and his presence in my life, I respected him and his responsibilities too. While I was his woman, I was also my own woman. I was an Alpha, a younger sister to the best brother, and I had to do what was necessary without burdening/anyone. ¡°It looks so beautiful,¡± Dessyn¡¯s voice came from behind me. ¡°Won¡¯t you wear it?¡± A few seconds of silence fell before I shook my head and turned to look at her. She sat on the bed, all her attention on me. ¡°If I put it on, Lycannar will feel it whenever I¡¯m in danger,¡± I said quietly. ¡°And he will definitely worry. I don¡¯t want that.¡± Latest content published on find?novel ¡°Zephyr¡­¡± she sighed, panic shing in her eyes. ¡°I still think you shouldn¡¯t go alone. What if¡­ what if the Mirror Monger is also a viin? I really think you should tell the Lycan King where you¡¯re going. What if you need help in there?¡± ¡°Dessyn¡­¡± ¡°I understand you¡¯re an Alpha, withbat skills and everything else. You¡¯re an Ashmere, and your kind don¡¯t die easily. But¡­¡± she paused, swallowing hard, her trembling fingers giving her away. ¡°Zephyr, I can¡¯t lose you. I still hate Varyn to this night for leaving me, but I can forgive him because he would¡¯ve returned if he hadn¡¯t been betrayed on the battlefield. But you¡­ I won¡¯t forgive you if you don¡¯te back.¡± Her words came fast, breathless. I left the window and approached her, gently sitting on the bed to search her eyes. The tears had already welled up, fear written all over her face and I knew why. ¡°You have too many enemies, too many people who envy you for being an Ashmere, a female Alpha, and the King¡¯s woman. You need backup. Jurrek begged to apany you. He¡¯s your second inmand on the battlefield and your beta. Moon wants to go too. He¡¯s no longer just a foot soldier, and he¡¯s saved your life before. He could save you again, Zephyr. Please just¡­¡± I cut her off by taking her hand and giving it a gentle squeeze. Just then a knock came, and after a brief silence, the door opened. Blue walked in and bowed. ¡°Mydy, it¡¯s time for your night bath.¡± For a while, I stared into the nk space. Atst, I turned to her and nodded. A bath would help. I might not know when I¡¯d have another, not knowing if I¡¯d return at all. ¡°Make the water. I¡¯ll be there soon,¡± I said, and she nodded, retreating into the bath chamber. When the door closed, I turned back to Dessyn, holding her gaze. ¡°Blue will be in your care, Dessyn. She is precious to me. You¡¯ll protect her, won¡¯t you?¡± 12:54 Sat, Sep 6 G She looked at me, surprised, before nodding. But I tightened my grip on her hand. 24% Finished ¡°Someone maye for her. Anyone. Make sure she never leaves your sight. Don¡¯t send her on errands alone. And if anything rises beyond your understanding, go to Lycannar. Promise me.¡± Dessyn searched my eyes, her voice barely above a whisper. ¡°You sound serious. What is it with Blue?¡± I swallowed hard and sighed. ¡°You¡¯ll know when the timees.¡± No sooner had I spoken than the bath chamber door opened again, and Blue appeared. ¡°Mydy, the water is ready.¡± ¡°Call my beta and Moon,¡± I said, and she nodded, leaving quickly. Momentster, she returned with Moon, who trailed behind her. Jurrek hesitated at the door. In Ash Pack tradition, men were forbidden to enter the chambers of women they weren¡¯t bound to. But after a moment¡¯s pause, he stepped inside. I noticed Moon already dressed as if he had decided to follow me, with or without my consent. ¡°Jurrek, you¡¯ll return to the pack,¡± I told him softly as he stood with arms crossed. ¡°Attend to it in my absence. Tell the elders and my family I¡¯m on a mission and will return when I¡¯m done. In the meantime, prepare the invitation scrolls. When Ie back, I¡¯ll hold a ceremony.¡± Jurrek went quiet for a long time before finally nodding. ¡°You¡¯ll write to me if you need backup, right?¡± I shifted my gaze to Moon before answering. ¡°Moon is enough as my backup. I¡¯ll be fine.¡± I rose from the bed and entered the bath chamber, Blue trailing behind me. She moved close, gently pulling off my gown as I stepped into the pool. The water warmed my skin, but when it touched the w marks on my arm, a shiver shot down my spine. I noticed Blue freeze. Her eyes widened at the sight of the scars, her face paling. ¡°My¡­ mydy¡­¡± ¡°You¡¯ll keep it a secret from everyone,¡± I cut her off gently. ¡°And you¡¯ll be careful while I¡¯m gone.¡± ¡°Mydy¡­¡± ¡°I¡¯ll be leaving tonight. And deep down, I know I won¡¯t return for a while. Stay with Dessyn and listen to her. She will keep you safe. If anything troubles you, or even the slightest difortes¨Cgo to Lycannar immediately. He¡¯ll grant you audience. I know he will. Do you understand?¡± She didn¡¯t respond. She didn¡¯t even breathe. Only tears welled in her eyes before spilling down her cheeks. A lump formed in my throat, but I forced it down and looked away, steadying myself. Doubt pressed at me, heavy. ²¹24%ÈÕ Finished Here I was, heading to an unknown ce, to meet an unknown man. Yes, I am an Alpha, an Ashmere. But I wasn¡¯t entirely whole. The w marks on my arm were weakening me, bit by bit. I could feel it. But before my strength failed, I had to make this journey. I had to find my brother. Send Gifts 2.3K Ǭ 12:55 Sat, Sep 6 DGM. The Rogue Is A Female Alpha Back Where 137 Lycannar 24% 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. Read full story at F¦Énd£Îovel ¡°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. 45 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. Back Where 138 Zephyrine ÁÖ24% Finished An old shop. That was where Jurrek had directed me to find the Mirror Monger. Moon and I had departed from White Packst night, and now I sat on the back of my great white horse, staring at the shop. I could feel Moon¡¯s eyes on me from behind. As the Mirror Monger had requested in his letter, he wanted me toe alone, so Moon stayed back, watching from a concealed ce. At any sign of danger, he would show himself, but somehow, I doubted I would have any trouble here. Finally, I dismounted and patted my mare¡¯s mane before walking into the shop. The bell above the door chimed as I pushed it open, but no one was in sight. All I saw were old books and strange ancient relics scattered about. For a moment, I hesitated, then headed deeper inside, stepping carefully. I had nearly reached the counter when a man suddenly appeared from the side. I froze at his sudden presence, and he too startled, even letting out a small yelp. He looked like a shopkeeper, an old man with gray hair. I studied him, wondering if he was the Mirror Monger, but the odd way he stared at me told me otherwise. ¡°Finedy,¡± he said. ¡°The energy oozing out of you isn¡¯t ordinary. Where are you from? Why are you here?¡± I looked at him without replying, then lowered my gaze. ¡°I am Zephyrine Ashmere of the Ash Pack. I came to see the Mirror Monger.¡± Silence fell. He stared at me in awe, his jaw slowly dropping before he bowed low. ¡°Forgive me, mydy. I didn¡¯t know you were the Alpha my master has been waiting for.¡± I raised a brow. ¡°Master?¡± ¡°Yes. The Mirror Monger. He has been expecting you. In fact, he left just this morning, leaving behind a letter. It was almost as if he knew you woulde today.¡± I said nothing as he fetched the letter from behind the counter and handed it to me. I took it, nodded, and stepped aside to read. The message made my jaw tighten. The Mirror Monger imed he had waited hours for me, but since I hadn¡¯t appeared, he left for his citadel. If I truly cared about finding my brother, he wrote, I should meet him there. My shoulders sagged at the words. Slowly, I turned toward the exit, staring at the door nkly for a long while. Then I stepped out, took my horse¡¯s reins, and began walking away. I had just left the shop behind when Moon emerged to join me. He studied my face, then dismounted to walk beside me, leading his horse. ¡°You didn¡¯t meet him?¡± I shook my head. 24% Finished ¡°He¡¯s gone. He wants us to meet him at his citadel. It¡¯s a day¡¯s journey if we start tomorrow. Tonight, we¡¯ll stay at an inn. The roads are dangerous.¡± Moon nodded, and we walked in silence until we reached an old inn half an hourter. Moon went inside to arrange things while I led the horses to the stable. After patting my mare, I turned to head in only to collide with a staggering drunk. The ale in his cup spilled down my dress. He stumbled back, scowling. ¡°Watch where you¡¯re going,dy!¡± he snapped. The rightful source is find?novel Before I could speak, Moon appeared from the counter, pulling me behind him protectively. ¡°You should be the one watching where you¡¯re going,¡± he said sharply. Then he tugged me away. When we were alone in the hall, he stopped to look me over for any injuries, but I shook my head. ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡± ¡°That drunk,¡± he muttered under his breath, anger in his voice. I smiled faintly. ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡± ¡°That¡¯s a relief. But we have a problem. There¡¯s only one room avable. Two beds. I¡¯ve taken it, but you can have the space. I¡¯ll spend the night in¡­¡± His words faltered when he noticed my expression. I gave him a small smile and Odded ¡°It¡¯s fine. We can share a room.¡± ¡°But¡­¡± ¡°It¡¯s really fine. Let¡¯s go. I¡¯m tired.¡± Moon hesitated but led the way down the hall. I remained rooted for a moment, turning my gaze toward the bar where the drunk still sat, drinking heavily. Somehow, I couldn¡¯t help but think of him. Lycannar. If he were here, that drunk wouldn¡¯t live to see morning. I sighed and followed Moon, letting the reality sink in. Moon was a knight in shining armor, He cared for me and would do everything to keep me safe. But Lycannar¡­ Lycannar was a devil wrapped in a ck cloak. His care was suffocating, choking, and terrifying even to himself. He would do not just the good, but anything and everything to protect me. That was the difference between a soft, gentle lover like Moon and a gray, dangerous man like Lycannar. Back Where 139 Zephyrine 24% 29 Finished It was a very cold night, the breeze swirling around the corridor as I stood with my arms folded across my chest, staring out at the horizon. I had been surprised at how much Moon paid for the room until I saw it had a corridor of its own. My thoughts wandered back to the Mirror Monger, the man who imed to know my brother¡¯s whereabouts. To be honest, I was¡­ nervous. I lowered my gaze with a quiet sigh. I was running out of time. I could feel it. The w mark from Lycannar still burned on my skin, a dull, relentless pain. I had believed it would heal soon, but now I wasn¡¯t so sure. Why wouldn¡¯t it fade? Why was Lycannar¡¯s sh so deadly? Blinking, I looked out again at the endless night. My thoughts betrayed me. What would he be doing at this very moment? Sitting in his ck tower, perhaps reading, or already in bed, or¡­ My throat tightened when a darker thought settled. What if he was with another woman? No. No, he wouldn¡¯t do that to me. I was still wrestling with the ache of my own thoughts when I heard soft footsteps. Moon came to stand quietly at my side. ¡°You¡¯re sure you won¡¯t take any dinner?¡± he asked. I nodded. I had no appetite anyway. Silence stretched between us as we both stared into the night. Then I felt his gaze shift, lingering on me. His sigh was soft, almost lost to the wind. ¡°You miss him, don¡¯t you?¡± I turned my head slightly, meeting his searching eyes. I knew exactly who he meant. ¡°I have nothing more to do with Nyroth,¡± I said atst. ¡°We¡¯re more like strangers now.¡± Moon studied me, then asked again, more carefully this time. ¡°You must love His Majesty so much, to let him erase even your first love. Is he really that good?¡± A small smile curved my lips despite myself, I turned away, but Moon¡¯s eyes followed me, ¡°Tell me, Zephyr,¡± he pressed softly. ¡°What is he like with you? In public he¡¯s so¡­ strange. He keeps his head down, rarely speaks. I still don¡¯t understand how you fell for him.¡± I breathed out slowly, then gave him a small smile. ¡°Lycannar is¡­ romantic, in his own obsessive way. He¡¯s beautiful, powerful¡­ and so¡­.¡± I broke into another helpless smile. ¡°I don¡¯t even know why I love him so much. All I know is he makes me feel alive. And I get jealous when he so much as mentions another woman.¡± Moon went very quiet. Too quiet. It made me turn fully toward him, reading the pain etched across his face. I had said too much. *24% Finished ¡°You¡¯re a woman of power and wealth,¡± he murmured. ¡°I know you don¡¯t love him for that. It must be¡­ how he treats you.¡± His eyes dropped, a sigh escaping his lips. ¡°How I wish I had treated you like that sooner. Maybe then¡­¡± He gave a small, sad smile, shrugged, and finished softly, ¡°As long as you¡¯re happy, Zephyr. As long as you¡¯re happy and safe.¡± The conversation had turned heavier than I wanted. I didn¡¯t want to break his heart any more than I already had by ignoring the feelings I knew he carried for me. I swallowed and forced a gentle smile. ¡°I¡¯ll go to bed. Tomorrow will be a long day.¡± ¡°Yeah,¡± he said quietly. ¡°I¡¯ll join you soon.¡± I left him there in the corridor. Inside, I found the bed already prepared. For a moment I paused, turning back to look through the doorway. Moon still stood where I had left him, staring into the night. I could almost feel his heart breaking. If only I could ease it. But instead, I turned away, slipped into bed, andy down. Time dragged, yet the moment my head touched the pillow, I drifted into a deep sleep. When I woke, it was with a scream and a violent jerk. Moon was beside the bed, worry carved into his face as the morning sunlight poured into the room. ¡°Zephyr, are you okay?¡± he asked urgently. ¡°You¡¯re so pale¡­ are you alright?¡± Pale? Weakness clung to me like a fog. My limbs trembled as I rose without answering and hurried into the bath chamber. Shutting the door behind me, I rushed to the mirror, tearing at my dress to reveal my arm. My heart plummeted. Instead of healing, the mark had w ¡°ed. The c into my skin. Lycannar. What had he done to me? He must know the cure. He must ??? ????? ???????s ??? ?????s??? ?? Find¡ïNovel ¡°Zephyr?¡± Moon¡¯s knock rattled the door. His voice wasced with concern. open the door.¡± ckened, spreading deeper Phyr, are you alright? Please, I stared at the w mark again in the mirror, then forced myself to cover it. I washed my face briskly, trying to steady my breath, my resolve. This was not the time to crumble. I had to find Varyn. I had to see the Mirror Monger today. Moon Goddess, let him bring me good news. After that¡­ I would seek healing. I finally opened the door. Moon¡¯s eyes widened at the sight of me. ¡°Are you okay?¡± ¡°I am,¡± I lied smoothly, though his frown told me he didn¡¯t believe me. ¡°You were murmuring his name in your sleep,¡± he said quietly. ¡°The Lycan King¡¯s.¡± My heart lurched, but I forced my face nk, brushing past him before he could see through me. ¡°I¡¯m perfectly fine. Let¡¯s get going.¡± Send Gifts 2.3K W 45 Back Where 140 Lycannar The first time I stepped into the Demon Realm, I carried thousands of questions, and the one who answered them was my stepbrother, Hades. Finished He exined why their sun sets and rises differently, why nearly everything in the Kingdom is ck, and why they bear long fangs and horns. It is because they are Demons, so unlike werewolves or Lycans, and they live far longer than us in the Mortal Realm. To them, our world is fragile and fleeting, but I¡­ I can¡¯t choose sides. I belong to both worlds, and I keep the peace between them. As I stood before the Ocean now, I felt the gazes of everyone shift toward me. Just as the ocean portal exists in the Lycan Kingdom¡¯s backyard, so too does the portal rest here, in the Demon Realm¡¯s dark waters. Most of them know me. They know my name, the blood I carry. They fear me, even though I have never once turned my eyes on them. They whisper behind my back, as though I were already guilty. I had saved the Abyss from countless battles, cut down rivals so my stepfather could sit safely on his throne without challenge and still they feared me. Too dangerous, they say. Dripping wet from the Ocean, I walked straight toward the castle, ignoring the bows and stares. Not when I could already sense Hades¡¯s scent somewhere deep below. ¡°My goodness, it¡¯s the Lycan prince.¡°] ¡°Prince? Haven¡¯t you heard? He¡¯s a king now.¡± The whispers trailed behind me, but I gave them no heed. I halted suddenly in the hallway. Evening shadows clung to the walls as I turned toward the royal chamber, intending to greet my stepfather, the Demon King. But the scent of my brother Hades was stronger,ing not from the royal wing, but from the underground prison. My chest tightened. Why is he there? Why wasn¡¯t I told? I turned, only to hear footsteps. The King¡¯s advisor, Salo, appeared with a group of guards. They were mid- conversation, but froze when they saw me standing ahead. Their faces went pale. eye ¡°Is¡­. is that¡­ Apex?¡± Salo stammered, and before I could answer, he bolted off screaming, ¡°Your Majesty!¡± I ignored him, striding down into the depths. The prison was a pit of rot and shadows, cells reeking of despair. I passed several before stopping cold at one. There he was. Hades. Hey sprawled on a stone bed, surrounded by empty bottles of wine. Another was in his hand, halfway down his throat. He look every inch like the warrior I once knew, like the brother I remember. He wasn¡¯t bothered to even be locked. He drained the bottle, reaching for another when he froze. He had sensed me. Slowly, his head turned, and his eyes widened. Then he grinned. ¡°My goodness. Little brother. You came for me?¡± 24% Finished I didn¡¯t answer. My re said enough. I turned away, jaw set, and climbed back to the royal chamber. The throne room stretched long and cold. Salo stood beside the dais as usual, and my stepfather, the Demon King, entered just then. His eyes found me, and for a moment he stopped. ¡°Father,¡± I greeted, bowing, but he came to me first, sping my arm with surprising warmth. ¡°I should have written sooner,¡± he sighed. ¡°When I saw your bodyguard, I realized how foolish I was not to send for you. But you¡­ ruling that vast Lycan Kingdom¡­ I knew how busy you would be.¡± 65 For more chapters visit find?novel ¡°Father.¡± I straightened, studying him. He looked worn, pale¨Clipped, shadows under his eyes. ¡°Apex,¡± he said, the name my mother gave me, the name they all call me here. ¡°Did you read my letter?¡± ¡°I came as soon as I did. The letter said Hades refused the throne, that he¡¯s forfeiting everything.¡± ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± he said firmly. ¡°And for that, I put him where he belongs.¡± ¡°A prison? Father¡­¡± ¡°He¡¯ll be executed tomorrow. That is the order.¡± I froze. My step faltered. ¡°What?¡± ¡°The sentence is sealed.¡± He waved it off. ¡°Now, if you will listen because there are things I must tell you¡­¡® ¡°No, Father. You can¡¯t execute Hades. He¡¯s my only brother¡­¡± ¡°Will you let me speak?!¡± His voice cracked through the hall, furious. I stilled. ¡°Hades is not your brother. He has never been worthy of me as his father! Do you know what he did? Five years ago, at the battle of the Abyss, I ordered him to ughter the Ashmeres. Everyst one. But what did he do? He returned home defeated!¡± ¡°He wasn¡¯t defeated,¡± I countered. ¡°He left the battlefield. There¡¯s a difference.¡± ¡°Hold your tongue, Apex, before I truly lose patience.¡± His eyes burned. ¡°He came home without victory, disobeyed mymand, and worse, he retired as warlord, hung his armor to rot. That was treachery I tolerated but never forgave. And now? I arranged his betrothal so he could ascend after me. But he refused. I gave him a choice. Throne and bride, or death. And he chose death.¡± My heart sank. ¡°What?¡± ¡°I have only one son, and it is you. Thank the gods you are here, I will summon the elders at once and prepare.¡± I stepped back, dread curling in my chest. ¡°What preparation?¡± 24% Finished ¡°For you, Apex. To be Demon King. You will be betrothed to Xyrrha, and you will ascend this throne. Your mother was the true queen of this realm so you have the right to rule.¡± My breath hitched, my knees weakened. Betrothed? Ascend the throne? Wait¡­ what? Send Gifts 2.3K 1 Ìò Back Where 141 Lycannar ¡°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?¡± ²¹ 24%ÈÕ 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. This update is avable on f?i?n?d?n?o?v?e?l? ¡°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. ¡Á 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. ÁÖ¼Ò24%ÈÕ 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¨Cblooded Ashmere.¡± Back Where 142 Lycannar Ó°? 24% Finished The tension that fell between my brother and me was so thick I could hardly breathe. I searched his face, but he wore no expression at all. Then, suddenly, he chuckled and gave me a long stare. ¡°Are you drunk already?¡± he asked. But when I didn¡¯t smile or answer, he paused, frowning. ¡°You¡¯re serious?¡± I nodded slowly. ¡°I am.¡± ¡°An Ashmere¡­ You mean¡­ the warrior n?¡± ¡°They are like family,¡± I said softly. ¡°Just like you Abyss.¡± Hades turned away, sighing heavily before meeting my gaze again. ¡°How did you know?¡± ¡°She is the Alpha of Ash Pack.¡± ¡°Ash Pack?¡± ¡°The pack where the Ashmeres live. Her father was the warlord on the battlefield five years ago, Hades. Her mother was the general we cornered, and her brother¡­ he was the strategist we¡­¡± My voice trailed off, and I exhaled shakily. ¡°I was stunned when I found out.¡± ¡°I¡¯m still stunned myself. Does she know who you are now? Has she broken up with you?¡± he asked. I stared at him in disbelief. ¡°Don¡¯t break my heart with that question. Zephyrine and I are still very much together.¡± I sighed. ¡°We made love justst night.¡± ¡°So she doesn¡¯t know you¡¯re half Lycan, half demon? A warlord who fought on the battlefield five years ago side by side with the Abyss?¡± I shook my head. ¡°I only told her the defeated demons took refuge in my kingdom. Hades, remember the goddess of war everyone spoke about? The one who defeated Xyrrha? That was Zephyrine. She was the one who led the battle. The one who shattered the spell.¡± Again, my brother went still, stunned. He stared at me in awe before frowning and shaking his head. ¡°You sure this isn¡¯t fate, little brother?¡± ¡°That¡¯s what I asked myself when I first heard the truth from her. I couldn¡¯t think straight for a long time. And I¡¯m worried Father won¡¯t ept her or the Abyss.¡± Hades went quiet, then nodded. 2 6 O N?w ?ovel chapt?rs are published on F¦Énd£Îovel OR ||| O 24% Finished ¡°You must keep her at all cost, little brother. And I¡¯ll advise you to tell her who you are before she finds out elsewhere.¡± ¡°Hades¡­ she hates demons.¡± I whispered. ¡°What if she learns I am part of the same demons tied to her parents¡® death?¡± Hades locked eyes with me, his gaze heavy. He swallowed hard, then shook his head. ¡°You should exin everything to her. It wasn¡¯t the demons that killed her parents orrades. That first wave battle was nothing but a death sentence disguised as war. The werewolves were betrayed by their own kind. We demons had nothing to do with that.¡± ¡°Yeah¡­¡± I breathed, bowing my head as memories of the battlefield cries came rushing back. ¡°But will she still forgive the demons? Or me for what I did that day?¡± Hades ced a firm hand on my shoulder, shaking it gently. ¡°If you hadn¡¯t arrived at that nick of time, not even Varyn would have made it out alive. You saved his life, and that¡¯s enough to earn her forgiveness!¡± He searched my eyes, then let out a weary sigh. ¡°You¡¯ve suffered so many times, little brother. Sacrificed too much for me even in that war. This time, let me save you.¡± ¡°Hades¡­¡± He rose from the stone bed and went to the gate, speaking to the guard. ¡°Tell Father I¡¯ve agreed to his order, but I have my conditions. And I will dere them before all.¡± ¡°Yes, My Prince.¡± The guard left, and I quickly stood, staring at Hades in awe. ¡°I won¡¯t let you enter a loveless marriage, Hades.¡± ¡°It¡¯s fine. As long as you get your woman and find happiness.¡± ¡°You think I¡¯ll be happy knowing you¡¯re trapped in a loveless marriage?¡± I asked, my voice raw. He only shrugged, turning to face me with a smirk. ¡°We can kill Kiara anytime, even before the wedding. Then I won¡¯t have to endure it. What do you say?¡± I didn¡¯t respond. I only returned to the bed and sat, my thoughts heavy. I had learned from the greatest. Death was always the simplest way to remove an obstacle. I studied my brother, and for a moment I wondered why he admired me so much. He wasn¡¯t judging me for loving an Ashmere, someone from the very family that had ughtered our army in war. ¡°The Ashmeres made you hang your armor, little brother,¡± he said quietly. ¡°Yet you love one of them and want her at any cost. Won¡¯t you regret it?¡± ¡°Instead of victory, you chose to forgive the Ashmeres too and you returned home a warlord who left the battlefield unfinished. Did you regret it?¡± Hades swallowed hard. That war five years ago had carved a wound that would never heal in both of us. His eyes lingered on mine as he spoke again, voice grave. 24% Finished ¡°Apex.¡± He called me by name, and I knew what came next was serious. ¡°I didn¡¯t retire because I left the battlefield unfinished. I hung my armor forever because I was betrayed in that war, just like the Ashmeres. The battle was nothing but a trap, meant to make the Abyss and Ashmeres ughter one another. And before you leave this realm, I have something for you. It will help you understand why that war was even issued in the first ce.¡± Send Gifts 2.3K Back Where 143 The Rogue Is A Female Alpha Nyroth ¡°Alpha Nyroth? Alpha Nyroth?¡± ζ24%: Finished The sound of footsteps came closer, followed by a gentle tap that jolted me back to reality. I looked up to see Kai standing before me, and I nearly hissed aloud. ¡°You are here.¡± He didn¡¯t answer, only stared at me with concern. I could tell he was worried. Almost everyone in my family was because they knew I was slowly losing myself. ¡°What report do you bring?¡± I asked, seated in the council chamber, my gaze fixed on the scroll in his hand. With a sigh, he extended it to me, ¡°Alpha Nyroth, no one wants to trade with us anymore. Alpha Orod, who once begged for partnership, haspletely withdrawn. It turns out the Ashmeres aided him in a war years ago, and he is heavily indebted to Ash Pack. The only reason he ran after Hue for trade was because of Zeph¡­ I mean, Alpha Zephyrine.¡± The words sank my heart further. It had only been a few days since I rejected Zephyrine, but it felt like years. I hated it. I hated that I had let her go, and I regretted it a thousand times. There was a time I could mindlink her as my mate, but now I couldn¡¯t reach her at all. It was as though she had vanished from the shifter realm itself. I let out a heavy sigh, about to speak, when more footsteps approached. A knock followed. I turned my head toward the door just as Olivia walked in, exhaustion etched across her face. The maids in Hue Pack had begun to quit since there was no payment. The trades we had secured were crumbling one after another. Hue Pack, which once thrived, was now drowning in debt. To make matters. worse, my mother had fallen ill after visiting ckbridge Pack, and only Olivia was caring for her. ¡°Brother Nyroth,¡± she said as she entered. ¡°I think Mom should see a healer. Her wolf is withering so fast. If we can get her treatment, she¡¯ll be fine.¡± At those words, I had no choice but to sigh. With what money would I pay a healer? With what means? I swallowed hard, rose gently, and walked to the window, peering out with a heavy heart. It was as though Zeph had been my lifeline of fortune. Now that I had let her go, there was no light at the end of my tunnel. Ka. That vile woman. She was the architect of all this, and yet I couldn¡¯t even make her pay because Icked the power. I sighed again and came to a conclusion. If I could not approach from the front, then I would turn to the back. I must go to Zeph and beg for forgiveness. *** 6 2 OR III O < That night, under the dim sky, I stopped my carriage before White Pack. 24% Finished When I alighted, I stood there for a brief moment, releasing a shaky breath before heading toward the Dusk household. I knocked on the door, hoping Zeph was still around to grant me audience. I knocked again, but no response came. Impatience and worry gnawed at me. Word had already reached me that Ka was now involved with the son of a wealthy trader from Ind Pack, and that they were even considering marriage. Surprisingly, I wasn¡¯t jealous. I pitied the man. I knew Ka meant no good. The words she had once spoken about her envoy mission still haunted me. She had said that her title as envoy of peace had been bought with blood. If that was true, then she hadn¡¯t gone to bring peace at all. Where had she been for five years? That woman. I was still tangled in my thoughts when the door opened sharply. Dessyn, Zeph¡¯s friend, stood there ring at me, her hostility in. ¡°Is it mydy?¡± I heard Blue call from inside. ¡°Nope.¡± Dessyn replied tly. ¡°It¡¯s someone who is just leaving.¡± I raised an eyebrow, but she didn¡¯t care. I could tell she had never liked me, not even when she visited Hue Pack to see Zeph. ¡°Why are you here, Alpha Nyroth?¡± she asked curtly. ¡°Zeph. Call her out for me,¡± I said. She gave me a long look before asking, ¡°Why should I? Why are you here?¡± ¡°Because of Zeph. Now, will you call her out to¡­¡± ¡°She¡¯s in a rtionship. A genuine one, with the Lycan King,¡± she cut me off tightly. And then, twisting the de deeper, she added, ¡°They¡¯ve already made love many times. They¡¯re even speaking of marriage. Just so you know, Apex won¡¯t leave her for anyone. Don¡¯t waste your time. Take my advice and move on just like your mistress Ka has. Thank you.¡± Before I could respond, she mmed the door in my face, leaving me standing in the cold. Humiliation washed over me. My throat worked as I swallowed hard, gritting my teeth. The way she behaved, I could bet my life she wouldn¡¯t dare act like that to Apex. Insolent wench. I turned toward the exit, disgraced and exhausted, about to climb into my carriage when a presence behind me made me pause. I turned to see a shadowed figure step into the dim light. Recognition hit. It was the same man I had seen when leaving ckbridge Pack days ago. ¡°Are you following me?¡± I asked. ÁÖ¼Ò 24%ËÄ Finished He stared at me in silence for a long while. Something about him was different. His aura was unlike anything I had sensed before. Not fully werewolf, not something I could name. ¡°I¡¯m not following you,¡± he finally said quietly. He looked toward White Pack, his gaze fixed on the Dusk household door, and nodded. ¡°I came only to check on my little sister.¡± I frowned. Then he turned and walked away. My confusion only deepened. As far as I knew, Dessyn was the firstborn of her parents. She had no elder brother, no younger one, except for Moon. Wait¡­ was this man talking about¡­ Blue? Send Gifts 2.3K ? W ?????? ???? Find[?]ovel Back Where 144 Zephyrine СÄî 24%ÈÕ Finished The citadel stood magnificent before me, right in the middle of nowhere. A ce where I was to meet the Mirror Monger. I had grown weaker than I was in the morning, and how that dusk had fallen, I could not fathom how much the w mark had drained me. Why it had to do that. It felt as though my love was punishing me for leaving on a trip without informing him. I nced down at my knuckles, already turning white, then clenched my jaw against the pain and fatigue as I dismounted from the great white horse Lycannar had gifted me. I left her by the building and walked toward the citadel. As I approached, the horse gave a quiet neigh and trotted closer, as though unwilling to let me go. I smiled faintly, rubbed her mane, and whispered soft words. ¡°I will be back soon. Stay right here.¡± After that, I cast my gaze into the shadows of the forest, fully aware Moon was somewhere out there, his eyes locked on me. We had traveled without pause all day, and I had barely touched the bread he bought at a tavern we passed. I had drunk little, too. My appetite was gone. All I could think of was bringing my brother home. I turned to the citadel doors and lifted a hand to knock, but before I could, they opened on their own, startling me. I entered cautiously, every sense alert, and the moment I stepped inside, the doors shut behind me. A vast hall stretched out, lined with countless mirrors. Reflections of myself stared back from every corner, and I swallowed hard. Lycannar despised mirrors. This ce would be his worst weakness. ¡°You havee.¡± A voice rang out, though I could not tell where it came from. I stood still, waiting. ¡°Are you an Ashmere?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°An Alpha?¡± ¡°Correct.¡± ¡°But I expected a man. Why a woman? I never knew the empire had a female Alpha.¡± I steadied my voice and kept my jaw firm. ¡°I have yet to throw a celebration, but rest assured, once I find Varyn, I will. I heard you have words about him.¡± 6 O 2 RO O < 24% Finished The voice went silent. Then all the mirrors lowered, and the space shifted into what looked like a relic shop, shelves stacked with old and odd artifacts. In the center sat a middle¨Caged man with a gray beard and sharp eyes. We locked gazes for what felt like an eternity, until he abruptly turned away, muttering an order over his shoulder. ¡°Kill her.¡± At once, men rushed in from every angle. My jaw clenchedz. Is this an ambush? One threw a punch, but I blocked and struck back. They came at me hard, but I intercepted them all, leaving them writhing on the floor, groaning and coughing. The fight drained me. One had mmed into my arm, and the pain nearly crippled me. Sweat rolled down my face, but I wiped it away and followed a path the man who have give the order had too onky to appear into a smaller chamber where a mirror with an ornate handle sat. He had been seated in a wooden chair but rose quickly, bowing deeply. I froze, caught off guard. ¡°Years ago, your father, Warlord Vale, came to this store after a great ceremony. My only son was sick, and I had no means. Your father traded his medal of honor to heal my boy. For that, I am forever indebted to the Ashmeres.¡± Cold chills swept down my spine, and my eyes burned. ¡°Five years ago, the battle was the most gruesome. The first wave shook the empire, and we lost our finest warriors to demons. I loathe them for it. When I heard whispers of Lord Varyn¡¯s disappearance, I was saddened I could not help. Then¡­ I met a peddler. He sold me this relic, a mirror. At first I thought it ordinary. But when I looked inside, I saw another world, hidden, and among the captives was a man I recognized.¡± His voice broke, and he lifted the mirror with reverence. ¡°I could not trust this truth to anyone unworthy. That is why I demanded only a true¨Cblooded Ashmere Alpha could hear me. I never knew it would be you, mydy, goddess of war. You alone dared face my men and still stand.¡± He pressed the mirror into my hands, his eyes soft, sad. ¡°Free of charge. I bought it from a peddler in Nighttain town and he frequents there. You will want to find him once you see what I saw. Farewell, mydy.¡± I swallowed hard, took the mirror, and left without a word. Outside, I approached my horse, took her reins, and led her into the night. When atst I stopped, I clutched the mirror tightly, my heart thundering. For reasons I tried not to admit, my hands trembled as I lifted it before my face. At first, only my reflection stared back. Then the image wavered. Shifted. Goosebumps prickled across my skin as my reflection vanished, reced by another sight. The Mirror Monger had not lied. This relic revealed a hidden world, one I wished I had never seen. Captives. Prisoners. And among them¡­ him. The color drained from my face. My heart sank, my knees buckled. 24%ÈÕ Finished The once¨Cgreat war strategist, the next Alpha of Ash Pack, the only son of Warlord Vale¡­ Varyn Ashmere. After five long years of yearning, of going half¨Cmad with waiting, I finally found him and the state he was in broke me. Before I could steady myself, I copsed to the ground. Darkness closed in, and I passed out. Send Gifts 2.3K ?????? ???? F?ndNovel Back Where 145 Zephyrine ²¹24% Finished Exhaustion like never before descended on me, and I felt as though I might pass out again. I tried to lift a finger, but strength denied me. All I could do was look up at the roof above. I turned my head slowly and saw Moon packing a saddlebag. My throat tightened at the look in his eyes. We were in an inn. A single room with a single bed, and Iy upon it. ¡°Moon?¡± I called his name quietly, and he turned at once. When he saw me, his eyes went wide. ¡°Zephyr.¡± He rushed to the bed, kneeling to take my hand, pressing his palm against my temple. ¡°My gods, you look so pale. You passed outst night. Listen very carefully. I¡¯ve packed our things and readied the horses. We¡¯ll leave for Ash Pack today, after you¡¯ve had breakfast. It¡¯s a two¨Cday journey, but we¡¯ll make it.¡± His words came and went, faint as echoes. I blinked, trying to move, but a harsh cough forced me back against the pillow. ¡°Zephyr, please. Justy down. You¡¯re so ill.¡± His concern rang deep, and I let out a shaky sigh. ¡°I can¡¯t, Moon. I¡­ I need to find my brother.¡± ¡°Zephyr,¡± he said softly, his hold on me turning tender. ¡°You¡¯ll find your brother, no matter what but not in this state. You¡¯re dying. We need to get you home. And besides, the mirror¨Cmonger gave you nothing but an old mirror and¡­¡± ¡°No.¡± I cut him off, my voice weak but firm. ¡°That mirror, Moon. Where is it?¡± Silence fell, and dread gnawed at me. My heart ached. Was it¡­ what¡­ ¡°You fellst night, Zephyr. The mirror shattered when you dropped it.¡± A cold chill shot down my spine. I sat up sharply, my body shuddering in agony. ¡°The mirror, Moon. Please tell me it hasn¡¯t broken.¡± He looked at me as though I were delusional and gently took my hand. ¡°Zephyr¡­ please, lie back down and¡­¡± ¡°The mirror¨Cmonger helped mest night, Moon. He said my father once helped him, and in return he¡¯d repay the debt. That mirror¡­ it was a relic. A powerful relic. I saw Varyn, he¡¯s captive. And¡­ wait. The peddler. We need to find the peddler who frequents Nightine town and¡­¡± ¡°Zephyr!¡± he snapped, and I froze in silence. His jaw tightened for a long time before he bent,ying his head on my thigh like a man pleading. ¡°Zephyr, pleasee to your senses. What you saw isn¡¯t real. The mirror¡­ everything¡­ we need to go home. You¡¯re running out of time,¡± Moon lifted his head to look at me, and my heart sank. He didn¡¯t believe me. That tore something inside me wide open. 6 O RO r ? ??? 24% Finished Slowly, I lowered my gaze to my clenched fists, my knuckles gone white. He might be wrong about many things, but he was right about one: I was running out of time. Without treatment, I¡¯d perish before Varyn could ever be saved. But the peddler¡­ Varyn¡­ could I leave him behind and go home? No. I had already taken his ce as Alpha. I couldn¡¯t¡­ My thoughts broke as tears welled up and spilled down my cheeks. Moon looked stricken at my brokenness, reaching to console me, but I turned away, rejecting his touch. I was so down. So hurt. First, because he didn¡¯t believe me. Second, because I had no strength to continue. Third, because the mirror was destroyed. I swallowed against the ache and rose unsteadily from the bed. My knees buckled, and Moon caught me. ¡°Zephyr¡­¡± ¡°Let¡¯s go back home.¡± My voice was low as I walked to the chamber to wash my face. I stood before the mirror there, staring at my reflection for a long time. Gently, I pulled down the sleeve of my dress to look at the w marks on my arm. The skin around them had turned purple. I needed treatment and no one was better at it than the princess of the Lycan Kingdom. I pulled the dress back into ce and stepped out. Moon was waiting, looking apologetic. He approached me carefully. ¡°Zephyr, I didn¡¯t mean to snap. I was only concerned and¡­¡± ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡± My tone was sincere. ¡°I¡¯m not angry. I¡¯m grateful you¡¯re here. How would I have survivedst night without you?¡± ¡°Zephyr¡­¡± I closed the distance and took his hand gently. ¡°I¡¯ll journey to the Lycan Kingdom, while you return home. You¡¯re right. I need a healer, and Princess Mearez is the best. Besides, no one will believe a story about a world inside a mirror except someone who¡¯s half¨Cmad. But I have someone who will. It¡¯s time I tell my love. Couples help each other. They trust each other. They believe without hesitation. You¡­ you are myrade, my brother¨Cin¨Carms. You protect me by setting limits. But my Lycan? He¡¯ll burn the whole world to keep me safe. Let¡¯s go. We¡¯re running out of time.¡± I released his hand, strode outside, mounted my horse with practiced ease, and galloped away. Send Gifts Newest update provided by Find¡ïNovel 2.3K C H 2 6 O Back Where 146 Lycannar 24% Finished Hades¡®ughter filled the underground prison as he reached for another bottle of alcohol. The guards had delivered a refill again tonight, and I was deep in conversation with my brother when a voice cut through the air. ¡°I can¡¯t believe you two areughing everything off, especially you, Hades.¡± We both froze and turned. There stood our uncle Ureh, my mother¡¯s elder brother. I had once introduced him to Zephyrine back in my kingdom. As much as we were free with him, he was a man known never to spare us. Hades and I rose quickly from the stone bed. He unlocked the bars and pushed the iron door wide. ¡°The Demon King will grant you an audience, Hades. Apex, you¡¯ll be present too.¡± He stared hard at us in silence before leaving. ¡°I¡¯ve got a feeling this won¡¯t end well,¡± I muttered. ¡°What do you think?¡± ¡°The worst that can happen is you losing your woman, and I won¡¯t let that happen. Come on.¡± We left the underground prison and stepped into the open air. The cool night breeze that settled over the courtyard was refreshing. I followed Hades into his chambers, where beautiful women sprawled everywhere. His harem. Hades was a notorious womanizer. While I respected his choices, I never understood why he always kept so many women close. Thedies lit up at the sight of him, rushing forward with kisses and embraces. I looked away and walked ahead. ¡°I¡¯ll clean up,dies. I¡¯m back,¡± Hades announced before excusing himself to join me. ¡°Little brother, let¡¯s take a bath before we go to the throne chamber.¡± # I followed him into his bathing hall but paused before undressing. He had maids who washed him, mistresses who touched him like wives. On any normal day, I couldn¡¯t bear anyone touching me carelessly and now that feeling was sharper. ¡°I¡¯ll bathe in the Abyss chamber,¡± I said, and he shoved my shoulder in response. I left for the private Abyss bath chamber. Wide, serene, dimly lit, it was hidden inside the castle. Only Abyss blood could enter and as half Abyss, I had the right. I began to unfasten my shirt when a ripple stirred the water. A scent hit me, one that made me swallow hard. Xyrrha. She was here. Slowly she surfaced, water glistening on her skin, but before I could glimpse more, I turned toward the exit. Her voice stopped me. ¡°I was just leaving.¡± I heard her stepping out of the pool, the rustle of cloth as she covered herself. A momentter, she stood before me, her shoulder bare, water dripping from her hair. ¡°Why are you avoiding me, Apex?¡± she asked softly. ¡°You¡¯ve avoided me for five years, and now still. Haven¡¯t 6 O 2 R III O you forgiven me for what I did back then?¡± I looked at her, then dropped my gaze. I turned toward the water, but her voice came again. ζ24% Finished ¡°I¡¯m still in love with you. And I¡¯m d you haven¡¯t moved on. No ring on your finger, no wife. That¡¯s a blessing.¡± This time I turned, a sigh slipping out. ¡°I moved on,¡± I told her, and I saw her freeze. ¡°What?¡± ¡°With a werewolf. Just months ago. She¡¯s¡­ everything to me.¡± Her face paled, but I pressed on. ¡°I never loved you, Xyrrha. When I tried to make an effort you took my men to war and got them ughtered.¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to, Apex!¡± She rushed forward, jealousy burning in her eyes. ¡°I had orders, I couldn¡¯t ignore them! The Ashmeres were impossible to defeat. Hades wouldn¡¯t give me his army, yours was all I had¡­¡± ¡°And you threw them into the first wave. I read the reports. You sent them to the front line. None returned. I arrived toote. For that I can¡¯t forgive you.¡± My jaw tightened as I turned toward the water again, but her voice followed, cold and sharp. ¡°I¡¯ll kill her.¡± I paused. ¡°The woman you¡¯re with¡­ I¡¯ll ughter her.¡± I turned back, smirking. ¡°You can try,¡± I said, stripping off my shirt. Fury carried her out of the chamber, leaving me trembling with old memories. The children she¡¯d orphaned, the blood she¡¯d cost me. I bathed, then went to Hades¡® rooms to borrow clothes. He joined me there, dressing too, and together we made our way to the throne hall. The Demon King was already waiting with his advisor Salo and Salo¡¯s daughter, Kaira. My uncle Ureh and the Abyss elders stood among them. ¡°Father.¡± Hades bowed low. The king looked away, still angry. ¡°I apologize for my disobedience. After hearing my little brother¡¯s counsel, I see how foolish I was.¡± I nearly raised an eyebrow. I hadn¡¯t advised him on anything. ¡°So, what have you decided?¡± Father asked atst. ¡°I¡¯ve decided to obey you, Father. I¡¯ll take the throne and marry whoever you choose.¡± ¡°Really? You will¡­¡± ¡°I have one condition,¡± Hades cut in. Murmurs rippled through the chamber. ¡°If I obey, you¡¯ll let my little brother marry the woman he¡¯s chosen. You¡¯ll bless him and ept her as your daughter.¡± 12.56 Sat, Sep My chest tightened, and I swallowed. ¡°Hades¡­¡± I tried to stop him, but he turned to me. m 24%E Finished ¡°You¡¯re a king, Apex. My brother. You¡¯ve saved me countless times, given me respect and a ce among our people. At least let me repay you this once. Besides my bride isn¡¯t so terrible, is she?¡± I shifted my gaze to Kaira. Our eyes met, and a cold chill ran through me. ¡°Hades¡­¡± ¡°I ept your condition,¡± my stepfather¡¯s voice thundered before I could speak. ¡°It¡¯s final.¡± Hades bowed. ¡°Thank you, Father.¡± The chamber emptied atst, leaving just the two of us. I searched his eyes as he pulled something from beneath his cloak, a stack of old letters sealed in a cylindrical ss, which he handed to me. ¡°When you reach Your ck Tower, read them.¡± I looked from the ss to his face, hesitating before I whispered, unable to stop myself. ¡°Don¡¯t marry Kaira, Hades.¡± His eyes widened in curiosity. Read full story at Find_Novel(. ¡°Well, I can¡¯t avoid it now, can I?¡± He shrugged. ¡°Maybe I¡¯ll grow to love her.¡± ¡°You won¡¯t have that chance.¡± His brow furrowed. ¡°Why?¡± ¡°Because on your wedding night¡­ she¡¯ll poison you to death.¡± Send Gifts 2.3K Back Where 147 Zephyrine 24% Finished It was under thete afternoon sky that Moon and I arrived at the path where we would part ways. I had imed I was leaving for the Lycan Kingdom, while he would return to White Pack. He stopped his horse and turned to me, his eyes still full of apology. ¡°I wish you¡¯d let me escort you to the Lycan Kingdom. I¡¯ll only leave once we reach the gates,¡± he said softly. But I offered him a smile. I was slowly dying, and I knew it. ¡°I¡¯ll be fine, Moon. Once I get there, Princess Mearez will heal me. My horse is fast. You don¡¯t have to worry about me at all.¡± I assured him tenderly, and he nodded. ¡°Go on, then. Let me see you leave.¡± I steered my horse onto the path, and it galloped away. Only when I had disappeared from sight did Moon turn back on his own road, heading for White Pack. The moment I was certain he was gone, I pulled my horse to a halt and swallowed hard. If I left without finding the peddler, without something more tangible, I would never forgive myself. I had seen the state Varyn was in. Every second to him must be more painful than hell. I turned my horse back toward the ce where I had fainted, where the mirror had fallen. When I arrived under the dimming sky, I found the shards still scattered on the ground. I dismounted at once, gathering everyst piece. Passersby threw nces at me, but I ignored them. After filling my saddlebag with the shards, I asked around for a repair shop. There, I paid a craftsman to restore it. He stared at me as if I were mad. ¡°Why not buy a new one, mydy? The cost would be the same. And no one bothers to fix a mirror since it¡¯ll never be the same again.¡± I shook my head. ¡°Fix it. Keep the old handle intact.¡± The shopkeeper looked at me again, baffled, but obeyed. I waited at the counter until he returned with the mended relic, and I paid him before stepping outside. By my horse, I leaned against the saddle and held the mirror to my face. At first, it showed nothing. My shoulders sagged with exhaustion, and I nearly gave up. But then it shifted. My reflection rippled away and there he was. Varyn. Cold chills raced down my spine. His beard was overgrown, but those eyes could never lie. It was him, chained and broken. I swallowed hard, returning the relic carefully to my saddlebag before sighing. I was tired. Weak. But I pressed my forehead against my horse and closed my eyes. Just one night, I told myself. One night more to endure, and tomorrow I would return home. Sat, Sep *** Áî24%ÈÕ Finished ¡°The peddler? That old man? He just left a few hours ago. If you wait, he¡¯ll circle back with his cart,¡± the woman told me. I had arrived in Nightine Town at nightfall, and every answer I received was the same. That he had just left, he woulde if I stayed. But I couldn¡¯t wait. Each second felt like it cost me everything. Even my wolf wheezed with pain, yet I endured. I turned to leave and search elsewhere when a voice came from behind. ¡°You¡¯re the pale beauty who¡¯s been asking around for me?¡± I froze for a moment, then turned slowly. The old peddler stood there, pushing his cart. The townsfolk must have spoken of me to him. ¡°Pale¡°. That word told me more than I wanted to know. Whatever happened, I had to return home tonight, or I might copse on the road and never wake again. Without wasting time, I went to my horse, pulled the mirror from my saddlebag, and extended it to him. The instant he saw it, his eyes widened with horror. He spun to flee, but my horse blocked his path. His terrified reaction confused me. Why was he afraid, when I hadn¡¯t even spoken? I stepped closer, and he began to shake, blurting out at once. ¡°I know nothing about it, I swear! I never stole from Stone. I never stole from him!¡± I narrowed my eyes. ¡°Stone?¡± I asked, closing the distance between us. ¡°This mirror, where did you get it?¡± He searched my gaze, frowning with worry. ¡°You¡¯re not nning to go there, are you?¡± His voice carried fear. ¡°I¡­ I actually took it from a fortress. Stole it.¡± I swallowed hard and pressed forward. ¡°Where is this fortress?¡± ¡°It¡¯s no ce for ady. Especially not one as pale as you, mydy. You¡­¡± ¡°I have to find my brother. Tell me.¡± My voice was curt, cutting him short. He stared at me in awe, his expression shifting as the color drained from his face. ¡°You¡¯re¡­ Zephyrine?¡± Hearing it made my knees falter. ¡°How do you know?¡± He looked away briefly, as if to steady himself. ÁÖ¼Ò23%Äú 8 Finished ¡°Years ago, a captive inside that fortress wrote a letter. I was there for trade when he slipped it to me. He begged me to deliver it to his sister. But¡­ I¡¯m a crook. I sold it instead with this mirror to the Mirror Monger.¡± My heart sank. Rage wed at me. For a heartbeat, I wanted to strangle him and I could, easily. But if I did, I would lose my only lead to Varyn after all these years. ¡°When did he write the letter? Where did he ask you to deliver it?¡± ¡°Four years ago, if I recall. He mentioned Ash¡­ Ash Pack, I think.¡± ??? ????? ???????s ??? ?????s??? ?? Find~Novel My gaze fell, my heart breaking. Four years. If only the letter had reached me¡­ ¡°This fortress. Its name?¡± The peddler swallowed, his face ghostly pale as he whispered the word that froze me to the bone. ¡°ckwater.¡± I went cold at that revtion. ckwater. A fortress for barbarians, hidden in the empire¡¯s own backyard. A ce where every sort of ambiguous trade thrived. very, ughter, dealings withoutw or conscience. I staggered back, and my horse stepped forward just in time for me to lean against her nk. ckwater. If this was true, then my brother was already running out of time. No wonder his sanity was slipping. ¡°Where can I find a messenger?¡± I asked the peddler, my voice tight. ¡°I have a letter to write and it must be delivered.¡± Send Gifts 2.3K ? 1 Back Where 148 Lycannar 23% Finished I rose out of the water and headed straight toward my ck tower. Just as I stepped into the dining hall, I saw the rush of movement. It was as though my sisters had been waiting for my scent, waiting for my presence. I had left the Demon Realm after my words with Hades, and though he said nothing, the way he stared at me in awe still lingered. I swallowed hard as Xyrrha¡¯s memory came back to me, then lowered my gaze to the cylindrical ss in my clutch and held it tight. ¡°Lycan!¡± Mearez rushed into my arms without caring that I was dripping wet. She kissed my lips, then pulled back to search my body for injuries. I said softly, ¡°I am fine.¡± I looked to Serena, who still hadn¡¯t moved from her ce. She was too emotional. I could see it in her eyes. Gently, I walked up to her and kissed her lips. ¡°I¡¯m fine. I¡¯m home,¡± I whispered, then sighed. ¡°Our brother Hades is fine too. You both have nothing to worry about, understand?¡± My elder sisters nodded in unison. I shifted my gaze to the window, staring up at the night sky. ¡°It¡¯ste. You should rest. Tomorrow we¡¯ll have breakfast together and talk.¡± ¡°Alright, baby brother,¡± Serena replied, and I nodded. Before they could leave, I couldn¡¯t help but ask, ¡°Are you both alright? Nothing happened in my absence?¡± Mearez turned first, shaking her head. ¡°Baron, your beta, handled the politics and meetings while Serena and I continued our tasks.¡± I nodded and swallowed before asking softly, ¡°Zephyrine¡­ she didn¡¯te by?¡± This time, my sisters exchanged a nce and shook their heads. I nodded again, watching them leave, clearly relieved that I was back. From the corner of my eye, I caught sight of Chantel lurking in the shadows. He, too, moved as I turned for the stairs. When I reached my ck tower, I hurried into my chambers and pulled off my cloak. Then I called out, ¡°Chantel?¡± He appeared in the doorway at once. I walked back into my chamber, giving him the order, ¡°These are letters. Sort them by date. Quickly.¡± 23% Finished He crossed to the table where I had ced the cylindrical ss, opened it, and began sorting through the old letters while I stripped off my wet clothes and dried my hair. By the time I pulled on fresh garments, he looked up. ¡°It¡¯s done.¡± he said. I sat across from him, motioning for him to remain seated. ?? ??? ???? ?? ???? ???? ???????s, ????s? ??s?? f¦É?dn¦Ïvel ¡°These are letters Hades gave me. He said they¡¯ll reveal more about the battle five years ago.¡± I picked up the first letter, noting the date is six years old. The sender¡¯s name wasn¡¯t explicit; it only read Imperium. The receiver was my stepfather, the Demon King. Carefully, I read the fragile scroll. ¡°Written from the Shifter Empire to you, Demon King, Lord of Abyss. We know we are divided by walls, vastly different in kind, but we need your help for stability. After much thought, we sought the great shaman, who revealed that only the Demon King can help. If you agree to partnership, we will give you anything you ask. Our envoy will travel back and forth for discussion.¡± I went still. The Imperium Council had written to the Demon King? The second letter was my father¡¯s reply. ¡°The Abyss won¡¯t engage in any deal, but state your demand and I will consider it.¡± The third letter came from the Imperium Council. ¡°There is a power imbnce in the Shifter Empire. A powerful army must be annihted. The Ashmeres. They are bing unstoppable. Even their women are being trained as warriors. We need your help to instigate war and ughter them in battle. We will aid you in return.¡± Cold spread through me. I already knew the Ashmeres had been betrayed, but seeing it written was different. I opened the next letter which contain my stepfather¡¯s words, written two monthster after the Imperium letter. ¡°Be it so, then let us make an agreement. There is an army here as well, growing too powerful. We will send them to the war front. Three hundred and fifty soldiers. The target must first be their warlord. Kill him, and the rest will fall.¡± Gooseflesh prickled along my arms. Three hundred and fifty men? Their warlord? Was that¡­ me? The next letter was brief. ¡°In that case, we are d to help one another. What is the name of the army to be annihted?¡±
The reply came sharp and damning. ¡°Blood Army.¡± 23% Finished The paper slipped from my fingers. I stared at the table as if I could see through it. Blood Army. The very army Imanded. So¡­ why had the Abyss gone in my stead? I grabbed the next letter. They spoke only of war strategies, how to entrap both the Blood Army and the Ashmeres, forcing them to ughter each other on the battlefield. Then I reached the second¨Ctost letter. ¡°The warlord of the Bloof Army will not appear. We have a change of n. The agreed day is the eve of the full moon. The Blood Army¡¯s warlord cannot be defeated then. Instead, I will send another warlord and he will see it done. ce the Blood Army in the front line, and rest assured, all Ashmeres will die and so will the Blood army.¡± The final letter came from the Imperium Council. ¡°Then we have an ord. We will send our envoy, Ka, with gifts to present as thanks for your aid.¡± Send Gifts 2.3K Back Where 149 Lycannar 23% Finished I rose out of the water and headed straight toward my ck tower. Just as I stepped into the dining hall, I saw the rush of movement. It was as though my sisters had been waiting for my scent, waiting for my presence. I had left the Demon Realm after my words with Hades, and though he said nothing, the way he stared at me in awe still lingered. I swallowed hard as Xyrrha¡¯s memory came back to me, then lowered my gaze to the cylindrical ss in my clutch and held it tight. ¡°Lycan!¡± Mearez rushed into my arms without caring that I was dripping wet. She kissed my lips, then pulled back to search my body for injuries. I said softly, ¡°I am fine.¡± I looked to Serena, who still hadn¡¯t moved from her ce. She was too emotional. I could see it in her eyes. Gently, I walked up to her and kissed her lips. ¡°I¡¯m fine. I¡¯m home,¡± I whispered, then sighed. ¡°Our brother Hades is fine too. You both have nothing to worry about, understand?¡± My elder sisters nodded in unison. I shifted my gaze to the window, staring up at the night sky. ¡°It¡¯ste. You should rest. Tomorrow we¡¯ll have breakfast together and talk.¡± ¡°Alright, baby brother,¡± Serena replied, and I nodded. Before they could leave, I couldn¡¯t help but ask, ¡°Are you both alright? Nothing happened in my absence?¡± Mearez turned first, shaking her head. ¡°Baron, your beta, handled the politics and meetings while Serena and I continued our tasks.¡± I nodded and swallowed before asking softly, ¡°Zephyrine¡­ she didn¡¯te by?¡± This time, my sisters exchanged a nce and shook their heads. I nodded again, watching them leave, clearly relieved that I was back. From the corner of my eye, I caught sight of Chantel lurking in the shadows. He, too, moved as I turned for the stairs. When I reached my ck tower, I hurried into my chambers and pulled off my cloak. Then I called out, ¡°Chantel?¡± He appeared in the doorway at once. I walked back into my chamber, giving him the order, ¡°These are letters. Sort them by date. Quickly.¡± 23% Finished He crossed to the table where I had ced the cylindrical ss, opened it, and began sorting through the old letters while I stripped off my wet clothes and dried my hair. By the time I pulled on fresh garments, he looked up. ¡°It¡¯s done.¡± he said. I sat across from him, motioning for him to remain seated. ¡°These are letters Hades gave me. He said they¡¯ll reveal more about the battle five years ago.¡± I picked up the first letter, noting the date is six years old. The sender¡¯s name wasn¡¯t explicit; it only read Imperium. The receiver was my stepfather, the Demon King. Carefully, I read the fragile scroll. ¡°Written from the Shifter Empire to you, Demon King, Lord of Abyss. We know we are divided by walls, vastly different in kind, but we need your help for stability. After much thought, we sought the great shaman, who revealed that only the Demon King can help. If you agree to partnership, we will give you anything you ask. Our envoy will travel back and forth for discussion.¡± I went still. The Imperium Council had written to the Demon King? The second letter was my father¡¯s reply. ¡°The Abyss won¡¯t engage in any deal, but state your demand and I will consider it.¡± The third letter came from the Imperium Council. Newest update provided by F¦Énd£Îovel ¡°There is a power imbnce in the Shifter Empire. A powerful army must be annihted. The Ashmeres. They are bing unstoppable. Even their women are being trained as warriors. We need your help to instigate war and ughter them in battle. We will aid you in return.¡± Cold spread through me. I already knew the Ashmeres had been betrayed, but seeing it written was different. I opened the next letter which contain my stepfather¡¯s words, written two monthster after the Imperium letter. ¡°Be it so, then let us make an agreement. There is an army here as well, growing too powerful. We will send them to the war front. Three hundred and fifty soldiers. The target must first be their warlord. Kill him, and the rest will fall.¡± Gooseflesh prickled along my arms. Three hundred and fifty men? Their warlord? Was that¡­ me? The next letter was brief. ¡°In that case, we are d to help one another. What is the name of the army to be annihted?¡±
The reply came sharp and damning. ¡°Blood Army.¡± 23% Finished The paper slipped from my fingers. I stared at the table as if I could see through it. Blood Army. The very army Imanded. So¡­ why had the Abyss gone in my stead? I grabbed the next letter. They spoke only of war strategies, how to entrap both the Blood Army and the Ashmeres, forcing them to ughter each other on the battlefield. Then I reached the second¨Ctost letter. ¡°The warlord of the Bloof Army will not appear. We have a change of n. The agreed day is the eve of the full moon. The Blood Army¡¯s warlord cannot be defeated then. Instead, I will send another warlord and he will see it done. ce the Blood Army in the front line, and rest assured, all Ashmeres will die and so will the Blood army.¡± The final letter came from the Imperium Council. ¡°Then we have an ord. We will send our envoy, Ka, with gifts to present as thanks for your aid.¡± Send Gifts 2.3K Back Where 150 Zephyrine After riding a straight night and day, I finally arrived at the fortress called ckwater. ÁÖ23%ÈÕ Finished Merely standing before the massive gate, the stench hit me so hard I sighed shakily. A heavy stench of¡­ agony, rot, and teeth gnashing. I had never been here before. No one in their right mind dared to venture to this ce. But now that I had¡­ maybe I too was losing my sanity. I had seen the Lycan Kingdom walls and believed them the strongest, until I stood before these. ckwater. Tuffle? You mean. Ynown followef. led by one man whose name was Stone. Tonight, I demanded his audience. I kicked my horse forward, and she obeyed, carrying me toward the gate. ¡°A rider is spotted!¡± a night guard shouted from the watch post. The gate groaned open just enough for a man to step out. He stood silently while I sat astride my horse and looked down at him. He was filthy. His grin revealed yellowed teeth that made me want to retch. No wonder they called them barbarians. ¡°Beauty on the white horse,¡± he sneered. ¡°Whye to this cursed fortress?¡± ¡°I demand an audience with your leader,¡± I answered loud enough for all to hear. His grin widened as though amused. ¡°Open the gate!¡± he barked, and the massive doors screeched apart for me to ride in. The moment I entered, I stiffened. The ce was sprawling, and yet crawling with people. Men, women, children. Aimless, malnourished, and working like ves. They paused to look at me, but their hesitation earned themshes across their backs. ¡°Let¡¯s go, beautiful,¡± the guard who received me said. I dismounted and took my horse¡¯s reins, but he blocked me. ¡°The horse stays.¡± I turned to my white horse. She blinked at me as I stroked her mane. ¡°I¡¯ll be back soon,¡± I whispered, slipping the mirror from the saddlebag. She followed after me a step, unwilling to part, and my chest tightened at her loyalty. She reminded me of only one man. Lycannar. I sighed and turned away, following the guard into a dark hall. I forced myself steady, my eyes alert, until we emerged into a hall where unholiness reigned. A sex den. No, debauchery. Men and women writhed everywhere. Two, three men upon one woman. I turned my eyes aside, silent. ¡°Follow me. Stone isn¡¯t here,¡± the man said. We climbed stone steps and entered a chamber dimly lit. 13:02 Sat, Sep 6 GO. 23% Finished On a wide chair, a hulking man sat with women draped across him, pouring wine into his mouth. He wasrge, nearly Lycannar¡¯s size, but not as great as my love. Without introduction, I knew who he was. Stone. The barbarian leader. His trousers were torn, his leather shoes caked with filth. His bloodshot eyes, cracked nails, and reeking scent spoke of years without cleansing. Standing in the bedchamber before Stone, I suddenly went still. It drifted in, faint but undeniable. An ancient, familiar scent. Ashmere. My breath caught. My heart lurched. I couldn¡¯t pinpoint from which corner it came, but the air itself carried it. My gods¡­ Varyn is here. The guard whispered in his ear. Stone¡¯s gaze roved over me, and I caught that look. Lust. I had to suppress my disgust. ¡°My right hand says you came to see me,¡± he said, his voice thick with arrogance. ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Why?¡± His eyes dragged over my body, stopping at my chest. ¡°To trade? Your body, perhaps?¡± ¡°I came for this man,¡± I said firmly, holding out the mirror. He snatched it, peered inside, and smirked knowingly. He saw what I saw. He set the mirror down, waved the women away, and leaned forward. ¡°You¡¯re bold, woman. To walk alone into ckwater, demanding a ve.¡± His words clenched my heart. ¡°He was born with the purest golden spoon. Raised as an Alpha. Commanded thousands. He is no ve.¡± Stone studied me in silence, then rose to his feet. His stench rolled across me, but I held my ground despite the weakness in my limbs. ¡°Any ve here is bought. And none are freed. Ever. Many tried to take my ves away but they paid with their lives. You want this one? Then you will have only one option.¡± He stepped closer, lifting his hand toward my hair but I pped it away. His grin darkened. ¡°Join my harem. Be my whore. Then I¡¯ll grant you the honor of sharing the same fortress as this ve.¡± Whore? Harem? My blood boiled. I red. ¡°I have a man. And even if I didn¡¯t, I would never debase myself with the likes of you¡­¡± Before I finished, his hand shot to my throat. I batted it aside. He swung a fist, but I countered with a swift kick that staggered him. His teeth clenched in fury. His right hand rushed to ring a bell, and the pounding of footsteps echoed. Reinforcements. ¡°You¡¯ll regret this trespass!¡± Stone roared, rising to full height. ¡°This is ckwater and I rule here. I¡¯ll make you my whore, and your man will do nothing to stop me!¡± GD 23% Finished Men poured in, outnumbering me. Stone lunged, mming me against the wall, trying to rip my dress. I kicked him down, seized the mirror, and sprinted for the window. My chest heaved, my strength fading fast. Stone and his men blocked the chamber. He grinned viciously. ¡°You¡¯re outnumbered. You won¡¯t jump to your death, will you?¡± Jaw tight, I looked down. My white horse stood below, waiting. My teeth clenched. Th? link to the orig?n of this information r?sts ?n Find¡ïNovel ¡°I vow to return, Stone. And when I do I wil make you regret tonight.¡± I leapt from the window,nding in a practiced roll. My horse surged forward, and I clung on as she carried me at full speed toward the wall. ¡°Close the gate!¡± themand rang out. The massive doors creaked shut, but my mare flew like lightning. Just as the gate mmed closed, she burst through the gap, and we escaped. We galloped into the night. Relief swelled until an arrow whistled through the air. Pain exploded in my side as it buried into my stomach. I turned, breathless, to see Stone, bow in hand, fire in his eyes. I wheezed, doubled over, staining my horse¡¯s white coat with blood as she thundered into the darkness. Send Gifts Back Where 151 £¤23%ÈÕ Finished Zephyrine ¡°It¡¯s the Alpha! Open the gate!!¡± The order rang out from within, and my horse shot forward, carrying me into the pack¡¯s grounds. In no time I heard the rush of footsteps, and I wheezed, the arrow still piercing my side, the w mark searing me with unbearable pain. I rolled from my horse only to be caught perfectly in the arms of Jurrek Bane. Clutching his cor, I tightened my grip and coughed out blood. ¡°My gods. Get her inside!¡± I tried to speak, to tell him I knew where Varyn was but my words failed me, as did my strength. All I knew was that he was running with me in his arms, and when the morning breeze swirled across my skin, I felt strangely at peace. My eyelids lowered, and I passed out. When I opened my eyes again, it was to the soft sound of water wrung from a towel into a bowl. I felt¡­ normal. Almost as though I had never been hurt. Blinking, I realized I was lying in my bedchamber, dressed in fresh clothes, my body washed, my wounds cleaned. I turned my head and saw her. At the bedside, attending to needles. Princess Mearez, the greatest healer I had ever known. Blue was beside her, wiping away thest stains of blood. Relief filled me. Princess Mearez had answered my letter ande as I requested. I swallowed and tried to sit up, but my movement caught her attention. She turned toward me, and the stare she gave made me sink back into the bed. ¡°Mydy?!¡± Blue cried in excitement, rushing to my side. ¡°Mydy, you¡¯re awake?¡± I didn¡¯t answer. My gaze stayed fixed on the Princess, who looked at me as though she might strangle me back to death after just saving me. Unspoken words passed between us. She had asked me to see her before I left the Lycan Kingdom that day, but I had fled without saying goodbye. No wonder she was ring. ¡°Lay back. I¡¯ll check your pulse,¡± she said stiffly. I obeyed, and she took my hand. Her touch, once warm and full of love, now felt stiff and cold. She was furious. She pulled back. ¡°You¡¯re fine now. You can go back to wherever you were running off to, getting yourself hurt without telling those who care about you.¡± Her words chilled me. Before I could respond, she began packing her bag. Watching her move to leave, I rushed from bed and blocked her at the door, my movement leaving a whoosh of air. She looked up at me and smirked. ¡°You want to brag about your speed to a Lycan?¡± ????23%¨C Finished I knew what she meant, and I respected it. No matter how quick we wolves think we are, we will never match the speed and agility of Lycans. They carry the moon goddess¡¯s blood. We only carry her blessing. ¡°Princess Mearez, I¡¯m sorry,¡± I said softly. She squared her shoulders and red coldly. ¡°Honestly, I am. I didn¡¯t think it would worsen and¡­¡± ¡°Shut your mouth, Zephyrine.¡± I sealed my lips instantly. ¡°I will.¡± ½ô ¡°You didn¡¯t,¡± she snapped. We stared at one another in silence before she finally rolled her eyes and sighed shakily. ¡°I can¡¯t believe you of all people would do this. You literally bear Lycannar¡¯s w marks on your arm, and you dared leave on a trip with it?¡± This text is hosted at FindN()vel Her incredulous tone made me lower my head. ¡°I didn¡¯t think it would worsen. I thought it would heal in days.¡± ¡°A w mark that doesn¡¯t heal instantly, don¡¯t you think that¡¯s not ordinary? And why keep it a secret from me, or even from your man?¡± I sagged my shoulders. ¡°I didn¡¯t want to worry you. That¡¯s all.¡± ¡°Worry?¡± Her mask of hostility cracked, and I heard the emotion in her voice. ¡°Didn¡¯t you end up making me worry and panic even more? You¡¯ve no idea what could have happened if you¡¯d been a littleter. And for this, I¡¯ll make sure Lycannar knows.¡± She moved to bypass me, but I caught her wrist, my eyes shing with horror. ¡°Princess Mearez¡­ wait. That¡¯s not a good idea,¡± I whispered. ¡°Please don¡¯t tell him. He didn¡¯t even want to make love to me that night. I was the one who begged him. He was honest. He said he might hurt me, but I turned deaf ears and took the pain with the pleasure. I don¡¯t want him to feel guilty for touching me. Please.¡± She stared at me in silence for what felt like an eternity, then sighed shakily. ¡°You still think your life belongs only to you, don¡¯t you, Zephyrine?¡± I shook my head and lowered my gaze. Even if I didn¡¯t want to admit it, the truth was in to everyone in the empire. ¡°I know I belong to Lycannar, whether I want it or not. My life belongs to both of us. I¡¯ll be careful from now on. I promise.¡± She nodded, then hit me with the truth. 13:02 Sat, Sep 6 GO. 23%¨C Finished ¡°Well, he already knows about the letter you sent me. And he also knows you lied about going to the Lycan Kingdom. So trust me when I say he¡¯s already mad at you.¡± My heart sank. Oh no. Send Gifts ºÏ 2.3K Back Where 152 Zephyrine 23% Finished Staring at Princess Mearez, I swore I saw nothing in her face. Quietly, I walked toward the bed and lowered. myself down. Lycannar had gone to White Pack to find me? A sigh escaped, heavy with fear of what he might do. Anything but that silence and rejection like he always gave me when displeased. My gaze dropped to my feet, but memory struck back sharp and raw. That dreadful ce, the stench, the weight of despair still clinging to me. ckwater. I had felt my brother¡¯s energy there. The thought made me swallow hard. ¡°My horse,¡± I murmured suddenly, rising at once. I rushed out, heading toward the Ashmere stables, ignoring bows from maids and guards as I strode through the hallways. I hadn¡¯t gone far before I saw her standing proudly beneath the sun, feeding. Relief swelled in my chest. At the sound of my steps, she turned, neighing in recognition. I hurried forward, embracing her, stroking her mane. ¡°Without you, I would have been trapped,¡± I whispered, grateful. My eyes softened, marveling again at the priceless gift Lycannar had given me. Pulling back, I saw no bloodstains. She had already been washed. Relief left my lips in a sigh, but when I turned, I caught Blue watching me, concern in her eyes. The realization struck. ¡°Wait, why are you here?¡± I asked. ¡°We rode with Princess Mearez,¡± she answered, stepping closer. ¡°We?¡± ¡°Yes. Miss Dessyn and Moon too. The King asked Princess Mearez to bring me here, and your best friend and her younger brother decided to join.¡± ¡°Oh.¡± My gaze shifted, noting how people crept in at a distance. Turning, I headed back toward my bedchamber, only to find Jurrek standing at the threshold, clearly there to see me. ¡°Come in,¡± I told him, though I was quick to pass by, allowing Isolde to open the chamber door for me. Inside, Princess Mearez stood by the mirror, holding the amulet ne Lycannar had given me. When she heard me, she turned. ¡°This is a powerful charm. Only witches in my Kingdom can make one like this. It bears the King¡¯s blood, his protection. Who gave it to you?¡± I stepped forward, took the amulet from her, and sighed. ¡°Lycannar gave it to me for protection.¡± ¡°And you didn¡¯t wear it? Not even when you went on a dangerous journey?¡± Her gaze pierced mine. I sighed again, my eyes soft with apology. 23%4 Finished ¡°I don¡¯t want to burden him more than I already do. He has so many limits, as though even walking is forbidden. I didn¡¯t want him to worry.¡± She shook her head, then reached for my hand gently. ¡°Lycannar loves you. You are his woman. If he thought he wasn¡¯t capable of protecting you, of shouldering your burden, would he have asked you to be his lover?¡± ¡°But¡­¡± ¡°You think my brother would look twice at you if he hadn¡¯t felt forever for you?¡± Her words hit deep. I swallowed hard. He was a man who never spared anyone a nce, so extraordinary, untouchable. I understood. I nodded, exhaling. ¡°I am sorry. I apologize. I will¡­¡± The door opened. Jurrek entered. At the sight of Princess Mearez, his gaze faltered. Her hand on mine went cold, her poise shifting to nervousness. Tension swirled silently until Jurrek bowed. ¡°My Princess.¡± The beautiful woman lowered her gaze quickly in reply, then turned back to me, her voice strained. ¡°I¡¯ll leave you two to speak. I¡¯ll inform Dessyn you¡¯re awake.¡± ¡°Thank you,¡± I murmured. She smiled faintly, then slipped out, Blue trailing behind, leaving me with Jurrek. The door clicked shut and Jurrek¡¯s sigh was heavy before his words cut deep. ¡°Does your life mean nothing to you?¡± His voice trembled with restrained anger. ¡°You¡¯re not the only one half¨Cmad, desperate to find Varyn. Zephyr. You nearly got yourself killed, and¡­¡± His voice broke off, anger consuming him. My heart sank. He had called me by my name, proof of how furious he truly was. I walked slowly to the drawer, retrieving the broken mirror that had revealed the truth driving me. Without a word, I extended it to him. He frowned in confusion but epted it, holding it before his face. ¡°Stay calm. Breathe. Be patient. Then you¡¯ll see why I ignored the tolling death bell to risk everything.¡± I whispered. 212 ÁÖ23%ÈÕ Finished Jurrek gazed at his reflection until the ss shifted, revealing the truth. His anger melted into awe, then. horror. The unshakable Jurrek went pale, staggering until he lowered himself onto my bed. ¡°What is this ce?¡± His voice was hollow. I met his eyes, arms folded tight across my chest. ¡°ckwater.¡± Send Gifts 2.3K The rightful source is find~novel Back Where 153 Zephyrine £¤23% Finished The silence that settled between Jurrek Bane and me was enough to tell me something big wasing. War, maybe, but then I shrugged. ckwater alone was not enough to call out Ashmere warriors. That would be too foolish. Right? ¡°Stone is dangerous, Alpha Zephyrine,¡± Jurrek said quietly. ¡°And he also has the blessing of the Imperium Council.¡± I swallowed hard at that. The Imperium Council are those who stood above all packs, whosews we were bound to obey. I was about to respond when the door opened and Dessyn walked in with Moon. The sight of them lightened my heart instantly. ¡°Zephyr,¡± Dessyn called, and I rushed into her arms, hugging her tight. Only a few days had passed, yet it felt like years since I¡¯dst seen her. ¡°Blue told me you followed Princess Mearez to¡­¡± I began, but she shoved me back and smacked my shoulder. ¡°Ow! What was that for?¡± ¡°How dare you use the sacred Lycan Kingdom as a cover to go alone on a suicide trip?¡± she demanded, and I sighed. I would have to answer that question to Lycannar, but for now, we had to focus on the facts. I took the mirror from Jurrek and held it out to Dessyn. She looked at it, then back at me. ¡°What?¡± ¡°Look into it. Then you¡¯ll understand why I couldn¡¯t juste back.¡± She searched my eyes with concern before turning back to the mirror. Seconds passed and I watched the fire in her gaze drain away. Dessyn lowered her hand slowly, awe recing every trace of anger. This update is avable on F¦Énd£Îovel ¡°Zephyr¡­.¡± she whispered. Moon, recognizing the relic, stepped forward to take it from his sister. He looked, and there it was, the truth I had seen, the truth he had doubted. His face shifted to awe as well, but I was already watching Jurrek, who sat in silence, thinking deeply. ¡°I will get my brother out of ckwater, Jurrek,¡± I dered firmly. ¡°I don¡¯t care how much hell I must rain down. If I have to call upon my spirit guard to bring destruction, so be it. I will not leave him there.¡± That vow earned me many looks of awe. ¡°ckwater?!¡± Dessyn gasped, but she quickly pped her palm over her mouth. Her hand trembled as she whispered, ¡°Zephyr¡­ ckwater?¡± 23%¨C Finished ¡°I felt it when I stood before Stone, the leader,¡± I said. ¡°Varyn is there. But he won¡¯t release him to me. He won¡¯t.¡± Jurrek sighed, meeting my gaze. ¡°Any ve in ckwater is bought. He has the right to refuse release.¡± ¡°So what do we do? Stand aside while my brother rots?¡± He nodded grimly, swallowing hard. ¡°The elders are talking, Zephyr. Even your own rtives whisper. The pack needs an Alpha, but you vanished the night after your ascension. You never held a ceremony to mark it. On top of that, Ash Pack¡¯s supplies are dwindling. We must open trade and seek partnerships. That¡¯s the gossip. And people are beginning to suspect you became Alpha for another reason altogether.¡± His words hit me like a de. I should have known it woulde to this. ¡°You are the Alpha. An Ashmere,¡± he pressed. ¡°It¡¯s your call. If youmand the army to storm ckwater, we will obey. But we must tread carefully. If we alert the wrong people, Varyn could be killed before we even reach him. We still don¡¯t know who betrayed us on the battlefield.¡± I sighed shakily, turning toward the window. He was right. I couldn¡¯t trust anyone openly, not with Varyn¡¯s life. If I acted rashly, I might lose him forever. My eyes rested on the massive gates of Ash Pack. Slowly, I exhaled. ¡°Perhaps it¡¯s time to open the gates wide for the first time in five years and hold a ceremony.¡± I turned back to them. ¡°Fine. Let¡¯s have a party. We¡¯ll celebrate my ascension as Alpha. Invitations go out today. Next tomorrow night, under the stars, we feast until dawn.¡± ¡°What¡¯s the n?¡± Dessyn asked. ¡°To silence the gossip.¡± I sighed again. ¡°And I will need some time to think about it.¡± Jurrek nodded. He rose to his feet and asked, ¡°So the Imperium Council gets the first invitation?¡± I paused to think. They had always favored my father. They praised Ashmere victories on every battlefield. By right, they deserved the first honor. But¡­ no. ¡°Deliver the first invitation to the Lycan Kingdom. The Blood family is wee here. Address the King with respect and present the scroll yourself, Jurrek, with a bow. The Imperium Council will follow.¡± Jurrek nodded obediently and turned to leave. But at the door, he stopped. ¡°How about¡­ Hue Pack?¡± I merely shrugged. ¡°Invite them. Send a messenger. A letter will do. We won¡¯t hold grudges. Our focus is justice and rescuing Sat, Sep 6 Varyn.¡± ¡°Understood, Alpha Zephyrine.¡± He bowed and left, closing the door. 23% Finished I stood there, swallowing hard, before turning to Dessyn. She blinked quickly, holding back tears, then sighed shakily when I ced my palm on her shoulder. ¡°We will bring him home, Dessyn,¡± I promised softly. ¡°At all cost.¡± Her eyes searched mine before she nodded, voice breaking. ¡°Promise?¡± ¡°With all my heart.¡± I vowed, squeezing her hand gently. ¡°How about you do what you do best? Host my ceremony, hmm?¡± ¡°Yes. Oh yes.¡± She breathed out a shakyugh. ¡°That¡¯ll even keep me from brooding.¡± ¡°You know your way around Ash Pack.¡± ¡°You bet,¡± she said with a smile, then walked out, ready to work. I heard her speaking with Isolde in the hall as the door clicked shut. That left only Moon and me. He hadn¡¯t stopped staring since he looked into the mirror and realized I wasn¡¯t mad. When our eyes met, his were heavy with regret. ¡°Zephyr¡­ I¡¯m sorry,¡± he said bitterly. ¡°If only I had gone with you, maybe you wouldn¡¯t have been struck by that arrow.¡± I swallowed at his words and nodded. ¡°We arerades, Moon. Brothers¨Cin¨Carms. We watch each other¡¯s backs withoutint, without distrust. When you doubted me, it hurt.¡± ¡°Zephyr¡­¡± ¡°But I understand. You only worried for me and I appreciate that. Even before your apology, I had already let it go.¡± I stepped forward, this time embracing him first. ¡°It¡¯s fine, Moon. I¡¯m fine.¡± He hugged me back, his hand warm against my back. ¡°Thank you,¡± he whispered, his voice thick. ¡°Fierce and stubborn¡­. that¡¯s how you shed open the demon portal back on the battlefield.¡± I chuckled, and heughed with me. Just like that, the past faded, and we reconciled. Send Gifts Back Where 154 Nyroth Finished It has reached my ears, and I could hardly believe it that she is hosting a ceremony at her pack to celebrate her ascension. As I stood at the window of my bedchamber, my gaze fixed on the gates of Hue Pack, I found myself waiting for the beta of Ash Pack to arrive and present me with the scroll of invitation. I mean, I know Zeph and I parted on ugly terms, but she wouldn¡¯t use that grudge to refuse Hue Pack an invitation to her ceremony¡­ right? The question hadn¡¯t even settled in my mind when a knock came at my door. I turned as it opened, and Olivia appeared in the doorway, exhausted and frustrated. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± I asked. ¡°It¡¯s Mother,¡± she muttered. ¡°Babbling again about Zeph¡­ I mean¡­ Alpha Zephyrine. I left her bedchamber for just a few minutes, and when I returned, she wasn¡¯t there.¡± I raised an eyebrow, then pulled away from the window and burst into my mother¡¯s bedchamber, only to find it empty. With a roll of my eyes, I followed her scent. It led to the clothing store. Wait. Why there? I entered just in time to see her rifling through outfits, choosing one¡­ for me. ¡°Oh, Nyroth, you¡¯re here.¡± She smiled faintly. ¡°I was thinking of which attire would suit you best as Alpha of Hue Pack when you represent us at Ash Pack¡¯s ceremony. How about this white one?¡± But I wasn¡¯t focusing on the fabric. I strode to her side. She had only recently recovered after days of sickness, the healer¡¯s service costing me too much, and yet here she was. ¡°Mother, you were told to rest in bed, not walk around choosing clothes,¡± I snapped quietly, my voice edged with worry. She searched my eyes in awe, then spoke firmly. ¡°What are you talking about, Nyroth? Don¡¯t you know what¡¯s at stake? Your woman, you need to win her back.¡± I swallowed hard. Ever since she regained her senses, she hadn¡¯t stopped talking about Zeph. And truthfully I hadn¡¯t stopped thinking about her either. It all hit me right after the rejection. She was the one I loved all along. I had just been blinded by Ka¡¯s lies. ¡°But Hue Pack hasn¡¯t received an invitation, Mother. You know how untouchable Ash Pack is. They¡¯re the For more chapters visit f?ndnovel most respected of all, and I won¡¯t be able to go if the invitation¡­¡± 23% Finished I was still speaking when the store door opened gently. Kai entered, silent. He stepped closer and finally said, ¡°A messenger just came. He left right after delivering the message. Ash Pack has invited Hue Pack to the ceremony in two days, under the evening sky. But there¡¯s a condition that no holy relics allowed.¡± I froze at that. A spoken message only? No scroll? And why ban relics? Lowering my gaze, humiliation washed over me. I asked, ¡°Who received the first invitation?¡± Kai studied me for a moment before nodding, confirming my suspicion. ¡°The Lycan Kingdom. Jurrek Bane himself delivered the golden scroll with full respect. The entire Blood Family has been invited.¡± My chest tightened. Zeph had fallen sopletely for that unsettling man, she wouldn¡¯t even give me a chance. ¡°She will,¡± my mother cut through my thoughts, as though reading them. ¡°This invitation is proof. Even if words were delivered instead of parchment, you were honored. Nowe, let me choose something fine for you.¡± I didn¡¯t answer. Instead, a bitter sigh escaped me as memories returned of her waiting on me while I wasted myself on Ka. If only I could turn back time. If only¡­ Maybe I could still get a second chance. It wasn¡¯t toote. After all I was her first love. I walked to the garment my mother had chosen and nodded. ¡°Kai, prepare. We leave for Ash Pack tomorrow. We¡¯ll grace the ceremony.¡± My mother¡¯s eyes gleamed with pride as she sped my hand. ¡°You must win her back, Nyroth. Don¡¯t let a cursed man, forsaken by the Moon Goddess steal what belongs to you. Understand?¡± I nodded firmly. She was right. Why should I lose to someone condemned, when I still had the chance to take back what was mine? Send Gifts Back Where 155 Zephyrine ÁÖ¼Ò22%¶þ Finished I made my way silently through the glowingne that night, alone and attentive, until I reached the abode where Luna Tahlia lived. I stopped at the door and nodded to the guard stationed there, who bowed at once before stepping aside. Then I moved forward, gave the door a gentle knock, and stepped back to wait. I soon heard the shuffle of footsteps. The door opened, and the maid assigned to Luna Tahlia appeared. The moment she saw me, she bowed deeply. ¡°Alpha Zephyrine.¡± ¡°You¡¯re well?¡± I asked. She straightened, her face brightening with a small grin. ¡°I am. I¡¯ll call for mydy at once. She has been wishing to visit you.¡± I nodded, and the maid slipped inside. While waiting, I turned to the quiet path and sighed. Luna Tahlia¡¯s movements within my pack had limits. There were ces she could never step, for her identity and her survival had to remain top secret. The door opened again, and this time, she appeared. Luna Tahlia, with young ck in her arms. At the sight, I smiled. I stepped forward and gently took the boy from her arms. He was growing well, already speaking, though his words were still incoherent. ¡°He¡¯s bing a big man,¡± I teased, and Luna Tahliaughed. We walked the path together, her silent beside me while young ck rested his head on my shoulder, tugging absently at my hair. ¡°I¡¯ve never been as terrified as I was earlier today,¡± she confessed softly, ¡°when you rode into the pack wounded. I wanted toe, but¡­ I knew you wouldn¡¯t want me showing myself so soon.¡± I remained quiet at her words. My arrival this morning, bleeding and broken on my horse, had frightened many but I understood. ¡°I was pierced with an arrow and dying, but now I¡¯m perfectly fine. Princess Mearez healed mepletely. Not even a scar remains.¡± She smiled faintly, stealing a nce at me. ¡°That¡¯s a bonus of having the Lycan King as your man,¡± she said. ¡°I¡¯m d for you both. From what I hear, you¡¯re a power couple.¡± I stopped gently and turned to her, eyes narrowing. ¡°The Lycans will be here the day after tomorrow. Not just them. The werewolves as well, including members of ckbridge Pack.¡± I saw her throat bob as she swallowed. ¡°I¡­ I know. I heard.¡± I studied her a moment, then lowered my gaze. 22% Finished ¡°You won¡¯t be able to attend the ceremony. You mustn¡¯t step outside this home until everyst one of them has left Ash Pack.¡± Again she swallowed hard, then forced a smile. ¡°I understand. I know what¡¯s at stake. I¡¯ll obey you, Alpha Zephyrine.¡± Content originallyes from F¦Énd£Îovel Her obedience felt heavy. I searched her eyes and said quietly, ¡°You don¡¯t need to be so tense with me. See me as a friend or even a sister.¡± Sheughed lightly, but shook her head. ¡°I¡¯ve heard what you¡¯ve done on the battlefield, unbelievable things. You¡¯re not a friend, nor a sister. You¡¯re an Alpha, and the lover of the Lycan King. To me¡­ you¡¯re a savior.¡± I couldn¡¯t help but smile. ¡°You tter me.¡± I sighed, then turned back toward the path. ¡°How have you been adapting sincest we spoke?¡± ¡°Ah,¡± she said eagerly, ¡°I¡¯ve been thinking about enrolling young ck intobat training once he¡¯s of age. What do you think?¡± Her words made me pause. It was as if she had given up hope of reiming her pack. I lowered my gaze and changed the subject. ¡°What about the food here?¡± She seemed to sense my shift, stealing a nce before nodding. ¡°Perfect.¡± ¡°The men?¡± I asked lightly. She chuckled bitterly. ¡°By the gods, who would want a single mother? A widow? No one. I¡¯ve resigned myself to focusing only on young ck. Living quietly here is enough. In fact, I wanted to ask if there¡¯s any task I could take up for you. Sitting idle wears on me.¡± Her words reminded me too much of Lycannar, who once believed there was no salvation for him. Well, he still do. ¡°Let¡¯s talk after the ceremony,¡± I said gently. ¡°The ceremonial meals will be sent to you with respect. Enjoy them. Don¡¯t worry. You¡¯ll smile soon, Luna Tahlia.¡± 13:05 Sat, Sep 6 GD. 22% Finished She looked at me in awe, clearly taken aback by the absolute certainty in my voice. She bowed in response. I handed young ck back into her arms, and without another word, continued down the path toward my bedchamber. Even as I disappeared from sight, I could still feel her gaze lingering on my back. Send Gifts 2.3K Back Where 156 Zephyrine Finished I stepped into the long hall and a wave of feeling descended on me. Staring at the dais, I couldn¡¯t help but surrender to the memories pulling me into the past. There my father would have stood,manding with words and orders. He had been my mentor, giving me everything. He was a man who never spared the rod, but he never once forgot how to spoil me too. I shifted my gaze to the other side, to my mother¡¯s favorite spot. She had been Luna, a true leader, a faithful wife, and the best mother. She was my first tutor in grace, teaching me patience and calm, teaching me to sit properly, to keep my thighs closed, and to stay pure until the right man came. Goosebumps prickled along my skin as I turned toward the wall where Varyn would lean. My brother, my guardian, my closest ally. Adored by his army, respected by the people. He had promised to return with another medal after the battle but¡­ I swallowed hard and stepped back. ???? ????s? ???????s ?? find~novel Then I felt it. The shift in the air. Someone else was in the hall. I turned and found Princess Mearez at the entrance. Just like that, my worries faded. ¡°You okay?¡± she asked, walking toward me. ¡°I am, now that you¡¯re here.¡± I smiled softly, ncing past her to the entrance. ¡°Where have you been?¡± She searched my eyes and grinned sheepishly, color rising in her cheeks. ¡°Your beta showed me around Ash Pack. I must say, you were born with the purest golden spoon.¡± I gave her a yful nce, and she smacked my shoulder. ¡°You¡¯re even blushing,¡± I teased, giggling. ¡°You like Jurrek that much? Just one nce and you¡¯re already gone for him?¡± ¡°Says the woman who caught a cursed king obsessed at first sight,¡± she shot back. I grinned wider, surrendering defeat, and weughed together. Gradually, theughter ebbed, and I noticed the panic rising in her eyes. After she healed me, I had begged her to stay for the ceremony. There was no need for her to return to the Lycan Kingdom when the entire Blood family had been invited and she had agreed. Last night, after visiting Luna Tahlia, I returned to dine privately with the Dusk household and Princess Mearez. Jurrek had joined as well, and I caught him stealing nces at her again and again. He couldn¡¯t help himself and truthfully, I was happy to see it. ¡°Zephyrine?¡± she called softly, pulling me from my thoughts. ¡°I don¡¯t¡­ I¡¯ve never felt this way before. I don¡¯t know if Jurrek would ever¡­ what do you think he feels about me?¡± Silence fell between us. I could see how much my answer meant. 22% Finished ¡°Jurrek once asked Blue if you had a lover or were betrothed,¡± I said atst. ¡°He wouldn¡¯t have asked that if he felt nothing. He¡¯s no wayward man. He¡¯s had mistresses, yes, but none in the past five years.¡± ¡°You know his type then?¡± she asked again, her voice trembling. ¡°Not someone who¡¯s been raped multiple times, right?¡± The words froze me cold. Goosebumps rose on my arms. ¡°W¡­what?¡± She lowered her gaze, shrugging faintly, though the pain lingered. ¡°Raped many times, Zephyrine. He wouldn¡¯t turn away from that, would he?¡± I choked on my breath. I had heard whispers of the former king¡¯s abuse but never imagined this. ¡°Princess Mearez¡­¡± I began, but the words faltered. Where could I even start? No wonder Lycannar had always been so protective. What sort of horrors had the former king inflicted on his children? ¡°Zephyr? Zephyr?¡± Dessyn¡¯s voice broke through the tension, and I turned to see her enter the hall with Moon, Blue, and Isolde, who had been helping with preparations. ¡°Yes?¡± ¡°Everything is ready. How do you see the settings?¡± she asked. I looked around, then toward the first row of tables. That row belonged to the Lycans, set slightly apart from the others, just as I had ordered. I had forbidden guests from entering the pack with holy relics. I knew they weakened the Lycan King. Without that safeguard, he would never step into my hall. ¡°It¡¯s lovely,¡± I said atst. Dessyn sighed. ¡°We¡¯ve got a problem though.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°The guests are too many for the hall. I don¡¯t know which pack to seat at the back.¡± ¡°Any pack but the Lycans,¡± I replied at once. ¡°The Imperium Council¡¯s table should also be front row. White Pack as well. Horn Pack too.¡± Their eyes turned toward me, and I raised a brow. ¡°What?¡± ¡°Why do I feel like you¡¯re arranging this just to call out the Lycan King?¡± Moon asked. ¡°It feels that way,¡± Dessyn muttered. ¡°Like you¡¯re just looking for an excuse to see Apex.¡± I turned sharply to her. ¡°We¡¯re doing this to stop the elders from growing suspicious. What are you both talking about?¡± My voice wavered despite myself, and inwardly I wondered. Was I truly doing this only to quiet gossip? ????22% ¡» Finished ¡°Mydy doesn¡¯t care what people think,¡± Blue said carefully. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I agree with Miss Dessyn this time.¡± My eyes widened. ¡°My gods. Well, fine. Whatever you all think.¡± ¡°So where do we seat Hue Pack? And ckbridge?¡± Dessyn pressed. ¡°Anywhere you see fit,¡± I sighed. Then I turned back to Princess Mearez, who had been watching me with quiet marvel. ¡°Come. Let¡¯s go shop for dresses. Ash Pack has the best.¡± ¡°Really?¡± ¡°Come see for yourself.¡± I entwined my fingers with hers, offering warmth and support, and together we left the hall. Send Gifts 2.3K W Back Where 157 Zephyrine 22% Finished The clothing store in Ash Pack wasn¡¯t as elegant as those in the Lycan Kingdom, but we were far fromcking. The moment the designer saw me, the shopkeeper, L, a middle¨Caged woman rushed over and bowed low. Her gaze lingered much longer on Princess Mearez, and I smiled. Who wouldn¡¯t steal a second look at such beauty? ¡°The ceremony is tomorrow, L,¡± I told her, and she snapped back to reality, blinking at me. ¡°I¡¯ll need a gown. For Princess Mearez as well.¡± ¡°Please, follow me,¡± she said quickly, and I obeyed, tugging Princess Mearez along. But before I could take more than two steps, Dessyn burst in, ring at me as though I had betrayed her. ¡°Trying to get a dress without me, huh?¡± ¡°I wouldn¡¯t dare,¡± I murmured, though she didn¡¯t bother replying. She swept forward at once, following L. We went in quietly, rows of gowns unfolding before us. Color, silk, and shimmer. Princess Mearez paused, captivated by the craft. ¡°Beautiful,¡± she breathed, stopping before a brown gown. At once, a sales girl rushed over. ¡°Would you like to try it on, mydy?¡± Princess Mearez smiled but shook her head. ¡°It¡¯s just beautiful. You made it?¡± The girl froze, stunned the Princess would even spare her a nce. She bowed quickly and nodded. ¡°I did.¡± ¡°Back in my kingdom, a youngdy just like you made beautiful gowns too.¡± ¡°You mean the dress you wore when you entered Ash Pack? I saw it from here and wondered at the craft. It was¡­ so perfectly made.¡± Their talk of gowns left me frowning a little. The thought stuck. What if there could be trade, gowns like these passing between our realms? I nced around the store again, eyes catching on another gorgeous dress. Thedy back in the Lycan Kingdom was also skilled. I remembered how Princess Mearez had once taken Dessyn and me shopping, months ago, and how I had loved every single piece she picked for me. I swallowed hard, smiling at the memory, forgetting the present, until I heard a deep, gentle voice. ¡°How about this?¡± 22% Finished I blinked. Jurrek Bane stood just ahead, beside a pure white gown. I swallowed again. The masterpiece nearly took my breath. He wasn¡¯t speaking to me, but to Princess Mearez. Still, she turned to me first, as if seeking permission, then stepped forward to study the gown. ¡°White,¡± she whispered. ¡°It represents the justice Ash Pack upholds,¡± Jurrek told her softly. ¡°It would look lovely on you tomorrow. Don¡¯t you think?¡± Right then, I saw where this was going and panic stirred in me. What if Lycannar found out? What if he grew angry, or worse, disapproved? *** That night, I climbed into bed and let out a long sigh, my eyes fixed on the chandelier where candles glowed faintly. Isolde moved quietly about, lighting the incense and blowing out the final candle at the end of the chamber. She came forward, tucking the nket over me, smiling gently. ¡°Your party is tomorrow, mydy. I¡¯m happy for you.¡± I returned her smile. ¡°Thank you, Isolde.¡± She nodded and slipped out, leaving me alone. I had said my goodnights to Princess Mearez and the others. Blue had gone with Moon on an errand, promising to return before nightfall, though it seemed they had been dyed. I wasn¡¯t worried. Moon would take care of her. Still, in my own bed, fully healthy atst, I couldn¡¯t sleep. Last night had been the same. I hadn¡¯t slept at all, only closed my eyes so Blue, who had curled up beside me on her rug, wouldn¡¯t worry. I tried again, forcing sleep, but failed. Atst, I rose. Reaching for my robe, I slipped out. The hallway was empty, Isolde wasn¡¯t there, and I breathed in gratitude. She would have worried again if she saw me like this. I headed down toward the underground. It was there. My Spirit Guard. The dim hall was quiet as I lifted a me¨Ctorchmp from the wall, holding it above my head as I descended the stairs. Atst I reached the wide chamber, long abandoned. Memories pressed in, sharp and bittersweet, but before they could overwhelm me, I felt it. Immense power. The very best. Too divine. My breath caught. Behind me, it was there. I turned,mp raised, and it took a moment, but then I saw it. Jaw¨Cdropping, massive, the most magnificent Spirit Guard in history. Its eyes locked on mine, and I shivered at the grace it carried. It stepped forward, one heavy stride shaking the ground. My breath stilled, but I held my ground. Slowly, its head lowered, bowing to me. Goosebumps rippled across my skin. My heart clenched. I lifted my hand,ying my palm on its warm scales, and a shaky sigh left me. 2/3 Content originallyes from find¡¤novel ¡°Le Fey,¡± I whispered. ¡°That¡¯s your name. I hope we¡¯ll be a good team. I really hope so.¡± 22% Finished As though in answer, it exhaled and the rush of air nearly knocked me backward. But I smiled, trembling. Power. This was it. Send Gifts 2.3K ¡£ Back Where 158 Zephyrine 22% Finished Sitting before the mirror, I realized how nervous I was. No, not because the massive gates of Ash Pack would be open for the first time in five years. Not because hundreds of guests were already arriving. Not even because Nyroth would be in my presence again. It was because Lycannar Blood, King of the Lycan Kingdom, would be here. Days had passed since Ist saw him. We parted on good terms, but I couldn¡¯t help wondering if we would meet again with the same grace. Through the window, I could already see the guests arriving. Alpha Orod of Horn Pack had waved at me as he rode in. He had been an Ashmere ally; his father once helped mine, and in return my father had gone to war for him. Alpha Auedric had arrived as well, with his beta and Nathan, Dessyn¡¯s father. I had grinned from where I stood and waved, grateful for their presence. More Alphas from other packs hade, and Dessyn, as host, received them well. Until now. The party was about to begin, and I had to dress. After bathing for the second time that day, I was robed in a graceful gown. Sitting before the mirror, I stared at my reflection. Not to boast, but beauty seemed too small a word and all of it, I felt, belonged to him. To Lycannar. My eyes dropped to the ring around my finger, and I swallowed hard. What should I expect from him today? Would he evene? No sooner had I asked myself that question than a maid stepped forward. ¡°Mydy, Alpha Nyroth of Hue Pack has arrived.¡± I gave no response. I only turned to the window, then back to the mirror. Of course he woulde, but we were done. I had invited him only out of courtesy to his pack, nothing more. The rightful source is find?novel ¡°How about the ne?¡± Isolde asked quietly, breaking into my thoughts. My eyes fell on the amulet ne, but I shook my head. ¡°I¡¯ll leave my neck bare. It¡¯s fine.¡± She nodded, obedient, and focused on my hair. She wanted to pin it up and slide in ornaments, but I had decided otherwise. Lycannar loved my hair down. And I loved it more when he took a strand just to caress. Isolde was finishing when footsteps echoed, and without knocking, the door opened. I didn¡¯t need to look. I already knew it was Dessyn, bold enough to do that. ¡°Zephyr?¡± she called. ¡°Hmm?¡± ¡°It¡¯s starting. The guests have arrived with that witch.¡± I raised an eyebrow, turning to her fully. ¡°I don¡¯t think we invited any witch.¡± ¡°Oh, please. That dubious Ka. She arrived with her robber of a father.¡± At her words, I went still. But then I shrugged. I had invited them, so of course they woulde.. £¤22%ÓÉ Finished ¡°Everything is in ce, Dessyn. After the ceremony, they¡¯ll leave for their packs. It¡¯s just an overnight event,¡± I said, and she nodded. Her eyes drifted from my face to my cleavage, then back up again, a knowing smile curling on her lips. I red instead. She had started. ¡°Alright, alright. Don¡¯t take long. Your beta is already seated, and Princess Mearez too.¡± She smirked before leaving. Once she was gone, I turned back to the mirror but my eyes lingered on the neckline of my gown. Slowly, a smile curved my lips. Oh, yes. Dessyn knew me too well. I had chosen this particr gown for a reason. I was a sinner who had sinned against a king. If I couldn¡¯t earn his forgiveness with words, I was willing to pay through seduction. ¡°Mydy?¡± The door cracked open, and Blue entered with a smile. ¡°The Lycan Kingdom¡¯s carriage has been spotted. I think they¡¯re here.¡± At once, I rose, hurrying to the window. There it was. The powerful sacred crest showing a creature on two legs, not four like us werewolves. The beautiful, expensive carriage rolled to a stop in the courtyard, and I craned my neck to see them alight. My breath stilled when Aunt Eiryn, Lycannar¡¯s aunt stepped out first. Elegantly. Followed by Baron, Lycannar¡¯s beta. Then I waited. Beauty, Baron¡¯s sister and Lycannar¡¯s cousin, followed. Andstly, Princess Serena. My eyes fixed on them, and I swore I forgot to breathe. Different, radiant, undeniably beautiful. I watched as Dessyn rushed out to usher them in, but Serena paused, her gaze catching mine at the window. ¡°Wow! Sister¨Cinw!¡± she called out, loud enough to turn heads. I giggled softly. That was her, outspoken as ever. I was used to it. She waved, and I waved back before watching them go inside. Slowly, my smile faded into a sigh. Wait. Did that mean Lycannar wouldn¡¯te? ¡°Maybe he¡¯ll be represented by his beta?¡± Isolde murmured behind me, as though she had felt my emotions. I lowered my gaze. I was about to step away from the window when another carriage rolled in. I turned quickly, heart skipping, only to see the Imperium Council members. 213 13.06 Sat, Sep 22% Finished My breath caught as Three of them alighted. Two men and a woman While Alphas owned and controlled their packs, there werews we all abided by. Lawsid down by the council. Without them, peace between packs could neverst. Dessyn greeted them warmly, ushering them in with her brightest smile. They disappeared into the hall without fuss. I turned back to the mirror, sinking onto the seat. Maybe Isolde was right. Maybe Lycannar wouldn¡¯te. What had I even thought. That he would ride all the way here just for me? That he would¡­ ¡°Mydy?¡± Blue¡¯s voice cut through again, hesitant this time. ¡°I¡­ I think he¡¯s here.¡± My heart sank to the very bottom, my muscles freezing tight. Because I felt it too. The movement, the warmth of his presence. Slowly, carefully, I made my way back to the window, my heart pounding. And there he was. A rider on his horse. Cold chills raced down my skin. Just when everyone, including the Imperium Council had arrived, he appeared. A king. He reined his great ck horse to a halt before the gate, and I went utterly still. Would hee in? Would he turn away? My answer came secondster. He entered. And when he dismounted, standing there in the open, I finally understood the very definition of power and beauty. Lycannar. Dressed in all ck as always, but this time with a fur cloak. His eyebrow rings glittered beneath the evening sky, and thick leather braced his forearms. He had always tied his hair in a knot when he left the Lycan Kingdom but tonight, he hadn¡¯t. Maids and errand boys froze where they stood, each one stealing nces at him. Nobles outside turn their gazes to him. ¡°My¡­ my gods,¡± I heard Isolde breathe behind me. ¡°How¡­ how can a man be so¡­¡± Send Gifts 2.3K R Back Where 159 Zephyrine 22% Finished Settled. That was the word that came to me when I finally left my bedchamber and walked into the great hall. Silence. It reigned. I never thought I¡¯d feel nervous until now, when every eye shifted and settled on me. Looking around, my gazended on the table where Hue Pack sat, and I had to turn away to stifle augh. My gods. I had told Dessyn to ce their table wherever she deemed fit and she had set it at the veryst row. I steadied myself and finally turned forward, ready to begin the night. I walked gently towards the Lycan table first, a smile lifting my lips as I greeted the guests. ¡°Thank you foring.¡± I said softly, my eyes carefully avoiding Lycannar, who sat silent, his gaze pinned on the table as always. I bow to his aunt who gave me a smile in response. Then when I was introduced to her she had called me a Rogue but now she grin brightly when she knows I am actually a female Alpha. ¡°You look stunning,¡± Princess Selena said, and I shot her a look. ¡°Don¡¯t tter me when you look even more radiant. Thank you foring.¡± I smiled at Baron and Beauty, bowed, then dared to let my eyes drift toward Lycannar. He wouldn¡¯t look at me. His gaze didn¡¯t shift, and I understood. My nce slid back to Princess Mearez, who wore white. I winked at her, and she smiled knowingly. Quietly, I left their table. Next, I moved to the Imperium Council¡¯s table. There I bowed deeply in respect. Three of them sat. Three pirs of power. Osmir, an elderly man with grey hair, had been my father¡¯s closest friend. He was the one who once presented the order dering the demons had opened a portal to invade us. He bowed back to me, and I smiled in acknowledgment. Then there was Ryndor, Alpha of York Pack, always respectful toward my father. Andstly, Lady Sylvara, once a great Luna when her husband still lived. I bowed before her. ¡°Your parents would be proud of you, Zephyr,¡± Osmir said, and I smiled in return. ¡°Your brother too,¡± Lady Sylvara murmured. The smile lingered until she added softly, ¡°If only he were alive as well.¡± At that, my smile faded. I gave no response, only moved on. I approached White Pack¡¯s table next, a grin spreading when I saw Alpha Auedric. ¡°It¡¯s been years since I stood in this hall, Zephyr. It reminds me of your father, Warlord Vale,¡± he said. Iughed. ¡°Same here. I can almost imagine him standing at that dais, beginning his speech.¡± ¡°Only this time, it¡¯s you who will speak, not him,¡± he said warmly, and I nodded, smiling. ¡°Father,¡± I greeted Nathan, who sped my hand. ¡°You did well,¡± he said. ¡°Thanks foring. I appreciate it.¡± 22%! Finished From there, I moved to the Horn Pack. Alpha Or?d bowed, and I returned it. Thanks to his warning, I knew my pack was about to be targeted by the vile thieves of ckbridge Pack but now I was certain they wouldn¡¯t dare such foolishness. After that, I didn¡¯t bother greeting any other packs. I needed to prepare. Jurrek approached and leaned close to whisper, ¡°Should we lock the gates?¡± I shook my head. ¡°Leave them open. It¡¯s fine. No one would be foolish enough to attack on a night like this.¡± He nodded and stepped aside as I made my way to the dais. My heart clenched when I stood tall before them all, nervous, yet ready. As great as this moment was, sorrow clung to me. Varyn should have been here tonight. He should have stood at this very spot, giving this speech. But fate had chosen me instead, and I would obey. ¡°Thank you all,¡± I began, my voice steady. The hall fell into silence, all eyes turning toward me except Lycannar, who still stared at the table. He hadn¡¯t touched his wine, though some sses were drained and others halfway emptied. ¡°I appreciate you all for honoring my invitation tonight. As the new Alpha of Ash Pack, I am happy to announce a few things, new changes that I believe will make an impact in this shifter empire.¡± ¡°What are they? War?¡± A voice cut through the air. My eyes found her before anyone else¡¯s did. Ka. ¡°We all know Ashmeres excel at nothing but shedding blood. Is that what you¡­ Her words died under my suddenughter. My gods, Dessyn. Of course. She had ced ckbridge Pack at the veryst row, right beside Hue Pack. ??? I turned away, trying to stifle it, but it only grew worse when Dessyn appeared from the side, instructing the maids only to stop when she noticed my state. She raised a brow and approached. ¡°What¡¯s so funny?¡± ¡°Why would you put her down there? She just spoke, and I can barely see where her voice came from,¡± I whispered. Dessyn nced at the row and scoffed. 22% Finished ¡°Suits her.¡± She gave me a sharp look. ¡°But you¡¯re in front of everyone. Can you at least try to be serious? gods.¡± For more chapters visit F?ndNovel She left, and I finallyposed myself, clearing my throat before turning back to the audience. ¡°So¡­ uh, as I was saying¡­¡± ¡°You haven¡¯t answered my question,¡± Ka pressed. This time, I fixed my gaze directly on her. ¡°War,¡± I began, my voice firmer now, carrying across the hall. ¡°War is one thing. Shedding blood is another. Fighting to preserve peace is yet another. Ashmeres have always fought for justice. And if you are so concerned, rest assured, there is no reason to wage war in this empire now.¡± She stayed silent, and I continued smoothly. ¡°What I wished to announce is trade.¡± Murmurs stirred but quieted when I pressed on. ¡°Ash Pack is ready to trade with worthy packs. Those who respect us and are prepared to stand in honest dealings.¡± A sigh escaped me, heavy with feeling. Then I lifted my gaze, fixing it on Ka with unyielding resolve. ¡°But let none mistake this. Just because we Ashmeres have hung our armor these past years, letting it gather dust, does not mean our skills have grown rusty or that we¡¯ve forgotten who we are in this empire.¡± I swallowed, then dered with steel in my voice, ¡°If war should rise, we will face it head¨Con. Not because we love bloodshed but because it is what Ashmeres do. And the likes of you¡­¡± My eyes pierced her where she sat. ¡°I doubt you even know what that truly means.¡± Send Gifts 2.3K Back Where 160 Zephyrine 22%. Finished ¡°Good response you gave there, dear niece,¡± I heard my aunt Kostyra say behind me. I turned, settling my eyes on her. She carried a goblet full of wine, and a man trailed behind her. A lord, I thought, judging by the richness of his attire. I smiled faintly at my aunt, and she turned to the man. ¡°Zephyr, let me introduce you to this good man of mine. He is the son of my dearest friend. Ran. He is a merchant.¡± She turned back to him with a nod. ¡°Dear, this is my niece, the Alpha of Ash Pack. She is the one I told you about.¡± My eyebrow rose slightly as I regarded him. Handsome, yes. He extended his hand gently. ¡°She looks even more beautiful in person than in the sketch you showed me, dear aunt,¡± he said softly, his eyes holding mine. ¡°Ran, mydy.¡± I nced at his hand, then lowered my gaze as I murmured, ¡°Zephyrine.¡± He withdrew his hand with a smile tugging faintly at the corner of his lips. My aunt¡¯s eyes flicked between us before she cleared her throat. ¡°Oh, I need to refill my goblet. I¡¯ll leave you both to speak.¡± Before I could stop her, she slipped away, disappearing into the hall where the afterparty continued. After my speech earlier, Jurrek had stepped forward to pledge his loyalty, and others followed. Soon the hall had shifted into celebration. But through it all, I had felt Nyroth¡¯s eyes clinging to me while Lycannar never lifted his gaze from the table. Now, outside for air, my aunt had double¨Ccrossed me again by thrusting this man before me. I nearly rolled my eyes. I didn¡¯t need to guess what she was trying to do. ¡°You look beautiful,¡± Ran said, watching me closely. ¡°Perhaps we could go for a walk, if you don¡¯t mind, mydy.¡± I studied him in silence, then nodded. Soon, we walked together beneath the gentle night sky. ¡°You know, I¡¯ve heard a great deal about you from your aunt,¡± he said softly. ¡°She told me you are a warrior, an Alpha, a gracefuldy. Daring, which I admire. And if you don¡¯t mind, I would like to¡­¡± ¡°She didn¡¯t tell you I¡¯m also a killer?¡± I cut in. He faltered, staring at me. ¡°I suppose she also forgot to mention that I am already in a rtionship,¡± I added. A small frown creased his brow. Finished ¡°ording to the Moon Goddess, you cannot be with any man who isn¡¯t your fated mate lest you bring her wrath upon your pack.¡± I chuckled dryly. ¡°Goodness. I can¡¯t believe my aunt fed you all that. Well, I tried, but my man doesn¡¯t give a damn about what the Moon Goddess says. And my pack is just fine.¡± He searched my face, then tried again. ¡°You haven¡¯t even heard my request yet, Zephyr. I¡¯m a merchant in my own pack, and I can¡­¡± His words. faltered when he saw my eyes. ¡°You¡­ you look angry.¡± ¡°Just disappointed,¡± I murmured. ¡°That my aunt thinks a man like you could entice me with wealth.¡± ¡°I have¡­ power too.¡± I stepped forward, and he immediately backed away, as though fearing I¡¯d unsheathe a de and slit his throat. ¡°You don¡¯t know what power is,¡± I said softly, almost as advice. ¡°Stay back. The Lycan King is a mad beast when his woman is approached. You wouldn¡¯tst a second in his hands, trust me.¡± This text is hosted at ?ovelFind His face drained pale at once. Without another word, he turned and walked away. I stood still, a lump rising in my throat. My aunt must have paid him, or pushed him, into this. But why? Couldn¡¯t I trust my own blood anymore? I lowered my gaze, heavy¨Chearted, and began to walk away. I had hosted the ceremony, invited half the empire, yet why did I feel so hollow, so unbearably alone? Was it because, beneath theughter in the hall, beneath every smile I offered,y the agonizing truth that my own brother was trapped in a ce worse than hell? Lost in thought, I nearly stumbled when he came into view and my breath caught. Lycannar Apex Blood. Ran had boasted of power, but this man didn¡¯t need to speak it. His aura said it all. He stood apart from the crowd, away from the glow of the hall, leaning against his great ck horse, his gaze fixed low to the ground. My heart clenched at the sight. It was as though he couldn¡¯t survive a crowded hall, couldn¡¯t endure eyes upon him. How small the Moon Goddess had set his limits. He hadn¡¯t looked at me once tonight. He hadn¡¯t spoken a word in that hall. Now my chest heaved as I stepped toward him, silently praying that when his eyes finally rose to meet mine, they would not hold rejection but forgiveness. Back Where 161 Zephyrine 22% Finished I made my way toward him, but he didn¡¯t react, didn¡¯t even give the slightest sign that he could feel my presence. He just stood there, unmoving, and I walked carefully until I was right before him, silent and cautious. I never knew in the past, but now I am fully aware of how much he scares me. How terrified I am of his wrath. Of his silence. Of the thought that he might never forgive me. ¡°It¡¯s a beautiful night, isn¡¯t it?¡± I said softly, and to my surprise, he lifted his gaze to the sky. That simple movement made my heart clench. How perfect can a man be? I watched him stare at the sky briefly before lowering his gaze again. Then silence. Heavy, suffocating silence. My panic rose instantly. He must be mad. ¡°You don¡¯t drink? There¡¯s plenty of wine in the hall.¡± Follow current nov?ls on find{n}ovel ¡°I am dangerous when I¡¯m drunk,¡± he replied, his voice low, calm. Again, my heart clenched. He wasn¡¯t scolding me. Somehow that felt even worse. ¡°Lycan¡­¡± I began, but before the words could form, he looked up at me, and everything I wanted to say died on my lips. Gently, he reached for the saddlebag, pulled out an elegant white fur cloak, and carefully draped it over my shoulders. Then he stepped aside to study it. ¡°Looks perfect. Just your size,¡± he muttered, then lowered his gaze with that familiar frown. ¡°I was¡­ afraid it wouldn¡¯t fit. It was a guess. I¡¯m happy it fit. A present to your ascension. White looks good on you.¡± A lump rose in my throat. For a moment I felt like weeping. He was truly mad this time. In the past, he would have turned away in silence, not even bothered with words. But now? Now he wasn¡¯t asking questions, wasn¡¯t saying anything about my trip. Just¡­ cold. The fur cloak weighed heavily on me, and I stepped closer to him. ¡°Lycan¡­¡± I whispered. ¡°Lycan, I¡¯m sorry.¡± He didn¡¯t speak. His eyes stayed fixed on the ground, and it tore me apart. How do you appease a cursed king? ¡°Lycannar?¡± He looked into my eyes then, expressionless, unreadable. ¡°Lycan, I am truly sorry. I swear it.¡± No words came. He held my gaze for a while, then nodded once, lowering his eyes again. Silence. My chest heaved. Panic churned inside me. I reached for him, but the one nce he gave me froze my hand in midair. I went cold instantly. 22% Finished ¡°Don¡¯t you dare,¡± he murmured, voice calm, so calm it was deadly. I knew, without doubt, he¡¯d snap touched him now. if I Frustration and fear collided with the ache of my brother¡¯s fate, and my eyes burned with tears. His re pressed on me like a crushing weight, and I couldn¡¯t breathe. ¡°Lycan¡­¡± I called shakily, but he only looked away, jaw tight. ¡°Lycan?¡± ¡°What am I to you?¡± he asked suddenly, looking back at me. My breath caught. ¡°Did I ever mean anything? What¡¯s between us¡­ is it anything to you?¡± I searched his eyes desperately, sniffled. ¡°You know how much you mean to me, Lycan?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t,¡± he said tly. The words shattered me. ¡°I don¡¯t know, Zephyrine. By the gods, I don¡¯t know anything.¡± ¡°Lycan.¡± My voice cracked as I tried again, reaching for his forearm, only to pull back in fear he¡¯d snap. ¡°I can exin. Everything. I¡¯m ready to open up if you¡¯ll just listen. Please.¡± He didn¡¯t respond. Instead, his gaze dropped to my bare neck. A flicker passed through his eyes, and he swallowed hard. The amulet. ¡°I didn¡¯t wear it because I didn¡¯t want you to worry,¡± I whispered. ¡°I didn¡¯t want to burden you, knowing how much you already carry.¡± His stare silenced me. Then he turned away, sighing, stepping back to take his horse¡¯s reins. My chest squeezed in shock. ¡°What are you doing?¡± I asked, confused. ¡°What else? Going home.¡± ¡°But¡­ your sisters are here.¡± ¡°Baron will apany them back.¡± He moved to mount, but I stepped into his way, breathless. He couldn¡¯t leave. ¡°Lycan¡­¡± ¡°How would you feel,¡± he cut in, voice sharp, ¡°if I disappeared from this empire and never returned? How would you feel, Zephyrine, if I left without a word?¡± ¡°Lycan¡­¡± ¡°I can do both, you know,¡± he said, almost like a confession. ¡°I could vanish from your life, never speak to you again, and still, still, be this obsessed with you.¡± Goosebumps swept across my skin. My knees weakened. ¡°If that¡¯s what you want,¡± he pressed, pinning me with his gaze, ¡°then go. Run on another suicide trip. Lie 22% Finished again about where you¡¯re headed. Do as you please. I give you my word, Zephyrine I will disappear from your life.¡± I could barely breathe. Already I felt like I was walking on eggshells. ¡°I¡¯m¡­ sorry,¡± I stammered. ¡°I won¡¯t go¡­ without telling you. Ever again.¡± And I meant it. He hadpelled the truth from me with nothing but his presence. I looked up into his eyes, my hand trembling as I brought out the amulet. ¡°Put it on me,¡± I whispered. His eyes fell to my palm, then he picked it up, his hand circling my neck as he fastened the chain. I rested my head on his chest, and the moment it clicked into ce, a jolt ran through me. My senses sharpened. The void around me vanished. My strength rose like a tide. I gasped softly, pulling back. He was right. The amulet made me feel tied to him, bound, my perception heightened in every way. ¡°I¡¯ll wear it always,¡± I promised quietly. ¡°Now you¡¯ll always know where I am.¡± Before he could respond, I rose on tiptoe and kissed him, right there under the open sky. In public, for all the world to see. Because he is mine. Only mine. And I don¡¯t care what anyone says. Lycannar Blood, the Lycan King, belongs to me. Send Gifts 2.3K B Back Where 162 ? ??, 22% ? Finished Zephyrine Kiss. His lips on mine. I brushed over them tenderly and he didn¡¯t respond for a heart¨Cstopping moment until his hands wrapped around my waist and pulled me forward. And like that, everything faded away. In Ash Pack, only the two of us remained, and all that mattered was me in his arms. He kissed me gently, and I began to crave more. More than anything. Just then, I overheard footsteps, voices drawing near. I broke off the kiss and stared into his eyes. Without hesitation, I entwined my fingers with his and pulled him along, leading us into the serene garden of Ashmere. A sacred ce no one dared cross without permission from a true¨Cblooded Ashmere and only I remained. There I stopped, chest heaving, and watched him gaze back at me. The soft breeze swirled around us, his eyes drifting from the white cloak on my shoulders to the ne at my throat. His expression softened, and he threw caution aside. He cupped my neck and pulled me forward into another kiss. Pure sensation overwhelmed me at his im. My palm pressed against his chest as my eyes fluttered shut, lost in his touch, his tenderness. His tongue slipped past my lips, and I surrendered, going deeper. Until my fingers found the hem of his shirt, desperate to pull it away. The connection between us thickened, the lust ignited. One moment I was on my feet kissing him, and the next, he had lifted me into his arms. My legs wrapped around his waist as he pinned me against the wall of blooming flowers. His kiss turned urgent, stealing my breath until we tore apart, panting. His gaze locked on mine, and I saw it. The hunger. The same hunger mirrored in me, and we both knew what could quench ¡°I love your dress,¡± he murmured, eyes lingering at my cleavage. I blushed, knowing exactly what he meant. ¡°Lycan¡­¡± N?w ?ovel chapt?rs are published on Find~Novel ¡°I want you.¡± It wasn¡¯t a question. It was a deration. And he didn¡¯t wait for my response before his mouth found mine again. I melted into him, forgetting myself in his arms. He lowered me to my feet only to turn me, undoing the straps of my gown with a swift hand. In no time, the dress fell away, baring my breasts. His lips brushed my neck, his palm cupped one breast, and I sighed shakily as my legs trembled under his tender care. ¡°Lycan¡­¡± I breathed, and he answered with another kiss, pressed against the small of my back. His hand slid up, circling my neck, guiding me into another kiss. I opened to him fully, marveling at how much our bodies demanded each other. ?? 22%. Finished Then he turned me, his mouth closing over my nipple. A moan escaped me, my hands burying in his hair. ¡°Lycan¡­¡± I whimpered, but in answer, he tugged the rest of my gown away, leaving me bare beneath the moonlight. His lips trailed lower, exploring, until he reached my core, clit, sucking, licking, making my body quake. A helpless sound broke from me as his tongue flicked lower, teasing at ces that made me shiver. He turned me back to face the wall, guiding my hands to brace against it. His fingers slid inside my butt, stretching, preparing me. My moans filled the night, growing louder as his tongue returned to taste me. Then he pulled me back up, kissing me fiercely before lowering me to my knees. I freed him quickly, his cock springing heavy and hot into my hands. I licked and sucked, stroking him until slick with my saliva. He groaned, pulling me up, turning me, and pressing his length at my entrance. Slowly, carefully, he eased into me from behind. ¡°Lycan¡­¡± I gasped, moaning as he filled mepletely. He paused only a breath, then began moving, deep, steady thrusts that pulled cries from my lips. He quickened, harder, deeper, until I was crying out with abandon. We snapped. He pulled out, and I wed at him, desperate, stripping him bare. Clothes scattered across the grass until I straddled him, sinking onto his cock, grinding down while his hands gripped my waist. I leaned on him, moaning as his hips thrust upward, filling me again and again. The pleasure built sharp and fast, threatening to consume me. He shifted us once more,ying me down against the grass, thrusting from behind while his fingers found my clitoris, rubbing, teasing, forcing me higher. ¡°Lycan!¡± I screamed, as the world shattered. His release spilled into me at the very same moment mine burst free, squirting, trembling, crashing together in violent bliss. Weid there, raw and emotional until he pulled out gently, turning me into his embrace. My head rested on his arm, my body limp, sated, and trembling. Around us, the garden stood silent and untouched, but for us it was holy. Nothing mattered. Not the council, not the goddess, not even the empire. Only us. Only this bond now could sever, no curse could undo. Send Gifts Back Where 163 Zephyrine Finished With the gentle breeze swirling around, I savored the moment of being in his arms. I loved how solid he felt and how protectively he held me. Tender, yet strong. But then the memories came flooding back, clenching my heart. ¡°You gave a perfect speech,¡± he murmured softly, and I lifted my eyes to his face. ¡°I did?¡± At my question, he smiled gently. ¡°Well, apart from the burst ofughter. I mean the war part, that Ashmeres aren¡¯t weak just because you didn¡¯t fight for five years.¡± I swallowed at his words and leaned back against his arm, my fingers sliding over his chest, across that tender mat of hair, and down to the runes etched in his skin, which I traced lightly with my fingertip. ¡°You know¡­ I always believed a day like this would only be about Varyn,¡± I murmured softly. ¡°My brother. That he¡¯d take the throne and rule over us all.¡°. ¡°You¡¯d make a good Alpha too.¡± ¡°Maybe not.¡± My whisper cracked, goosebumps rising on my skin as my voice shook. ¡°Maybe not, Lycan. Maybe I¡¯m not as strong as I think I am. As the world thinks I am. He must have heard the condemnation in my voice, the buried frustration, because he pulled back to look at my face. The moment he saw the tears, he froze. I saw his eyes widen in awe, then he sat upright, stunned. ¡°Zephyrine¡­¡± ¡°Five years ago I lost everything, Lycannar.¡± I sniffed. ¡°I lost who I waspletely. I lost my father, my mother, my brother¡­ and my peace.¡± ???? ????s? ???????s ?? fin?novel My sigh trembled as I fought to continue, swallowing back the tears choking me, though my heart ached unbearably. ¡°I found my parents¡® ashes and brought them home, but¡­ I couldn¡¯t find Varyn. My brother. That battle¡­ something happened that day, and he vanished into thin air.¡± He listened silently, his gaze steady, never interrupting. ¡°I was given the prize of defeating the demons in private. They hailed me as the goddess of war but at what cost? I couldn¡¯t sleep in my own bed peacefully. Each time I close my eyes, it¡¯s the demon war general I see. The nightmares drag me back, again and again, to that bloody day.¡± I sniffed again, sighing to steady myself. ¡°I can¡¯t give up on my brother, Lycannar. Varyn is the best brother, like you are to your sisters. Loving, protective, supportive. Since no body was found, I refuse to believe he¡¯s dead. I¡¯ve sent men searching for him.¡± GO I nodded to myself, gulping. 22% Finished ¡°After five years, word finally came. A merchant who sells mirrors brought me tangible proof, news of Varyn¡¯s whereabouts. That was the trip I took.¡± I searched his eyes, noticing the shift in them, though he said nothing. ¡°I¡­ through that, I found him, Lycannar.¡± My jaw set. ¡°I didn¡¯t see him directly, but he is an Ashmere. I can feel his energy. Yet I couldn¡¯t do anything to save him. I am a warrior, and Varyn gave me nothing but loyalty all his life, and still I failed him. I retreated. The most humiliating thing an Ashmere can do. Since then, after confiding in my beta and my closest friend, I promised them I would make a n, define our next movement but in truth, I don¡¯t know what to do. Any mistake could cost Varyn his life. Any rash step could make him bleed, and I could never forgive myself if that happened. Never. I don¡¯t know what to do, Lycannar. I don¡¯t even know who to trust¡­ or who I shouldn¡¯t trust when even¡­¡± ¡°The Imperium Council.¡± Lycannar¡¯s gentle voice cut in, making me go still. ¡°Lycannar?¡± Instead of answering, he reached for his fur cloak on the floor. From within, he pulled out a cylindrical ss just like the one he had once used to send a letter to his brother Hades. He extended the ss toward me, his gaze tender, solemn. ¡°Letters. I¡¯ve sorted the dates. Go on, read them. You¡¯ll understand why your whole family was wiped out in the war five years ago.¡± I froze, cold creeping through me as I epted the ss in confusion. His eyes were steady, carrying a weight as if he had known all along, as if he already held the answer. I clutched the ss and watched him rise to his feet, dressing in silence. My heart pounded painfully. Slowly, I opened the lid and drew out the letters, a chill seeping into my bones as I began to read. Send Gifts 2.3K W Back Where 164 Zephyrine 22% Finished The letters. They were evidence, truth, or no, lies spun by those the Ashmeres trusted and obeyed. Yet everything written felt too monstrous to be real. I stared at thest one before lifting my gaze to Lycannar. He was already dressed, arms folded across his chest, watching me closely. ¡°These can¡¯t be true. How can the Imperium Council be the ones to instigate a war and still beg us Ashmeres to fight it?¡± I tried to ask firmly, but my voice came out broken. ¡°These are lies, Lycan. Even Ka being the envoy between the Shifter Empire and the Demon Realm¡­ it¡¯s all lies. She was hailed as the one who brought peace. She was gone for five years on that mission and¡­¡± His silence made it worse, and I bit down on my lip to hold back a miserable sob. It can¡¯t be true. It just can¡¯t. Before despair swallowed me whole, Lycannar stepped forward. His eyes softened, and he drew me into his arms, solid, protective, tender. ¡°You can cry now. No one is watching.¡± His voice was low, soothing. ¡°You don¡¯t need to be too brave with me. I am your man, not your subject. Cry however you want.¡± Find the newest release on It broke me. The lump in my throat swelled until I thought I might choke. And then I did cry. Hard. For my brother, alive somewhere and suffering. For my parents, my people, for the warriors who had been deceived into dying for nothing. For the Ashmeres, tricked into ughter. But how? How could it have happened? And more, how did he know? Where did these letterse from? ¡°I told you before, Zephyrine,¡± Lycannar began softly, as if he could feel my questions tearing me apart. ¡°Not every battle makes it into history¡­ and not every war was meant to be fought. I was a Lycan warlord once, blessed with an army of my own. Not vast, Not less than three hundred and fifty, but feared. Every campaign we led ended in massacre. We always won. Always returned home victorious.¡± I pulled back, staring at him unblinking. ¡°My father hardened me from childhood. You can¡¯t imagine the horrors I was forced to endure. Bing a warrior, rising to warlord, was like breathing. Bloodshed was second nature. I started as nothing, a foot soldier. No privilege for being a prince. I wed my way up. Eventually, I earned the warlord¡¯s medal,manded my own men, and led the Blood Army into every battle.¡± His eyes dimmed, voice edged with bitterness. ¡°But my victories never pleased my father. He feared me. Feared that with men loyal to me, I would rise too high. I will be too dangerous So he plotted to strip me of my army¡­ and rid himself of me.¡± ¡°But¡­ these letters. They bear the Demon King¡¯s crest,¡± I whispered, shaking my head. ¡°They¡¯re written in my father¡¯s hand. I would know it anywhere.¡± His jaw tightened. ¡°I was only sickened that the Demon King, whom I respected, yed along. I had won countless wars for him. I bled for him.¡± His gaze met mine, heavy with weight. ¡°And you think the portal you sealed was the only one? There¡¯s another, in the Lycan Kingdom itself.¡± My breath caught. ¡°W¡­what?¡± 22% Finished ¡°Ashmeres were feared. Too dangerous. The Council must have spoken with the Demon King. Together, they made their choice, to erase you Ashmeres. And my army was to vanish with you. So they fixed the battle.¡± ¡°But you weren¡¯t there,¡± I whispered. ¡°A letter came the final day saying the Warlord would not fight.¡± He nodded grimly. ¡°The full moon. No matter my strength, on that night, I lose myself. My senses drown in madness, even to those I love. They lock me away until it passes. When I woke, I was told my army had been sent anyway. Without me. ced on the front line, isted from all others. It was a death sentence.¡± I swallowed hard, heart racing. ¡°My uncle Ureh brought word. He told me the battle was treachery, that the Werewolves would be betrayed. That my men were already as good as dead. And though I was still raw from the moon, I couldn¡¯t stay away. I donned my armor, mounted my horse, and rode to the field.¡± His eyes darkened. ¡°I arrived to rain arrows ame, flying from Ashmere bows. Your parents were there, fierce and unyielding. True warriors. But by then, every one of my Blood Army was already gone. ughtered before I could reach them.¡± A shiver tore through me. My heart clenched painfully. My family killed his men¡­ and still he has shown me nothing but love. ¡°Lycan¡­¡± I whispered, my voice breaking. Send Gifts 2.3K Back Where 165 Zephyrine 22% Finished ¡°By the time I reached the battlefield, the ground was already drenched in blood. Ashmere warriors had fallen, and so had mine. Everyone was retreating back to camp. To the demon warlord, there was no apology for my men¡¯s deaths. He insisted he had only followed orders beyond his will. He had ced my army in the frontlines, isted. But he vowed the Ashmeres would pay for it.¡± His pale¨Cgold eyes caught mine, steady and piercing, and I braced myself for what he would say next. ¡°I love shedding blood more than you can imagine, Zephyrine. Revenge too. I have lived by an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. But I swear to you, that is not what happened in camp. I carried my uncle¡¯s warning that the werewolves would be betrayed, ughtered. I never asked how he knew, but I never doubted him. And before long, the truth came. The messenger we sent to returned with your parents, carrying grim news that the Ashmere camp was ame. The warlord and generals had been butchered in their sleep.¡± I froze. My breath caught in my chest. ¡°The Abyss warlord and I mounted our horses and rode into the Ashmere camp. We found only ruins. Your kind surrounded their own, arrows let loose mercilessly right before my eyes.¡± My knees weakened, but Lycannar¡¯s hand closed around mine, steady and grounding. ¡°Cornered by their own kind, trapped by werewolves they trusted, the Ashmeres fought back, but they were stunned, betrayed. They fell one by one. Among thest still standing was your brother, Varyn.¡± Lycannar¡¯s expression softened, his features drawn with memory. ¡°Your brother fought fiercely, Zephyrine. He tried with everything he had to reach your parents, but they were already dead. And when the attackers turned on him, I¡­ I chose to intervene. I had no reason to. The Ashmeres had ughtered my men; I should have left him to his fate. But I didn¡¯t. Though I had sworn not to fight that night, though the full moon still lingered in my veins, I rode into the chaos. It took a single sh, w marks that never heal unless by a rare¨Cborn healer. I tore through the betrayers and pulled thest of the Ashmeres out alive.¡± I stared at him, stunned, my lips parting in disbelief. Memories of Varyn¡¯s words returned, a whisper in my mind. My heart stammered in my chest as I breathed, almost to myself, ¡°You¡­ you were the monster he wrote of? The one who saved him?¡± He arched a brow, then shrugged faintly. ¡°I shifted that night. I couldn¡¯t stop it. The aftermath of the full moon. I lost control. After tgw rescue your brother stayed with the Abyss warriors afterward. There he learned the truth that the battle was never meant to be fought. Your kind had been told demons were invading; demons were told werewolves sought their realm. Lies spun to ignite war. Varyn bowed to me, asked if there was any way to undo the dead, to bring back my men. But I forgave him. The Blood Army always knew death would im them sooner orter. I have seen it too. It was my failure as a warlord not to shield them more.¡± A shadow passed across Lycannar¡¯s gaze. The pain there made my chest ache and there I understood then what my brother meant when he wrote of ¡®world within world.¡¯ Sat, Sep 6 He meant the truth of Lycans and demons. 22% Finished ¡°Eventually, he left with his men.¡± Lycannar continue. ¡°They retreated with honor, bowing to the Abyss warriors and earning respect. I watched him ride away, and I left too. That day I hung my armor for good, left my des to gather dust. I funded every family of my Blood Army for life, but nothing reced the men themselves. From then on, I withdrew. I believed Varyn would make it home safely. But now, hearing from you that he vanished on the battlefield five years ago¡­ it means he never did. Yet I swear it, Zephyrine, I saw him leave.¡± The truth left me hollow. I dropped my gaze, leaning into him as guilt wed through me. My heart ached unbearably. If only I could turn back time, warn my parents, keep them from that war. Tell them the Blood Army was not their enemy, that their warlord was not the monster whispered in campfires but a man, an apex predator, yes, but one who would never strike unless dared. ¡°How can I ever repay the lives of your men, Lycannar?¡± My voice trembled, thick with shame. ¡°How can I walk into your kingdom without my conscience tearing me apart?¡± He gently tilted my chin, pressing his lips to mine. His kiss silenced the storm of my guilt. ¡°If I had led that battle, I would have in your kind as well. I don¡¯t believe in passing the sins of parents onto their children. My obsession for you was born long before I knew who you truly were, and it will never change. Nothing will make me turn away from you.¡± I searched his face, stunned at his unwavering resolve. Still, he wanted me. Still, he loved me. Th?s chapter is updated by f?ndnovel ¡°Lycan¡­¡± I whispered, overwhelmed, and he kissed me again, drawing me against his chest. My hand pressed to his heart, and for the first time, I felt the weight lift. I wasn¡¯t as broken or lost as I had been moments ago. When he pulled back, I moved away only to dress, then reached for his hand. ¡°You can stay away from the ck Tower for one night, can¡¯t you?¡± I asked, and when he straightened, he nodded. ¡°Thene. Pass the night in my bedchamber. Make love to me again. Earlier I held back, afraid of being caught, but now I don¡¯t care. Let them gossip, let them scorn. I am yours. Let my love and devotion repay the lives of your army. I know it isn¡¯t a fair trade, but it is what I can give.¡± I hadn¡¯t even finished when he pulled me into another kiss, fierce and iming. And when I lowered my gaze, I knew I was his. Entirely his. Send Gifts 19 Back Where 166 The Rogue Is A Female Alpha Zephyrine 22% Finished I moaned, soft, broken, passion ring through my bones, heating my heart, and stirring me awake. With my thighs trembling gently, I realized what had roused me. It was him. Lycannar. ¡°Ohh¡­¡± I gasped into my pillow when his tongue found the sweetest spot, when he closed his mouth over my clit. It was morning, sunlight spilling across my chamber while Lycannar was between my thighs, sucking on my clitoris. A perfect way to wake. For the first time, I had slept peacefully in my own bed. We had made love against night, and when we returned, Isolde and the other maids weren¡¯t around. They were still busy in the after¨Cparty hall. My eyes fluttered closed as sensation built in my veins, my soul. I licked my lips, bit down on the lower one, and tangled my fingers in his hair. ¡°Lycan¡­¡± I moaned his name, but in answer he only locked onto me harder. I was gone within moments, lost to the rhythm of his tongue, even when footsteps approached and my chamber door creaked open. ¡°Good morning, mydy. You have¡­ Isolde¡¯s words cut off. She gasped, mmed the door shut, and vanished. I ignored it all. I couldn¡¯t think, couldn¡¯t care. His tongue was too merciless, too skilled, and I hated to imagine he had ever touched another woman like this when I wasn¡¯t yet in his life. ¡°Ohh, ohh please, Lycan¡­¡± My moans broke free as I climbed higher. His tongue teased, circled, then pressed down on my clitoris until my body seized, shivered, and broke apart in climax. My hips jerked, my hand clutched the sheets, and suddenly I squirted. His fingers slid inside me, stroking, coaxing, while my cries filled the chamber. I shook violently, wetting the bed beneath us. Only then did he climb up, his body pressed to mine before rolling to his side. Still trembling, I reached for him, kissed his lips, and slid my hand down his chest. My fingers wrapped around his cock, stroking slowly before I lowered myself to take him in my mouth. A low growl rumbled from him when he hit the back of my throat. His hand came to guide me, and I obeyed, listening, learning. I stroked and sucked until his touch grew heavier, more desperate. He was close. At that moment, Isolde, foolishly thinking we had finished, pushed open the door again only to m it shut for the second time. Neither of us reacted. We were lost in our own world. His palm cupped the back of my head, holding me down as his cock pulsed, releasing thickly down my throat. I stroked him through thest tremors until his sigh broke free, shaky, guttural, raw with sensation. When it was over, I kissed him again, and we curled into the bed, not caring about the mess of sweat and wetness staining the sheets. He kissed me hard, and when he finally leaned back, Iy with my head on his chest, savoring his warmth. ¡°Good morning,¡± I whispered, but he didn¡¯t reply. Finished I pulled back, studying his face, the face I was learning to love more and more each morning. He licked his lips, as though still tasting me, then frowned faintly. ¡°If I were to decide for you, Zephyrine,¡± he said softly, voice calm but edged, ¡°I¡¯d say bulldozing into that ce where your brother is held, dragging him out by force, that would be the best choice.¡± Th?s chapter is updated by find?novel My chest clenched. He was thinking of my brother. ¡°You know ckwater?¡± I asked. His brow arched, but then he shook his head. Of course. Lycans wouldn¡¯t know. It was a ce whispered among werewolves. Stone was a werewolf, after all. ¡°It¡¯s a vile ce,¡± I told him. ¡°ves are bought and sold. Torture and filth. No one who goes therees out free. I spoke to the man in charge. Stone. But instead of giving me my brother¡­¡± My voice trailed, shaking. ¡°Instead of giving me Varyn, he proposed I be his whore.¡± Lycannar went still. His gaze snapped to mine, and I saw it. The pale gold of his eyes shifting into that rare green. ¡°He touched you?¡± he asked, his voice low and dangerous. I swallowed and nodded. ¡°He tried to force himself on me. He would have, if not for the horse you gave me. She¡¯s fierce, fast. I wouldn¡¯t have survived without her, I swear it.¡± His jaw tightened, his eyes scanning mine, searching. Then his voice dropped lower. ¡°You sent a letter to my sister for a healer, before you even returned from ckwater. Why? You already knew you¡¯d be wounded? Or¡­¡± His eyes narrowed. ¡°Or were you already slipping from an injury?¡± The question hung heavy between us. I shifted, tried to move away, but he caught my arm and pulled me back down against him. ¡°Tell me. What¡¯s wrong?¡± I looked into his eyes, then lowered mine, quiet. ¡°An arrow pierced my side. Stone, the leader of ckwater, shot me. He is¡­ he is a cruel man.¡± At those words, Lycannar¡¯s touch went cold and I look into his eyes. There I saw it. I didn¡¯t need to ask. I knew. Stone¡¯s days were already numbered. Lycannar might not tell me, might never show me the body but something deep in me knew. Stone would soon be rotting. Send Gifts ¡£ 2.3K Back Where 167 Lycannar 21% 29 Finished I moved my eyes away from her mirror and slipped into her bath chamber. There she was, pulling off her robe to step into the water. Beautiful. That was all I could think when she stood bare before me. Her breasts were firm. I knew because I had touched them. Her moans were lovely and intoxicating. I had heard them. She was sweet. I could tell, because I had tasted her. I watched her sink into the water and begin to bathe. I had read the letters and been stunned. I left for White Pack to inform her, but since she wasn¡¯t there, I returned to my kingdom only to find my uncle, Ureh. He exined everything far better. It wasn¡¯t my stepfather, but my true father who wanted me dead. The Demon King had agreed, believing I was bing too dangerous. I kept silent for days and nights, until the invitation came, delivered in utmost respect, one I honored. Now here we were. I had told her everything, though leaving out the most tangible detail that I was also part demon. But for her now, demons were not the viins. The true viins were the Imperium Council she had trusted. The true viin was that envoy who had carried letters across realms. As I watched Zephyrine bathe gently, I wondered what she would do. I couldn¡¯t guess. But I already knew what I would do. I would make Stone of ckwater pay forying hands on her. For daring to attack her. His fate was already sealed. ¡°Apex?¡± Her voice broke my thoughts, and I blinked to see her grinning sheepishly. She just called me Apex. ¡°Lycannar.¡± I smiled at her. ¡°Hmm?¡± ¡°Come join me.¡± I looked down at the water. Rose petals floating, a delicious fragrance filling the air. Ash Pack. Never in my wildest thoughts had I imagined I¡¯d set foot in here. Built to fortify wars, its walls were meant never to be breached. Yet here I was, stepping into the bath with her. She leaned up to kiss my cheek, then pulled away giggling, making me wonder what she found so amusing in this morning. I swam closer, pressing her gently against the concrete pool wall. She stopped smiling when she saw the hunger in my eyes. Breathing hard, her gaze searched mine as she leaned in to kiss me. I kissed her tenderly, my lips iming hers as my hands slid to her waist. Then my mouth trailed from her lips down to her neck, and lower still to her breast. ¡°Lycan¡­¡± she moaned, and gods, I loved it every time. For more chapters visit F?ndNovel Sat, Sept 21% Finished It was her way of telling me I was right where she needed me, giving her pleasure, making her surrender. I pressed her breast to my cheek, teased her nipple across my skin, then closed my mouth around it. In no time we were on the pavement, her back t beneath me, her thighs open. My cock was hard, aching as I positioned at her entrance, watching how she had been stretchedst night. I eased in with a low groan. Tight. Perfect. I thrust slow at first, then deeper, harder, until her brows furrowed and her moans grew louder. My pace grew relentless until release seized me, and I warmed her with it. We both copsed, drunk on sensation. She pulled me down, hugging me tight, as if afraid I might vanish if I pulled away. After a while, I rolled to my side, and silence settled between us. My hand found her breast, marveling at the soft curve, the pale nipple. She was beautiful, soft and sweet, but I knew she could be hard and violent too. That was the truth of a warrior. ¡°I will be pulling Ash Pack from the Imperium Council¡¯s order, Lycan.¡± Her deration broke the quiet, sharp and fierce. To my ears, it was almost a deration of war. ¡°No one in Ash Pack will take theirmand anymore. We will stand alone.¡± I didn¡¯t argue. Whatever she wanted, I would support her. Even if the path was bloody. That was how crazily obsessed I was with her. ¡°What will you need?¡± I asked. She ced her hand over mine, guiding me to squeeze her breast. Desire stirred again, and my cock hardened. She was seducing me, and it was working. ¡°Your unwavering devotion,¡± she whispered. Her hand slid mine down to her clit, guiding my strokes. ¡°I will pull my pack from the Imperium Council. That will be war. Then I will stand on my own two feet. That will earn me more enemies. Ash Pack will be isted. I will need your constant reminder that I am doing the right thing so I don¡¯t lose myself. Your support, so I don¡¯t forget who I am. You know too much power makes one lose their mind.¡± ¡°I will always be right here whenever you need me,¡± I told her,pletely lost in the rhythm she made me y against her body. ¡°And I will never think you¡¯ve forgotten who you are. Before my eyes, you will always be right. Always.¡± Her gaze fluttered, dark with desire. She brought the finger I¡¯d used on her to my mouth, urging me to taste her. ¡°You will be there for me every time? You won¡¯t judge?¡± Her voice trembled. ¡°You are my only anchor, Lycan. The only one who doesn¡¯t expect me to be strong at all times. You will be there when¡­¡± I kissed her lips before panic could steal her words. ¡°If the burden is ever too heavy, Zephyrine, I¡¯ll still be right here. I¡¯ll never judge you. No matter how cruel your vengeance because they deserve it. They made you an orphan. They isted your brother. They caused my men to die. If ever you want to shed blood¡­¡± My voice dropped. ¡°I¡¯ll ce the dagger in your hand myself.¡± She swallowed hard at my vow, then shifted to straddle me. Sat, Sep 6 ¡°But that envoy¡­?¡± I asked quietly. She set her jaw. ¡°Sit and watch, my love. Before anything however, rescuing Varyne first.¡± Send Gifts 2.3K Back Where 168 Lycannar 21% Finished I finished dressing, adjusting the brace on my forearm when Zephyrine finally called in her maids. An elderly woman and three youngerdies entered, bowing low. I could feel their gazes on me, but I didn¡¯t look their way. Didn¡¯t spare them a nce. My focus stayed on my brace, though I already knew what lingered in their minds. They had seen theirdy and me this morning, giving oral pleasure to one another. That wasn¡¯t against my foremother¡¯s decree, and I could only smirk at how I¡¯d found a way past hermand to starve me of love. ¡°I will get dressed now,¡± Zephyrine said to her maids, snapping them out of staring at me and back to her. I had never done this before. I mean slept over in a werewolf pack. I had spent nights in the Demon Realm, yes, but never outside shifter empires packs. As Zephyrine headed to dress, I caught her wrist and pulled her back to me. She was still naked, soft and tempting, her body a lure I could never resist. We had made love again, and still it felt like I wanted her all over. It was as if I could never get enough. I leaned in to kiss her, catching sight of her maids averting their eyes from the corner of mine. I kissed her again, then trailed my lips down her neck and along the swell of her breast. Tenderly, I took one nipple into my mouth and sucked. She moaned softly, holding onto me, and I released her atst, already knowing she was wet again. ¡°I can¡¯t get enough of you,¡± I whispered. Against my lips, she murmured back ¡°I can¡¯t get enough of you either.¡± We kissed once more before I left her side and moved to the window. Folding my arms across my chest, I gazed out over the packnds and beyond to the walls. Somehow, I could feel it. War. It wasing. I was deep in thought when I heard the sharp snap of her voice. ¡°Will you focus on dressing me up? And why are you staring at him?¡± I nearly smiled. She was scolding her maids for staring at me. ¡°Sorry, mydy. He¡¯s just¡­¡± one of them started but faltered, silenced under Zephyrine¡¯s re. My gods. I sighed inwardly. She wouldn¡¯t allow any woman room in my life. And I understood. I wouldn¡¯t allow any man into hers either. She was bound to me, for life. From the window, I spotted Mearez walking with Serena, Baron speaking alongside them. My sisters. They had never learnedbat. While I fought in wars, they had been left at my father¡¯s mercy, his entertainment. And by entertainment, I meant rape. GO 21% Finished I swallowed hard at the cold memories. I had not protected them well enough. Even after strangling my father with my own hands, I still felt he deserved worse than death. But his soul would never find peace. I made sure of that when I left him at exactly where he hated most. ¡°Mydy?¡± The door opened gently, then paused when Blue stepped in. I felt her gaze on my back before she bowed. ¡°My king.¡± I turned and looked at her. Young. Beautiful. Of the ones under my care, she had grown well. I didn¡¯t speak, only turned back to the window. She approached Zephyrine. ¡°Mydy, your aunt requests a breakfast with your man.¡± I stilled at that. Her man? ¡°She means the King. Lycannar?¡± Zephyrine asked. ¡°Yes, Mydy.¡± Original content can be found at A soft sigh escaped Zephyrine¡¯s lips, and when I turned, she was rolling her eyes before ncing at me, her gaze rounded with apology. ¡°Lycan¡­ should I say yes? I can make an excuse. What do you think?¡± I didn¡¯t answer right away. Every eye was on me, even her maids, still staring as if I were some rare and precious artifact. ¡°Is she good to you?¡± I finally asked. Zephyrine swallowed. ¡°Yes. She is good.¡± ¡°Then I have no reason to refuse her invitation.¡± I said and Zephyrine nodded. ¡°Blue, tell her I wille for breakfast. And inform my beta I wish to see him.¡± ¡°Yes, mydy,¡± she replied, and left. My heart swelled quietly at the bond already forming between her and Zephyrine. Minutester, as Zephyrine finished dressing, Blue returned. ¡°The beta waits at the door.¡± ¡°Let him in,¡± Zephyrine said, rising to receive him. The door opened, and Jurrek entered. The man who had earned my respect the moment I first looked into his eyes and saw his sorrow. His life, his loyalty, were bound to the Ashmeres. He lived for them. He would die for them. That was why I respected him. Why I had extended him a handshake when I gave none to others. He bowed to me at the window. I nodded in response, then he turned fully to Zephyrine, ready to hear why he had been summoned. ?? 21% Finished ¡°There¡¯s something important you need to know Jurrek. I have found those who betrayed Ashmeres on the battlefield but before that you will need to read some letters.¡± Back Where 169 Zephyrine +10 Free Coins Standing beside the broken but repaired mirror, I could feel the weight in the air. The cold, heavy tension pressing against the atmosphere. The Dusk household had been called, and Dessyn had heard the truth with her own cars. Moon too had listened to why we were sent into that war. The Ashmeres were deemed too dangerous, and in order to wipe us out, we were thrown onto the battlefield. Only, it wasn¡¯t just Ashmere warriors who died. Those from other packs, who joined our ranks, and armies also lost their lives. The Imperium Council had crossed a line they should never have dared. I released a slow breath and turned to face everyone. My decision was already set. The Pack that had belonged to my forefathers, down to my father, would no longer bend under the rules of the Imperium. I wanted out. ¡°It will be a difficult and dangerous decision, Alpha Zephyrine,¡± Jurrek¡¯s voice cut in. As though he could read my very thoughts. I swallowed and moved toward the window, gazing outside. There, I spotted Lycannar standing with Princess Mearez, speaking in quiet conversation. He had stepped out minutes ago when his sisters called for him. I had kissed him goodbye, told him if he felt any difort he should return to me. For now, mirrors and holy relics were forbidden. Lycannar had to remain safe. My eyes lingered, noticing the way his hand rested protectively on Mearez. The sight made me almost smile. If only Varyn had not been lost to that war¡­ perhaps he would have treated me with the same kind of devotion. But the Council, always the Council. -They came yesterday,¡± I said curtly, breaking the silence. ¡°They sat at my table, ate and drank in my pack. They dared to speak the Ashmere name from their mouths¡­ and Lady Sylvara herself had the gall to mention Varyn.¡± My eyes locked on Jurrek. ¡°They mocked me. Mocked all of us. My father never once thought of rebelling, I swear it.¡± ¡°We need to act quickly, especially for your brother,¡± Moon¡¯s voice followed, steady but firm. ¡°You said Stone looked into the mirror. If he saw War strategist Varyn¡¯s face, then he may already be torturing him to get back at you. Don¡¯t you think?¡± A cold shiver gripped my spine at his words. Moon was right. Stone of ckwater had stared into the mirror and seen Varyn rotting away. ¡°We must get him out of ckwater. If it takes a war, I will lead it,¡± I said heavily, and Jurrek gave a slow nod. ¡°What¡¯s the n?¡± The word caught in my throat. I swallowed. ¡°We can¡¯t rush. ckwater is fortified with walls that won¡¯t fall easily. If I were him, I would never go down without blood. We must know what lies inside before we move.¡± 7:25 pm P PPP. ¡°That means someone has to return,¡± Moon said, ¡°in disguise.¡± ¡°Yes,¡± I finished. ¡°If only I could, but¡­¡± 10 Free Coins ¡°But Stone knows your face,¡± Jurrek cut in. ¡°Even in disguise, he¡¯d recognize you. And ckwater iswless. Anyone who enters must tread carefully. Alpha Zephyrine, I will¡­¡± ¡°I¡¯ll go.¡± Dessyn¡¯s voice sliced into the room, drawing every gaze. ¡°What? Can¡¯t I?¡± The silence that followed spoke volumes. ¡°You¡¯ll be too emotional, Dessyn,¡± I said softly. She shook her head. ¡°Too emotional? No, Zephyr. I can handle this. I can¡­¡± her voice faltered, trembling before she steadied it, ¡°I can do it. Let me.¡± Tears welled in her eyes before she turned away, trying to hide the crack in her voice. ¡°We are all emotional when ites to Varyn. But I won¡¯t sit back anymore. He is my man. I want to bring him home. To me. To love me. Would you sit idle if Apex were gone for five years without touching you?¡± Her words struck hard, dragging heat to my chest. I lowered my eyes. If Lycannar left me for even a day, I¡¯d be lost. Five years? I would go mad. She was right. She deserved a say in his rescue. I had known Dessyn since childhood. She might not wield weapons, but she was clever, resourceful, and stubborn enough to force her way through. The rightful source is f?ndnovel ¡°You¡¯ll go but not alone. You need someone who can fight if things turn bloody,¡± I said atst, meeting her tearful gaze. Moon stepped forward. ¡°I¡¯ll go with her.¡± I nodded. Moon was unmatched inbat. I had seen him in the battlefield. He had saved me more than once. ¡°You¡¯ll need a n to blend in,¡± I added. ¡°I¡¯ll think of one before night falls,¡± Dessyn replied. Finally, I turned to Jurrek, heart heavy. ¡°Arrange me a meeting with the Imperium Council. I want answers.¡± No sooner had I spoken than the door creaked open. Isolde stepped in, bowing low. ¡°Mydy, your aunt requests your presence and that of the Lycan King for breakfast.¡± I gave a brief nod as she slipped out, then turned back to the window. Lycannar now stood by his horse, 7:25 pm P p p p. My throat tightened at the thought of that breakfast. +10 Free Coins Something in me knew my aunt meant no good. Not about anything. And especially not about my bond with the Lycan King. 7:25 pm Pppp. Back Where 170 Zephyrine +10 Free Coins He stopped just before we reached the door, and I turned to stare at him. Lycannar. We were here for breakfast. Not that I was hungry, but my aunt, Kostyra, was a woman I could never be rude to. She had shown me no reason to be, and though I had my doubts about her, I still chose to maintain the respect and love I held for her. I nced at Lycannar again. A small frown creased his face, and I nearly smiled. Something was bothering him. I stepped closer, pressing my palm against his chest as I looked up. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± I asked softly. In response, he only searched my eyes and kissed me, making my heart swell. Last night and this morning would have been the happiest of my life, if not for the truth I¡¯d just learned about my family¡¯s death. ¡°Can I eat without worry?¡± he finally spoke. His words came as a question, and I swallowed hard at the meaning. Poison. Goosebumps prickled across my skin as I lowered my gaze. Even I could not let my guard down so easily. ¡°She¡¯s my mother¡¯s younger sister,¡± I murmured. ¡°She wouldn¡¯t dare kill me or poison a king, unless she seeks the wrath of the Lycans.¡± Lycannar smiled faintly, shrugging. ¡°It¡¯s not that deep. My body is immune to poisons. Other things are my weaknesses. I just want to be sure I don¡¯t have to worry about you.¡± My eyes flickered up, but before I could answer, he kissed me again. Just then the doors opened, and maids appeared in the doorway to receive us. Lentwined my fingers with Lycannar¡¯s and walked inside, just in time to see my aunting toward us with a smile. In the living room, she offered him a wide grin, though Lycannar didn¡¯t hold her gaze. Tm honored you came at my request, Your Majesty. Please, join us for breakfast. You too, Zephyr¡± We followed her into the dining hall. Only the maids and Lord Yua, her husband, were there. The moment he saw Laycannar, he rose to bow Lycannar returned it with a brief nod ¡°Please sit. The meal is ready,¡± my aunt said I tugged Lycannar gently to his seat We settled before the dishes Delicious. fragrant, enough to make my stomach twist. I stared nkly at my cutlery until my aunt¡¯s voler cut in ¡°Please don¡¯t be shy, Your Majesty. Take your cutlery¡± 1/3 Content originallyes from find?novel 7:25 pm +10 Free Coins Lycannar obeyed, answering softly, rare for him, since he never spoke easily to strangers. Perhaps my aunt wasn¡¯t a stranger to him, just as Jurrek hadn¡¯t been ¡°You may call me by my name.¡± ¡°Really? Then may I call you Lycannar? Apex, which they address you as, is only a nickname, right?¡± she pressed. I shifted my gaze to her. ¡°Apex is also his real name. You can use whichever you prefer.¡± She stared at me nkly, then forced a smile to smooth over the tension. ¡°Ah. I see,¡± she murmured. We began the meal. Lycannar lifted his spoon when another question came. ¡°I¡¯ve never heard about your mother, the Queen. Is she alive?¡± I stiffened, and Lycannar froze. ¡°Ah. perhaps I¡¯ve gone too far. Forgive me,¡± my aunt said, feigning innocence. ¡°I only want to understand you, since my niece here is clearly in love with you.¡± This time Lycannar did not reply. He set down his spoon, staring at the table. Then came another question. ¡°A man like you must have had many mistresses. How many women have you bedded before Zephyrine?¡± ¡°Aunt!¡± I snapped, my voice sharp with disbelief. She turned to me, pretending to be surprised. ¡°What? I¡¯m only trying to know your man better. Your mother would have, had she been alive. I¡¯m only doing her duty.¡± I gaped at her, then turned to Lycannar, who remained silent. His dark hair fell forward, strands brushing his face. Then he shifted his gaze to the doorway, as though sensing someone approach. A momentter, the door opened and Blue stepped in. ¡°My King, your sister requests your urgent presence.¡± Lycannar looked back at me, rose without a word, and kissed my lips softly before leaving with Blue. His absence left me hollow, shaken I turned my re on my aunt, but she only sighed, as though she were doing me a kindness. ¡°A man like that is off-limits, Zephyr. Look around you at the maids. Can¡¯t you see how fascinated they are with his very presence?¡± Her words made me nce around. She was right. Their eyes followed him, awestruck. ¡°You and he aren¡¯tpatible at all. He¡¯s a Lycan, you a werewolf. He¡¯s cursed. He¡¯s lived in a ck tower all his life. He¡¯s unsettling. A man so handsome, yet unwilling to meet anyone¡¯s eyes or speak unless forced¡­¡± 7:25 pm P Ppp. +10 Free Coins ¡°Enough!¡± I snapped. The word cracked like a whip, and she went still. ¡°Enough, Aunt. You are like a mother to me. I will always respect you. But don¡¯t cross this line.¡± ¡°You¡¯d choose a man over your own blood?¡± Lord Yua spoke atst. His eyes burned as he fixed them on me. ¡°You¡¯d choose a man born of destruction over your family?¡± ¡°Ran told me you threatened himst night,¡± my aunt added. ¡°He says you gave him no choice but to leave. Do you know who he is? He¡¯s the son of Lord Osmir, one of the Imperium Council. You¡¯ll never find a greater suitor, Zephyr. Won¡¯t you reconsider?¡± Her words froze me. Ran is Lord Osmir¡¯s son? She wanted me to marry into the very family that deceived mine into death? 1 could barely speak. I only rose from my chair and turned toward the exit until her final words dropped like venom. ¡°He will never belong to you alone, Zephyr. Save yourself the heartache now, and reject him.¡± 7:25 pm pp Back Where 171 Zephyrine +10 Free Coins Iy in my bed, quiet, jealousy pricking through my veins. She had said what I hated most, and no matter how I tried, I couldn¡¯t get my mind off it. She didn¡¯t want me with Lycannar but why? And why, of all people, would she fix Ran. Lord Osmir¡¯s son, as my suitor? I shifted on the bed, leaning against the headboard with a sigh. Lycannar had bedded women before me. I knew that. It was obvious. I knew it was in the past, but¡­ but why did it hurt? Why did it make me feel so insecure? Lost in thought, I heard footsteps approaching in the hallway. My gaze lifted as the door opened and Lycannar stepped inside, closing it behind him. He came toward me, and I turned away, giving him my back. His steps paused in confusion before he sat down at the edge of the bed. ¡°You okay?¡± he asked. I ignored him, and when his hand reached for me, I pulled away. ¡°Zephyrine?¡± This content belongs to F?ndNovel I sat up, meeting his gaze in silence. He studied me closely, one brow lifting. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± I shook my head, lowering my eyes. ¡°I¡¯m fine. It¡¯s nothing,¡± I whispered. He didn¡¯t believe me. His fingers tipped my chin upward, firm enough to force eye contact. ¡°You¡¯re lying to me now?¡± he asked softly. ¡°Tell me what¡¯s wrong¡± A lump rose in my throat. I looked away, biting my lip to keep the misery down, but it only weighed. bravier ¡°Why didn¡¯t you wait for me?¡± The words slipped out atst. ¡°Why couldn¡¯t you¡­ stay abstinent until you Silence streiched between us. I searched his expression, but he gave me nothing. Finally, his voice came. Jow and atrady ¡°I was groomed at a very young age. You wouldn¡¯t even have been born then¡± Cold dread ran down my spine Groomed? By who? ¡°Before I even reached puberty, my father groomed me with women he paid for. We had sex, and for a while, I got addicted to it. I had mistresses before Xynha came and proposed a rtionship. She was my first real woman, but in the end. I felt nothing for her. It was just sex until I met you.¡± 7:25 pm p ppp. +10 Free Coins My chest heaved. The more I learned of his father, the more I realized how cruel he had been, how much Lycannar had endured before his death. ¡°You made love to Xyrrha?¡± I asked, though I wished I hadn¡¯t. His silence was answer enough. I turned away, but his hand caught my wrist, pulling me back. ¡°You know it¡¯s you now, Zephyrine,¡± he murmured. ¡°Don¡¯t be jealous. That¡¯s my past.¡± ¡°But you made love to her, didn¡¯t you? Couldn¡¯t you have¡­¡± ¡°You think you¡¯re the only one crazy over someone¡¯s past?¡± he cut me off, his eyes burning into mine. ¡°You lived in another man¡¯s house for five years. I only dated Xyrrha for less than a month. We never even reached a full one. It was sex, not love. There¡¯s a difference. You, on the other hand, stayed with your ex- mate. And if he hadn¡¯t been too much of a fool not to touch you, I know you would¡¯ve let him if he tried.¡± His words cut deep. I hated that he was right. Rage boiled up, and I shoved at him, but it was useless. His strength was immovable. I tried to get out of bed, but¡¯he closed the distance in a breath and crushed his lips against mine. I struggled, but he pressed me down, pinning me until my resistance faltered. Soon I found myself clinging to him, fingers buried in his hair, kissing him back with everything in me. Breathless, I finally pulled away, chest heaving. ¡°I¡¯ll never forgive you if you cheat on me, Lycannar. There won¡¯t be forgiveness in me. You are mine.¡± He didn¡¯t argue. He didn¡¯t deny. He only kissed me again, stealing my breath until I had to pull back and pant. ¡°I have to go. My family is ready, and my horse is waiting outside,¡± he said after a pause. I stiffened. ¡°You¡­ you¡¯re leaving?¡± ¡°I can¡¯t spend two nights away from the ck Tower. I need to go.¡± I pulled from his arms, sitting upright, my heart twisting in longing. ¡°Can¡¯t you stay?¡± I asked softly over my shoulder while he reclined on my bed. ¡°You could stay tonight. You will¡­¡± ¡°I can¡¯t,¡± he cut in gently. ¡°It would be too much. Besides, I need to drink the potion that dulls my beasts.¡± I turned, finding his eyes already on me. He saw my sadness and sat up, cupping my cheek. ¡°I¡¯m only going back to my kingdom, which you are wee to at any time. If anything happens to you, I¡¯ll know. The amulet binds us. I¡¯lle as fast as possible.¡± ¡°And you¡¯ll keep yourself only for me?¡± I whispered, needcing my voice. He brushed his lips over mine before pulling back with a smile. 7:25 pm P p pp. ¡°You look cute when you¡¯re jealous.¡± +10 Free Coins I punched him, but he onlyughed. And in that moment, I saw his beauty. I saw what most people never could, or would. Lycannar Blood was never unsettling, never strange. He was only forged into istion by his father¡¯s cruelty. Nothing more. 7:25 pm P ppp. Back Where 172 Chapter 172 The rightful source is f?ndnovel Zephyrine +10 Free Coins I bowed before Aunty Eiryn. They had finished breakfast with the Dusks and Jurrek, and I had heard they loved it. ¡°Thank you so much foring,¡± I said to them, smiling. ¡°I appreciate you for sleeping over too.¡± Beauty, that¡¯s her name, smiled at me and looked around. ¡°You have a beautiful pack. The Blood family is wee here anytime, right?¡± ¡°Of course. Without any hassle, yes,¡± I said eagerly. Anything tied to Lycannar was wee in my pack. They smiled and began to climb into their carriage one by one. When it finally came down to the princesses, I closed in on Princess Serena and hugged her. I love it here. I really wish I could stay longer, but my baby brother needs to get home.¡± She sighed, and I nodded in understanding. ¡°When will youe visit us?¡± ¡®Soon,¡± I replied softly. ¡°Soon.¡± She smiled and pulled back to enter the carriage. Then I turned to Princess Mearez, and a smile spread on my face. My lifesaver. I hugged her tightly. I loved her so much. ¡®You stay out of trouble, okay?¡± she whispered into my ear, and when I pulled back to smile, she already knew I wouldn¡¯t promise that. ¡®I will miss you,¡± I said. I had grown used to her being in my pack these past days. It was a shame she had to leave now. The journey to Ash Pack and the Lycan Kingdom isn¡¯t that long. We can make the trip. Goodbye.¡± I nodded and stepped back. I caught her gaze shift to Jurrek behind me, who had bowed when the others entered the carriage. Their eyes lingered for a brief moment before Princess Mearez stepped inside without another word, and I understood her plight. Lycannar was right there with his horse. Even a second too long staring at another man could arouse his suspicions. I bit my lower lip as the carriage rolled forward, casing out of the pack. A soft sigh slipped from my lips as I stood watching it go. Atst, I turned back to Lycannar. He stood beside his horse, staring at me, and a lump rose in my throat. He was leaving. My soul knew it. The sadness was heavy, but I tried to keep a straight face, steadying my emotions, knowing we had an audience. He walked up to me, reins in hand, before letting them drop so he could stand directly in front of me. We stared at one another in silence for what felt too long, and I nearly grew mad at him for keeping so many limits between us. 7:26 pm Pppp. ¡°I hate you for not staying.¡± I said bitterly. +10 Free Coins In response, he reached up and tucked a strand of hair behind my car with such tenderness it nearly broke
¡°Whenever it bes too much to bear¡­ whatever it is¡­ I¡¯ll be there to ease your pain,¡± he said softly, making my heart tighten. ¡°Lyca¡­¡± He didn¡¯t let me finish. Instead, he pulled me into his arms. Tender, gentle, and warm. I closed my eyes, savoring the moment. Savoring him. When he finally pulled back, it was only to ce a gentle kiss on my lips,pelling me to flutter my eyes open and meet his gaze. ¡°I love you,¡± I confessed without hesitation. ¡°I love everything about you, Lycan. I love you so much it aches.¡± At that confession, he lost his patience. His lips crashed into mine again, full and iming, daring. When he pulled back, his jaw was tight, his throat working as he swallowed. The silence that followed was nerve-wracking. Atst, he stepped back and nodded, his voice sure and steady. ¡°I am going to be your husband, Zephyrine. And if I die first, you will be my widow until youe join me. No one is having you except me. If I won¡¯t, then no one will.¡± With that deration, he kissed my temple, then mounted his horse with practiced ease. Without looking back, he galloped away, leaving only the warmth that only he could give me. The farther the distance grew between us, the emptier I felt. My heart ached. Sadness returned. The weight of responsibility pressed down, and only then did I remember how many lives depended on my decisions. I turned slowly toward the hall, only to see Nyroth stepping out from the shadows where he must have been lurking while I bid Lycannar goodbye. I didn¡¯t bother to give him another nce as I tried to bypass him, but he caught my wrist, pulling me back. ¡°Zeph.¡± His voice was urgent, his eyes locked on mine. ¡°Zeph, we have to talk. We need to talk. We must talk.¡± I met his gaze, anger brewing hot in my chest. His deeds while we were still mated, his arrogance, his family spitting on my parents¡¯ ashes, his attempt to disgrace me during the mate-bond rejection, it all came rushing back. I yanked my wrist free and red. ¡°We have nothing to talk about, Alpha Nyroth. The party is over. Now, if you¡¯ll excuse me.¡± I turned toward the hall, calling over my shoulder to Jurrek. ¡°Have them leave and lock the gate. Party is over. Let¡¯s all get to work.¡± 7:26 pm P p pp. Back Where 173 Lycannar +10 Free Coins We left Ash Pack under the early afternoon sky and arrived back in the Lycan Kingdom byte evening. The massive gates swung open, and my horse galloped past the carriage straight to the royal stables, where the stable master took the reins when I dismounted. I went inside at once, tired and empty, stepping into the dining hall only to pause. I leaned on the table, hands pressed to my chest as I waited for my sisters. After a few minutes, I heard their soft chuckling before they appeared and stopped. Their eyes fixed on me. I hadn¡¯t told them about what I had discovered. The letters. The truth. My father, the true architect of evil. My gaze drifted and settled on Mearez. She had gone to Ash Pack earlier, carefree, unburdened was how I have found her there. Now she lowered her eyes, swallowing as though she sensed panic. ¡®You should rest. You both must be tired,¡± I said atst. You too, baby brother,¡± Serena replied before leaving with Mearez, their absence leaving the dining hall hollow. Without another word, I mounted the steps and opened the door into the silent tower. I paused there for what felt like an eternity before choosing my steps, slow and heavy, toward the living room. At the entrance, I stood still, the weight of fate pressing down on me like chains. No matter how much I tried to think it through, it circled back to the same ce that I am a prisoner, and his tower is my cage. I drifted into my chambers, the emptiness worse than before. I could never stay outside for more than one night. It was a warning etched into me since childhood. Read full story at f?ndnovel My feet carried me before the mirror I had kept for Zephyrine. The curtain was drawn across it, and I swallowed hard. I could not uncover it. I could not even look at it. The warning remained. A warning I had obeyed without question. I turned to the corridor, staring out into the vast kingdom below. So much wealth. Born of a Lycan King and a Demon Queen and yet I was no king. I was a curse. A product of abomination. For my parents¡¯ defiance ofw, I would forever pay the price. I sighed, leaving the corridor to return to my chamber, only to pause at the sight of him. Chantel stood in the doorway, silent, his gaze fixed on me. ¡°You¡¯re back,¡± he said at Jast. I didn¡¯t answer. I walked to the table, poured a goblet of my potion, and drained it in a single swallow. ¡°Nothing happened in my absence?¡± I finally asked. ¡°Your uncle entertained a woman in his home.¡± I raised a brow, pausing mid-motion. Slowly I turned to Chantel. 7:26 pm Pppp. ¡°My uncle Dareth? He cheated?¡± +10 Free Coins Chantel said nothing, only stared. That silence was confirmation enough. I set down the goblet with a frown. A new woman in the Blood family? Or an old one resurfaced? *** The sound of shackles falling. A whisper in my ear. ¡°Kill them all. Everyst one. That¡¯s what you are. That¡¯s who you are. A Blood. So spill it.¡± My beast roared and the battlefield burned. ws, fangs, ughter, blood. ¡°Apex!¡± Hades¡¯ voice thundered through the haze. ¡°Apex, what have you done? Shouldn¡¯t you still be chained?! Who let you out?!¡± That was when I realized. When I saw. But what did I see? Who did I see? What did I do? 1 I shook my head violently and jerked awake with a start. My chest heaved, ears ringing. Footsteps neared and Chantel appeared at the door. Panting, I sat up slowly, my heart pounding. What kind of nightmare was that? Why did it feel so blurry? so familiar? ¡°Are you alright?¡± Chantel asked. I nodded, though he didn¡¯t believe me. He stood there, silent, watchful. I sighed shakily. ¡°Pour me a ss of water.¡± He obeyed without question. When he returned, he handed it to me. I epted, holding it for a moment before drinking deeply. Strange. Nightmares were rare for me. This didn¡¯t feel like one at all. No. It felt like a fragment of memory. I drained the cup, letting the coolness ease me. Chantel retrieved it while Iy back down, my eyesnding on the sketch of Zephyrine above me. Her image calmed me at once. She was lovely. She was mine. I loved how she burned with jealousy, how possessive she was of me. It made me feel alive, that someone beyond my sisters, beyond Hades, beyond Chantel loved me enough not to want to share me. I felt Chantel¡¯s steady gaze from the doorway, his presence a silent shield. I let my eyes close, reassured that if I ever lost control, he would be there to pull me back. To the world, he was my bodyguard, protecting me from others. But the truth? His duty was the opposite. He was trained, raised, and bound for one purpose alone. To protect others from me. Because no one was more dangerous than my beasts, especially the demon within. 7:26 pm Pppp. Back Where 174 Zephyrine +10 Free Coins The sun bathed it, and I couldn¡¯t stop staring at the elegance, the deration of ownership. Nothing spoke louder than this. Nothing at all. I had invited all and sundry, but only Lycannar hade bearing a gift. A gift for my ascension. A white fur cloak with the crest of the Lycan Kingdom stitched into it. He had said that he guessed my size, and staring at it now, I felt emotional. He was right about the size. He was right about the power the amulets gave me. And he was right about the fact that it keeps us connected somehow. Today arrived heavy, heavier than anything else before. Under the darkest hour before the dawn sky, I had watched Dessyn depart for ckwater, disguised as a designer, while Moon had followed behind as her apprentice. With a heavy heart, I had bid them farewell, and when the sun finally showed its beauty, Jurrek delivered the news that the Imperium Council would see me today at the Wolf Fortress. A ce fortified with authority and order, blessed by the Moon Goddess. I hadn¡¯t slept. Not even a wink. Not once. Alone in my own bed, I had no peace. It felt like punishment from the dead. A restlessness meant to remind me how much was undone, how much time I had wasted. I swallowed hard when the sound of a door opening came through, and Blue appeared, ready for the journey too, for she would be apanying me. Atst, I rose, picked up the cylindrical ss that held the letters, and walked toward the exit. At the carriage, I saw Jurrek waiting by the side. We did not speak for a while. I only walked up to stand before him, and he searched my eyes. ¡°You should return home unharmed, Zephyr. Untouched,¡± he said softly, and I felt the lump in my throat. This was war. Going to the Wolf Fortress to inform the Imperium Council members that I wanted my pack out could be interpreted as rebellion, but I did not care. ¡°I will,¡± I said atst, then stepped into the carriage. Isolde and my three other maids walked out just in time to join. They were my courtdies. I could not leave them behind. It didn¡¯t take long before the carriage cased out of Ash Pack, fading into the distance. It was already afternoon when my carriage rolled into the fortress and stopped before an ancient, sacred building. Blue stepped down first and helped me alight, and I stood there staring up at it. I looked around at the walls and sighed. The breeze carried back old memories. I had apanied my father here. I hade with my mother, and Varyn too. 7:26 pm Pppp. Newest update provided by ?ovelFind +10 Free Coins It was like a second home to us. My father was regarded with utmost respect, and all guards bowed when his horse galloped in but who would have thought all that was just a fa?ade? Atst, I stepped forward and entered the hall. The guards, heavily armed, bowed as I passed until we reached the entrance of the Council¡¯s meeting hall. There, I saw him again. Ran. My aunt had said he was a merchantst night after the party, but staring at him now, I saw he was far from that. Maybe a merchant of death. Because he clearly wasn¡¯t into trades. He looked more like a warrior. He stood at attention by the entrance, and when he saw me, his stare lingered longer before shifting over my courtdies and finally settling on Blue. ¡°No Lycan will be allowed in,¡± he said, and I walked past, throwing the words over my shoulder. ¡°Stop her if you dare.¡± He didn¡¯t because he wouldn¡¯t. Lycannar giving me a maid didn¡¯t mean he wouldn¡¯t be responsible for her and I knew he would go mad if anyone dared hurt his Lycan. I knew my man well enough to guess what would happen if anyone outsideid hands on his own. I walked into the hall and stopped in the middle, because before me, seated at the high chairs, were the three members of the Imperium Council. Lord Osmir. Lady Sylvara. Lord Eryndor. All three gave me their attention, and I exhaled. ¡°Who would have thought you¡¯d have such urgent matters to discuss with us, Zephyr,¡± Lord Osmir began. ¡°Why have youe? ¡°If it is to thank us for honoring your invitation and attending your party yesterday, you need not mention. It is¡­¡± ¡°I regret it,¡± I cut Lord Eryndor off, and silence fell heavy in the long hall. ¡°I regret inviting you into my pack to eat my food and drink my wine, to breathe in the same ce Ashmere calls home.¡± Confusion stirred. Isolde looked shocked at my outburst. She didn¡¯t know the truth but Blue already did. ¡°Zephyr¡­ what are you talking about?¡± Lady Sylvara asked, her voiceced with anger. In response, I approached the high table, climbing the three steps and cing the cylindrical ss of letters before them. Under their watchful gazes, I poured the pieces of paper out and set my jaw. ¡°I learned something¡­ horrible, I could not believe it. But the letters¡­ the councils will speak for themselves. I refused to act on one side only. So tell me, council members¡­ are you familiar with these letters?¡± My voice was chosen carefully, Tender, but underneath it was the unmistakable tension. Deadly, still deadly. The council members frowned at once. Each reached for a letter. They hadn¡¯t even read through before their faces turned pale. Without being told, I already knew the truth. Betrayal at the core. I swallowed the bile in my throat and nodded, whispering, 7:26 pm Pppp. +10 Free Coins ¡°Prepare the papers and every necessary ritual. Ash Pack will withdraw from the Imperium Council¡¯s orders andws.¡± I turned to leave, but froze at the voice behind me. ¡°At their lowest moment, when the world seems to have given up on them, a cursed monster will rise with obsession burning like wildfire for an Ashmere. If they are left together, their love and bond will bring only chaos, and power imbnce to every realm and world. That was the prophecy.¡± I froze. My chest heaving as I slowly turned to stare at Lady Sylvara, who had spoken. A prophecy. A cursed monster. And an Ashmere. I went still. Completely still. A prophecy binding an Ashmere and a cursed monster? If I am not mistaken¡­ that means Lycannar and me¡­ right? Back Where 175 Zephyrine +10 Free Coins ¡°Few years ago, before you were born, we received a prophecy,¡± Lord Eryndor said from ahead, and Lady Sylvara carried the words forward. ¡°An unholy union between a cursed monster and an Ashmere will be formed, and it will bring forth chaos, destruction, and power imbnce to all realms. We are the true leaders. We had to stop it.¡± ¡°A cursed monster?¡± she continued, her tone sharp. ¡°No werewolf bears such a fate, except in the Lycan Kingdom. He was a prince then and dangerous. Dangerous to everyone and to himself. We heard stories of his monstrosity, but with his father¡¯s chains binding him, we believed no such destiny woulde to pass.¡± Lord Osmir leaned forward. ¡°That was until Ashmere bloodlines grew dangerous, unstoppable. Your father, the Warlord. Your mother, a war general. Your brother, a strategist. Every rtive on your father¡¯s side raised as soldiers. Even your women taughtbat. Not a single war did you lose. You were bing unstable, a threat.¡± He exhaled heavily. ¡°Before you rebelled, before prophecy came to life, we saved the shifter empire. We gave your family the honorable death of warriors. They died in battle, not disgrace.¡± Silence pressed in, so heavy I nearlyughed. Instead, I only scoffed at their words. ¡°You sent Ashmeres into a war with no return. You lied to the greatest Warlord of this empire, tricked him into leading his army into a battlefield of suicide. And after all that, you sleep peacefully at night? Now you dare cloak your treachery in prophecy and curse tales?¡± I scoffed again, stepping forward, climbing the stairs until I stood before them. ¡°You said my parents died as warriors? Do you know how they died? In their bed. In their camp. Where they were most vulnerable. You used our own kind against them. You cornered them on all sides until retreat was impossible. That¡¯s no battlefield, no honor. That is ughter. And you call it service to the empire?¡± The hall thickened with tension. Lady Sylvara met my burning gaze, unflinching. ¡°You of all people have no right to speak,¡± she snapped, cold as steel. ¡°The prophecy we thought never to see, the unholy union of a cursed monster and an Ashmere, it is you and the Lycan King. If only we had known sooner, you would not have survived. Ashmeres were always puppets of the Council. They bowed to orders, and so will you. Your affair with the Lycan King is already under scrutiny. For now, remain silent and await our orders. Do you understand?¡± Cold ran through me, sharp as des. For one blinding moment, I nearly imagined slicing her throat open right there. But not yet. Not yet. ¡°Whatever you say or do, nothing and no one wille between Lycannar and me,¡± I said, my voice precise and deadly calm. ¡°And I will demand again that you pull Ash Pack from the Council. Next time I return and see no preparations, I swear on my father¡¯s name, I will spill blood.¡± 7:26 pm P PPP. §â§â§â§â. I turned for the exit. Lady Sylvara¡¯s voice cracked across the hall. ¡°Just because you are his whore doesn¡¯t mean you are above this Council.¡± I smirked, never pausing in my steps, and threw my words over my shoulder. ¡°His whore? Then I stand higher than you already.¡± *** +10 Free Coins Ash Packy quiet beneath the evening sky when I returned. I descended the carriage and walked straight into my chamber, needing air, needing calm. At the window, I steadied my breath, but the thought burned. How could they not show an ounce of remorse? How could they not even try to deny it? They didn¡¯t need to. The letters already screamed their guilt. But the prophecy¡­ could it be true? Where did they even hear it? ¡°Mydy?¡± Blue¡¯s voice came softly behind me. I turned to meet her gaze, and the lump in my throat only tightened. How I wished, truly wished, that Lycannar were here. ¡°Are you alright?¡± The question made breathing harder. I turned away, sinking onto the chair before the mirror. A cursed king, bound to a ck Tower etched with spells and ancient marks. A man who never dared meet his own reflection. A man who spoke little, who lived in shadows, who only knew right and wrong when it served him. I lowered my gaze, swallowing against the ache. ¡°Call Jurrek, Blue.¡± ¡°Yes, mydy.¡± Blue slipped out. Almost immediately the door opened again, yet it wasn¡¯t Jurrek. It was Isolde. She stood silently in the doorway, eyes on me for what felt like eternity, then crossed over to pull me into her arms. ¡°Who would have thought those we trusted most would spin such cmity?¡± she whispered, pulling back. I swallowed hard, still unable to answer. Original content can be found at F¦Énd£Îovel The door creaked open again. Blue returned alone. ¡°Beta Jurrek has left the pack for a quick errand. He won¡¯t return until morning.¡± I frowned. Jurrek hadn¡¯t mentioned leaving. Whatever it was, it must have been urgent. I turned slowly toward the mirror, my reflection staring back at me as my thoughts drifted to Dessyn and Moon. I wondered how they were faring. They had left at the darkest hour, riding without pause, they should have arrived by noon. My gaze shifted to the fractured relic mirror. With all the hesitation and fear in the world, I lifted it, the handle cold against my hand, and raised it to my face. I had to see how Varyn was faring. 7:26 pm P p pp. +10 Free Coins For a fleeting moment, only my own reflection looked back. Then it rippled, shifting, revealing him. My blood brother. This time, my heart sank to the pit of despair. He was caged. Trapped in an underground prison. 7:26 pm Back Where 176 Nyroth +10 Free Coins I couldn¡¯t sleep. No. Not even for a moment. All I could do was lie awake, staring at the nk space above me. At intervals, I shifted position, sighing shakily, heart heavy with thoughts I couldn¡¯t shake. The sight had made my chest tighten. Reality left a bitter taste in my mouth, and anger churned inside me, wanting tosh out but time was against me. After the party, I was supposed to meet her, but she hadn¡¯te. Instead, she had ended up with Apex. Word hade that they had shared the same bed and I knew there was no way the Lycan King wouldn¡¯t have imed her. Fucked her. ¡°Damn it!¡± I muttered under my breath, fingers digging deep into my hair. If only there were a way to have her back. If only she could see how much she meant to me now. If only I could prove how far I¡¯d go, how much I¡¯d sacrifice for her. If only¡­ if only¡­ Th?s chapter is updated by f?i?n?d?n?o?v?e?l? A soft shuffle of footsteps snapped me from my thoughts. I sat up, eyes fixed on the door. After a few seconds, it opened gently, and Kai stepped in. Without a word, he approached the curtain, parting it before turning to me with an unsettling nce. Sunlight spilled into the room, and I closed my eyes briefly, trying to steel myself. It was morning, and I felt raw, uneasy. I sighed shakily, opening my eyes to look at him again. He held an invitation card in his hand, and the silence pressed down harder than any tension I¡¯d known. ¡°What is it?¡± I asked, trying to steady my voice. The Imperium Council sent this, Alpha Nyroth. You need to read it,¡± he said, extending the card. I took it carefully, unfolding it to read the words written inside. Alpha Nyroth of Hue Pack, by the order of the Imperium Council, you are called to attend the urgent trial of a traitor, Zephyrine Ashmere. She and her family are used of collusion with demons and bribery Witness the great truth unfold before you. Do not bete before noon The card slipped from my hand and fell to the floor. My pulse hammered. Wait. What had I just read? ¡°It¡¯s not only you who received the invitation. Every Alpha in the Shifter Empire has been called, all concerning Zeph and her Ashmere lineage. What do you make of this?¡± I struggled for words and I couldn¡¯t speak just yet. The Council had been at her ascension celebration day before yesterday. How could everything have turned so suddenly? Panic and frustration wed at me, and doubt crept in. What if she had truly betrayed them? What if this was beyond her control and beyond me? Kai¡¯s voice broke my spiraling thoughts. ¡°Ka and her father will be there. Ka Yadev is the envoy of peace. The invitation sent to ckbridge Pack is authentic and respectful.¡± I exhaled slowly, though unease still gnawed at me. 7:27 pm pppp +10 Free Coins ¡°Maybe this is my chance to prove my worth to Zeph¡­ whatever she¡¯s done to anger the Imperium Council. But what if¡­ what if she¡¯s in over her head? And what if Apex is involved?¡± ¡°Not possible. Lycans are not allowed into the Wolf Fortress, and he is not invited,¡± Kai reassured. ¡°Good. Then I will have my moment with Zeph,¡± I said, forcing a smile I didn¡¯t feel. I jumped out of bed and moved quickly to dress, anticipation and worry tangling in my chest. By the time I finished and stepped toward my waiting carriage, I saw Ka¡¯s carriage passing by, bearing the crest of ckbridge Pack. I felt a prickle of unease. Somehow, I felt she was involved in this too. Chaos never happened without her hand in it. So much for the empire¡¯s envoy of peace. ¡°Let¡¯s go. Kai. Let¡¯s go so I can save the day,¡± I said brightly, trying to mask the storm within me, unaware of how much this encounter would test me and Zeph beyond anything I could imagine. 7:27 pm Pppp. Back Where 177 Zephyrine +10 Free Coins Under my watchful gaze, the sun rose from the horizon, and with it came bitterness. Panic upon panic, wave after wave. Blue sat in silence, offering quiet support as only she could. Isolde joined her, the two of them keeping still, their presence a shield around me while I waited for words, for news, for anything. Morning settled in with the sound of my pack members beginning their daily routines. Isolde finally stood to prepare my bath when the faint creak of a weak carriage wheel reached us from outside. Blue rushed to the window, and in an instant her eyes widened in shock. Mydy, it¡¯s your best friend¡­ and Moon.¡± Official source is find[?]ovel ¡°What?¡± The word escaped in disbelief. I didn¡¯t wait for her to repeat it. I hurried to the window to see for myself. They had arrived. Dessyn and Moon climbed down from a battered carriage they must have rented and rushed straight into the hall. I turned sharply toward the door just as it opened. Dessyn burst in, fire in her eyes. Zephyr we need to hurry. Varyn won¡¯tst this week in that ce. We need to go, we need to pull him out, we need to¡­¡± ¡®Dessyn? Dessyn!¡± I snapped, and she froze, trembling. Whatever she had witnessed, she had held herself together until now. I swallowed hard, searching her eyes. Tears welled and trickled down her cheeks before she broke. With a strangled cry, she turned away, copsing onto my bed, burying her face in her palms. My heart shattered at the sound of her sobs, but I forced myself to hold steady, looking instead to Moon. In the darkest ce you can imagine,¡± he began quietly. ¡°We got in as designers for prisoners and ves. Our clothes were cheap enough to pass without suspicion, but Zephyr, your brother cannot be taken without war.¡± A chill swept down my spine, rooting me still. ¡°There is an underground chamber where only condemned ves are kept. No one has been sentenced there in ten years. Whoever is locked in never survives the week. That¡¯s where your brother is.¡± His eyes hardened as he delivered the blow. ¡°The ce is surrounded. Every corner is guarded. I¡¯ve seen you fight on the battlefield, Zephyr, but you can¡¯t take them alone.¡± ¡°How many?¡± The question left me as a whisper, my body trembling. ¡°I am an Ashmere. No matter how many we lost in thest war, others will march beside me. Tell me, how many soldiers of stone guard that ce?¡± He held my gaze, swallowing before he answered. ¡°On the surface, about one thousand five hundred. Another five hundred guard the path to the underground. If we start a battle, your brother will be killed before we reach him. It¡¯s¡­ almost impossible.¡± 7:27 pm P p p p +10 Free Coins Goosebumps prickled my skin. I turned away, forcing air into my lungs as I walked to the dresser and sat down, my mind racing, ticking through possibilities. ¡°What if we divide the forces? Send some inside first, before the real battle outside even begins?¡± Moon met my gaze and sighed shakily. ¡°Then whoever you send in must be skilled enough. If not, we lose everything.¡± His words, truth as bitter as iron, hung heavy in the air, when a soft knock came at the door. Isolde went to answer, and there stood a messenger from the Imperium Council. She bowed before extending a scroll, her voice tight. ¡°You are wanted in the Wolf Fortress before noon.¡± She turned away as quickly as she came, leaving confusion gnawing at me. Isolde passed me the scroll. I unfolded it slowly, and the words carved ice straight into my veins. Zephyrine Ashmere, daughter of Vale Ashmere and Seraphine Ashmere, you are hereby summoned by the Imperium Council to listen to the imperium council verdict.¡¯ An order thate so early, so brazen. Darkness coiled in my chest. A small smile tugged at the corner of my lips as I turned to Isolde. ¡°I will take my bath.¡± She nodded reluctantly and slipped away to prepare it. Moon stepped forward, eyes clouded with concern. ¡°Zephyr, I don¡¯t think you should go. Maybe it¡¯s a trap. How will they agree so fast?¡± I shook my head gently and sighed. Perhaps they are remorseful now, perhaps they wish to do what is right. Perhaps. 1:27 pm P P P P Back Where 178 Zephyrine +10 Free Coins That noon I arrived at the Wolf Fortress with my personal maid, Blue. I believed they had made preparations as I expected, but when the massive gate of the fortress opened, the sheer number of carriages and horses filling the courtyard froze me in my tracks. I stayed seated in the carriage, swallowing hard. Why¡­? Wait. With the immense divine powers surrounding the ce, there was no question. Alphas had been summoned. But to witness what? Atst, my carriage stopped. I stepped out only to see the ce heavily guarded, more than yesterday. ¡®Stay in the carriage,¡± I told Blue quietly, but she reached for my hand. I looked at her. ¡°It¡¯s fine. It¡¯s safer in he carriage.¡± pulled free from her grasp and headed into the hall. Each step I took filled me with something heavier, something far more immense. The guards who once bowed to me now stood with their swords drawn, as hough ready to strike me down at the smallest misstep. The Council hall doors opened wide, and the moment I stepped in, I understood. This wasn¡¯t preparation to pull Ash Pack from the Imperium Council¡¯s rule. No. This was a trial. A cruel, deliberate n to disgrace and strip down a legacy that once stood unshaken. One that had brought peace and justice to this empire. Seated on long rows of chairs, before massive tables, were all the Alphas of the shifter empire. Their eyes urned as I entered, and at the far end, seated on their high chairs, the Imperium Council watched in silence. For what seemed like an eternity, I stood frozen, holding my breath. If I had known this was what awaited ne, I would have brought my de and ridden in on my white horse. ¡®You are here.¡± Ka¡¯s voice shattered the silence as she stepped out from the shadows, an authoritative scroll in her hand. She walked towards the Council members and handed it over to Ran, and my heart clenched tighter. Ka. The envoy of so-called peace. The messenger between the demon realm and the shifter empire. She had been the one to deliver the sealed letter that finalized the death of my family. And now, here she was again, carrying something else, something just as damning. A lump rose in my throat as I watched her step aside to stand by the Council, her lips curling into a wicked, victorious smirk. ¡°Zephyrine Ashmere.¡± Lady Sylvara¡¯s voice rang out, but I couldn¡¯t tear my eyes from Ka. ¡°Blood of the fallen Ashmere line, you are hereby used of colluding with demons. Your family, Vale and 7:27 pm Pppp. +10 Free Coins This update is avable on find¡¤novel Seraphine Ashmere, were found guilty of bribery and secret dealings with the fiends who brought war upon our kind. You stand here not as Alpha, but as traitor to the empire and to the blood you swore to protect.¡± Silence fell, thick and suffocating, and I felt the weight of hundreds of eyes burning into me. ¡°After the analysis of scrolls, reports, and testimonies,¡± Lord Osmir continued, ¡°your forefathers, your father¡¯s very name, have been disgraced. Their victories were bought with bribery, their loyalty a lie. They colluded with demons to bring us down. And for this, you will pay. Zephyrine Ashmere, you are herebymanded to relinquish your seat as Alpha of Ash Pack within the next seven days. A new candidate, one worthy, shall be chosen to lead in your ce. Failure toply will¡­¡± ¡°I refuse.¡± My voice cut through the chamber, quiet but razor-sharp. I shifted my gaze to Lord Eryndor, my heart pounding in my chest. ¡°You twist the truth.¡± I should have seen iting. They had sidestepped every line, every warning. They had set their trap and forced me into it. Now, they were three steps ahead. It was they who colluded with demons to bring Ashmere down, and yet here they stood, spinning the lie that we were the traitors. That our victories had been bought. That our honor had been forged from corruption. The weight of it pressed down on me. My ancestors, safe in their tombs must be restless. My parents¡¯ spirits must be screaming from the afterlife. ¡°You refuse to obey the order of the Council?¡± Ka¡¯s voice cut through. ¡°Then you dere yourself a rebel. For that, you will be prosecuted¡­¡± Is this the price you were paid?¡± I turned on her, matching my steps toward her. ¡°Is this the true mission of your peace envoy? Delivering messages to demons, forging death warrants for the Ashmeres? This is your peace?¡± Murmurs rippled through the hall, quickly silenced by Ka¡¯s scoff. She smirked, dangerously. ¡®You¡¯re losing your mind, Zephyrine Ashmere. Step down. Let another woman take the Alpha seat. Someone capable of leading Ash Pack.¡± ¡®Like you?¡± The words fell from my lips as tension coiled tight in the room. I mounted the steps slowly, my gaze locked on hers. ¡°You think you can handle being Alpha? You think you can win this battle?¡± Her lips curled higher. She leaned close, whispering against my car. ¡°I won when I stole your first mate and threw him aside. I won when I took ckbridge Pack and ruled through my father. I won when I carried the death warrant of your family down to Demon Realm and now, I win again. Look around, Zeph. Listen to the decree. I have already beaten you.¡± Goosebumps crawled my skin. 7:27 pm p ppp. +10 Free Coins Then I heard it. The footsteps behind me. I turned to see Ran, carrying the authorized scroll, stepping forward. A sword hung at his side. 1 froze when I saw it Varyn¡¯s sword. Slowly, I descended the steps toward him, my gaze locked on the de, I reached for it, but he pulled back, holding it firmly in ce, eyes glittering. ¡°The de belongs to an Ashmere. How did you acquire it?¡± I whispered, my voice trembling with fury and awe. He smirked. ¡°You fool. If only you had agreed to be my whore. While the Ashmeres were busy making pacts with demons, I was sent with my armies to eliminate them. You should have seen your brother¡¯s face when¡­¡± His words died in his throat. In a blur, I ripped the sword from its sheath and, in one clean motion, severed his arm. Blood sttered across my face. Gasps filled the hall. The world went cold, Silence descended, heavy and unbroken. He had dared¡­ dared to brag of ughtering my family in my presence. I trembled with fury. Slowly, I turned toward the three Council leaders, their faces pale with shock. I stepped closer to their table, exhaling shakily. ¡°Before seven days pass,¡± I said quietly, my voice calm, precise, ¡°the three of you will pay. Do you know why?¡± 1 leaned in, my eyes sharp. ¡°Because you are dealing with the very, very wrong person.¡± 1 let the words sink into them, then turned, locking eyes with Ka for one heart-stopping moment before walking out, Varyn¡¯s sword in my hand. 7:27 pm P PPP. Back Where 179 Lycannar +10 Free Coins I walked into my kingdom beside my horse under the night sky, a little exhausted. The elders had pressed to expand the territory since my people were blessed with many offspring, and we had gone to survey thend, to see how more space could be carved out. We finished at nightfall, and now, entering my kingdom, all I longed for was my bed. At the stable, I handed my horse¡¯s reins to the stable master and headed straight into the hall without a word. I had just reached the dining hall when my beta, Baron, rushed to meet me. ¡°Your Majesty?¡± I paused, turning to him, my eyes fixed on his face in silence. This text is hosted at find?novel ¡°You¡¯ve received several scrolls and reports that need your approval. It¡¯s urgent.¡± I stared at him nkly for what felt like an eternity. Did he mean I should begin stamping them now? ¡°I know you¡¯re exhausted. If you hand me the Royal Seal, I can¡­¡± His voice faltered as I made no reaction. The Royal Seal. I blinked once, then turned away toward the stairs. I rarely spoke to my cousins anyway. My silence wouldn¡¯t surprise him. I pushed open the door and stepped into the dimly lit hallway. But I stopped again. Someone is here. I could feel it. The warmth, the presence. I knew it at once. Slowly, I followed that pull, step by step. I opened the door to my bath chamber, and there she was. Undressing. Zephyrine. I swallowed hard and moved closer, lowering myself quietly onto the seat beside the pool. My eyes caught the blood staining her face, her dress, and I stilled. Something had happened. And she was silent. I did not move, not even when her dress pooled at her feet, revealing her wholly, Without a word, she stepped into the bath pool. I could think of nothing. My eyes saw only her. Her smooth shoulders. The swell of her firm breasts. The pale color of her nipples. She bathed in my pool, and when she was done, she stepped out, drying herself before walking toward me. Silent. She stopped in front of me, then let the towel fall to the floor. What she revealed made my throat tighten. My gods. 7:27 pm Pppp. +10 Free Coins I reached tenderly for her hand, pulling her down into myp. She sat, eyes dark with worry and allure. I lowered my gaze to her lips and leaned in to kiss her softly. When I pulled back, she kissed me too. ¡°Ashmere isbeled traitor today, Lycan,¡± she murmured atst, her voice low. ¡°They said we colluded with demons, that we bribed our way to victory.¡± I froze, confused. My brows creased as I frowned in surprise. ¡°They are the ones who arranged with demons,¡± I said firmly. ¡°It wasn¡¯t bribery. It was an agreement. Send the Blood Army and the Ashmeres into battle, let them kill each other.¡± She fell silent, sadness shadowing her face as she leaned against me, arms wrapping around my neck. She was carrying too much. I patted her back gently, then rose, lifting her into my arms with her legs wrapped around my waist. Carrying her, I walked into my bedchamber and sat in a chair, keeping her on myp. One palm rested on her waist, the other on her back. In silence, we held each other. I gave her my strength, let her feel she was not alone in this war. After a while, she pulled back, her eyes searching mine. ¡°My brother is in a cage, Lycan. Stone has him. To strike at me, he¡¯s taken Varyn and ced his army around him, thousands ready to cut him down. I can¡¯t save my brother. And today¡­ the Imperium Council called me, invited all the Alphas to witness as they soiled Ashmere¡¯s name. They imed we sided with demons. Called us traitors.¡± Her words hung heavy. I stared, unblinking, until she continued, this time with bitter edge. ¡°One of the Council member¡¯s son had Varyn¡¯s sword. He bragged about defeating the Ashmeres. And¡­¡± her voice trembled, ¡°¡­and¡­¡± ¡°You killed him?¡± I asked quietly. Her eyes lifted to mine. She shook her head, jaw tightening. ¡°Death is too merciful, Lycan. Not yet. I cut off his arm. He¡¯ll never hold a sword again. He¡¯ll forever regret touching what belongs to my bloodline.¡± A smile touched my lips. Good. Smart. Yes, blood must be spilled. That¡¯s how power is remembered. I swallowed as I looked into her eyes. ¡°War,¡± I said. She froze, raising a brow. ¡°What?¡± ¡°You need to wage war on ckwater to bring your brother back. Do you have armies?¡± Her eyes searched mine before she nodded. ¡°Ash Pack¡¯s soldiers await my orders. They¡¯ll act.¡± 7:27 pm P P P P I nodded slowly. +10 Free Coins ¡°Then ignore the Imperium Council. Their decrees will crumble once your brother stands alive before them, testifying to what he endured. His truth will break their lies.¡± The fire in her gaze lit. I felt her heart quicken against my chest, saw a smile curve her lips. Tenderly, she leaned in and kissed me. And just like that, I lost myself. My hands gripped her waist, dragging her down against me, her pussy pressing over my already hard cock. pm Back Where 180 Zephyrine +10 Free Coins I kissed him because he deserved it. He deserved more for making me feel better. When I pulled back, I searched his eyes before slipping off hisp. I walked toward the dresses on the rack and picked one to wear. ¡°What are you doing?¡± His voice came low. ¡°Dressing up.¡± ¡°You¡¯re leaving tonight? It¡¯ste.¡± I paused and turned to him. His eyes glowed pale gold this time, burning with lust. Hunger. Slowly, he rose from his chair, and without looking away, he pulled the dress from my hands and kissed my lips instead. ¡°I¡¯m not letting you travel back alone at this hour,¡± he murmured against my mouth, and I swallowed hard. ¡°I¡¯ve traveled at night before.¡± ¡°It¡¯s different now. You¡¯re a traitor in their eyes, and until you clear your name and your family¡¯s, you must be careful.¡± Goosebumps shivered along my skin at the truth in his words, and I sighed shakily. Updates are released by F¦Énd£Îovel I hadn¡¯t thought that far ahead, but now I understood. ¡°Escort me to White Pack. I¡¯ll pass the night there,¡± I said atst. ¡°Dessyn is still shaken by Varyn¡¯s imprisonment.¡± ¡°Why?¡± I nodded. ¡°Because Varyn is her man. They had just begun courtship before he left for war.¡± He didn¡¯t answer, only gave a slight nod and stepped back, handing me the dress. I watched as Lycannar strode toward the table, pouring himself a potion and drinking it. Then he gathered his hair into a tight knot, the motion stealing my breath. ¡°You came in your carriage?¡± he asked. I shook my head. ¡°I walked here,¡± He arched a brow. ¡°With blood on you?¡± 7:27 pm P Ppp. +10 Free Coins ¡°I wasn¡¯t thinking straight. All I wanted after that noon was¡­ you. I didn¡¯t even know how I ended up here.¡± He searched my eyes silently, then walked back to kiss me again, slow but absolute. ¡°You did well spilling blood,¡± he said against my lips. ¡°Smart, not killing him yet. If he survived losing that arm, he¡¯ll wish he hadn¡¯t. I would¡¯ve slit his throat in your ce.¡± He kissed me once more, eyes fierce, and pulled back. ¡°Go on. Dress.¡± He leaned on the table while I dressed beneath his gaze. He didn¡¯t look away, not once, and I could feel the weight of his obsession. It was still there. Still real. I almost smiled until Ka¡¯s face shed in my mind, and I swallowed down my rage. Ka Yadev. I would make her pay. I would make her bleed. But wait¡­ if Varyn had been freed by demons and seen on his way home, then how had he ended up in ckwater? How had he be a ve? **** I let Lycannar help me down from his horse, and I stood at the usual spot where we used to meet when our love was still new. Strange. Thinking of it now, it still felt new. Fresh. Only now, thickened by lust. ¡°Go in,¡± he said atst, his eyes fixed on mine as he sped my hand. ¡°Thank you,¡± I murmured softly and turned toward White Pack. But before I could step away, he caught my wrist, pulling me back gently. There was urgency in his face now, his gaze hard. ¡°You¡¯ll tell me before you make another move. I won¡¯t lose you to war. Or anything. Promise me.¡± My heart swelled at his words, and I nodded. Of course, I would let him know. I leaned closer to kiss his lips, then pressed a soft kiss to his cheek in gratitude. Without another word, I turned and walked into White Pack, pushing open the door to the Dusk household. Only after I was inside did I hear him mount his horse and gallop away. A sigh escaped me at his departure, and I straightened, facing the eyes upon me. Everyone in the Dusk household was there. Alpha Auedric too. I already knew they¡¯d want answers. ¡°How did this happen?¡± Auedric demanded. ¡°Zephyr, make me understand. How are you shing with the Imperium Council? Don¡¯t you know they are¡­¡± ¡°The same ones who sent Ashmere to war. The ones who struck their own bargain with demons.¡± He froze at my words. Exhaustion weighed me down as I copsed into a chair. ¡°I should¡¯ve killed Ran, just as Lycannar suggested.¡± 7:27 pm pppp. §â§â§â§â. The murmurs that followed made everyone nce at each other. Dessyn stepped forward. +10 Free Coins ¡°Whatever you want to do, Zephyr, whatever we must do has to be done before seven days. Once they strip you of Alpha, we¡¯ll lose everything.¡± ¡°So you think after seven days, I¡¯ll just allow anyone outside Ashmere blood to rule my people?¡± ¡°To me, you¡¯ll have no choice,¡± Nathan cut in. ¡°Tonight at the tavern, word spread. Anyone siding with an Ashmere will be branded a traitor too. Your friend is right. You must act before seven days. Otherwise, you¡¯ll lose not only your pack. You¡¯ll lose your name, your legacy, everything your family bled for.¡± Silence descended, cutting deep into me until my chest ached. I nearly doubled over with it. ¡°Then we go to war,¡± I said atst, my voice low, dangerous. ¡°That¡¯s what Ashmeres do best. Spill blood for justice.¡± 7:28 pm P PPP. Back Where 181 Zephyrine +10 Free Coins This update is avable on find[?]ovel My carriage arrived inside Ash Pack and I stepped out with Blue beside me, feeling it at once. The difference in the air. The changes. The simmering hostility. Shrugging it off, I walked into my bedchamber, only to meet Jurrek rushing from the hall to greet me. I ignored him and went inside. Isolde hurried after me and bowed low. ¡°Mydy, your aunt camest night. She has been¡­ blunt with her words.¡± I sighed shakily at that and turned toward the fractured mirror resting on my dresser. Now I was more afraid than ever to look into it and check on Varyn. What if I saw him tortured next? I bit my lip, looking away, just as the door opened softly and another maid entered. ¡°Mydy, Beta Jurrek seeks audience with you.¡± The words made me stiffen. He hadn¡¯t been there yesterday. Like a passing wind, he had vanished when I needed his strength the most. He was supposed to have stood at my side when I entered Wolf Fortress. ¡°Let him in,¡± I said atst as I lowered myself into a chair. A soft sigh escaped me as the door opened and I felt his presence. I turned gently to face him, then nodded to my maids. ¡°Leave us.¡± They bowed and slipped away, closing the door behind them. I would not scold Jurrek in their presence. Never. After their departure, I kept my gaze fixed on him. Somehow, I wanted to weep. He hadn¡¯t been there, and I hated him for it. ¡°I won¡¯t apologize, because I know I don¡¯t deserve forgiveness,¡± he said quietly. ¡°But I swear, I will never leave your side without your word again.¡± His words stirred something deep in me, and slowly the anger began to wither. ¡°Fix a meeting with the elders, Jurrek,¡± I said softly. He nodded, turning to go until I stopped him with a whisper. ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± He paused, turned slowly, his eyes confused. He couldn¡¯t tell why I would apologize. ¡°In seven days, I won¡¯t be Alpha anymore. I think I failed my oath.¡± He strode closer, stopping before me, his gaze steady, not of a beta, but of a brother. ¡°You won¡¯t me yourself for this. You won¡¯t break, not yet. Not until it¡¯s over and you are in the arms of your King. This is the hardest part, Zephyr. We must endure. The Warlord, the First Ashmere,id down a legacy too great to fall. It will not copse in our time. You won¡¯t let it. Do you understand me?¡± 7:28 pm PP PP. +10 Free Coins Goosebumps rose across my skin and I nodded. Of course. It would not fall under my reign. I would not let them. I entered the meeting hall that afternoon, and the elders were already seated when the door closed behind me. The tension in the room was thick and no de could slice through it. Thinking of des, I remembered the blood I spilled yesterday. I walked to my seat, Dessyn¡¯s farewell words still echoing in my head. I had left her behind in White Pack with a promise to stay in touch. If she had followed me here, she would never know rest. So I left Varyn¡¯s sword with her instead. It was his life made steel. If anyone deserved to guard it, it was her. ¡°We have received orders from the Imperium Council, Alpha Zephyrine¡­ or perhaps I should simply call you Zephyr,¡± one elder said. I froze mid-step. ¡°Was it true your father bribed his way to victories? Colluded with demons, only to grasp glory as Warlord?¡± Another elder spoke, and this time I refused to sit. I stood still, eyes burning into theirs, my aunt¡¯s most of all, for her re was sharper than any sword. ¡°My father never colluded with demons. My family, the Ashmeres, and countless others who fought five years ago were ughtered. Not by demons, but by our own kind. Ran, Lord Osmir¡¯s son, confessed it himself yesterday. He killed¡­¡± ¡°He did so because your father was a traitor!¡± my aunt cut me off. I went still. ¡°Ran is a fine warrior, one who acts only when facts are clear. He was given orders because your parents instigated war to steal glory. He had no choice but to kill them for peace. And you¡­ you severed his arm in cold blood!¡± Her words struck me like a spear. My aunt, the one who introduced me to Ran, spoke now as though she had always known. Betrayal crawled through me, sharp and merciless. I lowered my gaze, steadying the storm rising in my chest as I flop on the chair. ¡°I will need an army,¡± I said softly, wearily. I had no strength left to argue. ¡°Eight hundred soldiers at least. It is not enough, but it will¡­¡± ¡°We will not sign any scroll of war, Zephyr,¡± another elder interrupted. ¡°You are no longer Alpha. The Imperium Council will name a new one. We are already in talks, an elegant woman, the envoy of peace. No one will follow a traitor Ashmere again.¡± Before I could answer, they began dispersing. One by one leaving me stunned in my seat. ¡°Vale was always dangerous. I warned my sister against him, yet your mother let him corrupt her. And you, you are just like Seraphine. You let the cursed King corrupt you too,¡± my aunt sneered, lingering behind. ¡°There was never peace for you, Zephyr. Perhaps it is time you hand this pack to someone capable, and rest. Your thirst, like your mother¡¯s, will nevere to pass.¡± She swept out, leaving me hollow, leaving me shattered. I stared nkly for what felt like eternity, feeling Jurrek still standing behind me. I bit my lip, steadying myself. Jurrek had said this was only a trial. Lycannar had said once Varyn returned, the truth would rise. But I could not enter ckwater without an army. 7:28 pm P p pp. +10 Free Coins ¡°Jurrek?¡± I whispered. He stepped forward, waiting. ¡°Send a letter to Commander Thorn at Moonveil Fortress. Tell him I require an audience. Tell him I need soldiers.¡± 7:28 pm Back Where 182 Lycannar +10 Free Coins I stamped the reports, trying hard to focus on the content, but I couldn¡¯t. The more I forced myself, the more I lost focus. All I could worry about was her. Zephyrine. Atst, I dropped the royal seal back into its ce, to the confusion of Baron, my beta, and the elders. Slowly, I bowed my head, my face creasing into a small frown. Behind me, I felt Chantel stir, always ready for anything. I swallowed hard, lowered my gaze, and sighed. Then I rose from my seat and walked to the window to draw a deep breath. War. Killing and taking lives. Wounds etched into the mind forever. I had gone to the battlefield. I had won but I lost myself. I made it back alive, but in truth I was dead, buried under the weight of trauma. I had sworn never to touch a de again after the war five years ago. The war with the Ashmeres, led by my brother Hades. Yet somehow¡­ this war, the one to free her brother¡­ I wanted to join it. If that was what it took to keep her safe, to steady her, to bring her back to herself, then so be it. ¡°Your Majesty, are you well?¡± My uncle Dareth¡¯s voice broke the silence, and I turned slowly to face him. Chantel¡¯s words echoed in my mind about Dareth entertaining a woman while the rest of us had gone to Ash Pack for the Alpha¡¯s ascension. Who was this woman? As much as I hated my father, an evil, abusive man, he had always loved one woman. My mother. And he had told me once that I took her from him at birth. That was why he swore to make me suffer. And suffer I did. I lowered my gaze from my uncle Dareth and turned back to the window. His question came again. ¡°If you are not feeling well, you can rest. Leave the task to your beta. Hand him the royal seal, let him continue the work.¡± I paused, staring at him again. The royal seal. Again. Why? Turning back to the window, I swallowed hard. Being King was a burden. A heavy, merciless burden. ¡°I¡¯ll continue tomorrow,¡± I said quietly and walked out of the hall, through the dining chamber, and into the tower stairs when suddenly, the chill hit me. A cold shiver ran down my spine. I mounted the stairs quickly, bursting into the dim hallway. I pushed open the door of my living room only to find her there, seatedfortably in a chair. Xyrrha, What? 7:28 pm P p p p ¡°Ah, you¡¯re here,¡± she said softly, looking up at me with a grin. ¡°Wee, Your Majesty.¡± ¡°Get out.¡± My voice was steel, but she didn¡¯t move. Goosebumps prickled my skin. +10 Free Coins ¡°I saw Hades give you the letters. That means you learned the truth of who sent the Blood Army to the frontlines, isted. It wasn¡¯t me. It was your father¡¯s order. And yet you broke up with me for that. Don¡¯t you think I deserve an apology?¡± I swallowed and nodded quickly. ¡°Fine. I apologize for the misunderstanding. Now leave.¡± ¡°Why?¡± she asked again, rising to her feet and swaying toward me, her body writhing seductively. She reached for my chest, but I stepped back, jaw clenched. ¡°Leave, Xyrrha. Don¡¯t make me use force.¡± ¡°Because of the woman you¡¯re courting?¡± she pressed. I swallowed again. ¡°You don¡¯t want her to find me here, in your tower, and think the wrong thing?¡± She smiled slyly. ¡°It¡¯s behind us now, Apex. I¡¯m only here as your cousin. Oh wait. You didn¡¯t tell her yet? That you¡¯re part demon?¡± She chuckled. ¡°I wonder how she¡¯ll react when she finds out. She¡¯ll run for her life.¡± ¡°Shut up. She¡¯s nothing like you,¡± I muttered, tired. ¡°If you want to stay as my cousin, go to my sisters¡¯ quarters. They¡¯ll give you a room.¡± I tried to pass, but she grabbed my arm, freezing me in ce. I turned slowly, meeting her pleading eyes. ¡°Life has been empty since you left me, Apex. I¡¯ll leave tomorrow night. Just let me stay until then. I won¡¯t try anything, I swear.¡± I didn¡¯t answer. I only pulled free and walked into my bedchamber. She couldn¡¯t cross that threshold. No one could, except Chantel, myself, and her, Zephyrine. I sank into a chair, sighing heavily. It pressed on me, crushing down, though it wasn¡¯t even my burden. I knew it came from the amulet at her neck. I could feel it. Her emotions bleeding through it. I swallowed hard, closed my eyes, trying to calm myself. But then footsteps approached. The living room door opened. Silence, then pause. Whoever entered must have seen Xyrrha. I rose and stepped into the room, finding my eldest sister standing there. Her eyes shifted from Xyrrha to me. She shut the door behind her without a word. Original content can be found at fin?novel I followed quickly, catching her wrist at the foot of the stairs, forcing her to stop. She turned, disbelief etched in her face. ¡°What are you doing, Lycannar? Why is she here?¡± ¡°Nothing. She¡¯s leaving tomorrow night.¡± 7:28 pm P p ¡°Really? And if your woman arrives and finds her here¡­ you think she¡¯ll believe that?¡± ¡°I¡¯m done with Nyrrha. She¡¯s only here as my cousin, Mearez.¡± :? +10 Free Coins ¡°Oh, perfect. So you¡¯ll tell Zephyrine that Xyrrha isn¡¯t here as your ex, but as your cousin? You¡¯re ready to open up to her that Xyrrha was once your lover? Really, Lycannar? After you finally found love?¡± I said nothing. Couldn¡¯t. The sadness bleeding from Zephyrine¡¯s heart weighed on me, crushing me harder than my sister¡¯s words. What had happened to her today? 1 clenched my jaw against the heaviness and finally nodded. ¡°She¡¯ll be gone tomorrow night, Mearez.¡± She pulled her wrist from my grip. ¡°How I wish it were a mistress in your tower, rather than that vile woman. I pray your woman never finds her here.¡± She left, leaving me cold. I had tried to pinpoint it, but the harder I tried, the less I understood. Mearez-my gentlest sister¡ªhad always carried a silent grudge against Xyrrha. A hatred I couldn¡¯t trace. Had Xyrrha done something to her in the past? Something unforgivable? 7:28 pm P Back Where 183 Zephyrine +10 Free Coins Thest time the massive gate of Moonveil opened for me was when I came to get my parents¡¯ ashes, but today I walked through it for an entirely different reason. To demand soldiers. I stepped down from my carriage and crossed therge stone space, greeted at once by the guard at the front. ¡°Alpha Zephyrine. Commander Thorn is in the Iron Chamber waiting.¡± I nodded and walked on, Blue at my side, my heart heaving. What happened yesterday had gouged a deep hole in me, and with each second ticking by, I knew my brother suffered in the ce I hadnded him. The doors of the Iron Chamber opened as I approached, and there he was, Commander Thorn, sitting with a report in hand. The instant he felt my presence, he looked up. Our eyes met, and my heart went still. The journey from Ash Pack to Moonveil this morning had been heavy, my chest weighed down with trouble and doubt. Last night had dragged on endlessly. After the rejection from my elders and my own aunt, I had retired to my chamber, waiting for word. Jurrek Bane had returned atst, bringing me a fragment of hope. Commander Thorn had responded and would receive me. Still, doubts haunted me the whole way here. What if Thorn believed the Council¡¯s lies? What if he, too, thought the Ashmeres were traitors? What if¡­ The thoughts stilled in my mind as he rose atst and came toward me. His eyes carried too many emotions, and I lowered my gaze, biting my lip, almost ashamed for doubting him. ¡°When I heard the rumors,¡± he said, voice heavy, ¡°I couldn¡¯t even believe my ears. Why would the Imperium Council, who delivered the orders themselves, now im your father was a traitor?¡± I couldn¡¯t answer. I only stood in silence, until Commander Thorn sighed and gestured me toward a seat. I lowered myself down, my pulse racing. He nced at Blue, then back at me. I nodded. ¡°It¡¯s fine. I trust her.¡± ¡°Sit, youngdy,¡± he said gently to Blue. She bowed in gratitude and took a seat a few chairs away. Commander Thorn sighed again, moving to sit across from me, resting his hands on the table that divided us, ¡°Zephyr,¡± he began, ¡°I should congratte you. Ascending the seat of your forefathers, carrying the blessing of the Moon Goddess. Nothing could have made the Warlord more proud or your mother. Even Varyn.¡± He paused, eyes searching me. ¡°How did ite to this? I received your letter, that you wanted soldiers. For what?¡± ¡°War,¡± I answered without hesitation, meeting his gaze. ¡°War, Commander Thorn. Against ckwater.¡± 7:29 pm P PPP. His brows furrowed deeply. ¡°ckwater?¡± I swallowed hard, then nodded. ¡°That¡¯s where Varyn is. I found him.¡± My voice dropped, almost trembling. His eyes widened in shock. Your brother is¡­ alive?¡± +10 Free Coins Alive, but not well. He¡¯s dying, and I have to move fast. Stone of ckwater won¡¯t release him without a battle, and I¡¯m ready, ready to shed blood, to make heads roll. If I can get my brother back, he will stand before the Imperium Council himself to shatter their lies. I need soldiers, Commander Thorn. I need to save him.¡± Silence fell heavy after my words. I could hear his heartbeat quicken, pounding with awe. Who would have hought it? That Varyn Ashmere lived, somewhere, after all these years. Atst, Commander Thorn lowered his gaze and shook his head slowly. Your hope must have kept him alive all this time. That unwavering belief. I¡¯m d for you, Zephyr. And I will support you. Moonveil Fortress will always stand behind the Ashmeres.¡± His words swelled my heart antil he added the blow. ¡®But I have grim news. Soldiers won¡¯t march with you until you clear your name. After I shared your request, they refused. They won¡¯t follow into battle. The Council¡¯s words¡­ they sound too much like truth. Every warrior from the first wave, five years ago, none returned home.¡± That was because Ran ughtered them!¡± I snapped, my voice breaking. ¡°He said he received orders. from the Council itself. They¡¯re the ones who killed my parents and the Ashmeres. Don¡¯t you see?¡± He fell silent for a long moment, then finally nodded. I believe you. I trust every word. The soldiers who still believe in the Ashmeres have stepped forward and they¡¯d die for you, if it came to it. But¡­ they are few. Only one hundred and twenty men, Zephyr. That is all. What should we do?¡± The words cut through me like a de. My heart sank. What? After all my family had done only one hundred and twenty men? Out of thousands in Moonveil? Newest update provided by find(?)ovel Grief washed over me and I bowed my head. It would never be enough. Not even close. I thought of my brother, rotting away in that pit, and sighed shakily, raising my eyes back to Commander Thorn ¡°Give me their names. The list F¡¯ll return when I¡¯ve found my footing! ¡°Please do, Zephyr. Picase. And my heart goes with you. Never hesitate to reach for me. Never hesitate.¡± Back Where 184 Zephyrine +10 Free Coins I made my way on foot into the Lycan Kingdom. Tired, but a little hopeful. Why? Because I was here, and soon, I would be in his arms. I had ridden as far as White Pack but hadn¡¯t gone in. I only waited until I saw Blue step down from the carriage and disappear into the Dusk home. Only then did I turn away and head here. It was night, the cold breeze biting sharper than usual, but I embraced it. Anything was better than dwelling too long on the ache in my chest. Commander Thorn was still on my side, and one hundred and wenty warriors still stood with Ashmere. That alone gave me a fragment of relief. I walked the long hallways in silence, passing maids, guards, and Lycan citizens who bowed in respect as I went by. reached the dining hall and stopped at the doorway, my gaze falling on the great table. Memories struck me. Lycannar and I had made love there once, too desperate to wait until we reached his chamber. Fierce, burning, wild. I swallowed at the thought, a small smile tugging at my lips before I forced nyself to move. climbed the stairs. Tonight, I would stay over. I had carried a burden in my heart for days, and I deserved king¡¯s arms to rest in. But as I reached the dim hallway, I froze. instead of warmth, instead of the familiar pull of love and safety, what washed over me was darkness. Heavy. Chilling. And far too familiar. Step by step, I moved toward his living room. I pushed the door open. There, seated at the table, back to me, a woman. Her long hair tumbled down, and she wore one of Lycannar¡¯s shirts. She sat rxed, reading a book, like this was not her first time¡­ but her ce. My heart, which had been thudding with relief, now crashed into chaos. Even before she looked up, I knew. The moment she closed the book and turned, my knees weakened. The war general. From the battlefield years ago. A demon Bere. At ease. In his home. Goosebumps crawled across my skin. Lycanmar¡¯s words echoed in my head about another portal besides the one I destroyed. She was his ex. And here she was. Why? My eyes darted toward the bedchamber. I rushed there, shoved the door open but he wasn¡¯t inside. Empty, Swallowing hard, I turned to leave, only to find her in the doorway, blocking me. The demon war general. 1/2 Updates are released by Find?Novel 7:29 pm P ppp. ¡°Goddess of War,¡± she murmured, shock flickering across her face. ¡°You¡­ you¡¯re Apex¡¯s woman?¡± +10 Free Coins I gulped. He must have told her that much. Relief stirred faintly, but then something twisted inside me. The way she looked at me like she couldn¡¯t believe I was the one he chose. ¡°My gods,¡± she whispered. ¡°You¡¯re the one Apex is courting? Hearing her voice made my skin prickle. She spoke like us, like a shifter but I said nothing. I only tried to walk past her, until her voice turned cold. ¡°He¡¯s not going to end up with you, wolf. You¡¯re just another amusement to him. It will end, just as it always does. Last night, when he made love to me, I remembered what it felt like. He will too.¡± I froze. Turned sharply. My face went pale. Did she just¡­ Anger, jealousy, misery crashed over me in one wave.¡¯I blinked once, then stormed past her, refusing to give her the satisfaction of a reply. By the time I reached the stairs, my breath had grown uneven. By the time I reached the massive gates, I trembled. Under the open night sky, I stood there, shaking. The agony that flooded me was enough to make tears sting, but I swallowed them down. No. Not yet, Zephyrine. I sniffed, steadied myself, then sped toward White Pack. I pushed through the Dusk household, past the dining hall where everyone gathered, without sparing them a nce. I rushed straight to Dessyn¡¯s chamber, flung myself onto her bed but the ache in my chest wouldn¡¯t let me rest. It gnawed at me, sharp and merciless. I bolted into the bath chamber, stripping fast, nails scratching skin until it bled as I wed my clothes off. When the gown fell at my feet, I stepped into the pool, desperate to drown the darkness still clinging to
The cold water bit into me, but it couldn¡¯t wash her words away. She had been in his home. She had worn his shirt. She had beenfortable there. It could only mean one thing. That she was right. Perhaps they had truly made love. Perhaps. 7:29 pm P p p p. Back Where 185 I cannar +10 Free Coins I arrivedte in the night, carrying too much weight on my shoulders. This had dragged on far longer than I expected, and I couldn¡¯t pinpoint why we even needed to expand the Kingdom wall and divide it. My uncle Dareth had suggested building another wall so some Lycans could live beyond it, but in the end. I refused. I dismissed the project altogether. None of my people would live or sleep outside my gates. They would remain within these walls, under my eyes, where I could ensure their safety andfort. I dismounted my horse into the cold night and handed the reins to the stable master. Then I walked the hallway. The moment I stepped in, I sensed the shift in the air, in the way my people bowed as I passed. Something felt wrong. I shrugged it off and entered the dining hall. That was when it lingered. The warmth only she could bring. the feelings only she could awaken in me. Slowly, I climbed the stairs. At the hallway, I stopped. Cautiously, I approached my living room door and pushed it open. Xyrrha Pacing. I froze, surprised she hadn¡¯t left already and worse still, she was wearing one of my shirts. One I had left behind in the bath chamber, since she could never cross the threshold into my bedchamber. ¡°Oh, you¡¯re here.¡± She stopped at once when she saw me, stering on a smile. But I saw through it, and my heart clenched at the raw truth in front of me. ¡°Zephyrine was here?¡± My voice was low, almost to myself. Her silence confirmed it. Exhaustion pressed down on me, and I set my jaw. Of course she had seen Xyrrha. Mearez would mock me for being so careless. I turned toward the exit, but Xyrrha¡¯s words froze me. ¡°She¡¯s the warrior I fought five years ago, Apex: Does she know who you really are?¡± A chill ran down my spine Slowly, I turned, my stare hot enough to burn through her skin. ¡°Don¡¯t you dare, Xyrrha ¡°You won¡¯t have her. Apex Her voice was steady, dripping with certainty. ¡°She¡¯s an Ashmere. Five years ago, you did something in that war you don¡¯t even know If she dares learn the truth, she will never want you And your identity? Half Lycan and half denon I closed in on her before she could finish, gripping her arm harshly. Fury wed inside my chest as I red down into her eyes. ¡°Don¡¯t make me lose my patience, Xyrrha My courtship with Zephyrine has nothing to do with wars or +10 Free Coins identities.¡± I shoved her away, releasing her roughly. ¡°Leave my tower before I return. I won¡¯t be so merciful next time.¡± I descended the stairs in haste, just in time to see Mearez walking down the hall toward me. She stopped when she saw me, frowning at my state. I paused, breathing heavy, trying to force my emotions back under control. ¡°Are you okay?¡± I asked, seeing her gaze sharpen, and she nodded slowly. Then her eyes softened. ¡°I¡­ I wanted to talk to you yesterday, but you seemed upied.¡± Find the newest release on find?novel I sighed, shaking my head and nodding at once. ¡°What is it? What do you want to say?¡± I asked, steadying myself. My sisters came before me, always. Their safety first. But instead of speaking, she shook her head quickly, almost in panic. ¡°I¡­ I wanted My brother Hades to be there too.¡± Her words made me frown, but I wasted no time. I turned toward the shadows where Chantel stood. ¡°Fetch My brother Hades. Tell him our sister wants words with us.¡± Chantel bowed and disappeared into the dark hall. I looked back to Mearez, who had clearly noticed my unease. ¡°You¡¯re going somewhere?¡± she asked, eyes narrowing. Then they flicked toward the stairs. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me Xyrrha is still here.¡± Her words cut deep, and I stayed silent. That was all the confirmation she needed. I bowed my head, leaning against the table as panic wed at me. How was I supposed to face Zephyrine now? She must have gotten the wrong impression. Even if she hadn¡¯t, how could I possibly soothe her? She was already raw with burdens, already wounded. I was meant to be her confidant, not another source of agony. I swallowed hard and finally spoke to my sister. ¡°I¡¯m going to White Pack to meet Zephyrine. Go rest with Serena. I may not return tonight.¡± With that, I left for the stables, mounted my horse, and rode hard into the night. No rest. No peace. Only the weight of her sadness pressing down on me like the heaviest boulder. 7:29 pm P PPP. Back Where 186 Lycannar +10 Free Coins I havee here often and never once has my heart thudded the way it does now. My horse came to a stop before White Pack, and I sat still on it, uneasy. Panic rises in me, sharp and relentless. I can feel her energy inside. Tonight she is here, not in her pack. For what seems like an eternity I remain in the saddle, staring, hoping, wondering. Xyrrha had spoken back there, iming I would never have Zephyrine because of something I had done in the battlefield I could not remember. I called it a bluff, but the words still w at me. Atst I dismount. My steps carry me gently into the packhouse. The guards on duty bow their heads, silent as I pass, and as usual I say nothing. I give no attention to anything but the door ahead of me. Carefully, quietly, I stood there. I swallow, gathering courage. It is almost unbelievable how a woman can make me feel this way. I, who had been emotionless unless it was about my sisters, realize now that Zephyrine has crawled into a ce in my heart no one ever has. Just no one. I finally reach for the door to knock, but before I could, it opens and Blue appears in the doorway. I take a step back as she bows. ¡°My King.¡± My eyes fix briefly on her. I let them roam over her frame, searching for bruises or anything that would suggest hardship, but she looks fine. Maybe not emotionally, because I know if herdy is broken, she will be too. ¡°Is Zephyrine okay?¡± I ask atst. She straightens, silent for a moment before shaking her head. ¡°She came in about an hour ago and has¡­ locked herself up in the bedchamber.¡± Hearing this nearly makes me snap. My gods. I should never have allowed Xyrrha in my home at all. Updates are released by find¡¤novel ¡°Call her out for me. Tell her I am outside and I won¡¯t leave until I see her.¡± Blue studies me, concern in her eyes. ¡°It is cold outside, My King. What if she doesn¡¯te out?¡± I give no answer, because the truth is in as day. I will not leave without seeing Zephyrine. If I do, I will go mad back home, and I might end upmitting murder. I turn away, walking to stand beside my horse. Arms folded across my chest, beneath the bitter night sky, I fix my eyes on the window where she usually stands to watch me. Tonight she does not appear, and that alone speaks volumes about how angry she is. How much she misunderstands. How deeply she has been hurt. Time drags, ticking painfully slow. An hour passes before the door opens again. Blue walks out with a cup in her hands. Shees to me and extends it. I stare at her for a while, then at the contents. Warm tea. ¡°Please, drink it,¡± she pleads, her voice tight with worry. ºž +10 Free Coins For a moment I nearly call her a fool. A fool for caring for a man who once stabbed her mother to death. The thought tears at me, pain wing through my chest. Still, I take the cup from her, careful not to let our fingers brush. I drain it in one go, uncaring if it holds poison or something to weaken me. If it does, I will dly drink it down and die. That would be the justice I owe her, and her brother who left long ago and never returned. At the break of dawn, just after the darkest hour, the Dusk household door finally opens. Blue steps out first. I have not moved from my post all night, but when I see Zephyrine walk out behind her, my chest tightens in awe. She is dressed, ready to return to her pack. Blue nces at me, but Zephyrine only enters her carriage without sparing me a look. My heart clenches. as the wheels roll forward. As the carriage moves to bypass me, I step in front of it, forcing the coachman to stop. Without a word, I move to part the thin curtain and take her wrist. Gently, firmly, I pull her out. She does not resist, perhaps too exhausted to fight me. She stands before me as the breeze swirls, whispering of all I have broken in her. Tenderly, I tilt her chin, raising her face until her eyes meet mine. ¡°Zephyrine, let me exin,¡± I say softly. She stands still, waiting. ¡°Go on.¡± Her voice is quiet, but through the amulet I feel it. Her shattered emotions tearing into me. ¡°Exin why your ex is in your home, a ce not just anyone dares to step into, wearing your clothes, sitting there rxed. Go on. Exin.¡± Her words sink like knives. My heart twists. No. Xyrrha had not been in my tower as my ex, but as my cousin. Yet as I search Zephyrine¡¯s eyes, I cannot find the words to tell her. After countless attempts, nothinges. She sighs, stepping back, weary and defeated. Frustrated. Miserable. She turns to the carriage again, but I seize her wrist. When I pull her back, it is tears I see glittering in her eyes. The agony in them shatters me. ¡°I am just an amusement. Another bedmate of yours, Lycannar. You should go back to her, since I mean nothing at all to you.¡± Her voice breaks into a silent weep, and with that she slips free, returns to the carriage, and rides away toward her pack, leaving me broken beyond words. 7:29 pm P Back Where 187 Lycannar +10 Free Coins I rode into my kingdom under the first light, my heart burning with anger. She had cried, and never have I felt so stunned, so heartbroken. I surged in with my horse, dismounted sharply at the stable, and stormed into the hallway. The maids and my people were already risen for the day, bowing as I passed, but I was too furious to spare them a nce, too blinded to give them even a breath of attention. At the dining hall, I could see my family gathered for breakfast, but I could not even focus on their faces. Rage clouded my vision. All I could feel was her presence still in the tower, still daring to remain. It was her I wanted. Her I had a problem with. I had warned her that if I returned and found her here, she would pay. I told her I would not be merciful. She thought my words a bluff, spat on them. I shoved open the door to the living room and found her seated in the chair, reading. My anger surged hotter when she turned to me with a smile, as though she hadn¡¯t done something that had shattered my woman. ¡°Oh, Apex. You¡¯re back. I was¡­¡± Her words vanished when I closed in on her, crashing her against the wall none too gently. My jaw clenched hard, fury boiling over as my hand closed around her neck. ¡°What did you say to her?¡± I demanded, my voice tight. She kept silent. My grip tightened, rage trembling through me. ¡°What in the hell did you say to Zephyrine? Tell me!¡± My eyes shed, my demon side rising like a storm. My hold on her throat grew deadly. I wanted to kill her. End her here and now. She struggled, shoving me back with sudden strength, doubling over in coughs. But it was toote. She had awakened the predator in me. I lunged for her again, but she darted out, shrieking my brother Hades¡¯ name down the stairs. I gave chase instantly, descending the stairs after her and bursting into the dining hall. My family rose to their feet, startled at my state, but I saw no one else. Only her. ¡°What did you say to her, Xyrrha!¡± I roared, my voice already altering into my demon¡¯s tone. She stood several steps away, coughing, but defiant now that she was out of my grasp. ¡°I only told her the truth,¡± she spat. ¡°That she is just an amusement that will soon fade from your life. That you and I made lovest night!¡± That was it. My control snapped. Iunched toward her, but I never reached her. My brother Hades blocked me at once, gripping my arm hard, steadying me. ¡°Apex, calm down. You are shifting,¡± he whispered firmly. I swallowed hard, jaw set, lowering my gaze to wrestle myself back under control. 7:29 pm P P PP. Chapter 187 Official source is fin?novel +10 Free Coins ¡°She lied to Zephyrine,¡± I gritted out to my brother. ¡°She lied. I did nothing with Xyrrha. We are done! 1 never loved her. I never felt anything for her but¡­¡± ¡°You broke up with me because you thought I sent your army to die on the front lines, which is not true!¡± Xyrrha cut in, fury in her tone. ¡°Now that you know your belief was false, we should return to courtship. I love you, Apex. I don¡¯t care if you are my cousin, my brother, or anything. If I cannot have you, then no one will!¡± That struck a nerve. I stepped away from My brother Hades and red at her coldly. ¡°You want honesty?¡± I hissed, moving closer, gripping her arm with deadly force. ¡°Breaking up with you had nothing to do with the army. I can foresee death. I saw them die in battle before they ever left. You want the real reason? It¡¯s because I never loved you. I feel absolutely nothing for you. You were the so- called amusement that faded before a single month was out. Zephyrine is the only woman who has ever made me feel anything.¡± My eldest sister rushed to me then, pulling me into her arms, holding me tightly. Anchoring me. ¡°That¡¯s enough, Lycannar. It¡¯s okay. Breathe,¡± Mearez whispered, her palm stroking my back. I obeyed her, burying my face in her hair, clinging to the tether of her calm. For what felt like an eternity I stayed there, trembling with fury and despair. Atst, when I had drawn back enough control, I let her go and mounted the stairs in silence. I entered the prison I call a bedchamber and went for the potion bottle that dulled and weakened the beast in me. I uncorked it and drained it all. Momentster, my demon half growled in agony, forcing me to double over. I staggered to the bed, falling onto it, staring up at the carved canopy. The sketch of Zephyrine¡¯s face etched there filled me with immense peace. My gaze softened, and I let my eyes fall shut. Before long, deep sleep dragged me under, and I surrendered to it. 7:29 pm P P P P PPPP. Back Where 188 Zephyrine +10 Free Coins Isolde served the dinner before me and Blue stepped forward to pour my goblet of water. Gently, they moved aside to let me eat, but I couldn¡¯t. All I saw as I stared down at the te was nothing, because I wasn¡¯t paying attention. I had arrived from White Pack this afternoon after leaving at dawn. There, I spoke with Dessyn, and Alpha Auedric had been one of those who stood by me, something I will forever appreciate and never forget. He even promised to give me an army. After salvaging everything, all he could provide was thirty men. Thirty soldiers added to the ones already down from Moonveil Fortress made the avable number only one hundred and fifty and it sounded almost like a joke. One hundred and fifty men going against one thousand and five was nowhere near enough. I am the goddess of war, but even I cannot win such a battle. And if I bled and somehow won, I might still lose the life of my brother. I was lost in thought, bothered by the ticking days and the rumors spreading fast. ¡®Mydy, please, your dinner,¡± Blue¡¯s voice came softly, and I lifted my gaze to her. Yes. A Lycan. She must have been wise and old enough to remember when the demons came seeking refuge in the Lycan Kingdom after the war five years ago. Staring at her now only dragged my mind to him and though I never wanted to think of him again if I could help it, his memory kept folding into me the more I tried to push it away. I swallowed. ¡°You know about Xyrrha?¡± I asked, my voice cold and firm, unlike how I usually spoke to her. To this, she looked at me briefly before stepping back and shaking her head. ¡°Mydy¡­¡± Her eyes betrayed her. She knew something. ¡°You know her rtionship with Lycannar?¡± I pressed again. In response, she only stood there in silence and that confirmed it. I lowered my gaze and sighed. I was foolish to think she would ever fully side with me. No matter how close we were, her true loyalty would always belong to Lycannar. I should have known it already when she told me her story and still loved him, still understood him even after he killed her mother. ¡°I want to be alone,¡± I said softly, picking up my cutlery. Isolde and the rest of the maids withdrew quietly, Normally, Blue stayed behind since she was my personal maid, but this time I added. ¡°You too, Blue. Out.¡± She lingered, and my gaze met hers, wondering why she was still there. Then I saw it to my greatest awe. Her tears. She wiped them away. +10 Free Coins ¡°Mydy, His Majesty will never cheat on you. Please go back to him. You are the only woman who has made him feel alive. I don¡¯t¡­ I don¡¯t want both of you to be sad anymore. You two clearly need eachother.¡± A lump rose in my throat. My gaze dropped. Those tears of hers suddenly made me feel guilty. Her words triggered something in me and I instantly felt like a viin. Emotion gripped me, and I tightened my hold on the cutlery as she finally slipped away, leaving me to myself and my sorrow. The sound of footsteps came gently, and the door opened softly. Isolde walked in and bowed. ¡°Mydy, Beta Jurrek seeks an audience.¡± I turned away from the window where I had been standing. Surprised at why he would want to see me at such a dark hour, I walked out of my bedchamber and through the hall to meet him standing at the threshold. ¡°Alpha Zephyrine,¡± he greeted, but I said nothing, only stared. ¡°Do you have time? I¡¯ve got something to tell you. How about we share it over a drink?¡± Atst, I nodded with a smile, letting him lead me into the bar chamber, where he pulled out a chair for me. I sat, watching him pour two ales before bringing them over. ¡°Not too sharp,¡± he said knowingly, smiling. ¡°Varyn wouldn¡¯t let you drink this if he were here.¡± I smiled at that, memories flooding, and took a sip, weing the burn on my tongue and down my throat. He watched me for a moment before his smile faded. ¡°We are losing,¡± he murmured. ¡°Word is, Ka Yadev will take over your throne once seven days pass.¡± To that, I drank again, letting the burn settle in my chest, though it couldn¡¯t wash away the bitterness. ¡°What do you want to say?¡± I asked softly. He swallowed hard, pinning me with his steady gaze. ¡°I asked Princess Mearez to be my woman.¡± Those words stilled my heart. I stared at him without blinking. For what felt like years, I said nothing. Atst, I nodded slowly. ¡°Bold move.¡± ¡°I know.¡± He exhaled. ¡°She told me there¡¯s nothing she can do, no way she could say yes, unless her brothers agreed to it. I thought Apex was her only brother.¡± I nodded. 7:30 pm P p p p +10 Free Coins ¡°They have another. The oldest. I met him once. Strange like Lycannar, but kind. Good. They respect and love one another. His name is Hades.¡± Jurrek studied me, then nodded. ¡°What do you think of Princess Mearez? What do you think of the Blood family? What do you know of them?¡± I fell silent at his question. Blood. I thought I knew enough, but it turned out I didn¡¯t know even a fraction. They are the mostplicated family I have ever seen. Half siblings, half blooded, yet no love stronger than the bond they share. Follow current nov?ls on find{n}ovel ¡°Princess Mearez is the kindest woman I have ever known,¡± I answered softly. ¡°If you marry her and bring forth pups, I will be their godmother.¡± That made him smile, and I followed. I reached for his hand and gave it a squeeze. ¡°I¡¯m happy you chose well, Jurrek. I hope her brothers agree. Your union will be blessed by the Moon Goddess, and no third party will evere between you.¡± A sigh escaped him at my words, but then he looked at me again. ¡°Speaking of a woman whose marriage was ruined by a third party¡­ Luna Tahlia. She seeks an audience with you, Zephyr.¡± Back Where 189 Zephyrine +10 Free Coins Ever since I had been visiting Luna Tahlia, I had never once stepped inside her house. But this night, when I knocked at her door, she opened it wider and ushered me in. I had just finished a cup of ale, and the drowsiness clung faintly to my senses. Still, I steadied my breath and focus as I walked into the small, cozy living room. It was tidy, warm, and strangely enough, I felt safer here than in my own wide bedchamber. ¡°Where¡¯s Young ck?¡± I asked softly, and she smiled. ¡°Sleepyhead¡¯s gone to bed. The maid is with him.¡± ¡®Of course. He deserves his rest.¡± ¡®Please,e sit,¡± she said gently. I walked to the chair and lowered myself into it. ¡®Would you like a drink? Anything?¡± At her offer, I only looked up at her and shook my head. I was already drunk enough, and truth be told, I wouldn¡¯t have epted Jurrek¡¯s ale earlier if I hadn¡¯t already been weighed down. Luna Tahlia gave a small smile and sat across from me, her hand resting on the table between us. Alpha Zephyrine¡­¡± Zephyr,¡± I corrected gently. ¡°Well¡­ whatever you prefer. Those who knew me as a rogue in Hue Pack called me Zeph. Those who knew me here from childhood call me Zephyr. The Lycans call me Zephyrine. Choose whichever fits you best. But I am no Alpha, Luna Tahlia. I failed.¡± After those words, I looked away and sighed, exhausted. Silence filled the room, silence that cut a hollow hrough my heart. Lycannar had stayed out in the coldst night, unmoving, just to have my audience, and I had denied him. That¡¯s how far he was willing to go for me. That¡¯s how obsessive he was. Only that he won¡¯t be having me. Not after what he¡¯d done, entertaining another woman in his home. I was lost in my bitter thoughts when Luna Tahlia¡¯s hand gently took mine, giving it a soft squeeze. Slowly, I turned to her. ¡°You are an Alpha, and there¡¯s no other way to address you,¡± she said with a sigh. ¡°I¡¯ve heard Ka Yadev is set to take over your pack.¡± I swallowed. She¡¯d heard the rumors. But did she believe them? ¡°Before anything happens, I¡¯ll make sure you and Young ck are safe. You can live in my¡­¡± Find the newest release on F¦ÉndNovel ¡°Nothing bad will happen,¡± she cut me off gently, her gaze steady on mine. ¡°I have seen you, the best part of you, Alpha Zephyrine. And I know you won¡¯t let evil reign.¡± ¡°Luna Tahlia¡­¡± +10 Free Coins ¡°I grew up hearing the name Ashmere. Their legendary victories. How kind the pack treated its people. The Moon Goddess¡¯s blessing upon them¡­¡± she said. ¡°Youmanded thousands. Thergest pack. The most respected. If you ever¡­ if you ever let it fall into Ka Yadev¡¯s hands¡­¡± Her voice trailed off as she shuddered, disbelief and fear running through her, as though some memory from the past had taken hold. ¡°Yadev,¡± she muttered bitterly. ¡°And that daughter of his¡­ they are destruction. They have no sympathy. Whatever you do¡­ Ka must not take over.¡± The emotion in her eyes now went deeper than just fear. It was memory. Something she had lived. I searched her eyes and saw she¡¯d gone pale. She swallowed hard before continuing. ¡°Alpha Zephyrine¡­ Ka, whom the shifter empire believed to be the envoy of peace¡­ she never was.¡± I froze. Of course, I¡¯d always known Ka wasn¡¯t an envoy of peace. But there were those missing five years, her so-called mission. If it wasn¡¯t for peace¡­ then what? ¡°To trade a life,¡± Luna Tahlia whispered, as though reading my very thought. The chill of her words pierced through me. Her fingers trembled in mine before she pulled away, rubbing her arms as though to ward off the memory. ¡°It was five years ago. I saw it with my own eyes. I read it. And that was the final straw for me.¡± She shook her head slowly. ¡°You must wonder why I never fought Ka, why I never tried to take back my pack, why I never gave Young ck the glory he was born for. It¡¯s because of that stormy night.¡± My blood went cold. ¡°She had been visiting the Imperium Council often, always returning at the darkest hours as though hiding something. One stormy night, I was returningte from my mother¡¯s when I saw her. She rushed in like one chased by the very evil, her gown heavy with blood. She unknowingly dropped what she was holding, a scroll among other things.¡± Luna Tahlia shook her head, shuddering. ¡°I picked up the scroll. And I saw it. A transaction, clear as day. A deal between her and Stone of ckwater.¡± Heat crawled into my veins. ¡°Ka Yadev exchanged a life. An injured wolf, traded away in return for her stay in ckwater for five years. While the shifter empire believed she was on a mission of peace, she had merely bartered away a life for her survival. I saw it, Alpha Zephyrine. On that scroll. This wolf was said to be a warrior, and she sold him anyway. A woman who can make such a deal with Stone of ckwater, who has such backing¡­. how can I ever win against her?¡± The air dried from my lungs. Goosebumps pricked my skin. My thoughts went still, my body frozen. ¡°Wait. Hold on,¡± I whispered. ¡°You saw the receipt of this transaction?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± ¡°This person¡­¡± my voice cracked, ¡°Is a wounded warrior?¡± ¡°Yes, Alpha Zephyrine. That¡¯s what it said.¡± +10 Free Cons My heart twisted painfully. I swallowed, clutching her hand again, praying with everyst ounce of strength that I was wrong. ¡°Tell me. That stormy night, five years ago. Around what time was it?¡± She searched my eyes, confused by the urgency in my voice. Then, slowly, her brows furrowed in awe. ¡°It was during the first wave battle. The battle of Demons and¡­¡± Her words faltered as her eyes locked with minc. ¡°The battle of Demons and Ashmeres¡­¡± I finished for her. My body went cold. My chest seized. Varyn. Wait. The wounded warrior Ka traded, was it Varyn Ashmere? 7:30 pm Back Where 191 Lycannar +10 Free Coms Tension weighed down on me, and I almost groaned aloud. I still had enough to worry about, and now this? But wait. How had Jurrek Bane spoken to my sister, swayed her heart to the point she had the audacity to sit my brother and me down to confess such feelings? ¡°I should have taken her with me to the demon realm,¡± my brother Hades murmured from across me, and I turned to him. ¡°But this is Mearez. She would never say such things unless she believed them to be true. What do you think?¡± I lowered my gaze, sighing. ¡°Jurrek Bane is¡­ nice. An Ashmere warrior. I think he fought in the second wave alongside Zephyrine. When I¡¯ve looked into his eyes, all his worry, all his longing, was for Ash Pack¡¯s safety.¡± ¡°Nothing for my sister?¡± I thought quietly, then shook my head. ¡°Maybe he hid it from me. Mearez went to Ash Pack ahead of me. She stayed three days before I arrived for Zephyrine¡¯s ascension ceremony as Alpha. Perhaps that¡¯s when my sister found her love.¡± ¡°Or maybe before then. Has she been there before? Earlier than recently?¡± I racked my mind and then it clicked. My gods. Could it have been then? ¡°During my coronation. The invitation scroll was sent first to Ash Pack. Serena was supposed to oversee it, since she handles the kingdom¡¯s activities, but she was upied. Mearez stepped in for her. That must have been the first time they met.¡± ¡°And you didn¡¯t know?¡± Hades asked. I shook my head. ???? ????s? ???????s ?? F?ndNovel ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I should have been more careful with them.¡± I rubbed my temple, weighed down by another surge of emotion spilling from Zephyrine through the amulet. When I looked back, I caught Hades studying me. ¡°What?¡± ¡°You look like someone in pain.¡± I shrugged. ¡°It¡¯s Zephyrine,¡± I muttered, ncing at the anklet on my bare ankle. ¡°She¡¯s been dealing with thingstely. I gave her an amulet ne. When she wears it, we¡¯re connected. I feel what she feels, and whenever she¡¯s in danger.¡± 7:30 pm P P P P ¡°What has she been dealing with?¡± he asked. I leaned forward. ¡°Her brother, Varyn¡­ the warrior from five years ago. Can you believe he never made it home?¡± Hades went utterly still, his eyes widening in silence before he asked softly. +10 Free Coins ¡°I meant to ask about him. Since your woman turned out to be Ashmere by blood, she has an older brother. Why is she Alpha, not him?¡± ¡°Because he never returned from the battlefield. Zephyrine told me he never came back.¡± ¡°Really?¡± His brow furrowed. ¡°Are you sure? We let him go. We saw him ride away, didn¡¯t we?¡± ¡°I remember that part clearly. He was sent home. But how he didn¡¯t make it back I still don¡¯t understand¡­¡± My voice trailed when I saw his cautious stare. ¡°What?¡± He stayed silent, gaze fixed on mine, before finally asking. ¡°Apex, you don¡¯t remember much from that battlefield, do you?¡± I raised a brow. ¡®Did I ck out in battle?¡± When he gave no answer, I pressed, ¡°What¡¯s there to forget? I didn¡¯t forget anything.¡± ¡®Right. You didn¡¯t forget anything.¡± he said as though trying to nt that in me. But then I recalled. ¡®I had a nightmare, though.¡± ¡®You?¡± His surprise was sharp. ¡°That¡¯s not what the first hybrid do. Your mind was sealed by spells, wasn¡¯t it?¡± ¡°This nightmare felt more like a fragment of memory. I had it after returning from Ash Pack, after the ceremony.¡± I swore I saw Hades freeze at that. His voice dropped. ¡°What did you see?¡± ¡°That¡­ I was released from the steel chamber. Still in my demon form. My senses blurry, voices urging me to kill, to spill blood. Everything hazy until I heard your voice. You were asking who had let me loose, and you sounded stunned. Like you hadn¡¯t expected to see me there.¡± ¡°There? Where?¡± I shook my head. ¡°I can¡¯t see it in the nightmare. It¡¯s all haze and blur.¡± Silence followed. Hades stared at me for what felt like forever before moving to sit beside me, patting my shoulder firmly. 7:30 pm P P P +10 Free Coins ¡°Little brother¡­ maybe your foremother, the Moon Goddess, shields you this time. You see¡­ Varyn, your woman¡¯s brother¡­ maybe it is the Goddess¡¯s will that he remain lost.¡± I frowned. ¡°Zephyrine is looking for him. She has always tried¡­¡± ¡°He cannot be found.¡± His voice cut in like a warning. I swallowed hard at the deadly seriousness of his words. Before I could reply, he asked, ¡°Tell me, little brother. How far will you go to keep your woman?¡± ¡°Every limit,¡± I confessed, and he gripped my shoulder, jaw tight. ¡°Listen to me. No matter what happens, right or wrong, you know I¡¯ll always stand by you. You know that, don¡¯t you?¡± I nodded. ¡°I will also stand by you, whether you¡¯re right or wrong.¡± He leaned back with a heavy sigh, as though crushed beneath memories. ¡°Then hear me tonight. If you truly want that fiery Ashmere, her brother must never be found.¡± ¡°But¡­ why?¡± His silence was long, his weight heavy, before he finally said, ¡°Not everything lost is meant to be searched for, Apex. And not everyone missing is meant to be found, for some absences are mercy in disguise.¡± Back Where 192 Lycannar +10 Free Coins I ce the royal seal on thest report and watch as Baron, my cousin, takes it away from me. He studies it for a while and gently nods. ¡°We are done for today and¡­¡± He was still speaking when his gaze fell on the report I had refused to approve. Quietly, he picked it up and came to spread it right before me, thinking I had forgotten it, not knowing I had neglected it on purpose. ¡°Your Majesty. This one too.¡± My gaze fell on the report again, and then I looked into his eyes. Strangely, I couldn¡¯t see anything. I could see when he would die, but not his sadness, longing, desperation, or agony the way I used to. ¡°Read it out,¡± I ordered quietly, and I saw him swallow. He pulled back, ncing at the elders in panic, then at his father, my uncle Dareth, as though for help. ¡°Uh¡­ Your Majesty, it¡¯s just¡­¡± my uncle Dareth began, but I held up a palm to silence him, my eyes fixed on Baron. ¡°Read it out,¡± I repeated, this time firmly, and Baron obeyed. ¡°Issued on the fortnight before the next full moon. This report, once approved by the royal seal of His Majesty, King of all Lycans, Lycannar Blood¡­ the maids and guards¡® wages and sries will be received at half the normal amount, from now on, to support the King in his endeavors.¡± When he finished, he lowered the report and looked at me. I stared back, unblinking. ¡°On what endeavors will I reap off my people¡¯s earnings?¡± He swallowed, and this time my uncle Dareth stepped forward to defend the report. ¡°We are doing this for you, Your Majesty. The kingdom needs to know who the king is. It¡¯s like your father¡¯s reign. He paid the maids and guards meagerly, but once you ascended the throne, you gave them too much. Now they are getting guts, and before they can rebel, we +10 Free Coins must¡­¡± ¡°Let them.¡± My voice came soft, almostzy. ¡°Let them rebel, Uncle Dareth. My father prepared me for that.¡± I sighed gently, getting up to rub my temple. I wasn¡¯t feeling well today, and I already knew why. ¡°I won¡¯t speak much. My people should not be cheated. Pay them the normal amount.¡± I pause and ask. ¡°Isn¡¯t it time for their paycheck?¡± ¡°It¡­ It is.¡± Baron stuttered. ¡°Give me Blue¡¯s Paycheck. I will delivered it to her personally.¡± With that, I walked to the exit, passing the guards at the doors and the maids waiting for orders. I didn¡¯t look at them, but I felt their gazes. Gratitude red from them, though I didn¡¯t need it. I was only doing my duty as King. Lately, my uncle Dareth and Baron had been getting ahead of themselves. I would need to stop that. Discover more novels at Find?Novel I arrived at the dining hall, heading toward my bedchamber, but there he stood as though waiting. My brother Hades. I stopped when he looked at me and smiled. ¡°You are here. Little brother, let¡¯s talk about our sister.¡± *** It waste afternoon. Cloudy, the skies darkened. It felt as if the gods themselves hated the fact that the healer born with the sacred gift was sad. I had thought long on it, and after talking with Hades, we reached a decision. This was Mearez. She had never once been wayward. She obeyed, she listened, she had seeded in keeping herself pure despite our father¡¯s filthy deeds. She was a survivor of trauma too. She deserved to be happy. Together, Hades and I went to the princesses¡® quarters. When we arrived at Mearez¡¯s door, the maid opened it for us. Stepping in, I saw my sister lying on her bed, her back turned to us. She felt our presence and turned gently. The moment she saw both of us, she sat up in silence, curiosity in her eyes. 2/3 +10 Free Coins She had been crying. Her eyes told it, her body showed it. I leaned against the wall while Hades sat beside her on the bed, reaching to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. She shivered in fear briefly, then looked at him in hope, then at me in wonder. ¡°You love him?¡± Hades asked gently. His question carried more beneath it, and she could see it. Mearez took her time, her eyes wide with dread and hope. ¡°You won¡¯t¡­ kill him, right?¡± she asked. And before either of us could answer, she pulled back, sniffed her tears, and said, ¡°I¡­ I get it. I won¡¯t get married anymore. I won¡¯t speak to him. Forget I said anythingst night. Please just let him live.¡± She was giving up, resigning to fate, because she thought we would kill him. We¡¯d done such things before, and she knew it. Hades studied her quietly, then turned to me. I gave him a small nod. Permission. He turned back to Mearez and sighed. ¡°Apex will go to Ash Pack tonight. He has to speak with his woman and smooth things over anyway. He will speak to this man you im to want and set arrangements. You will not be given to him without proper rituals and agreement. You understand?¡± Mearez immediately stiffened. Her face drained of color. Slowly, she turned to me as if to ask if she had heard right, and I nodded. ¡°Anything for you, big sister,¡± I said with a small smile. ¡°You need a man, truly. Take a burden off my shoulders atst.¡± She chuckled at that, then grinned at Hades, tears welling in her eyes. But now, tears of sorrow turned to joy. She hugged my brother tight, then pulled back, crying softly. ¡°Thank you,¡± she whispered before kissing his lips and hugging him again. Watching them made me swallow a lump in my throat. Hades was a demon, with no blood bond to Mearez or Serena. They had another father altogether, yet still carried the names Blood and Abyss. Our love knew no boundaries of blood. We loved one another as siblings, no matter the halves that divided us. And in that moment, I prayed with everything I was that our bond would never weaken, never be destroyed by any third party. Back Where 193 Zephyrine ¡°Mydy?¡± +10 Free Coins I flutter my eyes open from where Iy on the bed and find myself staring into her beautiful Blue¡¯s gaze. I blink slowly, waiting. take ¡°Mydy, you haven¡¯t eaten anything since morning. It¡¯s nearly night. Won¡¯t you your lunch?¡± The panic in her voice makes me swallow hard, and I shake my head gently in refusal. ¡°I am fine. Just bring me water,¡± I murmured, turning as if to drift back into a sleep I know will nevere. But then I hear footsteps approaching. The door to my chamber opens quietly, and Isolde steps in to bow. ¡°Mydy, a guest hase to see you.¡± A guest? My brows lift. I stretch my senses, searching, but it isn¡¯t Lycannar. After the things he and I did in bed that day, Isolde would never call him a ¡°guest.¡± I let out a quiet sigh, realizing I am thinking of him again. I shouldn¡¯t. I don¡¯t need to. Why should I, when¡­ I roll my eyes, pushing the thought away, and sit up. ¡°Who is the guest?¡± ¡°It¡¯s Alpha Nyroth of Hue Pack.¡± At that, my brows rise higher. Nyroth? Of all people? I almost back down to dismiss him, but then the bitter memory slices through me. Lycannar entertaining a woman in his own tower. If he can do that, then so can I. ¡°Let him in.¡± My suddenmand shocks even Blue. ¡°Mydy?¡± ¡°Let him in, Isolde.¡± My voice sharpens. ¡°Open the door for him.¡± 15:56 Thu, Sep 11 Get full chapters from F?nd-Novel Isolde bows and leaves, though reluctantly. I don¡¯t me her. +10 Free Coins Some thresholds in Ash Pack are sacred. No man should step into my bedchamber unless we are mated and married. Only blood family, like Varyn or my father, may cross that line. But this time, I will break the rule. And I will break it further if it means striking back at Lycannar. After Isolde¡¯s departure, Blue stares at me as though she cannot believe my order. Her gaze still burns into me when I hear the sound of boots. The door opens and Nyroth appears. For what feels like an eternity, I stare at him standing in the doorway. Nyroth Hue. My first love. Looking at him now, I admit he is not unworthy. Handsome in his own right, though without the piercing at the brow, the runes, the sinful presence that clings to Lycannar. I sigh softly and nod, allowing him in. He crosses cautiously, lowering himself beside me on the bed. Old feelings re, but I crush them down. ¡°Leave us,¡± I ordered, and my maids obey slowly, reluctantly. Isolde lingers until thest heartbeat before she closes the door. Their disapproval is clear. an ¡°Zeph.¡± Nyroth¡¯s voice drags me fully into the moment. ¡°I must say, I am surprised you granted me an audience.¡± I do not speak for a long while. I only stare at him without blinking. Atst, I nod. ¡°I¡¯m only doing this to get back at Lycannar. We fought.¡± I confess so he won¡¯t mistake my intentions. I see him swallow. That must have cut deep. ¡°Why have youe?¡± His gaze lingers on my face, as though I have just asked if the sky is blue. ¡°You chopped off a man¡¯s arm at the Wolf Fortress, Zeph. Why wouldn¡¯t Ie? Of course I am worried. What dealings do you have with the Council that have drawn such hatred, that they would stake your throne, demanding you step down as Alpha?¡± His worry is genuine, and I swallow at the strangeness of it. Nyroth has never once shown me remorse. ¡°I will be fine,¡± I murmur. But his eyes shift, drawn to my bare arm, and for a brief instant lust sparks within them. 15:56 Thu, Sep 11 : 47 +10 Free Coins you ¡°You won¡¯t be fine when the seventh daye, Zeph,¡± he says atst, lowering his gaze. ¡°Outside, campaigns have already begun. Ka leads them. You will be impeached before take another breath. That is why I came. I know there is bad blood between us, but let us set it aside. What matters now is that you go before the Imperium Council and Ka on your knees. Beg their forgiveness, and they may spare you.¡± My heart sinks at the suggestion, but I keep still as he struggles with his words. ¡°I will be at your side this time, Zeph. I won¡¯t let you lose your throne. A female Alpha is rare and you are the first. Your reign cannot end this way. I will not let it.¡± ¡°So I must go down on my knees before those who butchered my family?¡± My voice is quiet but sharp. ¡°Beg Ka, who sold my brother, just to keep my seat as Alpha?¡± His brows furrow in disbelief at my words. I sigh. How time flies. Five years I knew Nyroth, and yet Lycannar whom I¡¯ve known for barely three months has reached into ces of me Nyroth never could. Nyroth is handsome, capable, honest. His eyes now brim with love and concern. But he is not Lycannar. Lycannar Blood would never ask me to kneel. He would demand we spill blood instead. Lowering my gaze, I face the truth. The Lycan King has carved his ce into my soul. No other manpares. No matter how much I hate him now, it is still him, only him, that I want. ¡°Isolde?¡± I call softly. As if waiting for mymand, she hurries in. ¡°Please escort Alpha Nyroth to his carriage. He will leave now.¡± Nyroth¡¯s eyes fly wide, stunned. ¡°Zeph, you don¡¯t know what is at stake. This is no time for pride. No pack will stand with you. The Imperium Council is beyond us. And worse, you cut off Ran¡¯s arm. Do you even know who he is?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± I reply calmly, my gaze fixed on him. ¡°The murderer of the Ashmeres. Leave, Nyroth.¡± He stares at me, disbelieving. Atst he rises. ¡°You will lose everything, Zeph. If you continue this way, you will hand it all to the Yadevs. This isn¡¯t you. It¡¯s that strange Apex corrupting you. I pray you and he never reconcile.¡± His bitter words twist my heart. He walks out, leaving me in silence. 15:56 Thu, Sep 11 47 +10 Free Coins For a long time, I sit there, wondering what life would be if Lycannar and I never make amends, never clear the air. Could I even breathe without him? And why hasn¡¯t he reached for me? Am I truly just an amusement, discarded once his interest faded? The questions are driving me madbwhen suddenly warmth floods my heart. The cold I¡¯ve carried sincest night, after leaving Luna Tahlia¡¯s house, shatters. I rise and cross to the window. There, my source of joy, my curse, my king. Lycannar, astride his ck warhorse. He ising in just as Nyroth¡¯s carriage rolls out. The sh is inevitable. Good thing he didn¡¯t find Nyroth in my chamber. But why is he here? Back Where 194 Zephyrine +10 Free Coins I have felt this before and I know it well. Fear. But beneath it, another emotion stronger than fear. Anger, and jealousy. That was what steadied me now as I stood at the window, watching Lycannar pause after dismounting his horse. His gaze snapped to the carriage leaving. He knew who rode inside. He recognized the Hue Pack crest, or perhaps he simply sensed Nyroth¡¯s energy. He had likelye here to exin himself, but what he saw seemed to change his mind. His eyes tore from the carriage atst and locked on me at the window. I swear I forgot to breathe. Deadly. His eyes were deadly. The pack members had frozen in ce at his arrival, his presence dominating the broad evening sky. I knew word would soon reach my aunt¡¯s ears, that the so¨Ccalled king corrupting me hade here. Lycannar stepped forward, entering the packhouse, and I pulled away from the window, retreating back to my bed. My maids stared at me as if they too could feel the storm about to break loose. I sat down against the headboard, picked up a book, and pretended to read. The door opened. He appeared. My heart leapt to my throat, but I forced myself to remainposed, d I managed to keep my face neutral. In no time the maids cleared out of my chamber, leaving me alone with him. I turned a page I wasn¡¯t even seeing as he moved closer, filling the room with an aura only a king could bring. That sacred, crushing presence that made everyone want to kneel. ¡°I didn¡¯t know you had already moved on.¡± His voice was sharp, using. I flipped another page, shrugging. ¡°Why should I waste myself on a man who isn¡¯t faithful?¡± Silence. Heavy, choking silence. When I finally dared to look up, he was already before me. gods. How had I not heard him 15:56 Thu, Sep 11 47 +10 Free Coins move? Before I could escape, his hand gripped my arm and pinned me against the headboard. He ripped the book from my hand and tossed it aside. ¡°Between me and that insane ex¨Cmate of yours,¡± he growled, his eyes burning, ¡°who do you think is more faithful?¡± I swallowed. His fury zed but so did mine. Angrily, I shoved him off. To my surprise, he let me. ¡°I would choose Nyroth over you, Lycannar, if you think I am some kind of bed¨Cwarmth you can fuck and discard.¡± My voice snapped as I shoved past him, making for the door. But luck was not mine. ¡°Xyrrha wasn¡¯t in my home as an ex,¡± he said, his voice cold. ¡°She is family.¡± I froze. Slowly, I turned. His face was deadly serious. ¡°She lied about us making love. I will never look at another woman again, Zephyrine. Only you.¡± He stepped closer and I retreated. My back hit the wall. He caged me there, searching my eyes. ¡°Deep down, you know I never cheated on you. Admit it.¡± Yes. He was right. And I hated that he was right. I hated it so much. I bit my lip, pushing at him, but this time he stood like a pir of stone, immovable. ¡°That doesn¡¯t erase the fact she was in your home. In your clothes, Lycannar.¡± My voice broke softer now. ¡°She was sofortable there. Why?¡± He didn¡¯t answer. He only stared at me. He saw the tears forming, and before I could stop him he leaned in to kiss me. I turned my face away, letting the tears fall freely. He should know I was hurt. ¡°I¡¯m not your whore, Lycan. I won¡¯t be.¡± My voice was raw, trembling. Read full story at find?novel His palm slid to my waist. His voice came low,manding. ¡°Look at me.¡± I didn¡¯t want to. I knew if I did, I wouldn¡¯tst. But I had no choice. I obeyed. +10 Free Coins My eyes lifted to his, meeting the storm. He swallowed hard, gaze locked to my tear¨Cstained cheek. ¡°It¡¯s you, Zephyrine,¡± he said thickly. ¡°It will always be you. No one else.¡± ¡°But she was in your home¡­ in your clothes¡­ and¡­¡°. I faltered, lost in the bitter truth, until his lips cut me off. A sudden kiss, tender and consuming, dragging me into the ocean of his love. My misery unraveled in an instant. I kissed him back, melting helplessly into his arms, until I tore myself free with a gasp, stumbling back to catch my breath. He watched me with an unreadable face, though I could feel the hunger radiating from him. ¡°I won¡¯t be yours while she¡¯s still in your life, Lycan,¡± I whispered fiercely. ¡°I will not share you with another woman.¡± He stared for a long time, silent. Then he moved closer. His fingers brushed my shoulder, sliding the strap of my gown down. Heat rushed across my skin. ¡°She left the day I returned home,¡± he murmured, eyes fixed on my bare flesh. His gaze rose to meet mine again. ¡°There is only one thing I inherited from my father. For all his cruelty, one thing in him I still admire.¡± I swallowed. ¡°What did you inherit from him?¡± ¡°The act of worshiping the woman he loved. My mother.¡± His voice softened, heavy with conviction as he pulled thest strap free. My gown slipped to the floor, leaving me bare. His eyes devoured me, and he swallowed thickly. ¡°He loved one woman all his life. He worshiped her until herst breath. That is the same trait I carry. You, Zephyrine. Only you will I worship.¡± His lips found mine again, and whatever resistance I had left burned to ashes. In no time, I tore his shirt open myself, pushing him back to the bed. Hey there, staring at me with hunger that sent heat flooding between my thighs. ¡°Come sit on my face,¡± he ordered. And never had I obeyed so quickly. ¡­ 47 +10 Free Coins I straddled him, and his mouth on me made me forget every misery I had ever known. 15:57 Thu, Sep 11 Back Where 195 Zephyrine : 47 +10 Free Coins It flies away. I realized the missing piece that has made me weaker, more miserable than I should have been, is because of him. Now that he is here before me, dressing up, I understand how far this courtship between us has gone. The impact it has made. The sky has darkened and Iy in bed, naked under the nket, still raw from the pleasure, the aftermath of Lycannar making love to me. He had taken his bath and now he¡¯s dressed, fixing his bracers on his forearms when a knock came gently. I didn¡¯t respond, lost in watching him. I¡¯d be a fool to take my eyes off this King. I was lost in him, his everything. His handsomeness, his solid presence. Nyroth had been here, but his presence never made half the impact this one does. The knock came again, louder this time, and Lycannar paused to look at me, as though surprised I wasn¡¯t speaking. ¡°It must be one of your waitingdies,¡± he said, and I jolted back to reality. I turned to the door. ¡°Come in.¡± Isolde stepped in after a few seconds, cautious, reading the room. She bowed to Lycannar, though my man paid her no attention, busy with his bracers, then bowed to me. ¡°Mydy, dinner is ready. Should we serve it now?¡± Oh. Right. Dinner. I turned to Lycannar. ¡°Will you take dinner now?¡± He paused, that small flicker of a frown marking his forehead. I waited. ¡°Uhm¡­ I¡­ I thought I should start getting back to¡­ ¡°Are you going to take dinner now orter?¡± I cut him off, eyes steady on his. He recognized that look. I would throw a tantrum if he dared not stay overnight. 15:57 Thu, Sep 11 He swallowed and nodded slowly. ¡°Sure. I¡­ I guess I¡¯ll stay overnight. I¡¯ll take dinner now.¡± 47 +10 Free Coins I nodded at Isolde to set the table. After her departure, I got up from the bed and made for my bath chamber, but Lycannar caught my wrist tenderly before I could bypass him, pulling me into his arms from behind. His lips grazed my neck, making me close my eyes. ¡°My brother will be waiting at home. He won¡¯t leave unless I¡¯m there to say farewell, and I don¡¯t want to dy him.¡± His voice was soft. I turned and kissed him gently on the lips. ¡°You¡¯re staying with me tonight. No deal.¡± My tone left no room for argument. I entwined my fingers with his and pulled him into the bath chamber. I left him by the chair as I slipped into the water, back turned. I could feel his gaze heavy on me. Slowly, I turned toward him, scrubbing my skin softly, and I was right. His eyes never left my body. He sat, leaning back, fingers brushing the outline of his lower lip as though savoring the sight before him. *** Dinner was served carefully by Isolde. More careful than usual, as if terrified of making any mistake before Lycannar. Afterward, Blue poured out the water and quietly set aside a shiny porcin dish that could reflect him like a mirror, making sure the King wouldn¡¯t catch his reflection. A small smile tugged my lips. Blue. The love, respect, and devotion he had for Lycannar could never be matched. When they were done, Lycannar finally looked up from the table at Blue. ¡°Take.¡± He held out a paycheck. ¡°Forst month.¡± My breath caught. I watched Blue turn, startled. ¡°Blue is already on Ash Pack payroll, Lycannar,¡± I said softly. ¡°She¡¯s still a Lycan. Let me be responsible for her.¡± His gaze sharpened at Blue, like scolding her for hesitating to ept a King¡¯s hand. Carefully, Blue took the paycheck with a bow. ¡°Thank you, Your Majesty.¡± He didn¡¯t look at her, murmuring instead, +10 Free Coins ¡°I did nothing. Don¡¯t thank me.¡± Then he reached for his cutlery again, dismissing her. I nced at Blue and saw the admiration shining in her eyes. She bowed to me before leaving with Isolde. When they were gone, a soft sigh escaped me. Lycannar knew how to crawl into people¡¯s hearts. To make them let their guard down and be swept away. People like me. I reached for my own cutlery but found my eyes fixed on him as he ate, silent. Then I realized something odd. He didn¡¯t talk while eating. Not once. Just as it had been back at White Pack when he was invited to dine. He¡¯d never spoken a word. ¡°You like¡­ food?¡± I asked, almost stupidly. He paused, looking at me innocently, his mouth full. Then he smiled, chewing quietly, not speaking. That gesture made my heart swell with warmth¡­ until my eyes drifted andnded on the fractured mirror. And then I remembered. Varyn. Guilt crushed me. I didn¡¯t deserve tough. I didn¡¯t even deserve to eat. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Lycannar¡¯s voice pulled me back. His eyes were on me, sharp. He¡¯d noticed. Gently, I shook my head. ¡°It¡¯s nothing. Go on, eat your dinner.¡± But he didn¡¯t. He set down his cutlery and leaned back in his chair, gaze locked on me. My chest tightened. ¡°Lycan..¡± ¡°Tell me what¡¯s going on. I didn¡¯t want to ask until we were in bed, so you¡¯d have a peaceful dinner. But you won¡¯t open up?.¡± ¡°No¡­ I¡­¡± I tried to excuse it, but under his gaze, my voice faltered. I bit my lip, sighed, and gave in. Chapter 195 ??? ????? ???????s ??? ?????s??? ?? find?novel 47 +10 Free Coins ¡°I don¡¯t have any army. I can¡¯t control any. Ashmere¡¯s best warriors were killed in that war five years ago, and after the rumor that we were traitors, no soldier wants to hear mymand anymore. After salvaging everything, the men I have left are barely one hundred and fifty. That¡¯s nowhere near enough to attack ckwater, where one thousand five hundred Babarians wait to tear my brother apart. So¡­ I am in a loophole. I am lost, Lycan. I lost.¡± Back Where 196 Lycannar +10 Free Coins It was as though she had been waiting for me to rock her to sleep. As though she hadn¡¯t rested for days, and the moment her head came to lie on my arm, sleep imed her instantly. Her warm breath fanned across my chest, and I stared up at the ceiling in silence. She felt so right in my arms, and I couldn¡¯t wish for anything else but the rest of her life with me. But then again, the rest of her life? Would it be a long one? One thatsted beyond these fragile seconds? Because during dinner I had seen her eyes. When I arrived and found her in tears, I noticed it. Beneath that strength and power of hers was a breaking soul. That frustration, that misery¡­ it shattered me. She was barely holding on, and I could feel it. I sighed softly when she stirred. Looking down, I found her still, trusting me enough to lower every guard and close her eyes. She trusted me. So much. I looked away at the nk space. I hade for three reasons. First, to seek Zephyrine¡¯s forgiveness which I had aplished. Second, to deliver Blue¡¯s paycheck which I had done. Andstly, to face Jurrek Bane and ask what he truly intended for my sister. Remaining still, I could sense his energy from the east wing. He was there in this pack, awake. I could feel it in his breath, in his pulse of energy. I looked back at Zephyrine again and carefully eased her off my arm. Gently, without shaking her. Without waking her. Atst, I seeded. Putting on my boots, I slipped out silently. Through the halls I bypassed the guards without sound, until finally I stepped into the night sky. A night in Ash Pack was¡­ different. Not peaceful. Not at all. The air was heavy with something holy. The sacred remains of ancestors who had bled for thisnd, this pack. I swallowed hard against the overwhelming force of it and followed Jurrek¡¯s energy until I found him, just leaving the night guards after giving orders. He turned, paused when he saw me, surprise shing in his eyes before he walked closer and bowed. ¡°Your Majesty. I didn¡¯t know you were here,¡± he said. But I didn¡¯t answer. I was too focused on his eyes, breaking past the shields he kept there, stripping away the sorrow he tried to bury. 15:57 Thu, Sep 11 47 +10 Free Coins And then I saw it. Clear as day. A sight that clenched my heart and raised goosebumps along my skin. ¡°You love my sister,¡± I murmured softly. It wasn¡¯t a question. It was fact. He set his jaw, realizing I had pierced through his fa?ade. His armor crumbled, his shields fell, and it was allid bare. So much that I had to look away, swallowing hard. At home, we had told Mearez I will arranged something with Jurrek Bane. But it was a lie. My brother Hades and I¡­ we lied. I wasn¡¯t here to make arrangements. I was here to tell him the truth. The bitter, naked, ugly truth. ¡°You are right. I want her,¡± Jurrek¡¯s voice broke through. I turned back, fixing my eyes on him. ¡°She¡¯s beautiful. Gentle. Kind. She won¡¯t do more than hold my hand, but she¡¯s so pure, and I¡­ I want her. She said unless you give your agreement, she won¡¯t be mine. So I ask. What can I do to earn your agreement?¡± I stared at him for a long time. Atst, I nodded and sighed. ¡°To love is simple; to ept is the true test.¡± My voice softened as I locked onto his eyes. ¡°She is a victim of multiple rapes. Can you still love her?¡± Silence. Dead, heavy silence. It seemed even the background noises faded away. Jurrek looked at me in pure awe, and I understood. No one could hear that and not be shaken. ¡°Since childhood, until I decided enough was enough. I failed to protect them properly, and I won¡¯t let any mane into their lives to remind them of the past. Of the trauma.¡± I stepped closer, lowering my voice. ¡°I know you long for her. I can see it, feel it. And I understand if you pull away now, after hearing her dark past. All I ask is that you stay clear of my sister when next you meet. Don¡¯t lie. Don¡¯t egg her on if you won¡¯t be able to shoulder her problems and her pain. If you walk away, we will have no problem. Do you understand?¡± ?? ??? ???? ?? ???? ???? ???????s, ????s? ??s?? findnovel He said nothing, and I pressed no further. I turned, making my way back toward Zephyrine¡¯s chambers only to freeze at the sharp scream the moment the door opened for me. I rushed in. There she was on the bed, sweating, trembling from a nightmare. Her eyes darted around in a fear I had never seen in her before. The moment theynded on me, she bolted from the bed and into my arms. My heart went still as I gathered her against me, holding her close while the maids quietly : 47 +10 Free Coins closed the door. I carried her back to the bed, my brows furrowed in awe. ¡°Zephyrine?¡± I whispered, but she shook her head, clinging tighter, unwilling to let me go. held her, patting her back gently. I ¡°I couldn¡¯t find peace, Lycan. I can¡¯t find peace after that battle five years ago,¡± she whispered, trembling as she pulled back to meet my eyes. ¡°I can¡¯t sleep peacefully in my own bed since that battle. It¡¯s as though the gods are punishing me. As though they won¡¯t let me rest until I set everything right. Until everything is right, Lycan. What will I do?¡± Her eyes, desperate and broken, crushed me. I swallowed the lump rising in my throat, then drew her down with me, pressing her against my chest. ¡°Don¡¯t worry for tonight. Take a deep breath and rest. I¡¯m here. I¡¯m here.¡± 15:57 Thu, Sep 11 Back Where 197 Zephyrine 0: 47 +10 Free Coins The morning sun spilled across the bed, warming my face until it stirred me awake. I blinked slowly, squinting against the brightness until it dimmed, shielded somehow. I opened my eyes. Lycannar. My gods. How could a man be so blessed with beauty that rivaled the divine, and an aura of unmatched grandeur? He stood at the window, arms folded across his chest. Barefoot, rxed, almost at home. I smiled faintly at the sight, letting my gaze linger on his bare torso. Only in his trousers, his broad arms and sacred runes were bared, and I couldn¡¯t help but swallow hard. I loved him. Senselessly. He made me feel peace,pleteness, as though no worry could touch me. At least, that was what I told myself, until the memories of yesterday wed back. Last night was a blur. I had woken alone, terror clutching my chest with a dread unlike anything I had ever known. Until he came. Until his arms circled me, shielding me. And then, just like that, misery withered into nothing. ¡°Good morning,¡± I said softly, still sprawled on the bed, head nestled in the pillow. He didn¡¯t reply. Didn¡¯t speak. Just stared at me. A knock came, light but cautious. I turned toward the door. ¡°Come in.¡± Normally, my maids never knocked. But with Lycannar here, they dared not enter unannounced, not after Isolde nearly copsed with shock the other day. Isolde slipped in with two others, bowing. They opened their mouths to speak, but faltered. Their eyes lifted, not at me, but at Lycannar¡¯s bare chest. Jealousy, sharp and searing, red inside me. ¡°We will prepare your bath, mydy. Shall we?¡± Isolde finally asked. I shook my head. 15:57 Thu, Sep 11 ¡°I will bathe with Lycannar. Don¡¯t worry.¡± : +10 Free Coins They shifted their gazes to him, but he never looked away from me. Atst, they withdrew in silence. The room quieted again. I sighed, lowering the nket to rise but Lycannar moved first, startling me. He crossed the space in a breath, sat beside me, and kissed me. Gently, he pressed me back into the pillows, his body covering mine. His hand caressed my thigh, slow and tender, before rolling me over so I straddled him, breathless from his kiss. His eyes stayed locked on mine. I felt it. The difference in them this morning. Something had shifted. ¡°I¡¯ve been thinking,¡± he said quietly, almost as if reading my thoughts. ¡°About your brother.¡± My heart clenched. Memories rushed back. I eased off him, tucking a stray strand of hair behind my ear while he sat up. ¡°You know¡­¡± I whispered. ¡°I learned a new truth from someone.¡± He stilled, his gaze fixed on me. I hesitated. I wouldn¡¯t name Luna Tahlia yet. Not openly. To all others, she was dead. ¡°What truth?¡± ¡°That¡­ I know how my brother was sold to ckwater.¡± ¡°Sold?¡± His tone sharpened, and I nodded, steadying myself. ¡°He was wounded, returning home, when someone sold him along the way. I won¡¯t know the full story until he speaks for himself, but what I¡¯ve learned is this. Ka struck a bargain. She traded the life of Varyn Ashmere, my brother, for her five¨Cyear stay in ckwater.¡± Lycannar stared at me, silent. The air between us grew heavier than stone. ¡°Who told you this?¡± His question came low, deliberate. I swallowed hard. He waited, reading me when I hesitated. ¡°Go on. Tell me.¡± Lowering my gaze, I confessed. ¡°Luna Tahlia. Of ckbridge Pack.¡± 15:57 Thu, Sep 11 : 47 +10 Free Coins Silence thickened again. I braced for him to ask how that was possible, since she was dead. But no question came. When I looked up, I was the one shocked. He wasn¡¯t surprised. ¡°More and more¡­¡± he said softly, almostzily. ¡°I find myself admiring you. For being so daring. A woman brave enough to have no limits. That¡¯s you. And I respect you for it.¡± A lump rose in my throat. ¡°You¡­ know she isn¡¯t dead?¡± ¡°Predicting death is my curse,¡± he murmured. ¡°Her death was registered with her pup. The woman I am obsessed with would never let that happen.¡± Goosebumps prickled along my arms. ¡°Lycan.¡± ¡°She¡¯s here, in your pack. I can sense her scent, her energy. I¡¯ve known since the day of your ascension ceremony. It¡¯s sharper than you realize. My abilities. Too sharp. Dangerous. So I dull it with potion.¡± Words failed me. He was extraordinary, terrifyingly so. I wanted to tell him how much I admired, loved him but he caught my hand, locking my gaze instead. ¡°Zephyrine,¡± he said, serious now. ¡°I have something to ask you.¡± I nodded, heart pounding. ¡°I¡¯m listening.¡± ¡°How fast are you?¡± Latest content published on F?nd-Novel I froze. ¡°I can slit your throat before you blink.¡± ¡°How fast¡­ are you?¡± he repeated, more pointed. This time, I answered with action. My ws shot out, swiping for his throat but in a blur, Lycannar countered. Faster than anything I had ever seen. In a heartbeat, he was at the window, not even breaking a sweat. 15:57 Thu, Sep 11 I went cold. : Slowly, I turned toward him, stunned by the sheer speed. The agility. ¡°Lycan¡­¡± ¡°Have you ever been on an assassination mission?¡± he asked. I stilled, then shook my head. ¡°I have onlymanded the Ashmere armies. I¡¯ve led the battlefield.¡± 47 +10 Free Coins ¡°My father sent me on solo missions,¡± he said. ¡°I learned to creep silent as death. Before you could blink, your life was gone.¡± He moved from the window, closing the distance until he stood before me. ¡°You don¡¯t have an army. And I lost mine five years ago. The only solution left is to go Both you and I.¡± I froze. ¡°What?¡± solo. ¡°Back in the Lycan Kingdom, I once served as a war strategist. That knowledge can work here if you trust me.¡± I hadn¡¯t realized I was holding my breath until it rushed out. I nodded. ¡°You know I do trust you.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t mean to brag,¡± he said, voice low, ¡°but I am brute force. Faster than lightning. With you as the mind, with maps, gold bars for bribery, and strategy¡­ we¡¯ll sneak our way in. Before they realize it, your brother and us both will be outside the gates. I¡¯ll stand beside you. And I¡¯ll kill. I¡¯ll shed blood for you, Zephyrine.¡± My heart hammered so violently I feared it would burst. Moon wouldn¡¯t believe me because he cared too much. Nyroth would force me to kneel because he cared too much. But Lycannar? Lycannar would kill, because he cared. I met his eyes, trembling, and whispered, ¡°You want something in return, don¡¯t you?¡± 15:57 Thu, Sep 11 He held my gaze, silent. And I knew I was right. ¡°After your brother is safe,¡± he said quietly, ¡°I will make my demands.¡± 47 +10 Free Coins Back Where 198 Nyroth : 47 +10 Free Coins ¡°So now, Nyroth. You¡¯re telling me you¡¯ll give up your fight for the woman the Moon Goddess fated for you to a man the same goddess abandoned and condemned?¡± The question hung heavy between us. I could only stare at her, helpless. She had a point. A piercing one. Zeph belonged to me. She always had. All the years I knew her, she was never daring, quiet, never one to cause havoc. But these past months, as Apex¡¯s woman¡­ he had whispered death into her veins. And wait¡­ Ka. ¡°Mother¡­ Zeph won¡¯t yield. After I went to her yesterday, thank the Moon Goddess she granted me audience, but she won¡¯t kneel. She won¡¯t yield. I¡­ I don¡¯t know what to do, Mother. And I don¡¯t want her to perish. I want her¡­ here.¡± Thatst word slipped out,ced with goosebumps. If only she coulde back. If only she could be mine again. I¡¯d guard her, protect her, quietly, the way I should have. My mothery there in bed, still recovering from whatever sickness the gods hadid upon her. She coughed softly, and I reached for her hand. ¡°If only Ka hadn¡¯te into your life and lied to you, we wouldn¡¯t have gone so astray. Ka is the viin.¡± Her voice was weak, her eyelids already falling. She drifted into sleep again. I sat there, her words echoing in my chest. Ka. And it struck me like lightning. The day Zeph appeared at the Wolf Fortress, Ka stood with the Imperium Council. The moment they dered Zeph impeached, Ka was named the next ascendant. Why? Dark blood ran between them. Something I didn¡¯t yet know. Anger flooded me. I rose, storming from my mother¡¯s chambers, and rode without pause toward ckbridge. It took time, but when I arrived, I dismounted in silence, chest heaving. She would hear me today. All of it. I followed her scent through the hall, ignoring the stares of maids, guards, and pack members. They wondered why I was here, why I still came, when Ka nowy with another man. I ignored them all. 15:58 Thu, Sep 11 : 47 +10 Free Coins I was about to turn toward her bedchamber when a voice from the meeting chamber made me stop. ¡°Listen, I didn¡¯t know the letters I was delivering were meant to instigate war. All I did was follow orders from the council. They said the letters were to the Demon King and I obeyed. That¡¯s all. I swear it. I never knew they would ughter Ashmere warriors and Blood armies.¡± I froze. My blood ran cold. What¡­ did I just hear? ¡°We need to move quickly, Everyone,¡± an elderly woman¡¯s voice answered. ¡°Zephyr is a clever woman. With Apex at her side, she¡¯s more dangerous than anything. Days ago, she requested an army. And no Ashmere requests an army unless it¡¯s for war.¡± I crept closer, peering through the slit of the door. It was her. The woman I had seen at Ash Pack¡¯s party. Zeph¡¯s aunt. My heart sank. My eyes moved to the man speaking now. Yadev. He sat in the Alpha¡¯s seat as though it belonged to him. ¡°Why would she want an army?¡± ¡°I heard she intends to strike ckwater. But why¡­?¡± the aunt pressed, until Ka suddenly stilled. All eyes turned to her. ¡°What do you mean, ckwater? Why would she¡­¡± Ka cut herself short. Her face shifted as realization dawned. ¡°If that war back then was to wipe out the Ashmeres¡­ then thest order I received was to kill thest surviving Ashmere warrior.¡± She murmured, pale. Zeph¡¯s aunt frowned deeply. ¡°What do you mean?¡± ¡°From that war, Every warriors died. All of them died except one survivor. He was saved by a beast. A demon, they said. Ran was sent to finish the job. To wipe every Ashmere from the field.¡± Ka lifted her eyes. ¡°Among the warriors, whose body was never found?¡± The woman didn¡¯t take long. She froze, her breath stalling. ¡°Varyn Ashmere. My cousin. Zephyr¡¯s elder brother.¡± 15:58 Thu, Sep 11 46 +10 Free Coins Ka went ghostly pale. She shot up from her chair, nearly frantic, turning toward her father whose face twisted with unease. ¡°After I finalized the envoy mission between Wolf Fortress and the Demon Realm, after the battle, I was given onest order. To disappear for five years. To make my mission believable.¡± ¡°We know that part,¡± Yadev murmured. ¡°Yes, Father, but after that, I was given nothing. No resources. Nothing to live on. And the Council wouldn¡¯t help. I was leaving, hopeless, when another order came.¡± ¡°What order?¡± Zeph¡¯s aunt demanded. ¡°That a warrior would ride home wounded. I was to make sure he never made it back alive. I had my bow ready. And he came. Riding a white horse, regal despite his wounds. I drew my arrow to end him¡­ but I didn¡¯t.¡± She swallowed hard. ¡°A thought struck me. If I had to vanish for five years, the only ce to truly hide was ckwater. And to live there, I needed to pay Stone, their leader. So I¡­ traded.¡± Zeph¡¯s aunt nched, copsing into her chair. ¡°Tell me you killed Varyn, that it isn¡¯t him Zephyr seeks to rescue in ckwater. Because if she finds him¡­ if she dares we¡¯re all finished!¡± she screamed. But Ka said nothing. And that silence confirmed it all. ¡°He was half¨Cdead when I found him. I tricked him, pretended to help. But when we reached ckwater¡­ he was tortured. Stripped. Broken. His mind shattered. He¡¯s a madman now. A ve. Nothing more.¡± ¡°But still an Ashmere,¡± Yadev said gravely. The room fell into silence. ¡°We cannot let Zeph find him first.¡± ¡°I doubt we¡¯ll stop her. She is gathering an army.¡± Newest update provided by find?novel ¡°Then before she gathers anything, we must¡­¡± ¡°¡± I couldn¡¯t bear it anymore. I shoved open the door, stepping inside, my face carved with horror. ¡°How much more will you do to destroy the Ashmeres, Ka? Haven¡¯t you shattered Zeph enough?¡± My voice trembled with fury. ¡­ Ka only clenched her jaw and looked away. : ¡°Not until I take her pack. And hand it to the rightful ruler here, Aunt Kostyra.¡± My gaze snapped to the woman. Rage boiled, but I swallowed it down. 46 +10 Free Coins ¡°Ka will betray you. She cannot be trusted. She¡¯s poison.¡± My voice shook. ¡°I¡¯m telling Zeph everything I¡¯ve heard. I swear it.¡± I turned to leave. But her voice stopped me, cold and taunting. ¡°The Lycan King slept at Ash Packst night.¡± Kostyra¡¯s lips curved cruelly. ¡°You should have heard Zephyr¡¯s moans. You¡¯ve lost her, Nyroth. He¡¯s won. That¡¯s reality. She doesn¡¯t love you anymore. So why waste yourself trying to save a woman who made a fool of you by giving herself to a cursed, condemned monster?¡± 15:58 Thu, Sep 11 Back Where 199 Zephyrine : 46 +10 Free Coins ¡°You must love him so much. Blindly. And trust him more than life itself to believe he will get the job done in ckwater,¡± Jurrek said. I turned to him with a smile. Never had I been so certain that this was the moment, the real solution. ¡°For once, I finally have someone I cany my mind on for support. Someone who will stay by my side without wavering. Nyroth has only ever been my mate, never the one who made me happy. I love Lycannar, and I trust him blindly.¡± Jurrek Bane searched my eyes again before stepping closer to take my hand, his gaze steady. ¡°You know I will always be on your side too. Till myst breath. Even if it costs me my life.¡± A lump rose slowly in my throat, and I forgot how to breathe. I went into his arms and hugged him tight. I didn¡¯t need his words to know he would die for any Ashmere if need be. After a while, I stepped back with a smile. ¡°I¡¯m happy, Jurrek. I feel relieved.¡± ¡°I¡¯m happier for you, Zephyr. Happier to see you finally at peace, as though you¡¯ve already brought your brother home. But I must tell you this. Please, do not let your guard down.¡± His advice made me nod. I was about to respond when Lycannar opened the door of my bedchamber and walked into the hall where I stood with Jurrek. He came straight to me and pulled me into his arms, iming my lips with a kiss. He never hesitated to show his love for me. I loved the way he held me, tender, yet so sure. ¡°You¡¯re leaving?¡± I asked softly when he finally pulled back. He nodded, his thumb brushing my lower lip, coaxing a sigh from me. ¡°I have to get back home,¡± he said. ¡°Yeah,¡± I murmured with a nod. We had already spoken and agreed on our first n. Lycannar Blood would return to inform his sisters so they would not worry when things began. They had a right to know what was unfolding. 15:58 Thu, Sep 11 46 +10 Free Coins Meanwhile, I would head to White Pack to inform the Dusk family and Alpha Auedric. Tonight, without fail, we would set out. No dys. I looked into Lycannar¡¯s eyes and smiled, but then I noticed something unusual. He ignored Jurrek as he turned away, heading for the exit. It almost felt like something had passed between them. Curious, I followed him. Outside, I felt the weight of every gaze. Pack members had stopped what they were doing to watch the cursed man of the moon goddess walk. Read full story at find[?]ovel They whispered what kind of curse must have been ced on one so strikingly beautiful. He stood by his powerful horse and slowly turned. His pale¨Cgolden eyes held no one but me. And I felt it, that aura. Regal, immense, as though I was standing at the side of a king which I am. I felt special. I walked up to him and, before all of them, kissed him. I wanted them to know he belonged to me alone. He held my waist firmly, deepening the kiss before pulling back to smile. ¡°You are beautiful,¡± he whispered, mesmerized. ¡°I love you,¡± I answered, and he kissed me again. When he pulled away, there was resolve in his eyes. He turned back to his horse but then Jurrek¡¯s voice cut through the air. ¡°Your Majesty.¡± I turned, startled, as Jurrek walked closer. ¡°I¡¯ve thought all night about it,¡± he said. Wand Lycannar paused with his hand on the reins and turned toward him, his gaze sharp and waiting. ¡°Tell me,¡± Lycannar demanded. Jurrek Bane swallowed, holding his gaze. ¡°You are right. It¡¯s one thing to love someone, but another to ept them after knowing their ws. Mearez¡¯s past was never a w to me. And when next I see her, I won¡¯t turn away. I will take her hand and hold her dear in my heart.¡± I went still. A confession spoken before the cursed Lycan King. So bold. # 46 +10 Free Coins I stayed quiet, realizing this must have been the subject of their earlier conversation when I wasn¡¯t present. Princess Mearez. I watched Lycannar¡¯s jaw set, but atst, he nodded. ¡°When everything is settled here and on my end, you will be invited to my kingdom. What you just said, you will repeat before my brother Hades. Then we will know where to go from there. Will you?¡± A shaky sigh escaped me at the mention of that name. Hades. That elder brother sounded like a force to reckon with. My eyes flicked to Jurrek, who nodded defiantly, epting. ¡°I wille when I receive the invite. Thank you, Your Majesty.¡± Lycannar gave no reply. He nced at me briefly, then mounted his horse with perfect grace. Without hesitation, he galloped out of my pack¡¯s territory and toward the Lycan Kingdom. Watching him go, I wondered what this night would hold, and what tomorrow would bring. In the end, everything depended on our cooperation, our love, our trust, and the hope that we would not be betrayed. Not by those closest to us. And not by those tied to us by blood. Back Where 200 Lycannar +10 Free Coins My horse galloped into the kingdom that cloudy afternoon, and I made it to the stable in no time. I dismounted just as the feelings overwhelmed me. My brother Hades was still around. I went straight into the hallway, the events of earlier still raw and fresh in my mind. She had looked at me like a savior, trusted me without a single hesitation. I would never forgive myself if I failed her now. When I reached the dining hall, my steps slowed. Normally, it was no cause for rm to see my siblings gathered, but the tense air choking the room made me wary. I moved forward slowly, my gaze shifting from Hades to my sisters, wondering what had happened, or what was about to happen. ¡°You got her forgiveness?¡± my brother asked atst, and I nodded. ¡°You made love to her?¡± ¡°Yeah,¡± I answered softly, taking another step. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Silence fell. Fear coiled inside me. Wait. What¡¯s really wrong? ¡°Baby brother¡­ uhm¡­¡± Serena began carefully. ¡°Today I¡­ stepped out of the kingdom. There was an issue for Lycan Kingdom we had to address at the Market of Werewolf. I went with guards and staff. There, we heard some rumors¡­ about Ashmere.¡± I nodded slowly. ¡°Yeah,¡± I admitted, turning to Hades. ¡°It¡¯s something I need to discuss with you. Those rumors, that Ashmeres were traitors, are lies. We all know they were tricked into that war. Zephyrine will clear her name by rescuing her brother from ckwater and¡­¡± ¡°I told you to let him be.¡± Hades¡¯s voice cut in, stern, firmer than I had ever heard before. My heart sank. He was always on my side. Why not now? I looked between Mearez and Serena, and the realization hit. Something was very wrong. Something big. ¡°You are my brother,¡± Hades said, his gaze steady. ¡°And I will always want the best for you. I will always tell you what is best. And what¡¯s best¡­ is for Varyn Ashmere never to be found.¡± I locked eyes with him. After what felt like an eternity, I whispered, 15:58 Thu, Sep 11 :. 46 +10 Free Coins ¡°Why? She¡¯s my woman, Zephyrine. You want her for me. You know how much she means to me. Will you let me watch her suffer, her legacy dragged through the mud, when I can help her?¡± ¡°Five years ago, little brother¡­ something happened,¡± Hades murmured, soft but heavy. My brows furrowed. What did he mean? ¡°Something happened on that battlefield. Something so gruesome you don¡¯t remember.¡± I went cold. Wait. Xyrrha had said something like that too. ¡°The battle was meant to be Blood Army against Ashmeres. But on the night it was to take ce, the full moon surprised us all,¡± Hades began. His words rooted me in ce. ¡°You cannot be defeated in that state, so you were locked in the steel chamber. I received the strict order to lead the battle instead. I took a few Abyss warriors and ced Blood Army on the frontline, isted.¡± I held my breath, dread tightening. ¡°Isted and at the front¡­ it was cruel. But they were Blood Army. I thought they could hold. I was wrong. We underestimated the Ashmeres. They were extraordinary warriors, the finest I have ever faced. In seconds, Blood Army was wiped out.¡± He sighed, grief still etched on his face. ¡°Those of us who remained had no chance. Outnumbered. I sent a messenger for reinforcements. We needed help.¡± He stopped, and Mearez continued, her voice sharp with memory. ¡°We were pacing when Xyrrha appeared through the back portal to deliver the message. The army meant to go was Abyss, but no, she made a suggestion. A request. That Lycannar should go.¡± I froze. No. That wasn¡¯t how I remembered it. ¡°I didn¡¯t leave on full moon night. I left when I was myself, didn¡¯t I?¡± I asked desperately. Mearez shook her head, sinking my heart. ¡°That¡¯s why I hated her ever since.¡± Her teeth clenched, fury breaking her voice. ¡°She knew you were destruction itself on that night. And yet she suggested it anyway. Father listened. He went into the steel chamber and released you. You weren¡¯t yourself, Lycannar. You were unstable. Lost. And they used you. They whispered to you to kill everyone on that battlefield. They wanted you to be the monster. But before you left, Uncle Ureh brought urgent news that the Ashmeres were tricked into the battle and you must stop it.¡± 15:58 Thu, Sep 11 ¡­ The source of th?s content is Find_Novel(. Hades¡¯s jaw clenched. : 46 +10 Free Coins ¡°I had asked only for Abyss warriors. But Apex came instead, in his hybrid form. I was shocked. By then, I was already captured by the Ashmere Warlord, ready for execution. You arrived just in time to save me but you took a life that moment, Apex.¡± I stared at him, hollow. ¡°I didn¡¯t kill anyone,¡± I said, my voice low, shaking. ¡°When I arrived, the war was already over. We were at the camp.¡± He shook his head, confirming my worst fear. ¡°You ughtered Warlord Vale. His blood soaked your de, sttered across the face of his son, Varyn. His wife, General Serephaine, saw it and shattered. They retreated to regroup while we returned to camp. And then, like mercy, the full moon left the sky quicker than usual. You regained yourself, but not fully. That was when you ryed the truth. The Ashmeres had been deceived. We sent a messenger. He returned with grim news that their camp was under attack. You and I stormed there. But it was all ashes. Everyst one of them cornered by their own. ughtered.¡± His voice grew quieter, heavier. ¡°We arrived toote to save everyone but just in time to save Varyn. You were fast, fast enough to shield him from the killing blow and save his life. He stayed one night in our camp, wounded and bleeding. But he fled at dawn. He wouldn¡¯t dine with us. Wouldn¡¯t eat. He called us demons. Called you a monster. He left, and we watched him go.¡± Hades looked at me fully just as I fractured. ¡°I will always stand by you, Apex. You are my younger brother, who has given me respect, support and love. Any choice you make I will always be by your side.¡± ¡°Me too, Lycannar,¡± Mearez said. ¡°Me too, baby brother,¡± Serena added. Their assurances wrapped around me, but the darkness of the truth crushed me. I lowered my gaze to my hands. These hands. I had killed Zephyrine¡¯s father with these hands. Did I? Back Where 201 Zephyrine 23 +10 Free Coins I stood staring at the well¨Cmade bed, my heart clenching with emotion. Varyn¡¯s chamber. I had avoided it since my return, treating it like a gue, but today I could not resist. The maids had tended it faithfully in his absence, but this evening, I had chosen to do it myself. After lighting the candles, I stepped back, admiring the warm glow they cast. Goosebumps prickled my skin as though his presence lingered here already. Soon, he would be back, resting in this very bed, healing from everything. Lowering my gaze, I turned toward the exit where my maids waited. Blue and Isolde caught my eyes, so I beckoned them along with the other three and walked into my own chamber. ¡°I¡¯m going out,¡± I said simply, reaching for my saddlebag, which Blue rushed forward to carry. ¡°I won¡¯t return until tomorrow.¡± ¡°Mydy,¡± Isolde spoke first, her tone brimming with concern. ¡°Will you be alright?¡± I swallowed hard at her sincerity. ¡°I¡¯ll be with Lycannar. Nothing bad will happen to me under his watch.¡± I smiled gently at her. ¡°So you don¡¯t need to worry, do you?¡± She shook her head, returning my smile though it was tinged with sadness. ¡°I¡¯ve seen him, mydy. No one alive can keep you safer than him.¡± A lump rose in my throat. To trust Lycannar this much still amazed me. I bit my lip to steady myself, then turned to the task ahead. Without hesitation, I moved for the exit. Blue followed with my saddlebag until we reached my horse, where Jurrek already waited. ¡°You¡¯re ready,¡± he said. I nodded, though my eyes faltered. ¡°I trust you,¡± he added firmly. ¡°You and Lycannar are the right pair for this. Neither of you will weigh the other down.¡± His faith in me cracked something inside. Slowly, I stepped forward and embraced him : tightly. Jurrek Bane. Loyal to the bone. My brother¡¯s closest friend. My sworn beta. 23 +10 Free Coins ¡°Princess Mearez will arrive tonight,¡± I murmured. ¡°She¡¯ll tend to Varyn when we bring him back.¡± He nodded, but I caught his hand and fixed my gaze on his. ¡°She¡¯s a Blood. Nothing must happen to her while in my pack. The cost will be greater than we can bear.¡± ¡°She¡¯s the woman I want, Zephyr,¡± Jurrek said, lowering his voice. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll keep her safe until you return.¡± Relief loosened my chest. I sighed softly and added, ¡°The Dusks will be here as well. They¡¯ll ride with her.¡± ¡°Then I¡¯ll receive them all,¡± he assured. Pulling away, I nced at Blue. She had already fastened the saddlebag and stood back, ready to see me off. But leaving her felt strangely difficult. I reached for her hand, giving it a soft squeeze. ¡°Be cautious. Be safe. If you need anything at all, go to my beta. Do you understand?¡± She nodded, and I smiled. Turning back, I was about to mount when she stepped forward hurriedly. ¡°Mydy.¡± I paused, meeting her eyes, and what I saw in them made me swallow hard. Worry. Fear. Uncertainty. ¡°You¡¯lle back, won¡¯t you?¡± I pinned my gaze on hers and asked gently, ¡°Do you trust Lycannar to keep me safe?¡± ¡°With my life,¡± she replied without hesitation. That was enough. I mounted with ease, settling into the saddle as memories struck me. Thest time I rode, it was into ckwater. Now I was riding back there again, but not alone. This time, a warlord would clear the path. 15:44 Mon, Sep 15 23 +10 Free Coins I looked once more at Jurrek, then noticed the stares of my pack members, no doubt wondering where their Alpha was headed yet again. Without waiting, I galloped out through the gates. The ride was swift, the sky darkening by the time I entered White Packnds. Just ahead, a carriage halted. Nyroth of Hue Pack. I stopped my horse as he stumbled out, almost tripping in his haste to reach me. ¡°Zeph, get down. We need to talk.¡± Curious, I dismounted and faced him. ¡°Zeph,¡± he said, grasping my hand desperately. ¡°Please. Whatever you¡¯re nning, stop. Go to the Council, apologize. Sometimes you just need to bow your head, let go of pride and vengeance, and let peace reign. Please, Zeph, I beg you¡­¡± His words tumbled out in a rush, but they slid in through one ear and vanished out the other. He wanted me to beg. My first love wanted me to crawl. My real love wanted me to fight. ¡°Lycannar will be here soon, Nyroth,¡± I said softly, pulling my hand free. ¡°You should leave before he arrives. I would hate for him to misunderstand.¡± I turned, reins in hand, but he caught my wrist, jaw clenching as if restraining himself. ?????? ???? find?novel ¡°You¡¯ve only known him for months. You¡¯ve known me for years, Zeph. Will you really choose him over me, the man the Moon Goddess herself abandoned?¡± The insult cut, but it steeled me. ¡°What have you done for me, Nyroth?¡± The question struck him silent. ¡°Since the day we were bound, five years ago, what have you ever done for me?¡± ¡°I thought you were a rogue. You never opened up¡­¡® ¡°Lycannar also believed I was a rogue,¡± I cut him off. ¡°And yet he worships me. In three months, he erased the misery you gave me in five years. He taught me what it means to be truly loved. Our bond is more than lust, more than need. It is beyond that. And you call him abandoned?¡± 23 +10 Free Coins I shook my head at his ignorance. ¡°You forget who Lycannar is. He carries the blood of the goddess. The Moon Goddess we worship is his foremother. Even if he were to die today, may she forbid it, I would live the rest of my life happily as his widow.¡± With that, I turned and walked into White Pack, leaving him behind, stunned, shattered, and powerless. Back Where 202 Lycannar 23 +10 Free Coins I pushed the door open softly and stood there, staring at the armour covered in cobwebs. Five long years untouched. Five years of bitter, aching silence. I had closed that room and vowed never to open it again but now I needed the des. If I rode to ckwater, territory of barbarians, I would need only my twin des. Armour is for pitched war; helmets are for bigger threats. Werewolves there are soft for me, too slow. Stealth and steel would win this night. I left the armoury and crossed into my bedchamber. Chantel waited in the doorway, silent and ready. ¡°Get my horse ready,¡± I told him. ¡°I¡¯ll take my des and ride alone.¡± He nodded and moved to obey. I reached for the potion and hesitated. If I wanted to be lethal, I should not dull my beasts. I swallowed the potion anyway, a precaution against the rage that could break loose if I lost control. The truth of theing night pressed at me like a de. If Zephyrine ever learned what I had done¡­ that I, Lycannar Apex Blood, might be the one who killed her father¡­ she would never forgive me. How could I exin a thing I did not remember? How could I make her understand I had not known? ¡°It¡¯s ready.¡± Chantel¡¯s voice pulled me back. I stood quite still, thinking of oues. If Varyn returned, he would tell Zephyrine everything. If he did not¡­ then perhaps she would never know. Hades was the only other witness and he would not speak unless he chose to. A dark thought crept into my mind and I crushed it instantly. If saving Varyn¡¯s life will cost me too much then so be it. Jealousy is a foul thing; I discarded the idea like a burned coin. I pulled on my fur cloak, strapped the forearm braces, tied my long ck hair into a tight knot, and left without a word. In the dining hall my siblings waited; seeing me prepared, they knew my mind had already been made up. 15:44 Mon, Sep 15 23 +10 Free Coins ¡°Baby brother.¡± Serena wasted no time; she rushed into my arms. I let her linger, letting her hands smooth my hair. When she pulled back, worry still shadowed her face. ¡°It¡¯s only for tonight,¡± I said quietly. ¡°I¡¯ll be back at Ash Pack by morning or afternoon, and home again before nightfall.¡± She nodded but did not leave my side. Mearez spoke atst, voice low and threaded with concern. ¡°You should go. She will be waiting.¡± Silence settled like a stone. I broke it by kissing Serena on the lips, then told them. ¡°Mearez will ride with me to White Pack. From there she¡¯lle to Ash Pack with Zephyrine¡¯s friend. Varyn will need a healer when we bring him back.¡± ¡°That¡¯s true,¡± Serena whispered. Mearez rose and left to prepare; Serena followed. I was left with Hades. He sat with his eyes on the table as though he were reading a map only he could see. Finally he turned to me. ¡°If only I hadn¡¯t been defeated on the field,¡± he said softly. ¡°If I hadn¡¯t needed reinforcements, you wouldn¡¯t have been sent.¡± Guilt sharpened in my chest like winter. ¡°If you start ming yourself, I won¡¯t speak to you,¡± I said. The vow was quiet but he knows I can keep it. He gave a small, sad smile. ¡°Then I¡¯ll man up. I will not find fault. I will stand with you, whateveres.¡± He reached and took my forearm, his grip steady. The demonic aura around us hummed. A thing we both knew and feared. I closed the distance and hugged him. ¡°I look up to you, Hades,¡± I said. ¡°Always.¡± He pulled back, shook my shoulder once, hard. For original chapters go to find(?)ovel ¡°Bring her back safe. If the truth breaks her, then you fix it. If my help is needed I will be here.¡± ¡°What if she won¡¯t have me?¡± The question shivered out of me before I could swallow it. Hades watched me, expression unreadable, then shrugged as if it were the simplest thing. ¡°Why would she? You stood by her when the whole Empire turned its back. You made love to her. She is bright and clever. Who in their right mind will leave a king who stood when everyone else turned?¡± O 2/3 15:44 Mon, Sep 15 23 +10 Free Coins A shadow crossed the room, and for a brutal second my smile faltered. Hades saw it. He waited, patient as a tide. ¡°I¡¯ll chain her if I have to,¡± I said, voice low, half¨Cjoke and half¨Cthreat. ¡°Enchant her with the darkest spell in my tower until she loves me back.¡± Hades¡® answer was immediate, absurdly wholehearted. ¡°Great idea. Brilliant, little brother.¡± Back Where 203 Zephyrine ¡°Zephyr¡­ the King is here.¡± 10 Free Coins Staring at Varyn¡¯s sword, still ced reverently in its sheath, I heard that announcement from Dessyn, who had been glued to the window. Her doubts were clear. Would Lycannar trulye tonight to keep his promise? There was no reason to doubt the King¡¯s words, but he had responsibilities, a family, and those who looked up to him. If anything went wrong on this mission, the stakes were far heavier for him than for me. Official source is find?novel I had left Nyroth outside minutes ago, after he had spoken nonsense. I had nothing more to say to him. His act of kindness and protection meant nothing to me now. Slowly, I walked to the window to stand beside Dessyn, and there I saw him. One sight was enough to make me swallow hard. He was walking beside his horse, hands folded calmly over his chest. His hair was tied up tonight, and I saw the two des strapped to the saddle. des I had seen once in his armory. He brought nothing ceremonial, and I could only smile at his audacity. Lycannar believed werewolves not worth his sweat, and he showed it inly. My father had often thought the same. For battles he deemed beneath him, he¡¯d send Varyn and a few warriors, while he, the warlord, stayed away. The only time he had taken his very best army was when facing demons, for none of us knew what horrors we might meet on that battlefield. But even then, they had been conquered, not by demons, the viins we feared, but by our own kind. I turned from the window to meet Dessyn¡¯s gaze. We had spoken of it all, yet I could still see the fear in her eyes. ¡°I trust you and Apex to get the job done, Zephyr,¡± she whispered, ¡°but will Varyn still be alive in this minute¡­ and the next, when you reach him?¡± The same question haunted me, but I masked it with a small smile. I had kept myself from looking at the fractured mirror, terrified of what new horror I might see. 15:44 Mon, Sep 15 23 +10 Free Coins ¡°He will be fine,¡± I told her. ¡°That¡¯s why Princess Mearez will be waiting at Ash Pack before we return. Come now.¡± She nodded, ready. ¡°I will get Moon,¡± she said, and walked out of the bedchamber, leaving me alone with the view. I nced down at my hands. I had left battles behind long ago, but this was no mere skirmish. This time, I would fight alongside a Lycan, against my own kind, for my brother. My breath shook in my chest. A gentle nudge in my spirit made me lift my eyes, and there he was again. Lycannar Blood. He now stood beside his horse, while Princess Mearez had just stepped down from her carriage at White Pack, heading for the Dusks¡® household door. I turned away, knowing time was short. My gaze settled on Varyn¡¯s sword, and a small smile touched my lips. I hadn¡¯t taken my own de, not wanting to draw suspicion when leaving Ash Pack. Tonight, I would fight with my brother¡¯s sword. I stepped away from the window, seized the weapon, and went out. Outside, Dessyn was already speaking with Princess Mearez. I fixed the sword to my horse, which waited saddled, before turning to the approaching Alpha Auedric. He knew the n, and like me, believed it would seed. ¡°It¡¯s time?¡± he asked quietly. I nodded. ¡°We will celebrate when your brother returns, Zephyr,¡± he said. ¡°The funeral for your parents, you will hold it after he returns, yes?¡± I swallowed hard and nodded. ¡°Yes.¡± He smiled kindly, then turned and left. Emotion threatened to overwhelm me until Princess Mearez¡¯s gentle touch drew my eyes back. For a moment I felt undeserving of such devotion and support from people I had known only months. Words were unnecessary; emotion spoke for us. She pulled me into a tender hug, and I held her tight, with love, with respect. ¡°I will be waiting in Ash Pack for you,¡± she whispered when she drew back. I nodded. Together with Moon and Dessyn, I walked her to the carriage. There, she turned to her younger brother and kissed him softly. 2/3 ¡°I will be there tomorrow morning,¡± he told her. ¡°Stay safe until then. Okay?¡± +10 Free Coins ¡°Okay,¡± she replied, obedient and trusting. He kissed her once more before helping her inside. He stepped back to his horse. Dessyn nodded to me onest time, bowing to Lycannar, before she too entered the carriage. Atst, Moon. He stood before me, and I swallowed, uncertain. But then he smiled faintly. ¡°I trust you, Commander.¡± A sad smile touched my lips. He would not hug me, not before Lycannar. The Lycan King did not allow such luxury. Still, the word warmed me. Commander. That was who I was on the battlefield. Moon entered the carriage, and it rumbled away, bound for Ash Pack. I stood motionless, frown creasing my brow. What if they were attacked on the road? Moon could fight, but¡­ my thought was interrupted by the steady rhythm of hooves. I turned and saw him. Chantel. Mysterious, calm, deadly. He rode a horse as ominous as his presence, and when he reached Lycannar, he bowed his head. ¡°Escort them from a distance to Ash Pack¡¯s gates. When they are safe, return to the tower. Kill anyone who tries to harm them.¡± I swallowed at the tone, but understood. His sister was in that carriage. He would not forgive any handid on his blood. Chantel, who lived only to obey Lycannar, bowed again and rode past me in silence. My gaze returned to the King. He shifted, meeting my eyes. ¡°Lycan,¡± I called softly. He did not answer. Instead, his eyes slid past me. I turned and froze. Chantel had not yet gone. ¡°Be safe, Apex. Promise?¡± Chantel¡¯s voice cut the air. Goosebumps prickled my skin. This was the first time I had heard him speak. My gods. I turned back to Lycannar to see he too was staring at him. All this time, I had thought Chantel mute. ¡°I promise,¡± Lycannar said atst, his voice low. My heart swelled, and in that moment I knew hell was about to break loose in ckwater. 3/3 Back Where 204 Zephyrine +10 Free Coins I push open the bedchamber of the inn we had rented and find him standing at the window, but as I step in, he turns to settle his gaze on me, waiting. ¡°In half an hour, we continue.¡± He doesn¡¯t respond with words, only nods and turns back silently, eyes fixed on the road, making me swallow hard. Lycannar. He¡¯s unusually quiet tonight. He¡¯s never much of a speaker, but I can feel something is wrong. I walk quietly toward him and hug him from behind, resting my head on his back. We arrived at the inn under the darkest sky. Riding without pause, we had decided to stop and catch a breath before continuing. At dawn, we would sneak into ckwater. ¡°What¡¯s going on, Lycan?¡± I finally ask softly from behind. ¡°There¡¯s something wrong with you. Tell me.¡± He doesn¡¯t speak, but I feel his shoulder tense at my words, proving I¡¯m right. Something is wrong. Slowly, he turns and holds me in his tender arms. I look up at him, my heart swelling in joy and contentment. ¡°I know you¡¯re not much of a speaker, but¡­ this silence is unusual. I can feel you¡¯re troubled.¡± He hears the concern in my voice and leans in to kiss my lips, soft and tender, before pulling back to search my eyes. ¡°I don¡¯t want to lose you,¡± he finally says quietly, making me swallow. *Lycan.¡± ¡°I won¡¯t lose you, Zephyrine. I won¡¯t lose you to any of my past or any truth. I want you, and I will have you¡± My heart clenches. The way he says it, the way he holds me, that look in his eyes, raw and consuming, makes me forget how to breathe for a brief moment. +10 Free Coins ¡°Lycan¡­¡± I can only speak his name. Words fail me. I punch his chest lightly, almost tiredly. ¡°Lycan¡­¡± He cuts me off, pulling me into his arms, holding me tenderly. His embrace makes me wonder how life would be without him. I can¡¯t help but wonder why he loves me this much. Just this much. I look up and kiss him softly. His palm wraps around my waist, the other steady on my neck, and he stirs me gently, pinning me against the wall. ??? ????? ???????s ??? ?????s??? ?? find?novel His hand moves beneath my gown but pauses when it meets the leather gothic leggings I¡¯m wearing underneath. He pulls back slightly to stare, a rough sound escaping his lips. ¡°Is this a punishment, My Queen?¡± His husky voice and fierce eyes make me blush. I push him away, and he takes a step back, still staring. ¡°We¡¯re going into battle, My King,¡± I reply sarcastically. ¡°Your lust will be satisfied when we get home.¡± He stares in silence, then swallows hard to steady himself before walking to the bed, lowering himself to watch me without blinking. I wore the dress as a fa?ade, but underneath I¡¯m ready to move freely. I pull down the dress, revealing the gothic¨Cstyled attire beneath. I fasten my forearm braces and turn to braid my hair into a ponytail, finishing the end expertly. I walk to the saddlebag I removed from my horse and retrieve the knife and have it tucked into the side of my left boot. Ready, I turn to him. He¡¯s still staring, silent. ¡°Now, what¡¯s the n, genius?¡± I ask, but he isn¡¯t listening. His gaze lingers on my face, down to the swell of my cleavage. Lycannar doesn¡¯t bother hiding his hunger, and I nearly giggle. ¡°Lycannar!¡± I finally call, and he shifts his gaze to lock with mine. I shake my head, overwhelmed with emotion. ¡°You¡¯re not listening or answering.¡± :. 23 +10 Free Coins ¡°It¡¯s simple. When we get to ckwater, abduct a guard, beat him nearly to stupor to reveal the underground entrance, keys, and how many guards we¡¯ll face. It¡¯s going to be a massacre.¡± I go still. The case with which he says it sends goosebumps up my skin. ¡°If we kill one of the soldiers guarding Varyn, the rest will be alerted unless¡­¡± ¡°Unless?¡± ¡°Unless I¡¯m the bait.¡± He pauses, listening. ¡°Stone of ckwater knows me. He expects me to return because I promised. How about a leave¨Coffering like that? He wants my body, I act as if I ept¡­¡± ¡°I¡¯m not allowing any man to touch my woman. Another strategy, please.¡± I cut him off, and he pauses, augh threatening to escape me. ¡°Lycan, why are you so possessive?¡± He leans against the wall, seated fully on the bed, staring at me in silence. I sigh, giving up. ¡°All right, what suggestion will you bring?¡± He takes his time, weighing the pros and cons, then finally nods. ¡°You¡¯ll be the bait, but only once I¡¯m fully in their territory. Here¡¯s how. When we arrive, you stay behind. I go first. Guards at the gate?¡± ¡°Yeah.¡± ¡°He¡¯s going to be unfortunate tonight because he dies by my hands,¡± he says quietly, serious. ¡°I¡¯ll extract the necessary information from him. Disguise might be needed, maybe as a guard to move freely for a bit.¡± ¡°So you locate the soldiers guarding the underground, and then?¡± I ask. ¡°That¡¯s where youe in,¡± he says, voice heavy. ¡°The hardest part. We lure them to you, away from me. I¡¯ll handle your brother underground. You¡¯ll be the bait. Lure them. The few left, I¡¯ll take care of.¡± I hesitate, even though his idea is brilliant. ¡°What if the soldiers aren¡¯t lured? What if this n fails?¡± ¡°Then we go with n B.¡± ¡°And that is?¡± 23 +10 Free Coins ¡°n A,¡± he replies, and I shake my head helplessly, melting into his arms to kiss him just as the neigh of our horses reminds us it¡¯s dawn. I swallow and gently pull away. Even Lycannar isn¡¯t smiling anymore. This is business. We understand the gravity of it. In no time, we check out of the inn, mount our horses, and ride without ckwater, where it all begins. Back Where 205 Nyroth : ??) 23 +10 Free Coins It¡¯s dark. Already midnight, and I know something is about to happen. Zeph is on something. I can feel it from her aura when I spoke to her just a few hours ago. I can¡¯t stay still. I pace in my living room until suddenly I pause, swallowing hard. Ka has to be stopped, and that Kostyra, Zeph¡¯s aunt as well. I turn toward the exit, almost colliding with Kai as he steps in. I take a step back to stare at him while he exhales slowly. ¡°Alpha Nyroth.¡± He greets, and I sigh shakily, nodding. ¡°Yes?¡± He stares at me gently, then sighs again. ¡°What has been going on with you these days? You¡¯re not paying attention to the pack¡¯s welfare anymore, and we¡¯re slowly losing our¡­ our valor. You need to stop thinking about Zeph. She¡¯s really¡­ gone to another man and¡­¡± The rest of his words die on his tongue when he meets my gaze. I will ept many things, but certainly not the im that Zeph is truly gone. She asked me once what I had done for her in five years. Maybe I should start tonight by saving her life. I bypass Kai, his words meaningless to me, and head straight to my carriage, riding toward ckbridge Pack that dark night, only for the clouds above to rumble. Afternoons these days have been cloudy. Will it rain tonight? It isn¡¯t long before the carriage wheels grind into ckbridge Pack, but what I see makes me pause. A silence hangs heavy in the air, thick as though something great has just urred. Cautiously, I head into the hall, following the scent of Ka, until I find myself right before the Council chamber door. I¡¯m about to open it when a maid and a guard rush past me, pushing the door wide with urgency. I step into the chamber behind them, unnoticed. The maid hurries straight to Kostyra, Zeph¡¯s aunt, to deliver a message. ¡°I overheard her, My Lady. She is heading to ckwater with His Majesty, the Lycan King. I think they are going solo to rescue My Lord, Varyn.¡± I suddenly stiffen at the words. Wait a second. That maid, she looks so familiar. Isn¡¯t she¡­? I freeze. Yes. One of Zeph¡¯s maids. I¡¯ve seen three of them before, alongside the elder who seems to lead them, and Blue the day Zeph grant me audience. Among the three young ones, this one. A traitor. But hold on¡­ what did I just hear? Apex is heading to ckwater with Zeph to fight for Varyn Ashmere? Can he even fight that well? Is he truly willing to shed blood for him? ¡°We need to act fast.¡± Ka¡¯s voice jerks me back. I turn to see her trembling, face pale with haste as she looks to her father, Alpha Yadev of ckbridge. ¡°Father, we need to act fast. If Apex and Zeph find Varyn, he will talk. And if he talks, the Council will know I didn¡¯t get the job done five years ago, and the whole shifter empire will see I am nothing like the envoy of peace I¡¯ve pretended to be. We must¡­¡± She is shaking when her father rises from his seat, swallowing hard. ¡°How tight is ckwater¡¯s security?¡± he asks. ¡°More than you can imagine. Stone, their leader,mands too many barbaric soldiers who live for bloodshed.¡± ¡°Then that means one man cannot sh through. Apex may be a king, but¡­¡± ¡°You didn¡¯t attend his coronation, did you?¡± My voice cuts through from the doorway, and all heads turn. I keep my eyes fixed on Ka. ¡°You saw what Apex did to that Rogue Alpha, how he butchered him without blinking. You think a man like that, with runes carved into his very flesh, doesn¡¯t have skill? And he goes with Zeph. You¡¯ve seen her fight. The duel, the archery, she is better than you.¡± A deadly silence falls over the chamber. Ka¡¯s face drains of color, and she copses into a wooden chair. ¡°The journey to ckwater will take hours if no rest is taken. We can still make it if we send an army,¡± she says suddenly, lifting her pale face toward her father. ¡°Send the soldiers of ckbridge Pack. They can stop Apex and Zeph before they seed. Corner them.¡± Official source is Find_Novel(. ¡°Ka.¡± ¡°So be it.¡± Yadev cuts me off, turning to a guard. ¡°Call Warrior June, themander of the 15:45 Mon, Sep 15 army.¡± : ¡°Yes, Alpha Yadev.¡± The guard bows and hurries off. 23 +10 Free Coins Soon, the door opens again. A hefty, broad¨Cshouldered man steps in, handsome but unpleased. He stops before Yadev. ¡°You called for me, Beta Ya¡­¡± He halts, almost rolling his eyes. I see it now. His loyalty lies with the cks, the true heirs, not Yadev, the usurper Beta who stole the Alpha seat. ¡°You called for me, Alpha Yadev.¡± Yadev¡¯s face tightens at the slight, but he presses on. ¡°You will take your army, June, and go to ckwater. Prevent Apex, the Lycan King, and Zephyrine Ashmere from rescuing Varyn. Go now.¡± The chamber waits for June¡¯s bow. Instead, he squares his shoulders and mutters, firm and unshaken. ¡°And why should I stop Zephyrine Ashmere from rescuing her brother? She is the warrior who once fought in a duel to clear the name of our true Luna.¡± The audacity leaves even Kostyra stunned. All eyes turn to him. Ka¡¯s jaw tightens, hatred spilling in her words. ¡°You will obey my father. He is Alpha of this pack, and¡­¡± ¡°Young ck, whom you murdered in a fire along with her mother, was the rightful heir. I won¡¯t march the army of ckbridge to stab the woman who once stood for us.¡± ¡°Then prepare to pay with your life,¡± Yadev threatens, but June only swallows, calm. ¡°If death is the price for refusing to betray Young ck and Luna Tahlia, then so be it.¡± Ka shudders violently, turning to her father. Time is running, but June will not move. ¡°Stone of ckwater has too many guards. Even skilled warriors can¡¯t survive there,¡± Ka mutters, as though consoling herself. ¡°Thest time Zephyr went there, she returned with an arrow in her belly,¡± Kostyra adds, making me go cold. An arrow? ¡°Then they won¡¯t seed. The mission is impossible,¡± Ka concludes, then whirls on June with venom. ¡°You will die a horrible death at the market square, Your sin will be treachery. Take him away!¡± 3/3 15:45 Mon, Sep 15 Back Where 206 Zephyrine : 23 +10 Free Coins Goddess. The Moon Goddess. As though she is here with us, blessing our mission. The sky rumbles, and the wind that rises tells me more we will have rain. Lycannar stops his horse and turns to me, and I can¡¯t help but smile. ¡°In a few minutes, it will rain. I guess this is our best chance,¡± he says with a wink, then dismounts sharply. He walks toward me, his finger brushing over myp as he stares. ¡°You stick to the n, Zephyrine. Alright?¡± I nod, my smile fading as the weight of this moment settles. ¡°I will.¡± He says nothing more. He turns back to his horse, rubs its mane as though bidding farewell, and then sets out on foot with his twin des. His steps are too smooth, too steady, like a man in his own world. There is no fear in him at all. It is almost dawn, yet the sky, which should be lightening, has darkened under thick clouds. As though the Moon Goddess truly walks behind us. ckwater stands in the distance. I am the bait. But Lycannar goes first, just as nned. I sit astride my horse, watching his figure fade into silhouette until he reaches the massive gate, looming and shut tight. ¡°Who goes there?!¡± A loud voice booms from the night guard. Lycannar waits, still as stone. I don¡¯t breathe. The gate opens. The same man who once escorted me to Stone steps out, just as before. My heart pounds, panic threatening me, ¡°You are here for what?¡± the man asks Lycannar. But Lycannar simply watches. He never speaks to strangers. He never does, And in a blink, while I still wonder how he¡¯ll get past the security, Lycannar pulls a knife from his boot and flings it with merciless precision towards the guard who has spoken. It buries itself into the guard¡¯s neck. He drops instantly. Dead. 15:45 Mon, Sep 15 23 +10 Free Coins The man who has stepped out was stunned and he tries to flee, but Lycannar is already on him. In less than a heartbeat, he¡¯s pinned with a de sliding cruelly into his back. ¡°I will ask once, and you will answer,¡± my Lycan King threatens, his voice deep and ruthless. ¡°The man in the underground, the one guarded, how do I get to him?¡± The soldier gasps, struggling, his defiance shaking in his throat. ¡°You think you can even get past¡­¡± Thrust. I freeze at the sound. Lycannar drives the knife deeper, twisting it with cruelty, his other hand mped over the man¡¯s throat to silence any cry. ¡°Try again.¡± His demand is low, hot, merciless. The man trembles, pain forcing truth from him. ¡°I¡­ I can take you. I can¡¯t exin it¡­ it cannot be described. Only Stone knows the passage. I will take you. Please.¡± I swallow hard. This was not part of the n. We thought he¡¯d reveal the way, not offer to lead him. Everything shifts. Lycannar sighs, then turns his gaze toward me. For a heartbeat, he watches me, still as death, before turning back and dragging the soldier with him into ckwater. I breathe shakily. My turn. I wait a moment, letting them go further. Then I spur my horse and ride into the fortress. The walls loom, towering and imprable. Goosebumps prickle my skin. I lower my eyelids, reaching inward. Lycannar. I can feel him. The amulet binds us. He is not in danger. Relief steadies me until footsteps approach. I open my eyes. And there he is. Stone. From the same window where his arrow once struck me. Our eyes lock. My throat tightens. Before I can move, his guards surround my horse, swords drawn and aimed. 15:45 Mon, Sep 15 23 +10 Free Coins ¡°The leader will see you now,¡± one snarls. I do not answer. Instead, I dismount, walking where they lead back to the same hall I entered before. Fresh chapters posted on FindN0vel The sight freezes me. Dessyn and Moon were right. Stone has prepared. His army fills the fortress, cruel faces, merciless eyes. All for me. But when they see Ie alone, nces flicker among them, as though they¡¯ve wasted their readiness. I pass ves chained in misery. Children sobbing. The stench of dread thick in the air. Atst, the doors swing open. The same bedchamber where Stone once tried toy hands on
  1. me.
He stands there, arms folded, a smug smirk carved across his face. Today the chamber is different, heavily guarded, no women present. He has prepared. ¡°You return just as you promised,¡± he says, stepping forward. ¡°I thought you¡¯d bring an army¡­ but you¡¯vee alone. Have youe to be my whore?¡± His breath reeks, but I choke it down. Lycannar¡­ wait. I feel it. A surge of power through the amulet. My blood runs cold. He is fighting. I need time. Slowly, I raise my head, swallowing the fear. ¡°Do you even know who the man you¡¯ve chained beneath your feet is?¡± My voice burns. ¡°He is an Ashmere. Do you even know what that means?¡± ¡°Ashmere?¡± he repeats, amused. ¡°Lineage of warriors who guarded the shifter empire from demons?¡± Cold sweat dampens my skin. He shrugs. ¡°He is no Ashmere. If he were, why was he brought here weak, with a w mark that never heals?¡± Heat floods me. My chest tightens. What did he just say? A w mark¡­ that never heals? ¡°My brother fought in the demon wars. Likes of you will never understand what that means.¡± of ¡°Really?¡± he taunts, stepping closer, voice thick with challenge. ¡°I will fuck that confidence out you today, little damsel. And just so you know, the gates of ckwater will close automatically once entered. You are trapped here. Forever.¡± 15:45 Mon, Sep 15 He leans in, reaching for my lips. Hell itself would forbid it. 23 +10 Free Coins In a sh, my knife was drawn from my side boot, in my hand, shing as his men charge. Blood sprays. My heart pounds as throats open beneath my steel, their surprise sealing their fate. Stone sees his men copse, and fury shes. He lunges for his sword. This time, I am ready. No w mark weakens me now. I grip my de tighter. This glory will be mine. ¡°You are dead,¡± Stone snarls, surging at me. 15:45 Mon, Sep 15 Back Where 207 Zephyrine 23 +10 Free Coins Attack res up, and my small knife shes with his sword. I take a step back to recuperate. He is powerful. His strength is immense. I heave. I should use more of my skills than power. I retreat another step, and he wields his de, his teeth bared off his lips. ¡°You think you can really save your brother alone? You will die here. You can¡¯t even get past a thousand soldiers. You will die in¡­¡± He is still speaking when the sound of yelling rises, and he freezes. He rushes to the window, and there it is. Something has happened on Lycannar¡¯s part. Wait. Did he¡­? ¡°Stone!¡± A voice yells from down there. The man who had showed Lycannar the way. ¡°Stone¡­¡± The voice falters, then a gag, and momentster, silence. Dead. What happened? I watch Stone¡¯s expression as he stares down. Something must have happened or has he seen Lycannar? ¡°You brought someone with you,¡± he chokes out, turning toward me, smirking. ¡°But you won¡¯t be getting your brother out of that cage. You know why? Because only his own blood can break the spell.¡± My heart sinks as he takes a careful step toward me. ¡°I can guess already the backup you brought is not one of the Ashmeres. You are but you won¡¯t be going underground. Because you will die in here!¡± He lunges again, but I counter, rush toward the window, and without thinking, leap down. I roll andnd carefully, straight into Lycannar¡¯s arms. ¡°It¡¯s some kind of relic,¡± his voicees urgently as he sets me down to my feet. His hands are bloodied, and the twin des he¡¯d hidden are held firmly. ¡°I can¡¯t open that cage¡­ and he¡¯s slowly dying.¡± ¡°Only Ashmere blood can.¡± The moment I say this, the massive gate of ckwater ms shut, and a thunderous war cry rises. The soldiers. ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± Lycannar snaps, leading the way. I rush to grab Varyn¡¯s sword from my horse as I run. QD +10 Free Coins He leads me through a dark hall, past bodies already sprawled in Lycannar¡¯s wake. Just as we near the underground, footsteps echo toward us. I turn and see soldiers rushing in. Before I can act, Lycannar pulls me behind him. ¡°Take the straight hall. Focus on your brother¡¯s energy and you¡¯ll find him.¡± His voice is sharp, hurried. ¡°Go. I¡¯ll hold them off.¡± I don¡¯t hesitate. I obey. I hurry into the dark hall, sshing as water deepens under my steps, leading into the underground where Varyn is kept. But when I arrive, I freeze. Warriors are already there. Someone else has taken another path, and now they surround the cage. His cage. And then I see him. After years. After endless torment and waiting. Bent, chained at ankles and wrists, barely himself. My heart shatters. Tears sting, but my stays steady. de The first man swings at me. I counter, slicing his throat clean. He copses at my feet, the thud making Varyn shiver. He is alive. Alive. Every man between us dies by my de until atst, I stand before the cage. The relic¨Clock hums with ancient power. I sh my palm open, blood dripping toward the lock when he moves. Varyn. Slowly, painfully, he turns, his face and eyes locking onto mine. I shudder. Tears blur my vision. Have I failed him so much? Does he even remember me? ¡°Zephyr¡­¡± His voice. That broken voice. Tears spill as the lock drinks my blood and bursts open. Varyn copses into my arms, and I kneel, trembling beneath the weight of what the world has done to us. 15:45 Mon, Sep 15 : ??? ????? ???????s ??? ?????s??? ?? F?nd-Novel 23 +10 Free Coins ¡°Zephyr?¡± he whispers again, his bony fingers brushing my face. I press his hand to my cheek, choking back sobs, but they fall anyway. I am about to answer when Lycannar surges in. ¡°Zephyrine we need to go.¡± His voice is urgent, but when he sees me cradling Varyn, he softens. He hurries forward, pulling off his cloak to wrap around Varyn¡¯s frail body. ¡°Your horse waits outside. Take this route,¡± he points sharply to where the soldiers had passed, ¡°and once you reach it you don¡¯t wait for me. You leave. Understood?¡± ¡°I will never leave you behind.¡± My voice is stubborn. ¡°I¡¯ll be right there with you. Go now.¡± I nod firmly. He helps Varyn to his feet so he can lean on me. Then the soldiers rush in. Lycannar¡¯s twin des rise and another ughter begins. I don¡¯t wait. I hurry with Varyn, true to his words, my horse waiting. I hoist Varyn up. He is dying, half¨Calive, breathing raggedly, but he sits the saddle. I move to mount behind him when a shove ms me against the wall. Blood sprays from my mouth. My vision blurs. I lift my head to see him. Stone. ckwater turns still with dread. Even the ves whimper. Worse than death itself is Stone. Varyn, an Ashmere, shudders in terror at the sight. The trauma still clings to him, unshaken through years. ¡°I will make you pay for daring toe into ckwater and underestimating the power I wield here,¡± Stone vows, reaching for my neck. I surge to my feet first, answering with a savage kick that staggers him back. I use the moment, rushing to mount my horse When a whoosh of air cuts past. Lycannar. Dripping blood, he charges for the gate. My horse bolts after him. Hope rises. We are almost free. 15:45 Mon, Sep 15 And then¡­ 23 +10 Free Coins A rope whips around my throat, jerking me off my horse and crashing me to the ground. I choke, vision spinning, and through the haze, I see it. The gate of ckwater surging open, torn by a force I have never witnessed before. Lycannar¡¯s power unleashed. He was about to speed out but then he freezes. Because only my brother rides free on my white horse. ¡°Go!¡± I scream, Stone yanking me back by the leash. ¡°Go, Lycan!¡± If my life is the price for Varyn¡¯s, then so be it. But what I never knew, what I never understood until now was how deep Lycannar¡¯s obsession runs. He will not leave without me. He cannot. The sound of his ck horse gallops straight back into ckwater. My heart clenches. Oh no. He was leaving without havoc. But now, now they have awakened the Apex Predator. Back Where 208 Zephyrine The sky parted in that moment and everything turned into a blur. Rain began to fall. Suddenly, as heavily as ever, the sky cried and in it, Lycannar¡¯s horse surged forward. +10 Free Coins On his steed, he gripped one of his des and hurled it ahead, forcing me to intercept and step aside so it could cut through the rope strangling my neck, freeing me. In a rush, his hand stretched out. I caught it, and with a powerful swing he lifted me onto the horse behind him. I clung to him perfectly. Lycannar should have ridden out now, but I held him tight to stop, and he obeyed. He listened. ¡°How about we do what you wanted? Set this ce aze¡­ so no one will ever go through what my brother did?¡± I whispered, and in response, he stirred the horse around, facing Stone and the armies now gathering. There, behind Lycannar, on the horse with him, nothing ever felt so powerful, so safe. ¡°I was supposed to take the leader myself because he dared to touch my woman.¡± He spoke over his shoulder, and in reply I hugged him tighter. ¡°Let me make that vengeance, my love. He dies with Varyn¡¯s sword. The rest of his armies and guards¡­ let¡¯s burn them alive.¡± He didn¡¯t hesitate. He obeyed my words. Dismounting from the horse, Lycannar strode toward Stone, who gritted his teeth, sword clenched in hand. ¡°Fight me like a man,¡± my kingmanded. But Stone snarled. His eyes slid toward me, seething. ¡°She is the one I have a problem with. If I must ughter anyone, it¡¯s her.¡± Rain poured over us, dripping down my body. From the shadows, ves and residents crept closer, desperate to witness how this would end, I turned, seeing Varyn leaning on my horse, barely alive. Dismounting, I stepped forward to face Stone. ¡°Fine. Let¡¯s have a fight. If I win, these people here will be set free, and ckwater will burn. 1/4 Fresh chapters posted on ?ovelFind +10 Free Coins But if you win¡­ not only will my brother return to that underground, I will also be your whore.¡± I felt Lycannar¡¯s energy surge behind me, but I was grateful he kept his possession in check. He only walked back to his horse, folding his arms, waiting, though I knew he would interfere if I faltered. Stone, feeling belittled, stepped closer, rain washing over the filth of his body. ¡°Fine,¡± he spat. Then he barked an order. ¡°Bring the barrels of oil!¡± My heart clenched. Oil barrels ready to ignite this ce if I won. They were dragged forward, waiting. Without warning, Stone swung his sword. I countered, our des shing, his pressure heavy, pressing down, testing me. I gritted my teeth until the sight of Varyn swaying half¨Cdead on the horse shed in The sight of the enved people suffering. my mind. A savage punch flew at me with all his might but I waved it off just in time, forcing Stone off bnce. With that opening, I struck back with the very swiftness Lycannar had once asked me about. He had asked in Ash Pack how fast I could be. Now I answered him with action. This fast. My de whirled, slicing Stone at the side of his stomach, not deep enough to kill, but enough to weigh him down. Mercy? That is far from me. With Varyn¡¯s sword, I pulled out and drove it straight into his chest, bursting through every vein that kept him alive. I didn¡¯t stop. I stabbed again and again, until he coughed blood, raised his eyes to me onest time, and copsed at my feet. ¡°Stone!¡± one of his captains cried in horror, drawing his de. Others followed, fury shing, rushing at me but in retaliation, the ves snapped. One by one, all of them, once beaten, broken, now roared in unison. They surged at the warriors, scattering oil from the barrels, turning chaos into revolt. Pandemonium. 15:46 Mon, Sep 15 23 +10 Free Coins I staggered back until Lycannar¡¯s steadying hand caught me. His palm caressed my waist, grounding me gently. ¡°Let¡¯s get out of here,¡± he murmured, and I nodded, swallowing hard. He strode to a burning post, snatched a torch, and brought it to me. ¡°Go on,¡± he whispered in my ear. ¡°Burn it all down. Not the ones enved, but the men who tried to keep you from your brother.¡± As though under his spell, I raised the torch, lowering it slowly toward the ground but paused. The people were still fighting, still entangled with soldiers. If I dropped it now, they too would burn. I couldn¡¯t. I wouldn¡¯t be a mass murderer. ¡°Every one of you, go! Use the gate now and save yourselves!¡± My voice rang through the courtyard, pulling the people back from their frenzy. They froze, turning toward me. ¡°Take everything you can¡­ his riches, his wealth, all of it. Leave. You are free from ckwater!¡± Another eruption. Chaos surged again but this time with purpose. ves became looters, plundering the fortune of their captor, storming toward the exit. The warriors, stunned, turned to me in fury. ¡°You are a mere woman. You won¡¯t leave here alive,¡± their leader sneered, stepping closer with sword raised. But I lowered the me. Oil caught. Fire spread. The barrels ignited, and ckwater became a furnace. ¡°Who said I am a mere woman?¡± My voice was low, steady. ¡°I am an Alpha. An Ashmere, And the King¡¯s woman.¡± mes roared. I stepped back. Lycannar was ready. My horse waited. As the people fled through the gate with stolen wealth, Lycannar guided me to my saddle. He helped me mount behind Varyn, who slumped weakly, then mounted his own horse. : Together, we galloped out of ckwater but before I leftpletely, I nced back. Stone¡¯s body was engulfed in fire. His legacy turned to ash. 23 +10 Free Coins The people he had enved were free, thanks to him. Thanks to the king, his des dripping blood, riding by my side as we headed for Ash Pack. His power¡­ his immense power¡­ was extraordinary. Who¡­ is he? Back Where 209 Lycannar 23 +10 Free Coins This content belongs to When the massive gate of Ash Pack swung open, all and sundry stood in attention to witness the impossible be possible. She held her brother as she dismounted from the horse, handing him over as Jurrek rushed forward, stunned but quick to take him. The rain fell aggressively, thunder mming above, and I lingered back a bit, trying to calm the storm, my own beasts raging, while I watched Varyn Ashmere carried away, everyone following in awe again and again. But she didn¡¯t move. My sister. Mearez. Her eyes fixed on me beyond the gate, waiting, her heart in her throat. When I finally dismounted, she rushed forward, checking me, her hands running over my body for any wound. Then she froze when she saw the runes glowing on my chest. Hurriedly, she reached under her dress and pulled out a potion. ¡°Drink it at once. Hurry,¡± shemanded, breathless, and I obeyed, gulping it down before turning away to groan. It made me hazy, forcing me to lean on my horse, head bowed to breathe. When battling hundreds of men, there is only one way to win. Awaken the demon in me and let him revel in bloodshed. That was the only way I cut through, got to Varyn Ashmere, and stood before the cage that bound him. And there, I had thought of ending his life, keeping the truth buried forever. But I couldn¡¯t. Not when I felt the surge of power and connection to her, fighting Stone¡¯s men. I blinked now, the glow of the runes dimming until they finally went out. The rain cooled me, and then I felt her tender touch. My gaze settled on her, my eldest sister, as she rushed into my arms, kissing my lips. ¡°You¡¯re safe now. You¡¯re okay. You won¡¯t be a threat anymore. Alright?¡± she said, anchoring me back to myself. I nodded, grounding again in my own skin. When I blinked and looked around, all those I had seen as enemies, those I longed to ughter, were revealed as the people of Ash Pack. Mearez¡¯s potion had brought me back. 1/3 15:46 Mon, Sep 15 I looked at her once more then the surges of sound came from the hall. ¡°Princess Mearez,¡± the call rang, jerking us both back to reality. Varyn Ashmere. 23 +10 Free Coins We hurried inside, my sister following the maid who opened the bedchamber. There we found Zephyrine standing at the door, her eyes fixed on her brother lying weakly in bed. Jurrek was beside him, but when Mearez approached, trauma seized Varyn and he began thrashing violently. He would not stay still. And I felt it. Zephyrine¡¯s sadness, her immense agony. She stepped back, almost frightened, until her back hit my chest and she turned at once to hug me. I pulled her into my embrace, patting her back as Varyn screamed incoherently. Jurrek pinned him while Mearez rushed to insert a needle, her healer¡¯s hands steady. In the chaos, Varyn¡¯s iling arm shed her. I froze cold, ready to intervene in concern but she did not give up. The healer she was, destined to bring health to the sick and weary, Mearez pressed on. She injected the needles, calling to Blue rather than trusting the Ash wolves. Gradually, Varyn¡¯s voice died down. Only then could Zephyrine turn, staring at him with trembling eyes, while I kept my hand steady at her back, letting her know she would never carry any burden alone. Mearez pulled thest needle, then drew the first back out, letting dark blood seep from him. My eyes fixed on Varyn as hey heaving. Now I recognized him. Staring at him, it all returned. Yes, my siblings were right. He had been on the battlefield. I had killed his father before his eyes. I had seen him mount his horse, fleeing Abyss camp at dawn. But one thing I also remembered is that I spared him from ughter by his own kind. I sighed shakily and was pulled back to reality when Zephyrine slipped from my hold, sniffing, retreating as though she could not bear the sight of her brother¡¯s state. She walked toward her bedchamber, and I understoodpletely. I lingered at Varyn¡¯s doorway, watching Mearez finish. Only when Varyn drifted into sleep did she pull back, wiping sweat from her forehead. ¡°He will wake very soon,¡± she told Jurrek. ¡°In a few minutes. He will need to clean up, and I will check on him again.¡± 23 +10 Free Coins Jurrek stared at her, then lowered his gaze to her arm where Varyn had shed. It had not healed. His eyes snapped back to hers and she swallowed. ¡°I don¡¯t heal fast from any wound. But I will be fine. That¡¯s the burden of a true healer.¡± Jurrek¡¯s face went pale. In the next breath, he tore part of his cloth and wrapped it tenderly around her arm. Mearez¡¯s eyes never left his. The, I saw it between them. Love. I lowered my gaze, heading toward Zephyrine¡¯s chamber. We had gone to our mission with no solid n, yet we conquered. And my sister, whether I liked it or not, had found her love. The thought of it eased a burden in me. After being raped countless times, raised by an abusive father, forced to find cures and potions to restrain her unstable hybrid brother, the healer of both family and kingdom, she finally found love. I pushed open Zephyrine¡¯s door. She stood by the window, tears streaming down her cheeks, and my heart ached. Slowly she turned to me and just like the love I had seen in my sister¡¯s eyes for Jurrek, Zephyrine¡¯s gaze held the same. Only hers came with the fierceness of a warrior, the kind who would break hell itself just to have me. Back Where 210 Zephyrine 28 +10 Free Coins The pack is shook momentarily by his appearance. His presence and blood were still stained in a way the rain had refused to wash away. Varyn. He is¡­ unstable. Traumatized, but he will heal. He is, after all, an Ashmere. That means something. That should mean something. I lower my gaze and sigh shakily, sniffing back tears while I feel his presence right there. Lycannar. I turn gently, still trembling from the weight of it all. I tried not to cry. I choke it back. I have to be strong. I am an Alpha. The responsibility is much. I hold myself back but one nce at him and everything shattered. ¡°Lycan¡­¡± I close the distance between us at once and rush into his arms. ¡°Let it all out. No one is here now but me. Cry however you want. You are home and I¡¯m here,¡± he says softly, leaving me to obey. I cry. Tears stream down my face while he hugs me tenderly, his hands around me protectively. I love him. My gods, how much he means to me. How much he made me feel this safe, so safe and relieved. His hands caress my hair while I bury my face into his chest, trembling. Gradually the sobs subside, but his hands around me only grow tender. I sniff again, shaking. Then I pull back, just enough to look into his eyes. His thumb reaches up to wipe my tears away and he smiles softly. ¡°My warrior woman.¡± Hepliments and I punch him softly, then I pull away from his arms to entwine my fingers with his. Carefully, I pull him toward my bath chamber, stepping into the cool room with the pool covered in rose petals. I turn back to stare at him, noticing his eyes resting now on my face, and then drifting slowly down my body, enjoying the view, the way the clothes hugged my body from the rain. My figure outlined there before him to admire because it¡¯s all his. All his to im. I leave Lycannar and take a step back gently to undress. I pull down the band I use to pack my hair up into a ponytail and let it flow down over my waist. 18:12 Tue, Sep 16 This text is hosted at ?ovelFind : 28 +10 Free Coins His eyes follow the movement. I know he loves my hair down. Watching without blinking, Lycannar stares as I undresspletely, tossing the clothes into theundry basket. Then I finally straighten just in time to see him swallow. His eyes linger on me. He doesn¡¯t hide the fact that it has an effect on him. Lycannar never does try to hide his feelings and obsession for me. It is as though he can¡¯t help himself and I almost smile at his state. Slowly I walk up to him, my palm resting tenderly on his chest and, on tiptoe, I dare to kiss a king. Our lips brush softly and gentler once more before his handes to tenderly wrap around my waist and he kisses me more deeply, iming me like I am his. I flutter my eyes closed, surrendering to the emotions that burst inside me, and I swallow. Loving him again and again, deeply as the seconds tick by. Softly I break off the kiss to open my eyes and stare at him. I see it now. The lust. He wants me. Too much, that I know he¡¯d go crazy if I resist. He¡¯s hard. I can feel it. Tenderly I pull off his shirt and he allows me, following my movements without any resistance. In no time all his clothes are down at his feet and I entwine my fingers with his, pulling him gently into the bath pool with me. There Lycannar pins me softly to the pool wall and kisses my lips, pressing his body against mine so that he can feel my softness. His mouth tears down to my neck and trails down my breast, taking one of my nipples to give it a soft suck. I pull my head back to tremble. My gods. What will I do without this man? What will I do? The world seems to fade away. The distant chattering falls away. The lingering feelings of sadness and also the victorious feelings that we won return. Just then ites back and I feel Lycannar pull back, his lipsing to kiss my lips. Right there, we stare at one another, in hunger, in lust and in love. He is about to take my lips again when my voicees softly, stopping him. ¡°You love me.¡± He pauses, his gaze on me, and I smile, almost sadly, ¡°You love me, Lycan. Too much even though you have never said it.¡± He doesn¡¯t speak. He only stares back, quiet as always, and I bite my lower lip, as I decide to face it. : 28 +10 Free Coins ¡°Lycannar, you mentioned to me that when we return after the mission is aplished, you will tell me what you want as repayment for you taking your twin des and making use of them for the first time in five years after you swore not to go to war again.¡± He swallows and shakes his head tenderly. ¡°It¡¯s not a war.¡± His soft, deep voice makes my body vibrate and thrill me. I nod. He makes it look so easy. His abilities belittle it all. He¡­ he is different. ¡°Tell me what you want.¡± I finally say, my heart tightening. ¡°Tell me what you want from me as repayment.¡± I never know I am holding my breath until his eyes settle on me, fixed. Not until his gaze widens a bit and bes more serious. He looks at me, right in the eyes for a long time in silence, then he lowers his gaze as though he can¡¯t bear the response I¡¯ll make after his request. ¡°The rest of your life,¡± he murmurs, then looks up gently at me. ¡°The rest of your life, Zephyrine¡­ give them to me and live it¡­ as mywfully wedded wife.¡± It stops instantly. The world. My heart tightens and my breath pauses. Is he¡­ proposing? ¡°Yes, I am.¡± He replies as though he has read my very thought. ¡°I¡­ I apologize I didn¡¯t bring a ring but I have my reasons. It¡¯s because I want you to think about it.¡± His chest heaves and he sighs. When he looks back at me, I swear there is nothing as lovely as those eyes now pale gold and whole. Tears well in my eyes and I still myself so they won¡¯t flow. ¡°All my life I have never wanted anything. Not the throne. Not the crown. Not to be this wealthy. But the second time I stared into your eyes¡­ set my eyes on you¡­ I have wanted you ever since. No woman means anything. None of the sex I have had can bepared to the one you and I had and will have. There is a hollow in me that¡­ the gods bless my siblings who have been supportive, can¡¯t fix. Only you can. I know it¡¯s much to ask¡­ living in that ck tower for eternity, a ce of exile for me. All I want is for you toe there and love with me till yourst breath, as my wife. Take my name. I want to be your husband. The father of every pup I will give your body to bring forth. I swear to you¡­ Zephyrine¡­ I will give you everything. Anything. Anything at all. Just¡­ be mine.¡± Choked with too many emotions, all I can do is cry. The tears trail and I have no power to keep them away. I go into his arms and hug him, silently, stunned and shaking from everything. Back Where 211 Zephyrine ¡­ : 28 +10 Free Coins I walk into my bedchamber, taking the towel from Lycannar to dry my hair while I watch him head towards the bed and slip under the nket, almost tiredly. ¡°Exhausted?¡± I asked with a smile, but he didn¡¯t respond. He only rested his head on the pillow, eyes fixed on my face, then his gaze dropped to my breasts. I saw him lick his lower lip, and my cheeks reddened as I turned away, giggling. I walked towards the mirror and picked up ab to brush my hair. Then I draped the mirror with a thin curtain so Lycannar wouldn¡¯t catch his reflection in it. Just as I made to walk over to the bed, my eyes fell on the dresser. Two brand new, neatly packed gift boxes sat there. A small frown creased my brow, and I turned toward the door. ¡°Isolde?¡± I called gently, and at once the door opened. She paused in the doorway, bowing her head briefly before her eyes flickered first to Lycannar on the bed, then to me. ¡°Who brought these present boxes in?¡± I asked. ¡°Oh, that?¡± She straightened. ¡°It was brought by Blue.¡± ¡°Blue?¡± I repeated in confusion. ¡°Can you please summon her here?¡± ¡°Of course, mydy.¡± Isolde bowed and walked out. I sighed and went to sit on the bed. Lycannar, who seemed to have been waiting for me, caught my wrist and pulled me down for a kiss, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear, his eyes steady on mine. ¡°It¡¯s still raining.¡± I murmured. ¡°Perfect moment to make love, don¡¯t you think?¡± He smiled at me, adding gentle pressure to draw me further under the nket. ¡°Then let¡¯s make it. Come here.¡± I was giggling when the door opened softly and Blue stepped inside. She paused in the doorway, averting her eyes, and I quickly pulled away from Lycannar beneath the nket. ¡°Blue, Isolde told me you brought these boxes,¡± I said. She nodded, finally turning toward me. ¡°Yes. It¡¯s¡­ uhm¡­¡± she began carefully, her eyes flickering almost reluctantly toward Lycannar : before returning to me. ¡°I¡­ I bought them from the store. They¡¯re presents.¡± I froze. A present? For¡­. ¡°You did what?¡± She swallowed, then exined, ¡°I bought them with my paycheck, for you and my King.¡± 28 +10 Free Coins I turned slowly to Lycannar, who raised an eyebrow in confusion. Blue hesitated before adding, ¡°They¡¯re really¡­ your size and¡­¡± She trailed off, and I stared at her in surprise. Why would she spend her pay to buy us gifts? I turned back to the boxes, picking up one of them. I opened it to reveal a perfect white dress, neatly folded and sealed with beautiful shoes. My throat tightened at the sight knowing it was for me. I couldn¡¯t help the smile that spread on my lips. ¡°My gods. This is¡­ You got this from that clothing shop we visited the other day?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± she replied quickly, a little more enthusiastic now. ¡°The shop where you took Princess Mearez. The madam gave me a discount and let me look around for the perfect dress.¡± I smiled again, eyes on the gift. Slowly I turned toward her, at a loss for how to thank her for such a gesture. ¡°You¡¯ve been so good to me since I was assigned to you,¡± she said innocently. ¡°I¡­ I wanted to show how grateful I am for your kindness.¡± My heart swelled as I closed the box carefully. ¡°I¡¯ll wear the dress on the perfect asion,¡± I promised. Then I turned to the second box but didn¡¯t open it. Instead, I held it out toward Lycannar. He dismissed it with a nce, looking away without a word. I stilled. My eyes flicked to Blue, who now stared at the ground, fidgeting. It was clear she had expected him to refuse. ¡°Lycan.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll take a short nap,¡± he cut me off, turning his back and pulling the nket over himself, closing his eyes. : I swallowed, about to speak again when Blue¡¯s soft voice broke through. ¡°Your Majesty?¡± No response. ¡°Your Majesty?¡± 28 +10 Free Coins Lycannar¡¯s eyes snapped open, his gaze deadly as he turned to her. Blue stepped back, clearly terrified of his wrath. ¡°Please¡­ ept it,¡± she whispered. He stared at her, coldly, and I felt a pang for her. Lycannar had never shown her warmth, though I knew deep down he cared for her in his own way. ¡°Lycan¡­¡± I tried tenderly. ¡°She only¡­¡± ¡°I don¡¯t want anything from her,¡± he interrupted, his gaze shifting to me, silencing me instantly. His voice carried finality, and heid back down again. Blue¡¯s sob broke the silence. She was hurt, crushed, and I swallowed against the ache in my chest. Lycannar, pretending to sleep, suddenly sat up, ring at her. ¡°Come here,¡± he ordered. My heart sank. I wanted to tell her to run, but Blue wouldn¡¯t dare disobey her King. Hesitant, trembling, she walked to the side of the bed, careful to keep her distance. ¡°Your Majesty¡­¡± Silence stretched. I could only watch. No matter how close I was to either of them, I had no right to intervene. ¡°I killed your mother,¡± Lycannar said suddenly, and I froze. ¡°I stabbed her. Not once. Not twice. Not even thrice¡­¡± ¡°It wasn¡¯t you,¡± Blue insisted quickly, shaking her head as she wiped her tears. ¡°You were forced to do it¡­¡± ¡°You know nothing then!¡± he snapped, and she stilled. ¡°You were just days old. I killed your mother and drove your brother mad until he died with grief and seizure. Everything I¡¯ve given you is no more than what I¡¯d give any maid in my kingdom. Don¡¯t think yourself special to me because you¡¯re not, and you never will be. I don¡¯t want your forgiveness or your understanding or your gift!. Now take that present, get a refund, and never repeat this.¡± I bit my lip, heart clenching at the cruel words. Blue wept openly, unable to stop herself, and I Find the newest release on find?novel ¡­ ::. 28 +10 Free Coins pitied her. She loved him. She respected him more than anything. I sighed, expecting her to obey as always, but I was stunned when she shook her head. ¡°Even if you hate me, I will always love you, respect you, and be loyal to you. I will understand you. I will¡­ forgive you. It wasn¡¯t your fault, and I believe that. I believe in you, Your Majesty.¡± She sniffed shakily. ¡°I won¡¯t take the present back. You can leave it here if you want, but I won¡¯t take it back.¡± She bowed and waited to be dismissed. Lycannar didn¡¯t speak. Instead, he swallowed hard,y back, and pulled the nket up over his chest. Only then did Blue wipe her tears and slip out, closing the door softly behind her. For a moment I just stood there, sadness weighing on me, then I got into bed beside Lycannar and reached for him. ¡°Don¡¯t you think you were a bit harsh on her, Lycan?¡± He only pulled me down against him with a sigh. ¡°I don¡¯t want her forgiveness, because I know I don¡¯t deserve it.¡± ¡°She believes you do. Don¡¯t be too hard on her. She loves and respects you.¡± He paused at that, then pulled back to search my eyes. His next question froze me. ¡°Assuming I killed your father¡­ would you think I deserve your forgiveness?¡± 18:13 Tue, Sep 16 Back Where 212 Zephyrine 28 +20 Free Coins I was woken by the sound of a soft knock. Still sleepy, I called gently for the person toe in. A secondter, the door opened and Princess Mearez stepped into my bedchamber. Just like that, the sleep in my eyes vanishedpletely. I opened them wider to stare at her, watching her stand quietly in the doorway. Then she sighed softly, her eyes falling on the sleeping King beside me. ¡°He is still asleep?¡± she asked in a low voice, moving carefully as if not to wake him, and she stopped to study his peaceful, gorgeous face. I nodded with a quiet sigh. ¡°Yes,¡± I replied, easing away from Lycannar, careful with the nket as I got off the bed and walked to the dresser, leaning against it. I hadn¡¯t realized my heart was thudding until now. I looked up into her eyes, and for what felt like an eternity, we held our silence. I had sought Lycannar¡¯s arms to forget the bigger problem out there. The noise, the chaos. I had fallen asleep, letting his presence carry away my worries for a while. Now, with the gentle after¨Crain breeze swirling around us, Princess Mearez, who had attended to my sick brother, parted her lips and spoke. ¡°Zephyrine,¡± she called, and I swallowed hard, my heart clenching. I was ready. ¡°I am proud of you.¡± The words stilled my heart. I didn¡¯t move or respond, simply waited. ¡°I admire your strength and heart. Your courage and kindness. Your will.¡± She gently reached for my hand and took it in hers. ¡°Your brother carries your blood, and as much as I¡¯ve heard of the Ashmeres, I know they are strong. Your brother is also an Ashmere, which means he will heal but it may take time.¡± I bit my lower lip to hold back a sob as she continued, her hold on me growing tender. Official source is F?nd-Novel ¡°You will be strong for him. Whatever unstable reaction he might disy¡­ you will be there for him, and you will be strong. Do you understand me?¡± 18:13 Tue, Sep 16 : Tears spilled out, and I nodded, wiping them away with a sigh. 28 +20 Free Coins ¡°Thank you so much, Princess Mearcz.¡± I went to hug her. ¡°I¡­ I can¡¯t¡­ I don¡¯t know how to repay you.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t you dare,¡± she scolded softly. ¡°Being my brother¡¯s woman is enough. You make him happy, and I am grateful.¡± She smiled, turning to look at Lycannar. I followed her gaze, and the sight of him made me smile in relief. ¡°He proposed to me today, Princess Mearez,¡± I confessed. She turned to me, her brows arching in utter disbelief. ¡°What?¡± ¡°He proposed marriage. For me to be his wife.¡± Princess Mearez went still, swallowing hard, her gaze fixed on me as though waiting. ¡°And¡­ what do you¡­ what was your response?¡± she asked, almost in panic. I shook my head with a sigh. ¡°He wants me to think about it.¡± I looked at her and smiled. *** The pack was steaming itself dry when I walked back into the bedchamber fully dressed. The door opened suddenly, and I turned to see Dessyn freeze in the doorway, stiffening at the sight of Lycannar asleep. ¡°Be more careful,¡± I mouthed, and she nodded, replying the same way. ¡°Princess Mearez said it¡¯s time to depart.¡± My heart sank at those words, but I didn¡¯t argue. I nodded, watching her close the door silently. Earlier, Princess Mearez had been shocked that Lycannar proposed marriage and even more unsettled at my possible future response. I turned now to Lycannar, still asleep. The sky had already darkened, and I knew he must return to his tower since he couldn¡¯t stay out two nights in a row. I walked toward the bed and sat tenderly beside him, reaching out to graze his cheek with my fingertips. +20 Free Coins ¡°Lycan?¡± I called softly, hating to wake him from his beautiful sleep. ¡°Lycannar? My love?¡± He stirred, and slowly his eyelids fluttered open, grey shifting to pale gold. My heart leapt to my throat, nearly stealing all reason from me. Why is he so handsome? Why does he have to be this breathtaking? Why? Silence stretched between us. I couldn¡¯t move, and he wouldn¡¯t stop staring. Then his lips pressed against mine, making my heart swell with joy. ¡°My love, you have to go home,¡± I said softly, my chest aching with sadness as I pulled away. ¡°I¡¯ll order clothes for you at once. The one you wore is in theundry basket. It¡¯s wet from the rain and blood.¡± I headed toward the door, but his voice came, deep and husky from sleep. ¡°Don¡¯t bother.¡± I turned back, meeting his gaze as he sighed and nced toward the present box Blue had brought. Then Lycannar rose from the bed and walked into the bath chamber to answer nature¡¯s call before returning to dress. I sat down on the bed, eyes on him as he fixed his attire. Blue had been precise. The clothes fit him perfectly, as though she had taken his measurements herself. She must have been obsessed to know him so well. Lycannar put on the new boots, ran his fingers through his hair, leaving the strands to fall beautifully across his face. Lastly, he picked up the bracer and was fastening it around his forearm when I stood to help him. In silence, I reached for the ropes, tying them expertly. The entire time I could feel his eyes on me, steady, unrelenting. After I finished, I made to walk away, but he caught my wrist and pulled me back. ¡°You¡¯re mad at me.¡± I swallowed, then pulled away. ¡°Let¡¯s go. It¡¯s nightfall already.¡± With that, I walked out, sadness clinging to me at the thought of him leaving, knowing I¡¯d be empty once again. Back Where 213 Zephyrine +20 Free Coins 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. : For original chapters go to Find[?]ovel 28 +20 Free Coins 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. 28 +20 Free Coins ¡°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. Back Where 214 Zephyrine : : 28 +20 Free Coins I pushed open the door of my bedchamber, Dessyn and Blue following close behind. A shaky sigh escaped me the moment I stepped in. ¡°The pack feels empty¡­ and I feel emptier, hollower now that Lycannar is gone,¡± I murmured, pulling away the curtain draped over my mirror. I moved to settle in the chair, staring at Dessyn¡¯s reflection. She climbed onto the bed, and our gazes met briefly before hers drifted toward the sheets. Then I saw it. The mischievous smile on her lips, making me arch a brow. ¡°You did it on here?¡± she teased, and I turned to stare at her, wordless. ¡°I mean, it¡¯s the perfect weather. He¡¯s hot, and¡­ I heard you were sleeping in his arms all afternoon. Surely sleeping isn¡¯t all you two did.¡± Still I said nothing, just watching her grin. She raised a brow. ¡°What? You don¡¯t want to gist me?¡± A lump rose in my throat, and I swallowed it down. Without a word, I rose from the chair and pulled her into a hug. ¡°I miss you,¡± I whispered softly. ¡°I miss this side of you. Your naughtiness. Your smile. Just you.¡± Silence lingered between us. She pulled back and guided me to sit beside her. I watched her try to smooth away the heavy atmosphere with a smile, but it faltered. Her gaze lingered on me before she took my hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. ¡°Thank you for keeping your word, Zephyr. You said you¡¯d bring your brother home, and you did.¡± Her voice shuddered as she went on. ¡°No one can fathom the greatness, the goosebumps when the pack gates opened and you rode in with a Blood, covered in blood.¡± I smiled at her words and answered, ¡°None of it would¡¯ve been possible without that same Blood. Lycannar Blood. He made it simple. I still don¡¯t know how he cut through hundreds of soldiers to reach my brother. He saved Varyn, and he saved me.¡± Hearing that, Dessyn searched my eyes before lowering her gaze, blinking rapidly. : 28 +20 Free Coins ¡°It was obvious to us all. His de dripped with blood, and the rain washing over him only smeared it deeper into his clothes. He¡¯s a king, Zephyr. He has wealth, strength, everything. I don¡¯t know how to repay him. Maybe I should give you to him as an offering?¡± At that, I gaped at her and smacked her shoulder. She giggled, and I joined in. After a moment, I leaned against the headboard, watching her glow. No one could look more excited than Dessyn. ¡°So¡­ once Varyn gets better¡­ what do you n¡­¡± ¡°He¡¯ll make up for the years he¡¯s left me behind,¡± she cut in without letting me finish, and I chuckled. ¡°Oh yes. Varyn will.¡± I smiled, but her face soon dimmed, sadness recing her spark. I raised a brow. ¡°Zephyr¡­¡± she said hesitantly. ¡°What if¡­ Varyn doesn¡¯t want me anymore?¡± ¡°Nonsense.¡± Th? link to the orig?n of this information r?sts ?n find¡¤novel She looked at me, but couldn¡¯t bring herself to speak. I saw it in her eyes. The fear, the doubt but I knew my brother. I knew Varyn. The silence thickened until footsteps broke it. The door opened, and Moon entered. ¡°Dessyn, you¡¯re needed.¡± ¡°Oh. Yes.¡± She rose at once and hurried off. Once she was gone, Moon fixed his gaze on me. Without thinking, he reached for my wrist, pulling me into a hug. With Lycannar absent, we could share this moment. I hugged him back, grateful, then pulled away. His eyes searched mine, and I smiled warmly. ¡°Thank you for being here, Moon. Thank you for taking care of my brother.¡± At that, he stared at me as though I had spoken nonsense. ¡°Lord Varyn is my senior, my future brother¨Cinw. Taking care of him has nothing to do with you. He¡¯s like a mentor to me. I respect him. And¡­ I¡¯m sure he¡¯ll recover. Princess Mearez looks skilled.¡± Pride touched my smile. ¡°She is skilled. Not that she only looks like it.¡± : ¡°Just like her brother,¡± he said, and I smiled, until his next words dimmed it. 28 +20 Free Coins ¡°Those soldiers surrounding Lord Varyn, are they truly dispatched? Because there¡¯s no way you both could¡¯ve passed through them.¡± I paused, rethinking. ¡°Lycannar did most of the work. He¡­ cleared the path for me. I only took care of my brother and¡­¡± Moon stared at me in disbelief and my voice trailed off. ¡°That can¡¯t be true. The Lycan King is powerful, yes. But to break through that army? I saw them myself when my sister and I snuck into ckwater. If he truly did¡­ how is that possible?¡± ¡°How about we face the fact that he helped us?¡± I said softly. ¡°My brother is home, all thanks to Lycannar. Let¡¯s not pry further.¡± Moon¡¯s gaze lingered on mine, reading the unspoken warning. I wouldn¡¯t let Lycannar¡¯s name be tarnished. He sighed and nodded. ¡°I apologize, Zephyr. I should go see if Dessyn needs help.¡± I smiled in response, watching him take his leave. Strangely, once he was gone, I found myself pausing, wondering. How did Lycannar truly cut through those soldiers? How did he¡­ ¡°Mydy?¡± Blue¡¯s voice startled me, and I nearly jumped out of my skin. She was already in the chamber with me. I let out a shaky sigh and sank onto the bed. Blue came forward, settling at the rug by my side as she always did. ¡°Mydy, don¡¯t you think the cloth suits my king perfectly?¡± Her innocent, happy face eased me, and I leaned back against the headboard. The heaviness of Lycannar¡¯s absence lifted slightly. ¡°He¡¯s grateful for the cloth, Blue,¡± I told her gently, ¡°I know the man I love. I feel it in him. He loves you. He will protect you. And I will protect who Lycannar loves. That includes you.¡± 28 +20 Free Coins Blue studied me for a long moment, then lowered her gaze, smiling softly. ¡°I know. My king doesn¡¯t like forming new bonds. He fears he¡¯ll destroy them¡­ or face betrayal. His father, our former king, was never a good example. So it¡¯s hard for him to trust.¡± I nodded. ¡°Yes. He grew up in pain, in trauma. I can¡¯t imagine what that means. My parents gave me everything.¡± ¡°How about your aunt, mydy?¡± Blue asked, and I paused, thinking of her, my Aunt Kostyra. ¡°She¡¯s¡­ just there,¡± I murmured quietly. Blue reached for my hand, as if bracing me for a blow. ¡°Mydy, while you were away, there¡¯s something you must know. Your aunt¡­ she¡¯s been visiting the ckbridge Pack in secret. And worse, one of the maids here has been reporting your every move to her.¡± Back Where 215 Lycannar 28 +20 Free Coins We arrived toote. gods, we arrived toote. A minute past midnight and I nearly died. I had begun to feel it earlier, but I ignored the warning, dismissing it as something unimportant. Like it didn¡¯t matter. Like a fever that would soon burn itself out. But I was wrong. When the toll of twelve struck and I was not yet in my ck tower, the sickness erupted. The beast inside me wed to the surface. My fingers cracked, stretching into ws, my gums split as fangs pushed through. My vision burned until it drowned in red. That was when I knew what was about to happen. My horse, sensing the weight of my urgency, galloped straight for the kingdom. The guards barely had time to swing the massive gates open before I stormed through. We thundered into the royal stable, and I leapt off, lungs tearing as I rushed for the ck tower. Faces turned. My people. My maids, my guards, innocent in their duties, yet in my eyes they looked like prey. Every heartbeat sounded like blood rushing in my ears. By the time I stumbled into the dining hall and made for the stairs, my reason was slipping. My demon side was rising. ¡°Lycannar!¡± Mearez¡¯s voice cut through. My eldest sister. She had seen me. She hurried forward, but I clenched my jaw, forcing myself past her. If I faltered now, she would not survive me. I lurched into the hallway, bones snapping, twisting. Hair burst through my skin, my wings ripping and reshaping, half¨Ctorn, half¨Cborn. I copsed, snarling, on the bed chamber floor. ¡°Lycannar!¡± Serena¡¯s voice came this time. ¡°Baby brother?! What¡­ what¡¯s happening to him?¡± Their footsteps echoed as they reached the doorway. They froze when they saw me. Horror drained their faces pale. I turned from them, shame and rage warring inside me. ¡°Leave,¡± I growled. My voice broken, guttural, not my own. Instead of obedience they stare at me in awe and concern. I could smell their fear, and gods help me, it smelled sweet. 28 +20 Free Coins I rose, trembling, about to lunge, my own sisters, yet to my eyes they were only fragile things waiting to be torn apart. Chantel burst into the chamber, mming the door shut behind him at thest moment. He lunged for the potion, ripped the cork free, and passed it into my hands. I blinked, fighting through bloodlust, and swallowed it down in desperate gulps. Fire seared my ankles, the anklets glowing white¨Chot, binding me. Achoring me back to normal. Slowly, agonizingly, the shift reversed. Bones cracked back into ce. The wings folded, shriveled. The beast shrank. I returned to myself. Breathless, drenched in sweat, I tore off my boots and stared at the glowing anklets, their magic still burning into me. My hands shook. I had nearly shifted outside. Nearly ughtered them all. This¡­ this was why I could not stay away from the cktower for two nights. I was a danger. The threat. A curse. Checktest chapters at Find¡ïNovel Chantel retrieved the empty vial and ced it back where it belonged. Just then, a knock rattled the door. My sisters¡® voices wavered through. ¡°Is he alright? Lycannar?¡± ¡°Why in the gods¡® name would you let him returnte? Don¡¯t you know what the warnings mean? He can¡¯t be away for more than one night! What if he¡­¡± ¡°Serena,¡± Mearez hushed, though her own voice shook. They were afraid. Afraid for me. I bit my lip, rose, and slowly opened the door. They stood waiting, fear veiled in worry. I stopped at the threshold. I knew I could not cross. If I did, the binding spell in this chamber would break. I met their eyes. Serena¡¯s face trembled with concern before she turned it into a re. Her mask against horror. ¡°For gods¡® sake, Lycannar. Can¡¯t you follow a simple rule? Why stay away two nights? Why risk this?¡± ¡°Serena,¡± Mearez called gently, but Serena only hardened further. ¡°Then I¡¯ll stay in your living room tonight since you¡¯ve decided to make my life a nightmare. I can as well start by not sleeping tonight.¡± : 28 +20 Free Coins She stormed off to the dining hall and dropped into a chair. I lingered my gaze, then looked to Mearez. Her silence carried more worry than words. Without speaking, she joined Serena. The ck tower sank into silence, heavy as a tomb. I left the door open and returned to my chamber, where a heap of reports waited on the table. In surprise, I looked to Chantel for exnation. ¡°Your uncle Dareth sent them this morning,¡± he said without dy. ¡°He requires your approval with the royal stamp. He asked Princess Serena to deliver the seal, but she refused said you¡¯d see to them yourself. So I brought the reports here.¡± His words chilled me. The royal seal. My eyes shifted toward the sacred shelf where ity, beside the golden crown I had never worn since my coronation. To me, the crown was a curse, an omen of ruin. Lowering my gaze, I moved to the table and sank into the chair. ¡°Bring me the royal seal,¡± I told Chantel. ¡°Let¡¯s finish these reports. I will not sleep tonight anyway.¡± Back Where 216 Lycannar ¡°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¨Cblooded 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. 57 +10 Free Coins 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. Go to 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. The rightful source is f?i?n?d?n?o?v?e?l? 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 d. ¡­ 57 +10 Free Coins 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. Back Where 217 Zephyrine 57 +10 Free Coins Follow current nov?ls on find{n}ovel ¡°We were called to wash your aunt¡¯sundry, mydy Kostyra. Since I was less busy, I decided to help Selia, one of the three maids that came with Madam Isolde. When I got there, I caught that scent on her dress, the one she had just pulled off after riding into the pack in her carriage. I recognized it immediately as the scent of Luna Tahlia. That¡¯s how I knew it was from ckbridge pack. After we finished theundry, Selia was summoned in by Lady Kostyra, and I swear I never meant to eavesdrop until I heard the names ¡®Zephyr and Apex. I knew it was about you and my king. I mean, she could speak of you since you are her niece, but my king¡­ both of you at once? I grew suspicious. I overheard Selia saying Princess Mearez and the Dusks had already arrived and seemed to be awaiting your arrival with Lord Varyn. Lady Kostyra replied with a scoff that you would be dead with my king in ckwater. That the mission would not seed.¡± I sighed, staring at the sun rising in the horizon, glorious and golden as if to bless us all. Yesterday had been drenched in rain, but today the sun chose to bless. I had not slept at all. How could I, when I learnedst night that my aunt was the betrayer, plotting to wipe me and my brother out? Even the Lycan King. I stirred in bed, my eyes lowering to Blue, loyal to the point of fault. Loving and respecting her king to the edge of reason. I reached down to drape the nket over her, only for her to stir and open seeing me in the sunlight, she sat up. ¡°Mydy. Good morning.¡± her eyes. Upon I didn¡¯t respond with words. I only smiled, and she rose to her feet. Slowly, she headed into the bath chamber to wash her face. After she departed, the door opened and Isolde entered, head bowed with the three maids. ¡°Mydy, good morning. We will prepare your bath now,¡± Isolde said, moving toward the chamber, but I held out my hand to stop her. ¡°Among you¡­ who is Selia?¡± My voice was curt, just as Blue returned from the chamber, her face fresh and clean. The three maids froze, and Isolde turned to them, then back to me in confusion. ¡°Mydy¡­¡± ¡°Who among you is Selia?¡± I cut her off, repeating the question. +10 Free Coins Tension fell heavy until one stepped forward. A brte with an innocent face, one that could never be mistaken for a viin. A spy. She bowed, and I stared at her for what felt like eternity. Her. She had given my enemies words. If Lycannar hadn¡¯t been as skilled as he was back in ckwater, we would be dead alongside Varyn. I bit my lower lip and beckoned her forward. ¡°Come. Sit,¡± I said gently, but she knew it was a facade. She could feel it. I saw it in the way she hesitated, stepping back, only for the door to open again. Dessyn entered, urgent. ¡°Zephyr, your aunt demands to see Varyn.¡± Hearing this, I lifted my gaze and shook my head. ¡°No one sees my brother except those already allowed.¡± ¡°She won¡¯tply. She insists.¡± My jaw tightened. If that¡¯s the case, then I must resort to thest solution. I reached for my sword, the rare de I rarely drew from behind my bedframe. Gasps filled the chamber as I stood, my eyes fixed on Selia, the spy. ¡°Walk,¡± I ordered. She shivered, obeying at once, moving toward the exit. I followed slowly, my sword dragging against the floor until we reached the hall. My aunt was there, arguing with Jurrek who blocked her path. ¡°Varyn is my nephew. I must see him!¡± ¡°You won¡¯t be seeing my brother, Aunt,¡± I said from where I stood. She turned, freezing when she saw me. As I approached, she stiffened and began backing away until we stood in the open space. Pack members nearby froze, confusion painted on their faces. I stopped before her. Her face had gone pale, though she forced herself to remain defiant. ¡°What do you think you are doing, Zephyr? How dare you keep my own nephew from me?!¡± Her words made me lose my temper. I turned to Selia, who thought she had found safety at a distance. She was wrong. 17:18 Thu, Sep 18 J ¡­ : ¡°Jurrek,¡± I called, and my beta rushed forward, confused but never questioning. I passed him my sword, then slowly walked to Selia, taking her hand tenderly. ¡°Tell me¡­ what have you been telling my aunt about me? Go on. Speak.¡± 57 +10 Free Coins She shuddered, her face draining of color. Her eyes darted to Aunt Kostyra, who subtly signaled to her. Selia turned back to me, shaking her head, copsing to her knees in pretense. ¡°Mydy¡­ I have never spoken to your aunt about anything. I have¡­¡± She was still speaking when I drew my de from its sheath. In a blink, her throat was cut open. Gasps erupted around us. Blood spilled, and she gagged, staring up at me in disbelief. I gently dropped the sword and lowered myself, pulling her into my arms, patting her back softly. ¡°Rest now. Rest.¡± As though obeying, she leaned into me and died. Her body turned cold, blood soaking my gown and fingers. I stood, shoving her body aside like filth, and turned to my aunt. Her defiance cracked atst, fear overtaking her. From Lycannar I had learned one lesson. The easiest way to solve a problem is to remove the threat. I seized her wrist, my gaze hard. ¡°You¡­ you¡¯ve let that cursed king turn you into¡­ into a maniac,¡± she stammered. ¡°You killed¡­ an innocent girl.¡± Bitterness wed at my throat, but I pressed on. ¡°Tell me, Aunt. You went to ckbridge pack. What did you do there?¡± I raised the sword. ¡°I swear I won¡¯t hesitate to¡­¡± ¡°You are not fit to be Alpha!¡± she spat, adrenaline forcing her confession. ¡°The prophecy is true. Being with that cursed king will bring chaos to us all. And now it¡¯s happening. Warrior June of ckbridge pack will be hanged at the market square tomorrow because of you and the cursed Lycan King! Because he refused to stop you both. His blood will be on your hands.¡± She trembled violently. I swallowed hard, then turned to Jurrek. 17:18 Thu, Sep 18 d. 57 +10 Free Coins ¡°Have men Guard her quarters. She must not leave the pack until I say so. And no one sees my brother besides the Dusks, Blue, Isolde, you and me.¡± Jurrek, as always, did not question. He bowed. I left, heart pounding at the word again. Prophecy. That same prophecy I heard from the council members? What prophecy? Back Where 218 Zephyrine :.. 57 +10 Free Coins I arrived at Luna Tahlia¡¯s abode that bright morning to stop. I had taken my bath, changed my clothes, and tried to rx, but I felt nothing like peace. I knocked at the door, and as though she had been waiting for me, it flew open and she appeared in the doorway, horror written across her face. Our gazes met for a moment before I looked past her to the maid carrying young ck. I bypassed Luna Tahlia and took the baby gently from the maid. The little hand tangled in my hair as he always did; his soft coos soothed my chest in a strange, immediate way, and I smiled, softly. Then the old verdict surfaced in my mind. The moon goddess¡¯s curse that I could not bear children until I found my second mate. I sighed now, wondering about the talk of prophecy. The council members had murmured it once and I¡¯d called it bluff. My aunt had repeated it and I would call it bluff too. Yet the doubt still pricked. I handed the maid young ck carefully; she epted him and excused herself from the small, cozy living room. Slowly I turned to see the true Luna of ckbridge pack standing there, staring at me awed, wondering, in utter disbelief. ¡°Your brother is the wounded warrior Ka sold to ckwater?¡± she asked, and I swallowed. ¡°My gods, Varyn Ashmere¡­ is the one she sold?¡± Readplete version only at find{n}ovel She could not believe it even as she spoke. She stepped closer to me. ¡°I¡¯m sure Ka never knew who he truly was. I¡­ I am so sorry, Alpha Zephyrine.¡± Her words washed over me, but I hade for another reason. ¡°You know Warrior June?¡± I asked. Her brow creased in surprise. ¡°He¡¯s themander of the ckbridge army¡± ¡°He is going to be executed tomorrow morning at the market square. His offense is he refused to lead a battle to ughter the Lycan King and me, because he would not repay me for standing up for Luna Tahlia by dueling a rogue to the death.¡± 1 paused to watch her reaction. She paled. +10 Free Coins ¡°Now I know you won¡¯t be able to do anything but watch him die. I can¡¯t save him. An Alpha has limits when ites to another pack¡¯s affairs but you are the true Luna of ckbridge. Your presence alone can not only save him but restore your right. He will be hanged tomorrow. I came to warn you that his blood could be on your hands, not mine.¡± She reddened with grief, but I did not wait for her tears. I turned to leave, but her voice caught
  1. me.
¡°Everyone believes I left ckbridge the moment I caught my husband in bed with a woman. No. I stayed and watched it all. I had to endure it for my son.¡± Her shoulders sagged under the grief she had kept hidden. ¡°Ka returned from her so¨Ccalled mission and walked into my husband¡¯s bed. I had to swallow that humiliation while newly delivered. She only came to host the party for Young ck¡¯s naming ceremony, but she crawled into ck¡¯s life in disguise.¡± Bitterness etched her words; tears shimmered in her eyes. ¡°I know ck is manipted. I know Ka is evil. I know her father plots and her mother is colder than ice. Destruction follows them. Little by little she began to issue orders and act in my ce. I tried to save my marriage. I went to the council but no one stepped forward. Instead, they gave Ka more power, and the next day she threatened me if I tried to block her, she¡¯d exile my son to the worst reaches of this shifter empire. I have no one but my old mother. I had to flee for my life. For my son¡¯s life.¡± She stepped closer and asked, voice trembling, ¡°I was betrothed to ck since childhood. We are not mated. My father and my father¨Cinw were best friends. I was trained in the etiquette and the ways to lead my people,¡± she swallowed and shook her head. ¡°But I was never taught how to endure the threat to my child¡¯s life. For Young ck¡­ I will not fight.¡± Goosebumps rose along my skin. I could not share her exact fear for a son, but I understood the bone¨Cdeep terror. She had one child; she had resigned herself to the loneliness of a widow and single mother. I searched her eyes and felt the need to offer a solid backup. What solid backup did she need more than me? No. What did she and I need more than the Lycan Kingdom? I took her hand; my chest heaved as I spoke. ¡°I know a man who answers threats with death. He answers disorder with order. He is a king, and he is merciful when he chooses to be.¡± I squeezed her hand, firm. ¡°What if I promise you that I and this king will stand behind you? What will you do?¡± 17:18 Thu, Sep 18 d. : It was as though she had been waiting for that question all her life. 57 +10 Free Coins ¡°Then I¡¯ll take the next carriage and appear at the market square tomorrow morning to save Warrior June, who is still my ally, and to save the pack that belongs to my son.¡± My heart swelled at the fire in her eyes. I stepped back toward the door, calling over my shoulder. ¡°A carriage will be ready for you tomorrow. ckbridge is yours, Luna Tahlia. Young ck¡¯s birthright. Gone are the days when we were soft enough to let Ka steal what was ours. Not anymore.¡± ( Back Where 219 Lycannar I wokezy and utterly weak; all I wanted was to stay in bed and never move. But my uncle¡¯s voice from down the stairs forced me up. The sun had settled over the shifter empire and I was grateful for it. A beautiful day, it seemed, yet I felt anything but well. I rose from the chair where I¡¯d been sitting alone and carried the reports down the stairs. Slowly I descended to find him waiting with the elders. Baron, my beta and cousin, stepped forward to take the reports from me. I let him have them, careful not to touch him. He took a step back, and I watched them quietly before turning toward the stairs to mount them when my uncle¡¯s voice cut through. ¡°You seem unwell, Your Majesty.¡± I paused, not replying. I started up the stairs when Baron¡¯s sudden voice came, sharp. ¡°You approved the reports without me?¡± I stopped and raised a brow. Why did he sound angry, so¡­ authoritative? using? ¡°Why would you approve those reports without the presence of your Beta, Apex?¡± Apex. The name they¡¯d all heard my brother Hades call me. One that stuck. Even my father who tried to make Lycannar stick failed. They all thought it was a nickname, but no. It was my name. Wait¡­ is Baron okay? I turned to stare at him. My uncle¡¯s voice pitched in, smooth and steady. ¡°Well, he can approve reports without you, Baron, but he looks ill.¡± He looked up and smiled. ¡°Your Majesty, why not give your Beta the royal seal so he can handle today¡¯s reports?¡± The question hollowed the room. I swallowed the bitter in my throat and met my uncle Dareth¡¯s unwavering eyes. My gaze slid to the elders, and finally to Baron. ¡°Get it, Your Majesty,¡± my cousin said. ¡°I will take care of today¡¯s reports and return the royal seal when I am done.¡± 57 +10 Free Coins ¡°Go wait for me in the royal chamber. I wille with it,¡± I said. My gaze lingered on him a long moment, then I turned and walked to my bedchamber, to the sacred stand where the crown and royal seal rested. The inheritance from my father, the former King. I swallowed and took them both, crown and seal, and headed for the royal chamber. Few knew my curse. Very few knew my true nature. Among them were my uncle Dareth and my cousins. They knew I was a hybrid, but they did not know I shifted into a ravenous beast once each month. My father had kept it secret; my siblings had followed his lead. Walking toward the throne chamber with the crown in its sealed ss case drew every eye. Golden and sacred. I arrived to find them waiting. My eight elders, my uncle Dareth, Baron my beta. They stared at me as if I¡¯d lost my mind, perhaps I had. For days they¡¯d asked for the seal. Why? ¡°You want to be king?¡± I asked Baron, extending the golden crown to him. ¡°Take it. Put it on.¡± ¡°What in the world are you doing, Your Majesty?¡± my uncle demanded, stepping forward. I ignored him. My hand remained outstretched. ¡°Take it. Put it on and sit on that throne.¡± ¡°Apex!¡± my uncle snapped. ¡°What in gods name are you¡­¡± ¡°He wanted it,¡± I cut him off, turning to stare. ¡°Isn¡¯t that what you all wanted? Baron to rule? Isn¡¯t that what you elders wished? Why you have been straining me for the Royal seal?¡± Tension charged the room. The air shivered. ¡°Watch your tongue, Apex,¡± my uncle warned as he stepped closer, leaning in. His whisper was venomous. ¡°We all know you were never meant to be king. Son of a King and a queen, yet, you belong nowhere. I still do not know why my big brother did not kill you when he had the chance.¡± Those words were meant to pass, but theynded in my chest and would not leave. I met his eyes and swallowed. ¡°You hate me that much, Uncle?¡± I asked, the voice choked out sadly, ¡°Hate?¡± He chuckled bitterly. ¡°You are a stain on our bloodline. Not fully Abyss, not fully Blood. Only the gods know how monstrous your offspring will be. We only ask out of mercy for you hand over the royal seal. Why didn¡¯t you when we asked?.¡± hand over the royal seal. Why didn¡® His words cut deep. The same usations I¡¯d lived with all my life. The talk of monstrous 17:19 Thu, Sep 18 .. 223 57 +10 Free Coins offspring tore something inside me. I felt like fleeing, but hisst question held me fast. Why had I not handed over the seal when they asked? ¡°Because the ten seconds after Baron sits on that throne¡­ he will die.¡± Silence mmed into the chamber. My uncle snapped. He lunged to the chair at the meeting corner and flung aside, just when my two sisters burst in, aghast. ¡°Lycannar!¡± Mearez cried, rushing to my side. ¡°What is happening?¡± Before anyone could answer, my aunt Eiryn dashed in. ¡°What is going on here?¡± she demanded, breathless from the rm that must have spread through the kingdom. ¡°You heard what your king said? This cursed man, abandoned by the moon goddesses, who would bring ruin?! Can you imagine what he said?¡± Uncle Dareth rasped, voice rising. ¡°Excuse me, Uncle Dareth, you will not speak to the king that way,¡± Serena stepped forward, but before anyone could speak more, Baron¡¯s voice cut in. ¡°Bring the crown. I will wear it and prove you wrong, Apex.¡± Gasps flooded the chamber. A challenge, brazen and public, offered before the golden crown and our lineage. I extended the crown. He opened the ss case with reverence, lifted the crown, and set it on his head. He strode to the throne and lowered himself into it like a lord, a smile curving his lips. Nothing happened and My uncle sneered. ¡°You see? You see¡­¡± he began, but as the seconds ticked, the massive crest of the Lycan Kingdom shifted on the wall. It lurched, lost its bnce, and crashed down, heavier than any expectation, mming straight toward the throne. For a heartbeat I thought to let Baron be smashed, but I surged forward and hauled him free at thest second. The crest smashed onto the throne behind him, shattering and splintering across the floor. Baron stumbled, the crown tumbling from his head and rolling until it came to rest at my feet. Silence fell. Heaviest than anything. My chest tightened as I stared at the fallen crown. The golden circlet, the curse. 17:19 Thu, Sep 18 d 57 +10 Free Coins Slowly, I reached down to lift it. Get full chapters from find¡¤novel ¡°Say anything about my offspring again, uncle,¡± I warned as I straightened, ¡°and I will make you weep for one of your own.¡± Back Where 220 Zephyrine +10 Free Coins Silence. My pack was unusually silent today. It was as though even the members themselves were afraid of the Alpha¡¯s wrath. I know why. I know how. I had ughtered Selia before the public, and everyone witnessed it. It¡¯s¡­ only reasonable for them not to get on my nerves today. I had just left Luna Tahlia¡¯s abode, and I had sent for Jurrek Bane. We must prepare to return Young ck to where he belongs, to move Luna Tahlia from a hidden resident back into the true Luna that she is. I walked to my bed and was about to sit when the door opened, and Isolde entered gently, her head bowed. ¡°M¡­mydy. Beta Jurrek is here to see you.¡± Her voice shook, and I sighed at it. Gently, I stepped toward her, grateful when she didn¡¯t pull away as I took her hand. Slowly she looked up at me, almost reluctant, and I smiled softly into her face. ¡°Isolde,¡± I began quietly. ¡°You¡¯ve been my attendant since I was very young. There were times after I returned these past five years that I doubted you, and today I want to apologize for that. I won¡¯t spill innocent blood. Those who died by my sword deserved it. You know this, don¡¯t you?¡± Official source is Find¡ïNovel In response, she stared at me in silence, then reached to take my hand, patting it softly. ¡°My¡­mydy. You¡¯ve been bottling up too much and carrying far more than any woman should bear. Perhaps you should¡­ take a break, leave the burdens behind, and enjoy yourself for the first time. For once, think only of yourself, what makes you happy. Don¡¯t you think?¡± Without waiting for my reply, she walked out, leaving me in thought. Maybe it¡¯s¡­ time? The door opened again, and Jurrek walked in. Staring at him, my heart clenched, and somehow the decision was made. I moved toward the bed and sat gently. Jurrek¡¯s eyes were on me. He didn¡¯t speak, and I swallowed before looking at him. ¡°You probably think I¡¯ve gone crazy,¡± I muttered, but he only smiled, surprising me. +10 Free Coins ¡°I thought you¡¯d gone crazy the moment I heard you were in a rtionship with the cursed Lycan King.¡± He stepped closer, his smile faint and sad. ¡°And now, I believe you¡¯vepletely gone mad with¡­ with what life has pushed into your possession.¡± He reached for my hand, his smile dimming. I met his eyes, hearing the sigh escape him. ¡°She¡¯s a spy?¡± ¡°To my aunt, and my aunt to Ka,¡± I murmured softly. ¡°Ka¡­ sold Varyn, Jurrek. To ckwater. It¡¯splicated somehow, but once my brother wakes and steadies, he¡¯ll break every chain of lies in every corner. The Ash Pack¡­ will return to what it was always meant to be.¡± He froze, shocked, words failing him. ¡°Have a carriage ready to depart tomorrow morning, Jurrek. For Luna Tahlia. Give her guards to protect her life and Young ck¡¯s. Dead will rise tomorrow, and stolen glory will return.¡± *** ¡°Are you sure you won¡¯t being with me?¡± I asked Blue again, but she shook her head, certain. ¡°I¡¯ll stay with Lord Varyn and brew his potion,¡± she replied, making me smile. I had already prepared to ride off. I was leaving for the Lycan Kingdom. I needed to be in my man¡¯s arms. For a thousand reasons. The first, because I could feel his sadness through the amulet. The second, because I have to give him response to his proposal, thirdly because I couldn¡¯t sleep without him anymore. And the rest of the thousand¡­ because I loved him, and he loved me. I was his, and he was mine. Blue fastened my cloak and stepped back to look at me, smiling. ¡°My king will look at you more than once, mydy.¡± Her words made me smile, and I stepped back just as the door opened and Dessyn walked in. ¡°Best friend, I heard you¡¯re going home?¡± ¡°Yeah,¡± I replied. ¡°First, I¡¯ll go to the Lycan Kingdom. Tomorrow, I¡¯ll meet with Luna Tahlia. She¡¯s making hereback. After that, I¡¯ll visit White Pack to check on Father and Alpha Auedric. I¡¯ll return afterward.¡± She nodded, running her fingers through her hair in exhaustion. It showed in her face. The 17:19 Thu, Sep 18 ¡­ fatigue of caring for Varyn. I lowered my gaze, hearing her say, +10 Free Coins ¡°You should help me bring some clothes. Moon too. I don¡¯t think he has any left to wear.¡± ¡°Deal.¡± She smiled and walked out, leaving me to swallow hard. After a few minutes, I headed to my carriage with Blue walking beside me. But as we passed the hall, I had to pause. Each time I bypassed his bedchamber, I lost the ability to breathe. If I dared step into that chamber with him, I would lose everything and cry. Because he was my brother, and I had failed him for five long years. Fleeing was the only way to stay sane. That¡¯s why I was fleeing, into the arms of Lycannar. I reached the carriage under the brightte¨Cmorning sky and climbed in. I had already bid farewell to Jurrek, and since I wouldn¡¯t bete, there was no need to bid farewell to the Dusks. I smiled at Blue, and she smiled back. ¡°Have fun,¡± she said before letting down the carriage curtain. I sighed, leaning back in my seat, allowing myself to savor thefort of the carriage Lycannar had gifted me as we set off toward the Lycan Kingdom. Back Where 221 Lycannar Footsteps sounded down the hall. I heard the living¨Croom door appear in the threshold of my bedchamber, looking at me. +10 Free Coins open and my sister Serena ¡°Uhm¡­ baby brother, dinner is ready,¡± she said, but I didn¡¯t answer. My eyes lingered on her for what felt like an eternity. I had gone mute after leaving the throne chamber earlier today; my people had gone quiet around me. The night traders closed early. The maids went to bed almost at once and the night guards were less active than usual. I wondered why. Are they also sad because the king is? I couldn¡¯t be sure. The one thing I was certain of is that my uncle Dareth would never doubt my words again while he lived. Nor would Baron ever ask for my crown or the royal seal. ¡°I will¡­ I am not hungry, Serena,¡± I finally replied when I saw her waiting. Concern flickered across her face and then hardened into anger, as usual. ¡°Mearez?!¡± she called, summoning our eldest. It didn¡¯t take long before Mearez appeared at Serena¡¯s side in the doorway. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Will you calm down?¡± she asked. ¡°Please,¡± Serena fretted. ¡°Why is he not eating? He hasn¡¯t taken a meal since morning, and I doubt he ate back at Ash Pack.¡± For more chapters visit Mearez looked at me gently. She knew I was still reeling from the argument with Uncle Dareth. ¡°Lycannar, why don¡¯t youe to the small dining room to eat? Please?¡± she urged. Before I could answer, Serena grunted impatiently. ¡°I¡¯ll tell my brother Hades. He¡¯ll know what to do and I know he¡¯s like this because he¡¯s the youngest. That¡¯s why he¡¯s sulking.¡± ¡°Will you calm down, Serena?¡± Mearez coaxed, helping her steady her breath. Then Mearez turned to me and sighed. ¡°I¡¯ll bring your meal. You must eat, Lycannar. Do you understand?¡± I nodded and looked away. She left and returned with tes I get up to ept, setting them on the table but leaving them covered for now. +10 Free Coins ¡°Thank you,¡± I murmured. Mearez smiled warmly and walked away, but Serena lingered a moment longer, muttering under her breath in regret. ¡°I should have gouged out that evil uncle Dareth¡¯s eyes for making my baby brother sad like this,¡± she hissed. I couldn¡¯t help the small, weak smile that tugged at me. She looked at me once, satisfied I¡¯d softened, then left, taking their warmth with her. After they departed I sat in silence, staring into space, lonely again. Alone and sad. A man who belonged nowhere. That was me. I was lost in the thought when the gate to the kingdom sounded open. Curious, I walked to the corridor and peered down. and there she was. Zephyrine. She alighted from her carriage, dressed beautifully, and I lowered my gaze, swallowing hard. An illusion, I told myself. She would nevere here. She might nevere again; I had pushed my luck by asking for her hand. Who in their right mind would ept a cursed man, the prisoner of this ck tower as a husband? A chill settled over me until soft hands wrapped my shoulders from behind. I froze. Chantel could enter the chamber, but he¡¯d never held me like this. Only she could. I turned slowly. It wasn¡¯t an illusion. She was here real, warm. I reached up and touched her cheek; it was alive beneath my hand. Her eyes lifted to mine like she was the only source of light. ¡°Zephyrine?¡± I whispered, praying this moment was not a dream. She smiled. ¡°Lycannar,¡± she breathed, leaning into my arms, her head settling on my chest. Instantly the doubts, the sorrow, the loneliness¡­ all of it eased. Shepleted something in me. ¡°Zephyrine¡­¡± I pulled her back a little to look into her eyes. ¡°You are here? I thought it wasn¡¯t real.¡± She nodded, calm and sure. ¡°I came to tell you something,¡± she said, and I went still. What could she possibly say? Had her brother recovered enough to reveal some bitter truth? ¡°It¡¯s about your proposal, Lycannar.¡± My palms sweated though the air was cool. I took a step back, breath catching. 17:19 Thu, Sep 18 J ¡°Yeah?¡± : Her next words cut into me, words I would never forget. & 57 +10 Free Coins ¡°I want to marry you too, Lycannar. I want you to be my husband. I want to live with you in this ck tower.¡± I stood frozen. I must not be hearing correctly. Did she just.. ¡°I became an Alpha to find my brother. Now he is here. He will recover and take the Alpha seat that was meant for him alone. Retiring from everything¡­ I would like to relocate here to give you what you asked for, Lycannar. The rest of my life¡­ I also wish to live it as yourwfully wedded wife.¡± She search my eyes to drop it. ¡°But I can¡¯t because¡­ I can¡¯t give you heir or heiress.¡± 519 Back Where 222 Zephyrine He is¡­ shattered. I can feel it. I can see it. But deep down I know I did the right thing. After everything he has done for me, the help I can never repay, the love, the devotion, I cannot repay him with an empty body. I will not make him fatherless. The Moon Goddess herself decreed I would never bring forth pups except for my second mate, and Lycannar is not the one. He deserves heirs. He deserves a legacy. I cannot take that away from him. I will repay him endlessly in other ways, but not in the one he desires most. When I lift my eyes to his, what I see is not anger. It is deeper than pain, deeper than agony. It is awe. Like he had seen this momenting all along, and now that it¡¯s here, he cannot believe he was right. ¡°You won¡¯t¡­ be my wife because you don¡¯t want to carry my pups?¡± he asks, and I pause. Wait. He has misunderstood. ¡°Why? Because¡­ because of the curse?¡± Hearing that shatters me. Why would he think such a thing? ¡°No,¡± I whisper. ¡°Your curse has nothing to do with this, Lycannar. I cannot give birth. I am¡­ barren.¡± His brow furrows, confusion shadowing his face. The same crease I¡¯ve seen before when something unsettles him. ¡°Don¡¯t make horrible things up, Zephyrine, just because you want to say no.¡± His words stun me. Now it is my turn to stare at him in awe. A sigh escapes my lips. I turn away, my eyes tracing his vast kingdom spread endlessly before me. My words cut through the silence, pointing out what I cannot change. ¡°When I stepped into my role as Alpha, I met the Moon Goddess. Sheid downws, uses I could never undo. Nyroth, as my first mate, was the only one who could impregnate me without hindrance. But I rejected him. And so she gave me another decree. Only my second- chance mate would be able to nt life within me. No other man.¡± My heart grows heavier as I slowly turn back to him. My throat tightens, and I swallow hard. ¡°You are a King, Lycannar. You own a vast kingdom. You bear the weight of your people and +10 Free Coins the duty of a bloodline to continue. I cannot chain you with my brokenness. I would marry you without a moment¡¯s hesitation if I could, but I am barren.¡± My lips tremble, biting back the ache. ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± Silence falls. He just stares, no reaction. Not until his jaw hardens and he strides past me, entering the bedchamber. A chill runs down my spine. His hurt is palpable. I can feel it through the amulet that binds us. His sorrow is raw, deep as a wound that may never heal. I freeze. This wasn¡¯t why I came. I didn¡¯te to make him bleed deeper. For a heartbeat, I consider letting him go. But then I break, following him. I step into the bedchamber just as he pulls his shirt over his head, stripping for the night bath. ¡°Lycannar?¡± I call softly. No response. ¡°Lycannar, this is for your own good. I¡¯m doing you a favor. Don¡¯t you understand? Don¡¯t you see it?¡± ¡°See what?¡± He stops, his shirt half off, and his eyes pierce into me. I swallow. ¡°See what, Zephyrine? Did I ask you for this favor?¡± My heart sinks. Not from the sharpness of his words but from the rawness of the pain in his eyes. ¡°Lycannar, you must understand me.¡± My voice falters. ¡°Understand what? Then tell me.¡± His tone hardens. ¡°Do you love me?¡± The question tears me apart. He knows the truth. ¡°You know I do.¡± ¡°And yet you would have me take another woman, lie with her, just to give me pups? Is that what you want?¡± Hearing it aloud rips through me like a de. The thought of him with another woman makes bile rise in my throat. My eyes sting, and I lower my gaze, biting my lip until it hurts. ¡°Let¡¯s face reality, Lycannar. I can¡¯t give you pups. And you need them.¡± My voice shakes. ¡°Besides¡­ that¡¯s not why I came. Can we not speak of this now?¡± gaze, Tension coils between us like a rope ready to snap. He pins me with his silent. Then he nods slowly. 2/4 Fresh chapters posted on Find¡ïNovel ¡°Fine. Let¡¯s forget about it. I¡¯ll take bath.¡± my He brushes past me without another word, mming the living chamber door behind him. The sound makes me shudder. It is the first time we¡¯ve truly argued bitterly, painfully, with our future hanging between us. I try to convince myself I did right. That I am protecting him. I gulp down the ache and follow him, pushing into the bath chamber. He sits in the water, his hands braced on the stone edge, his head bowed as though the weight of his thoughts is crushing him. My heart clenches. I begin to undress, stepping into the water, hoping maybe we can mend this here. But no. Lycannar swims past me, leaving without a word. He gathers his clothes and leaves the chamber, leaving me standing alone in the cold water. That¡¯s when I realize it. Maybe I¡¯ve done something too cruel. Maybe the answer I gave was harsher than I ever intended. my him My lips quiver as I try to hold myself together. First the battle that stole loved ones, and now, just when I¡¯ve found the man I love, fate tears him away from me with another merciless obstacle. We cannot live on fleeting moments of passion alone. And how can we marry when we know we will never bear children? Lycannar has always wanted pups. He¡¯s spoken of them in every breath that allowed it. ¡°As many as your body can give me,¡± he would say. But I cannot give him that. I cannot give him anything. Not after everything he has done for
  1. me.
I stare at the still water, attempting to finish my bath, but I cannot. The tears rise, burning, blurring, trailing hotly down my cheeks. I bite my lip, trying to hold back the sobs, but theye anyway. My body shakes. My heart aches. Cursed fate that I am useful to everyone else, but never to him. I am alone with my sorrow when I hear the footsteps. The door creaks open, and Lycannar stands there, dressed. I hup, brushing my tears away quickly, but he crosses the room in silence. His hand finds my wrist. Gently, firmly, he pulls me out of the water. 17:35 Fri, Sep 19 G .. ¡°Come here,¡± he says softly, his arm circling my waist. ¡°Let¡¯s talk about it.¡± Back Where 223 Lycannar I watch her stare at her reflection onest time before lowering the thin curtain to cover the mirror. Gently, she walks up to the table and takes a seat on the chair across from me. She looks¡­ utterly lovely in her nightdress, and for a brief moment I can only stare at her bare shoulders and the curve of her neck. For some reason, I wish I were close enough to press a kiss against her tender, milky skin. But just as the thought rises, it dies when my eyes meet hers. Our gazes lock briefly. She had said no, and that has hurt me more than anything ever has. I try to understand, but I can¡¯t. She said she loves me. Doesn¡¯t that mean that whatever happens, we face it together? Or have I misunderstood what love means? Is the love she feels for me different? I lower my gaze, burying the questions, and reach for the dinnerid out before us. I open the gaze fixed dish, pick up a piece of cutlery, and hand her the other. She hesitates. I can feel her on me, but I keep my eyes on the te. ¡°Thank you,¡± she mutters softly, finally epting it. We begin to eat in silence, but my appetite is gone. The beasts in me, who have always loved to consume their fill, are quiet tonight. After only three bites, I set the food aside and reach for the goblet of water, drinking slowly. Then I rise from the chair and pour myself the nightly potion to calm the beasts. After swallowing it down, I walk to the bed, sit, and bury my face in the hollow of my palms, sighing heavily to stayposed. Seconds pass, then minutes. Atst, I climb fully into bed, lying back as my eyes lift to the beautiful sketch of Zephyrine¡¯s face etched in memory. I want her, just as always. I want her as I always do, but she¡­ she does not seem to feel the same about me. And that breaks my heart. I lower my gaze, pull the nket over myself, and try to force sleep. The sound of her clearing the table carries through the chamber. Dishes clinking. Water running faintly from the kitchen. Minutester, she returns, her steps pausing in the middle of the room. I hear nothing more from her, no movement, and curiosity prompts me to crack my eyes open. She is staring at my ankles. A small frown creases her brows as she walks closer and sits on the edge of the bed, her fingers reaching for me. Instinctively, I pull back at thest moment. ¡°Don¡¯t touch it,¡± I say quietly. Her eyes lift from my legs to my face. ¡°Why? Because I¡¯m not your woman anymore?¡± I raise an eyebrow. Is that anger in her voice? And why does she sound as though I said such a thing? ¡°You¡¯re the one who dered yourself single, Zephyrine. Not me.¡± I turn slightly away, but her jaw hardens. ¡°Why can¡¯t you understand simple words, Lycannar?¡± ¡°Because they weren¡¯t simple,¡± I reply curtly. ¡°You gave me hope and then crushed it. You said love me, that you¡¯d love to marry me, and then the next second you say no to my proposal because you¡¯re barren, or because of something my foremother said to you¡­¡± you ¡°I¡¯m trying to save your bloodline, Lycannar. Why are you angry when I¡¯m doing you a great kindness?¡± ¡°Because you love me, Zephyrine!¡± I snap, sitting up atst, staring her down. ¡°I am obsessed It both We share a bond no one else can break. You said with you. I want you. you goes ways. loved me and that should mean something. Love isn¡¯t a word you toss aside when things get difficult. We were supposed to face it together. As a couple. Not one of us carrying the burden alone.¡± ¡°Lycan¡­¡± ¡°Our rtionship isn¡¯t just about sex. It¡¯s not about power, thrill, or good times. It¡¯s about the bad times too. Aboutforting each other. epting each other¡¯s ws, all of them. It shouldn¡¯t be your problem alone, Zephyrine. You should call it ours, so we can find the solution together.¡± She falls silent, still. I know the weight of my words has struck her. For the first time, I¡¯ve spoken in true frustration and misery, and she cannot brush it away. I sigh shakily, lowering my gaze, ¡°But if truly this is the path you¡¯ve chosen, then¡­ maybe we should forget the matter. Let¡¯s focus on something else. As you wish.¡± 17:35 Fri, Sep 19 B.. : No wordse from her. I lie back down, pulling the nket over me. 52 +10 Free Coins Seconds pass. Atst, she climbs into bed as well, lying beside me. Our first night filled with tension. Checktest chapters at ?ovelFind Our first night touched by real anger. Many couples would have turned away, slept apart. But after minutes of silence, the distance bes unbearable for both of us. She turns toward me, finding me already waiting. Zephyrine leans in and kisses my lips, pulling back to swallow hard. ¡°I¡¯m sorry I didn¡¯t think that far, Lycan. I just¡­ didn¡¯t want to be selfish.¡± Her voice is soft. ¡°I respect and love your sisters more than anything. No matter what the world says, they will always be considered Blood. But Lycannar¡­ you are the only true Blood to the throne left, and you need a true heir. Your offspring who will seed you.¡± I sigh deeply. ¡°You know¡­ my uncle Dareth said something today that weighs on me still. He said only the gods know how monstrous my offspring will be. Cursed, maybe. Worse than me. And thinking of it¡­ maybe not bearing pups is a blessing in disguise.¡± I swear I see her heart shatter as I try to console myself. Her teeth bite down on her lower lip until she trembles. Tears well in her eyes, spilling silently down her cheeks. Without a word, she crawls into my arms, and I hold her close. We stay like that, wrapped in each other, until sleep finally takes us. Back Where 224 Zephyrine I stirred in my sleep and gradually drifted awake when I couldn¡¯t feel him beside me. Lycannar. My eyes fluttered open, and I paused there for a while. It was like he hadn¡¯t slept in the chamber at all. A wave of loneliness suddenly washed over me, and I sat up groggily, determined to look for him. ¡°Lycan?¡± I called, but no response came. Only the echo of my own voice greeted me. It almost felt like Chantel wasn¡¯t even home. Restless now, I walked out of the living room and wandered toward the bath chamber, but he wasn¡¯t there. A shaky sigh escaped me. Was he still mad at me for what happenedst night? ¡°Lycan?¡± I called again, heading toward the end of the hall only for his voice to sound behind
  1. me.
¡°I¡¯m here.¡± I stiffened at the sound of it. Slowly, I turned to see him standing at the entrance where the stairs led down to the dining hall. He was fully dressed, as though he had just returned from somewhere, and judging by the darkest hour, I wondered where he had been. But that thought fled when his presence overwhelmed me with a warmth I hadn¡¯t expected. ????????? ?? Quietly, I walked into his arms, and he held me close, his palm stroking through my ¡°You okay?¡± he asked softly. hair. ¡°I can¡¯t sleep without you,¡± I murmured against his chest, and he pressed a kiss to my hair. ¡°Come on. Let¡¯s get you back to bed.¡± He carried me with ease andid me down gently in the bedchamber. His thumb caressed my cheek before he stood to pull off his boots, cloak, and shirt. Then he slid beneath the nket, gathering me into his arms. I sighed, melting against his solid presence. His strength always made me feel safe, but my eyes drifted down to his ankles. ¡°Lycan?¡± I asked quietly, sitting up to study the new scars etched there. ¡°What happened to you? Those weren¡¯t there before. You had no scars at all¡­ until now.¡± He didn¡¯t answer at first. Instead, he stared at me like I had just spoken in riddles. My fingers reached toward the mark, but at thest moment, he pulled his leg away. ¡°Don¡¯t touch it,¡± he said softly. I swallowed hard. To my ears, it sounded like rejection. ¡°I thought you said your problem is mine,¡± I whispered. ¡°You don¡¯t want to share this with me?¡± Silence stretched between us. Finally, he shook his head. ¡°I camete that night. Before I could return, the midnight bell had struck, meaning I have spent two nights outside.¡± I froze. ¡°What happened when you broke the¡­ warning?¡± ¡°I shifted,¡± he admitted quietly. ¡°The anklets were forged to restrain me from losing control. When my beasts tried toe out, they glowed red¨Chot. They burned me.¡± I went still again, stunned. Why did it always have to be this way? ¡°I should have let you go sooner that day,¡± I whispered, guilt choking me. ¡°It¡¯s my fault.¡± His arm came around me, pulling me down into his embrace. ¡°It¡¯s no one¡¯s fault but mine. I should have heeded the warning more carefully.¡± He sighed, eyes drifting up toward the sketch of me on the ceiling. His hand brushed over me tenderly. ¡°How is your brother?¡± At the mention, I blinked. Varyn. ¡°I left him in good hands. I am his sister, but¡­ I still believe Dessyn should look after him. She loves him too much. He¡¯s recovering.¡± Lycannar caressed me more gently, his voice low and steady. ¡°You don¡¯t need to feel guilty for what happened to your brother, Zephyrine. I know You¡¯re running from it because of that guilt.¡± $52 17:35 Fri, Sep 19 B +10 Free Coins He pierced me with the truth, and I felt myself shrink in his arms. Lycannar knew me far too well now. ¡°I came here seeking peace, Lycan. My pack is nothing but torment for me. I didn¡¯t know how to face Varyn¡¯s condition. I was angry with myself, too, for wasting five years when I could have gone to ckwater to save him.¡± ¡°You didn¡¯t know he was in ckwater,¡± he said, pulling back to meet my eyes. ¡°And the moment you found out, you rode straight there. You saved him.¡± ¡°All because of you,¡± I whispered. ¡°You make it all look so easy. The burden, the battle, the rescue. You stood behind me like a solid rock. You wiped my tears and never demanded that I be strong all the time. You told me it was okay to cry before you. And Lycan¡­ I don¡¯t know how to repay you. I don¡¯t know at all.¡± He said nothing, just cupped my cheek and gave me a small, almost sad smile. It made my heart ache that I had nothing to give him in return. ¡°You know¡­ I came here for more than one reason.¡± I lowered my gaze, my voice soft. ¡°Aside from rejecting your proposal.¡± He didn¡¯t speak, only watched me with patient eyes. ¡°I came because I felt your sorrow through the amulet. I came because something in me felt uneasy and here in your arms alone will I find peace. I came because I love you. I came because¡­ I love you again, and again, and again.¡± He silenced me with a kiss, pulling back just enough to search my eyes. ¡°I argued with my uncle Dareth earlier today,¡± he confessed. Readplete version only at Find_Novel(. I arched a brow. ¡°You¡¯re the easiest¨Cgoing man I¡¯ve ever known.¡± ¡°Well, he hates me enough to look past that,¡± Lycannar said, bitterness sharp in his voice. ¡°Baron, my beta, wants the crown. They used to hide it, but now they¡¯ve made it in and I gave it to him.¡± ¡°What?¡± I gasped. ¡°Lycan, he¡¯s a Blood, and you gave him the crown, he¡¯ll rule¡­¡® ¡°9 ¡°No,¡± he cut in, shaking his head. His gaze was heavy with sorrow. ¡°He can¡¯t be king. No one can. Not in my reign.¡± I stared at him. 3/4 ¡°Why?¡± : 151 +10 Free Coins ¡°Because it¡¯s my curse,¡± he revealed. His throat worked as he swallowed. ¡°The crown is my burden. The throne is my doom. The royal seal is my bitterness. My people are my responsibility. I must carry it all.¡± My heart shattered at the weight of his words. The meaning in them was more than pain. It was destiny. He gave me a small, broken smile. ¡°The coronation was the first andst time I ever wore the crown, Zephyrine.¡± I nodded, remembering. He hadn¡¯t touched it since. ¡°That¡¯s because when I put it on, I hear voices of the dead. The past kings whisper in my head. It¡¯s¡­ terrifying.¡± He lowered his voice to a whisper, his eyes softening as they lingered on me. ¡°Very terrifying, Zephyrine. I never want you to know how that feels. Because you are the woman I want to protect, provide for, support, and die for.¡± Back Where 225 Zephyrine The morning sunlight felt different today. The breeze, too, carried something new, as though everything had shiftedpletely. I could sense a surge of power in the air. I stirred, but he wasn¡¯t there beside me. The emptiness of the bed urged my eyes open. I sighed. It was a new day. A day when Luna Tahlia would reim her glory and set everything in the ckbridge Pack right with nothing more than her presence. A small smile tugged at my lips at the thought of how shocked everyone would be when she arrived. I turned to rise, but froze cold at the sight before me. I swear I shuddered. On the table stood a ss case, glowing faintly, holding what I never expected to see. My heart dropped as I pulled back. The ring. But¡­ how? I thought we had closed the chapter of marriage. I thought he had agreed I wasn¡¯t fit for a woman since I could give him nothing. Was he still going to propose despite everything? I was caught between disbelief and dread when he entered from the corridor. His filled the room, heavy andmanding. presence My breath caught as he walked toward the chair across from me and sat, his eyes locking onto mine, not with anger, not with disdain, but with a seriousnessced with possession. I gulped, tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear, my gaze flicking from the ring back to him. ¡°It was made overnight,¡± his voice came gently, making my heart clench. ¡°If you look closely, you¡¯ll see it has two sides. One represents a kingdom, the other a realm. It was carved from the purest sacred gold¡­ with a drop of my blood.¡± I bit my lower lip, shaken by the weight of his words. ¡°I had epted a fate long before you came into my life, Zephyrine,¡± he continued, his voice rough with honesty. ¡°That this tower would be where I lived and died in loneliness and anguish. My father never failed to remind me that no one would ever love me. That anyone 17:35 Fri, Sep 19 B 51 +10 Free Coins who showed me affection only wanted my wealth, my throne, my power. I resigned myself to it. Until you walked in. The very first nce, and I swear, I¡¯ve wanted you ever since. I told you no other woman matters, and you should believe me. I don¡¯t care what ws think you carry. We will face them together. you If you are burdened, we will carry it together. If there is joy, we willugh together. If sorrowes, we will grieve together. When I asked you to be my woman, it was never for disy, never to take you for a single night and walk away. What I feel for you is beyond everything, even beyond the curse my foremothers bound to me.¡± He paused, jaw tightening, fingers raking through his hair as if fighting for control. ¡°I tried, Zephyrine,¡± he whispered, voice breaking. ¡°Tried to stop feeling this way about you. But I can¡¯t. I don¡¯t know how. And I fear¡­ I fear I¡¯ll lose myself if you leave me.¡± Raw pain swam in his eyes. ¡°You are my anchor. The thought of you alone keeps me sane. If you don¡¯t take this ring, if you don¡¯t marry me and stay here with me¡­¡± His voice dropped, firm. ¡°forgive me if this sounds like a threat, but I wille for you. I will drag you back here, bind you with the darkest spell, and marry you by fire and force if I must. Not even the moon goddess you worship will stop me. Hate me if you wish, but I will still cherish you, support you, and be obsessed with you.¡± I froze at thest words. Goosebumps rippled over my skin, my heart thudding as though begging him to repeat it. ¡°I am obsessed with you, Zephyrine,¡± he breathed. ¡°From the first moment I saw you. From the moment you stepped into my kingdom. From the sound of your voice, the moment you trusted me with your heart, the moment you never once questioned my curse the way everyone else does.¡± He rose from his chair, came to the bed, and lowered himself beside me. Taking the ring from its case, he held it out. ¡°Please ept it. We¡¯ll figure out pupster. Just be my wife. Let me be your husband. That¡¯s all I want.¡± At the peak of emotion, even the strongest warriors shed tears. His confession, vow, and threat all collided before me, and I couldn¡¯t fathom how I had ever thought myself undeserving of such devotion. How foolish I had been to believe anything could stop Lycannar from reaching me. Get full chapters from f¦É?dn¦Ïvel 17:35 Fri, Sep 19 B. 51 +10 Free Coins How blind to think the moon goddess herself could prevent this love from blooming in our hearts. I met his eyes, everyst barrier in me shattering. ¡°Put it on me,¡± I whispered shakily, terrified he might change his mind if I hesitated. ¡°Please, Lycannar. Put it on me.¡± He took the ring, but paused, a faint smile ghosting his lips. ¡°Ah. Am I not supposed to kneel for this?¡± Tears streamed down my face asughter broke through my sob. I watched him kneel and slide the ring onto my finger, binding us from that moment as one. And that was how it began. Our fated love. Back Where 226 Zephyrine +10 Free Coins ¡°Lycan, stop¡­¡± A giggle slipped from me as I moved away from him, putting a distance I thought was safe. Iughed, smiling at him. We had just left the chamber after bathing and making love, but it seemed the more we gave into each other, the stronger the thirst grew. I wondered if it was because of the ring now on my finger, or simply the reality that we were engaged, bound to be married soon. He wouldn¡¯t stoping for me, and I wouldn¡¯t stop wanting him until I finally pulled away to find a safe distance, to dress and focus. He watched me from where he stood, then raised a hand as though surrendering. ¡°Alright, wife,¡± he said with a wink before turning to get dressed. But I froze. Because the way it sounded was so perfect, so tantalizing. Wife. That I would be his. Swallowing hard, I reached for my gown and began to dress. I was nearly done, only the zipper remained, when I turned to him for help. Lycannar was standing there, gaze fixed on me. I hadn¡¯t realized he¡¯d been watching all along. ¡°Can you help me with the zip?¡± I asked, my eyes on him. He didn¡¯t answer, and somehow his silence thickened the air, turning the moment tense. ¡°Zephyrine,¡± he said suddenly, ¡°how about we get married before the next full moon?¡± I raised a brow, as though he¡¯d lost his mind. ¡°That¡¯s just¡­ a week from now, Lycan.¡± I murmured, but he only stood still, waiting. His silence stretched until I had to swallow. ¡°I¡­ I¡­ maybe we should wait. Until Varyn is strong enough to reim his crown as Alpha.¡± He stopped, eyes fixed on me, and after what felt like an eternity, he asked quietly, ¡°What if your brother never likes me? Will you still be my wife?¡± The question choked the chamber, heavy, suffocating. I smoothed it with a shrug. ¡°I am the love of Varyn¡¯s life, and I¡¯m not bragging. He¡¯ll love whoever I love.¡± Smiling, I walked to him, turning my back so he could help with my gown. +10 Free Coins He came close, his fingers brushing my bare back as he slid the zipper up, then leaned down to whisper, ¡°But what if he truly is against our marriage, Zephyrine? Will you still The rawness in his voice startled me. He wanted to know the truth. I turned to meet his eyes. go on with it?¡± ¡°If your sisters or brother were against our union, would you still go on with it?¡± I asked. He stilled. ¡°They won¡¯t be against anyone who makes me happy.¡± ¡°Same for mine,¡± I whispered. ¡°Varyn will love you. And if he doesn¡¯t at first¡­ he¡¯ll learn to. Because before you today, Lycannar Blood, you will be my husband.¡± *** I descended the stairs, ready to begin the day by dropping a bombshell across the empire with Luna Tahlia¡¯s arrival. But when I entered the dining hall, I froze. Lycannar hadn¡¯t told me his family would be here. Wait. Hadn¡¯t he said he quarreled with his uncle yesterday? Why were they still here? ¡°Come, take your seat,¡± my love said gently, guiding me to the chair beside his and pulling it out for me. I bowed my head respectfully before his cousins, his aunt, and uncle. They returned the gesture. To my side sat his sisters, and I went to them first, wrapping my arms around each. ¡°I should have known you were here with my baby brother. He¡¯s in far too good a mood,¡± Princess Serena teased, and I smiled. Turning to Princess Mearez, I found her staring at me in quiet awe. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you be with your brother?¡± she asked. ¡°There¡¯s little I can do for him now except watch him rest. He¡¯s in safe hands,¡± I answered softly, before ncing at her arm, where Varyn had once shed her. ¡°Are you alright?¡± 2/4 ?????? ???? F¦ÉndNovel ¡°Perfectly fine. You shouldn¡¯t worry about me and¡­¡± +10 Free Coins Her words stopped abruptly. Even Princess Serena, who had been grinning, rushed forward, nearly tripping. The ring. They had seen it. Their eyes flew to mine in horror. ¡°I¡­ I uh¡­ wait,¡± Princess Serena stammered, her face pale as she tried to piece it together. ¡°Please tell me this is just an engagement ring.¡± Hope. They all hoped. Desperately. I bit my lower lip, then burst into a giggle. ¡°I said yes,¡± I confessed softly. In an instant, Princess Serena, loud as ever, squealed and threw her arms around me. ¡°My gods, my goddess! Finally. Finally! I love you. I love you so much. Congrattions! No, wait¡­ it¡¯s my baby brother I should congratte for bagging such a woman!¡± Iughed gently, but when I turned, my heart tightened. He was watching me from his chair, eyes locked, pampering, obsessing, loving. Lycannar. ¡°Zephyrine.¡± Princess Mearez¡¯s voice drew me back. She rose, took my hand gently, her eyes steady on mine. ¡°Are you sure this is what you want?¡± Her question made me frown. It was almost as if¡­ ¡°I love him,¡± I said softly. She nodded slowly. ¡°Love and eptance are not the same. You know how he is. The limits, the ws, the curse¡­¡® 99 ¡°We¡¯ll work on all that, Princess Mearez,¡± I cut her off gently, grateful for her concern even though her brother¡¯s happiness was at stake. ¡°I love Lycannar, and I want to spend my life with 17:36 Fri, Sep 19 B¡­ him. In his tower, where I know I¡¯ll find peace.¡± ¡°And you will have no regret?¡± 51 +10 Free Coins The voice came not from her, but from Dareth, Lycannar¡¯s uncle, cutting through the air. We all turned to him. ¡°The ring on your finger,¡± he said, eyes sharp. ¡°Look at it well. It is a symbol of two powers. Dark and light. Do you even understand what that means?¡± My heart clenched. I lowered my gaze to the ring. He was right. One side was carved of sacred ck quartz, the other of the purest gold, fused together into something ancient, sacred. I bit my lip, looking back at the man as he continued. ¡°You have no idea who this king truly is, youngdy. I hear you are an Ashmere, from one of the most prestigious families. Will you allow a Blood, no, a man not even fully a Blood to taint you?¡± I swallowed hard. Not fully a Blood? ¡°He is not who you¡­¡± ¡°I think that¡¯s enough.¡± The deep voice came from behind, stopping me cold. The air shifted, strange and heavy. Ancient. Almost¡­ unholy. ¡°I think that¡¯s enough, uncle,¡± the voice continued. ¡°A couple will work out their own fate. People like you and me have no say when love is involved.¡± Slowly, I turned. And for the second time, I saw him. Hades. Lycannar¡¯s older brother. Same mother, different father. He was here. Dressed in ck, eyes sharp and steady, beauty carved too perfectly, as if the moon goddess herself had yed favorites. Power radiated off him. And I noticed, with a shiver that he was dripping. Water pooling around his boots. ( Back Where 227 Zephyrine +10 Free Coins I have felt a certain energy the first time I saw Lycannar. An energy that seemed to call out to my wolf. I also felt a faint trace of that same energy when I met Chantel for the first time. Now I feel that energy again, standing before this powerful man. I know he isn¡¯t the King of this kingdom, but I swear he carries the air of a ruler. From what I have heard so far, he is a man born from another woman, not from the dead Lycan King. Yet staring at him closely, I would bet my life he has a throne waiting for him. He looks a little like Lycannar, more rugged, and from his posture he certainly carries the air of a womanizer. I swallowed, nearly pping myself for letting that thought cross my mind. Slowly, I bowed my head before him. Whether he is a King or not, being Lycannar¡¯s half¨Cbrother makes him a prince in this kingdom, the eldest sibling. I have seen how Lycannar addresses him with both respect and love. He deserves my bow. His footsteps drew closer, and I looked up to see him standing before me. His gaze was fixed on me, steady and piercing, and I swallowed under its weight, staring into those striking eyes. Up close¡­ he was even more stunning. And intimidating. ¡°You are beautiful,¡± his voice reached me. ¡°Thank you.¡± His gaze dropped gently to my hand, to the ring on my finger. He reached out, took my hand, and lifted it to inspect the band encircling my finger before looking back at me. ¡°You said yes?¡± The question carried weight, as though he wanted to be sure I knew what I had stepped into. ¡°Yes, I do.¡± ¡°You said yes to Apex?¡± he pressed, more firmly this time. I swallowed, recognizing he was testing my love, my devotion. ¡°I love him, and I said yes.¡± 17:36 Fri, Sep 19 B. ¡­ +10 Free Coins ¡°You won¡¯t be able to pull that ring off now that it¡¯s on you. It¡¯s still fresh. You can still resist, say no, if you know yourmitment will waver once the truthes out. Because after this very moment, you¡¯ll never be free again.¡± He spoke as if this was myst chance to escape hell, and if I failed to take it, I would be doomed forever. I blinked at his face, wondering why he spoke like this. Tension rose. No one moved. Not even Lycannar. ¡°If you think the love I have for your younger brother won¡¯t stand the test of time and truth, then you are wrong,¡± I said firmly, standing before Hades, my heart thudding. ¡°I love him as a King, as a man, and I will love him as my husband.¡± He searched my eyes for one long, heart¨Cstopping second, waiting for me to falter. When I didn¡¯t, he leaned in, kissed the back of my palm, and straightened with a smile. ¡°Wee to the family, love. Tell me, what do you want for a present?¡± I stilled. ¡°A present?¡± ¡°You¡¯ve epted my little brother as your man. You deserve a present,¡± he said with a teasing smile. ¡°You make it sound like he¡¯s a burden, which he never is.¡± ¡°Really?¡± he replied, smiling as his gaze shifted to Lycannar. I followed his eyes, staring at the man I was going to marry. Never had I been more proud. He is the easiest of men, rarely speaks, handsome to the point of envy, powerful, wealthy, and a benevolent King. I smiled to myself and turned back to Hades, only to see him staring at me, watching, as though studying me. ¡°You are in love with him. I see it clearly now.¡± ¡°My baby brother isn¡¯t that bad,¡± Princess Serena said, and I was about to smile when Uncle Dareth¡¯s voice cut in. ¡°But it would do her a lot of good if someone told the poor she¨Cwolf what she¡¯s walking into.¡± I froze. Once could be brushed off, but twice now was suspicious. I turned to him, and he smiled at me. ¡°My dear, won¡¯t you ask questions?¡± +10 Free Coins ¡°If this is because of what happenedst night, Uncle Dareth, you should stop now. Whatever Zephyrine needs to know, her man will tell her,¡± Princess Serena said hotly, but the man only chuckled dryly before turning back to me. ¡°A ravaging beast, bound in golden chains at his ankles. Won¡¯t you still ask questions?¡± Silence fell. I stared at the man, remembering Lycannar had mentioned they argued yesterday. Did he have to be so blunt? I frowned at Uncle Dareth. ¡°You are his uncle. You know how much he has endured. Why are you adding salt to an unhealed wound?¡± He opened his mouth to reply, but I raised my hand, not letting him finish. ¡°I know he has secrets. I know truths willeter. Some I may even find terrifying, but we will work through them together. I respect you as his uncle and the King¡¯s advisor, but you should not speak of my man like that. To mock his curse, his differences¡­ it is not polite.¡± Silence spread again. Uncle Dareth stared at me for what felt like an eternity, clearly not expecting me to take Lycannar¡¯s side so firmly. ¡°You know he has fangs?¡± he asked suddenly, and I froze. This time, Hades lost his patience. ¡°What happened yesterday?¡± he demanded, to no one in particr. I stepped back, waiting. ¡°Apex?¡± ¡°Baron wanted the crown. I asked him to try it on.¡± Th?s chapter is updated by Find¡ïNovel ¡°And?¡± ¡°He nearly died, but I saved him. I think my uncle is still angry at me for that.¡± At this, Hades turned to Dareth. His wife, Aunt Eiryn, cleared her throat. ¡°I want to apologize for that incident, Your Majesty,¡± she said, her eyes first on Lycannar, then on Hades. ¡°My husband and son crossed a line. They should be punished, but I beg forgiveness on their behalf.¡± Everyone turned to Lycannar, waiting. He lowered his gaze, silent for a long moment, before murmuring, ¡°I hold no grudges. They¡¯d be dead if I did.¡± The truth of it chilled the air. Everyone shifted uneasily. 17:36 Fri, Sep 19 G 51 +10 Free Coins Hades sighed and walked toward Baron. His steps were slow, almost casual, but everyone froze when he paused behind the Beta who had coveted the crown. They stiffened further when Hades leaned in, ced a hand on Baron¡¯s shoulder, and squeezed gently. ¡°Just because Apex doesn¡¯t speak much doesn¡¯t mean he isn¡¯t dangerous. Be careful, dear cousin. Be careful. We are one big family with the darkest secrets, and we should hold onto one another. The crown is Apex¡¯s burden. If you wear it, you won¡¯t survive ten seconds. That is one of his curses. Consider this a small insight.¡± Then he straightened, smiling at me. ¡°My dear, will you lend me your fianc¨¦ for a while?¡± I swallowed and nodded. Without another word, Hades walked toward the stairs of the tower. Lycannar rose from his seat. ¡°You don¡¯t leave without informing me, okay?¡± he said, and I nodded. ¡°Okay.¡± I watched him disappear up the stairs with his brother. After his departure, I let out a shaky sigh. The burden. The weight. The hate and secrets. Why does Lycannar carry so much? What was his offense? Back Where 228 Lycannar ¡°What?!¡± He rolled his eyes. ¡°Will you keep your voice down? You want to alert my sisters and get them worried?¡± he scolded, and I stared at him again, still unable to believe my ears. ¡°He is after my life. I can¡¯t stay there. I¡¯m in exile, so I decided I shoulde here.¡± ¡°You have got to be kidding me. This isn¡¯t a ce of exile for you. Father will be furious with me if I harbor a fugitive.¡± I groaned, frustrated, then turned back to him when it struck me. ¡°What about the wedding? I thought you were going to endure a loveless one just so I could be happy.¡± This time, he looked at me as if I hadpletely lost my mind. ¡°You are the same one who warned me not to get married to that crazy woman because she¡¯d be the end of me on the very night of our wedding. Will you still force me into it?¡± ¡°Then how will I marry Zephyrine if you refuse to sacrifice yourself? Father is already mad at back you. He will think I¡¯m the one supporting you in all this. Why did you have to rebel, go on your word, and flee?¡± He sighed, leaning against the wall, raking his fingers through his hair. ¡°I hate the fact that my father is a King. I hate the idea of sitting on the throne. It¡¯s¡­ boring and filled with madness and unholy nonsense.¡± He let out another weary breath. ¡°I don¡¯t know why he won¡¯t let me be. I don¡¯t want to be King if it means letting him choose a wife for me. He wouldn¡¯t agree, so I left. He called it treason and ordered me to be executed on sight. Surely you won¡¯t ask me to go back home?¡± I swallowed and looked away, helpless. ¡°So¡­ you¡¯ll be staying here?¡± ¡°Right here, in this exile with you, until I figure out how to smooth things out. Maybe you can go home and talk to him on my behalf but¡­ wait.¡± He paused, frowning. ¡°What¡¯s with Uncle Dareth?¡± At that, I leaned back against the wall, groaning. This update is avable on ?ovelFind 17:36 Fri, Sep 19 B 051 +10 Free Coins ¡°I honestly don¡¯t know why he hates me so much. Yesterday he said straight to my face that I belong nowhere. That¡­¡± I swallowed, meeting my brother¡¯s eyes. ¡°That his words cut me deep. Broke me, because¡­ they¡¯re true.¡± Silence lingered between us until he suddenly smacked my shoulder hard, making me wince from the sting. ¡°Say that again and I¡¯ll never speak to you again,¡± he snapped, making me stare at him. ¡°If he¡¯s getting on your nerves too much, why don¡¯t you just kill him already?¡± I shook my head, sighing. ¡°Zephyrine won¡¯t have it. I tried once, but she looked at me as if I were insane. She told me killing isn¡¯t the solution to every threat.¡± ¡°Well, she¡¯s smart. Half¨Ctruth though, because sometimes you do have to kill a threat to solve a problem. Not always end their life, but remove them so a solution can be found.¡± He studied me again before lowering his gaze to murmur, ¡°You didn¡¯t tell me you were going to propose to her.¡± I swallowed, whispering back, ¡°I didn¡¯t know I would either.¡± His eyes searched mine, waiting. ¡°I¡¯m scared, Brother Hades. I¡¯ve never been this scared in my entire life. Father prepared me with harshness to face every battle, but he never prepared me for this kind of¡­ situation. What do I do if her brother wakes from his trance and tells her the truth?¡± ¡°Is that why you gave her the ring already?¡± I swallowed hard, finally admitting, ¡°I was afraid I might never have the chance to tell her what I truly want her to be in my life. My wife.¡± I sighed. ¡°I want her so much, it¡¯s driving me insane.¡± Silence fell between us until atst he spoke. ¡°You will have her.¡± I lifted my eyes to him, and he nodded. ¡°However it happens, Apex, you¡¯ll have her. But honestly, the woman I just spoke to is sharp. She knows what she wants. She isn¡¯t the type to say yes if she isn¡¯t ready to endure your¡­ strangeness.¡± 17:36 Fri, Sep 19 B. My eyes widened. 51 +10 Free Coins ¡°I¡¯m strange?¡± ¡°Demons are strange. But you, my brother, the first ever hybrid, are the strangest of them all. You don¡¯t speak to strangers, you avoid physical contact, you won¡¯t hold a gaze, and you live alone in a ck tower. Of course you¡¯re strange.¡± He stepped back, ncing down the hall. ¡°Is Chantel at home?¡± ¡°Yeah.¡± ¡°He¡¯s strange too. Inherited that trait from you.¡± He sighed and looked back at me. ¡°So what¡¯s it going to be? Do I go back to my realm and get ughtered, or stay here? Am I allowed?¡± I narrowed my eyes at him. ¡°As if you¡¯ve given me a choice. What am I supposed to tell our sisters about why you¡¯re here?¡± ¡°Tell them I¡¯m staying over for vacation.¡± ¡°A warlord and the next King who suddenly needs a vacation? Try again.¡± ¡°Then tell them whatever you want. Just not the truth, not yet. I can¡¯t deal with Mearez¡¯s silent rage or Serena¡¯s endless nagging.¡± ¡°So what about me bringing an Ashmere to Father?¡± I pressed. ¡°You promised him he¡¯d ept any woman I chose if you agreed to settle down as King. But now you¡¯re a fugitive. How am I supposed to go about my marriage?¡± Before he could respond, footsteps sounded, and Zephyrine appeared in the hall. She paused. ¡°Uhm¡­ I¡¯m sorry if I interrupted. Lycannar, I¡¯ll be on my way now. It¡¯s almost time for me to leave.¡± I nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll walk you to the carriage. You¡¯re heading back to your pack?¡± ¡°Not really. I want to go to ckbridge Pack. There¡¯s something I have to do.¡± ¡°Something what?¡± I asked, surprised she hadn¡¯t told me earlier. ¡°Is everything alright?¡± 17:36 Fri, Sep 19 B. 51 +10 Free Coins ¡°Certainly. Uhm¡­ Luna Tahlia is making her appearance, taking back her pack. She¡¯s arriving today to stop an execution. I will¡­¡± ¡°Execution?!¡± I eximed. ¡°Something this big, and you didn¡¯t say a word to me about it?¡± ¡°We were focused on our engagement, Lycannar. I¡¯m sorry.¡± She stepped closer and took my hand. ¡°I¡¯m fine. Let me go.¡± Silence stretched. I didn¡¯t want her to go. I didn¡¯t want her to go alone. I wanted to apany her but then my brother¡¯s voice cut in. ¡°How about this? I¡¯ll apany her. You can go home on my behalf, speak with Father, and uh¡­ bring me some clothes. How about that?¡± I turned to him in disbelief. ¡°You¡¯ve got to be kidding me. What if he holds me down and demands I be King?¡± ¡°Then you should be. Aren¡¯t you the son of a Queen too?¡± I groaned, exhausted, before resigning to fate. ¡°Fine. But please keep her safe for me.¡± ¡°You have my word.¡± He turned to Zephyrine then, smiling faintly. ¡°Though I doubt she¡¯ll need protecting. She¡¯s an Ashmere after all. An Alpha.¡± Back Where 229 Lycannar +10 Free Coins ¡°I wille back to say goodbye when I am ready to return home,¡± she said to my sisters, and Mearez nodded, sighing. ¡°I apologize for the drama and the scene Uncle Dareth caused. He¡¯s not always that hateful and¡­ we are truly a great family for you to marry into.¡± She took Zephyrine¡¯s hand. ¡°You¡¯re not upset by his outburst, are you?¡± Zephyrine stared into my sister¡¯s eyes, the way she always did whenever she was surprised by something. ¡°I don¡¯t understand why everyone acts like Lycannar is someone I must never marry. If you look at it from the bigger picture, I believe I am the lucky one.¡± She shook her head. ¡°Nothing about him or his family will change how I feel. I¡¯ll take my leave now.¡± Serena immediately reached out. ¡°I already told you, Mearez. Zephyrine is going to be our sister¨Cinw. I can¡¯t wait to n the wedding. When is it happening?¡± At that, Zephyrine turned to me for help. I stepped forward, gently pulling her away from my sisters¡® loving pressure. ¡°We¡¯ll discuss that when the timees. She needs to leave now.¡± I entwined my fingers with hers and led her toward the exit, stopping by her carriage. I turned as Hades walked up. His clothes were already drying on him, clinging to his body, and he stood out inly in the hall. ¡°Lend me your horse, little brother,¡± he said. I nodded before turning back to Zephyrine, smiling at her face. My future wife. I was¡­ thrilled. ¡°My brother will apany you,¡± I told her, and she nodded, her gaze slipping past me to Hades as he headed toward the royal stable. ¡°Your brother¡­ is he a womanizer?¡± she asked, raising my brows. I nced at Hades just as he disappeared around the corner, then turned back to my woman. ¡°Why¡­ are you curious?¡± I asked, suspicious. 17:36 Fri, Sep 19 B¡­ She smiled. ¡°He looks like one¡­ and he¡¯s so handsome.¡± : 151 +10 Free Coins I pulled back, as though struck by jealousy, but she onlyughed and yfully punched me. ¡°He¡¯s handsome, yes, but no one will ever be as gorgeous as my future husband.¡± The way she called me that made me swallow hard. My jealousy melted, and I held her by the waist, tucking her hair gently behind her ear. ¡°My brother has a harem full of women, but Father wants him married. He¡¯s a womanizer, in a way but only because he¡¯s nevermitted to one woman. Like I have.¡± She chuckled and leaned up on her toes to kiss me. ¡°I should get going, Lycannar. I don¡¯t want the event to start before I arrive.¡± ¡°Then I should let you go,¡± I whispered, but I couldn¡¯t release her. I held her hostage in my gaze, drinking in her beauty, before leaning in to kiss her again. ¡°I am obsessed with you, Zephyrine Ashmere.¡± She swallowed at my confession, and her response came just as heavy. ¡°I love you, Lycannar Apex Blood.¡± *** The door of my stepfather, the Demon King, opened wide as I stepped inside, water dripping from me onto the floor. I lingered at the doorway, watching thest of his servants file out of the chamber, leaving the King and I alone. Power. That was the first thing I felt in the vast, dimly lit room. After the final maid shut the door, my fathery back against his pillows, sighing before a cough tore through him. I crossed to the table, poured him a drink, and carefully brought it to his bedside. Helping him sit, I held the cup to his lips, though he barely drank. He coughed it back, weakly sighing, and I eased him down again. I set the cup aside, bowed low, and swallowed. Chapters first released on Find1Novel ¡°Father.¡± In response, he reached for a pillow and hurled it at me. Itnded short, at my feet. Quietly, I knelt before him, pressing my forehead to the ground. ¡°Father.¡± 17:36 Fri, Sep 19 B¡­ : 51 +10 Free Coins ¡°Your brother¡­ I will have his head the next time he dares stand before me. He is a fugitive, condemned to death. Anyone harboring him will face the Abyss¡¯s wrath. If by chance he hides. in the Lycan Kingdom, you must cast him out. Otherwise, if you fail¡­¡± ¡°Father,¡± I interrupted softly, keeping my head bowed. ¡°My brother Hades cannot marry the woman you chose for him. She will kill him the very night of the wedding. I have seen it.¡± At that, silence fell. Slowly, I raised my eyes, only to find him watching me. He coughed, sank back into the pillows, and sighed with weary breath. ¡°Your father¡­ he once said you would be the death of everyone. He sought to destroy you in the war five years ago, and I agreed. Perhaps you know this now, and you punish me for it.¡± I dropped back into a bow, my palms t against the floor. ¡°I would never harbor such feelings against you, Father,¡± I murmured, swallowing hard. ¡°Though¡­ it hurts, knowing youplied.¡± Another heavy sigh escaped him. Slowly, he spoke. ¡°There are many things I regret as a King, and as a father. But I will set them right before this sickness takes me. You and your brother if neither of you will sit on the Demon Throne with the bride I¡¯ve chosen, then you must present your fated mates. Only then will I let you both go free.¡± I froze. My jaw fell without my knowing. ¡°Father, but¡­ Hades is the heir, and¡­¡± ¡°You are also an heir!¡± he snapped, coughing harshly. I bowed again. ¡°Being King of the Lycans does not free you from your responsibility here. You are my son too. You are an Abyss as much as you are a Blood. One of you must take the throne. If Hades refuses, then it will be you. Since you both spurn the woman I chose, bring forth your true mates. You have until the third day of the next full moon. If either of you fail to appear, we will have scores to settle.¡± Back Where 230 Zephyrine +10 Free Coins I had never known I¡¯d wee the idea of Hades apanying me until I nced out the window and saw him riding his horse beside the carriage. He looked calm, but I swore beneath that expression something dark was brewing. Lycannar was calm too, but I trusted his calmness more than Hades¡¯s. Something had happened back there and I could feel it. Uncle Dareth had nearly revealed something, something so dark it made me wonder if saying yes to Lycannar was a choice I should rethink. I sighed gently, closed the window, and leaned back in my seat. Now that we had left the Lycan Kingdom, I realized something was truly brewing beyond its walls. The carriage rolled into the open, and the first passerby we came across said something that raised my brows. ¡°You mean ckwater is no more?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t you listen to the news? Apex and an Ashmere did it. Guess what else. They freed thousands of ves. Now the ves sing their praises.¡± I froze where I sat, raising an eyebrow in awe. The ves were singing our praises? Truly? I was just about to push the thought away when another voice rang out. ¡°Are you sure we¡¯re notte for the execution? We can¡¯t miss the traitor¡¯s death.¡± I stiffened, nearly rolling my eyes. Of course Ka must have lied about Warrior June¡¯s so- called offense to make herself look righteous and saintly. ¡°But think about it. How could Apex conquer thousands of men in a single night?¡± another passerby asked. One chuckled. ¡°I¡¯ve always known he could wield a sword. Don¡¯t you see how handsome he is?¡± ¡°Wish he¡¯d host an event, open the Lycan gates for us all. Maybe then we¡¯d have a chance at him.¡± A girlish giggle followed, and atst I lost my patience. I pushed forward, parting the curtain, ready to challenge them, only to stop short. 17:36 Fri, Sep 19 B¡­ 51 +10 Free Coins What I thought were just passersby turned out to be a mass of people all moving toward the market square. My jaw dropped. Was this really just a simple execution or a public one? No, somethingrger was happening here. I closed the curtain, sat back, and thought it through. What had happened overnight? Why was there such a crowd? Why was everyone gathering all at once? Those questions still burned when the carriage halted, and I leaned forward, wondering why. I was about to call out when the curtain parted and Hades appeared, palm extended. ¡°Come out, sister¨Cinw. The carriage can¡¯t go further than this.¡± I raised an eyebrow at him but ced my hand in his. He steadied me, his palm brushing my lower back as I stepped out and my jaw fell.open. Almost the entire popce of the surrounding packs had gathered. All to watch an execution. Ahead, tables and chairs were arranged like a tribunal, the three Council members seated. Ka and her father were present, as well as every Alpha from every corner of the Shifter Empire. And there, unmistakable Warrior June. Stripped to the waist, d only in torn trousers, bleeding from countless wounds. Tortured to the very edge of death. The crowd was so dense my carriage couldn¡¯t have gone further even if it tried. I scanned the square, searching for the Ash Pack¡¯s seat, but found none. So I turned toward the White Pack¡¯s table instead, drawing Hades with me. His hand stayed firm on my back as the crowd parted to let us through, until we reached Alpha Auedric. We had barely arrived when Nyroth of the Hue Pack rushed forward, nearly startling me. ¡°Zeph, what are you doing here?¡± His voice was sharp. Then his eyes darted to Hades beside me, his brow creasing. ¡°You¡¯ve got a new man now?¡± Hades chuckled under his breath. 66 Fresh chapters posted on find[?]ovel ¡°Crazy fellow,¡± he murmured, his re so sharp it made Nyroth stumble back in sudden fear. Before I could speak, another voice rang out. The murmurs of the crowd died with it. 17:37 Fri, Sep 19 B¡­ ¡°Oh, look who we have here.¡± Ka strode forward, her smile cutting. 51 +10 Free Coins ¡°You. I heard what you did at ckwater with Apex. Tell me, how will you exin to the Council that you wiped out an entire pack just to save your crazy brother?¡± Silence fell. Too much silence. My throat nearly closed as her words sank in. Had I heard right? I stared into her eyes, a hot urge to strangle her boiling up. But before I could act, Hades¡¯s hand brushed softly at my back. Calming. Steadying. Somehow, it helped. ¡°I heard your brother is insane and wouldn¡¯t stand trial at the Wolf Fortress. Seems you failed, Ashmere.¡± Her smirk widened. ¡°Just as you will fail now, watching Warrior June die for the crime of not stopping you and Apex from storming into ckwater. He will pay for your sins with his blood. You aren¡¯t even a proper Alpha anymore. Your presence here is worthless. You can¡¯t save him.¡± Another silence. I searched her eyes, shook my head, goosebumps crawling over my skin. Because I could hear it, the sound of hooves, the wheels of a carriage approaching. The arrival of the true owner of ckbridge Pack. Atst, I smirked. Straightened my shoulders. And whispered to Ka¡¯s face. ¡°Who said I came here to save Warrior June?¡± I leaned closer to her ear. ¡°I came to watch the Yadevs fall.¡± I pulled back, seeing her confusion. She giggled. ¡°You think you, an Alpha, can do that?¡± ¡°Who said I¡¯d waste my strength on you or your thieving father? I can¡¯t meddle with ckbridge Pack. But she can.¡± No sooner had I spoken than the carriage rolled to a stop. Every head turned. Every murmur ceased. The guards who nked it were from Ash Pack. The crest upon it was mine. When the curtain parted and she descended, gasps rose so loud they shattered the silence. Luna Tahlia, with Young ck. Back Where 231 Zephyrine : 37 +20 Free Coins I had seen shock before when I revealed my true identity as an Ashmere but this time, it was vastly different. Vastly out of space. A woman thought to be dead, rising from the ashes? Ka froze, her eyes widening in utter awe, while the crowd parted for her. The one who had endured too much, who would bow her head, fall to her knees, even attempt to end her life if that meant saving her son. Luna Tahlia. Alive. She rose like a vision. Beautiful. Elegant. And in her, I saw the truth of her words, that she had been trained only to lead with grace. She walked to me first, her gaze clinging to mine as though I were her savior. ¡°You are here,¡± she said, gratitude trembling in her voice. She remembered my promise that I would not leave her hanging. I swallowed and nodded. ¡°Of course I am. But go now. This is your spotlight. I won¡¯t steal it.¡± Her eyes lightning. softened before she turned to Ka, who stumbled backward as though struck by ¡°She is¡­ a ghost. She is dead! Even her son was ruled dead. Why is she here now?¡± Murmurs rose from every corner, swelling until the market square buzzed with fear and awe. I stayed silent, deciding to watch it all y out. If she truly wanted to lead her son¡¯s pack, she would have to stand her ground. Tahlia stepped forward, pausing at Warrior June¡¯s battered figure. His body was broken, his chest bleeding, but still, he knelt tall. She lowered her gaze in guilt, then nodded at the guards. ¡°Release him.¡± At once, they obeyed, unbinding him until he copsed before her. The members of ckbridge were here too, and it was clear, they had never needed a savior more. Under Yadev¡¯s reign, they had gained nothing. Only poverty and despair. 17:59 Mon, Sep 22 N) 37 +20 Free Coins ¡°You were ruled dead, Luna Tahlia,¡± Lady Sylvara of the Council snapped harshly. ¡°How can you stand here alive?¡± ¡°I was ruled dead to survive. An Ashmere saved me when no one else would. This Council was formed to bring peace and unity, but all you have done is y favorites and cast me out.¡± She strode forward, her voice echoing. ¡°It was proven after the duel months ago that my son is the rightful ruler of ckbridge Pack. I am here to im it back.¡± Silence pressed down until Ka cracked. She rushed forward, ring into Tahlia¡¯s face. ¡°Choose your words carefully, Luna. We all know the son in your arms is not¡­¡± ¡°You will be silent.¡± Tahlia cut her off, her voice sharp as steel. ¡°Your words would betray you if I open the truth. If I were you, I¡¯d stay quiet.¡± Ka¡¯s lips snapped shut. ¡°You cannot return from the dead and demand an Alpha¡¯s seat,¡± Osmir, another Council member, barked. But Tahlia only smirked. ¡°Then let¡¯s ask the people. Let¡¯s ask Warrior June. Let¡¯s ask the other Alphas. Do you call Yadev¡¯s rule holy? Do you call it just?¡± For a heartbeat, silence stretched. Then voices rose from the crowd. ¡°We want our true Luna back!¡± ¡°Yes! Yadev has only led us into ruin!¡± The tide swelled until even Warrior June stood tall, his voice carrying weight. ¡°We will not follow Yadev anymore. If Luna Tahlia does not return, then we, the ckbridge guards and armies will go rogue.¡± ¡°You dare defy me?!¡± Yadev thundered. ¡°You are still on death row, Warrior June! You won¡¯t live long enough to go rogue!¡± ¡°Why?¡± Tahlia¡¯s voice rang out, silencing him. ¡°Because he refused to lead an army against Alpha Zephyrine and the Lycan King? Against their mission to rescue Varyn Ashmere, the very one Ka Yadev sold into very for five years?!¡± That broke everything. : A 337 +20 Free Coins The crowd erupted, shock rippling like a storm. My chest tightened, emotions threatening to break me, until I felt Hades¡¯s hand steady me at my back. I leaned into his strength, grateful beyond words. Every eye turned to Ka. What began as an execution had now shifted into the reinstatement of the true Luna, and a damning re at her who called herself ¡°envoy of peace.¡± ¡°A notice wille to you soon,¡± the Council finally dered. ¡°Your son shall inherit the seat his true father left him.¡± Luna Tahlia froze, her eyes distant even as jubtion broke among her people. It wasn¡¯t a full victory, not yet but it was a beginning. Her son would no longer live in hiding. She turned to me, her lips trembling as she bit them to hold back her tears. Slowly, she bowed. ¡°I will never be able to repay you for this. Will you still forgive me?¡± I squeezed her hand gently. ¡°Repay me by being strong. I trust you.¡± She nodded, then leaned close, whispering words that chilled me to the bone. ¡°Beta Jurrek sent word, Alpha Zephyrine.¡± I frowned. ¡°What word?¡± ¡°Your brother is unstable. You need toe. It¡¯s urgent.¡± The joy around me faded instantly. Panic coiled in my veins. I turned to Hades in desperation. ¡°Please, can I borrow Lycannar¡¯s horse?¡± Read full story at Find1Novel He searched my eyes, then nodded. ¡°Of course,¡± ¡°Then take Luna Tahlia back with you to the Lycan Kingdom. She¡¯ll be safe there until the noticees to restore her.¡± Again, he nodded, steady and sure. ¡°I¡¯ll keep her safe.¡± ¡°Thank you.¡± 337 +20 Free Coins With that, I ran for the great ck steed of the Lycan King. Mounting it, I marveled at its raw strength before urging it forward. The beast surged into a gallop, carrying me down the road, racing back toward Ash Pack, toward my brother. Back Where 232 Lycannar +20 Free Coins I descended the stairs to meet the guest they said had arrived. I approached gently, stopping at the foot to stare at her after months of being ruled as dead. Luna Tahlia. Her name, and her precious son. My brother stood there with him, and I looked around beyond them for Zephyrine but she was nowhere to be seen. ¡°Your Majesty.¡± The Luna bowed immediately when she saw me walk in, but I didn¡¯t respond at once. Instead, I watched Hades carrying young ck in his arms, the little boy fast asleep against him as though he belonged there. ¡°I¡­ I apologize foring here,¡± Luna Tahlia began as she looked up, bowing again. ¡°Where is Zephyrine?¡± I cut her words short. ¡°Ah.¡± She sighed. ¡°She went back to Ash Pack. Her brother is not feeling well, and she was called to return.¡± Hearing this made me swallow hard. I shifted my gaze to my brother, who stared at me knowingly. Without words, our eyes met, and then I turned back to the Luna. ¡°Zephyrine said you ¡°Yes, yes. I¡­ I did.¡± would make your appearance today.¡± ¡°Smart woman, if you ask me,¡± my brother Hades said as he walked to the table and leaned there. ¡°Your woman is fierce.¡± I smiled at that, proudly. I already knew Zephyrine was unlike anyone else, and Luna Tahlia here was no less, a strong and clever woman in her own right. When my gaze shifted back to her, I noticed she was staring at Hades with confusion, probably wondering who he was. ¡°He is my older brother,¡± I told her, prompting her to turn to me. ¡°His name is Hades.¡± ¡°Ah¡­ I see.¡± She murmured, bowing toward Hades again. For a brief moment, I could swear I 17:59 Mon, Sep 22 N felt an awkwardness between them, like something had happened on their way here. ¡°Little brother, your fianc¨¦e borrowed your horse. She was in a hurry.¡± ¡°So you rode here in a carriage with Luna Tahlia?¡± ¡°Yup.¡± +20 Free Coins I paused right there, noting that something had indeed happened on their way. I was still lost in thought when my two sisters came rushing over. ¡°My gods, I heard what happened back in the market square outside the Lycan gates.¡± Serena¡¯s voice rang as she hurried to stand before the beautiful Luna. ¡°Are you okay?¡± ¡°Perfect. It¡¯s hectic, standing before everyone for months now, but¡­ I managed. I will be waiting for the notice,¡± she said, swallowing hard, as though whatever happened had drained her. My sister Mearez went to take her hand, gentle as always. ¡°Are you okay?¡± ¡°Yeah. I¡¯m fine¡­ thank you.¡± She looked around at us all, then back at Mearez. ¡°I don¡¯t know if it¡¯s okay for me to stay here until the noticees, or if I should¡­¡± ¡°My sister¨Cinw says you should, so you will,¡± Hades cut in gently, and I nearly raised an eyebrow at how eager he sounded for her to remain. Mearez nodded without hesitation. ¡°There are guest rooms near my quarters. You can stay there with your son. Come, I¡¯ll show you so you can settle down.¡± ¡°Thank you¡­¡± Luna Tahlia murmured softly. Slowly, she turned toward me again and added, ¡°Thank you, really.¡± I didn¡¯t speak. Atst, she turned toward Hades and reached gently for the sleeping young ck, but the moment her fingers brushed her son, he burst into tears, startling me. It was as though he didn¡¯t want to leave Hades. I exchanged a nce with Serena, confused, and watched as Luna Tahlia finally gathered her son into her arms despite his cries. Flushed with embarrassment, she bowed and walked off with my sisters, leaving the dining hall to Hades and me. 17:59 Mon, Sep 22 N : 37 +20 Free Coins Silence fell after their departure. My eyes stayed on Hades, because I had been waiting for this. He finally turned and found me staring at him, my arms folded across my chest. ¡°Uh¡­ may I know my offense, Your Majesty?¡± he asked, and I shot him a re. ¡°You implicate me, Brother Hades. Can you believe Father now wants me to be king too? He said one of us has to be king, and if we won¡¯t go with the woman he chose, then we must present our fated mate.¡± ¡°What?!¡± I rolled my eyes and sighed, exhausted. Slowly, I unfolded my arms and dropped into a chair with a heavy flop. ¡°I don¡¯t know what to do. If I dare tell him I am going to marry an Ashmere, maybe he¡¯ll sentence me to death as well.¡± ¡°It looks like my own fate is brighter than yours,¡± he murmured, making me re again. ¡°And whose fault is that?¡± He sighed, looking away as he raked his fingers through his hair. Then, as if brushing it aside, he asked, ¡°I remember this Luna. Isn¡¯t she the one your woman fought a duel for? I attended that duel. Remember?¡± ???s ??????? ?s ?????? ?? f?ndnovel ¡°Yes¡­ so?¡± I asked, watching him with suspicion. He only shrugged. ¡°She is¡­ a widow, isn¡¯t she?¡± I raised a careful brow, waiting. ¡°I mean, she must be lonely. Don¡¯t you think?¡± ¡°You¡¯re not talking about¡­¡± ¡°I am.¡± He cut me off with a shrug. ¡°She kept stealing nces at me in the carriage. Maybe she wants me too,¡± ¡°She didn¡¯t even know who you were when Zephyrine entrusted her to you. Of course she would nce at you. But what can I say? You¡¯re both adults.¡± I leaned back in my seat, lost in thought about my own fate. ¡°I wonder how my woman is doing. Will she be okay?¡± ¡°Before you begin to worry about that, maybe worry about your throne waiting for you in the Demon Realm,¡± he said. I looked up at him, and he continued, ¡°Because I don¡¯t have a mate, and I¡¯m not ready to be king either.¡± I stared at him, letting him savor the thought of freedom before I shattered it. La 37 +20 Free Coins ¡°Father gave us until next month¡¯s full moon. He said if we don¡¯t present a mate, either you or I, there will be scores to settle.¡± Hearing this, it was my brother Hades¡¯s turn to stare at me in awe. He raised a brow to confirm, and I nodded. His shoulders sagged, realizing, atst, that we were both in deep, deep trouble. 17:59 Mon, Sep 22 N Back Where 233 Zephyrine (37) +20 Free Coins The ck horse of the man I know so well I will marry gallops into Ash Pack, and the gate swings ajar as it halts right there. Somehow, I can feel a different tension. It¡¯s suddenly too quiet, and I swear I hate it. I hate the fact that everything seems so silent and calm. Why? What¡¯s wrong? ¡°Zephyr¡­¡± Dessyn¡¯s voicees through as she rushes outside, and I head to her at once, dismounting from the horse to listen. ¡°Zephyr¡­¡± No other wordse, and it makes me suspicious. What has happened? Anything but bad news about Varyn. Anything at all, but not about my brother. I bypass Dessyn and head inside, into that same hallway that usually leaves me breathless. I arrive just in time to see the elders there, all murmuring in hushed voices, and I catch sight of Jurrek Bane too. Upon seeing me, he rushes forward. ¡°You are here.¡± ¡°What happened?¡± I ask, my eyes searching his, and he swallows. ¡°He went¡­ unstable.¡± ¡°Crazy,¡± one of the elders cuts in as if to correct Jurrek, and I go still. ¡°Your brother is unstable. He wentpletely mad. He shes and ws at everything. He is dangerous.¡± ¡°Dangerous to everyone, to the whole pack. He is a warrior. What if he is set loose? He might as well kill everyone in a fit of rage and trauma.¡± Never have I been more stunned than now. From all the insults and words they spit, one thing stands out. The words ¡®set loose¡®. It sounds like Varyn is bound. Slowly, I make my way to the door, bypassing Jurrek, and stand before it. Already goosebumps rise on my skin. How painful it is to face reality. There is no Lycannar and no steadying hand at my lower back to ground me from sorrow and tension. I am alone here. 17:59 Mon, Sep 22 N I reach for the doorknob and turn it, pushing the door open to step quietly inside his bedchamber. What I see freezes me in ce. 37 437 +20 Free Coins Varyn is right there on the bed, thrashing like the crazed beast they said he had be, bound to keep him from hurting others, and himself. ???? ????s? ???????s ?? Walking further in, seeing my brother in such a state, shatters everything I believed I lived for. Tears sting my eyes before I can hold them back. Quietly, I move toward him and reach for the ropes that bind him, ready to untie them, when the door opens and Jurrek rushes forward. ¡°Zephyr, I understand how you feel, but this isn¡¯t the solution. I beg you¡­¡± He doesn¡¯t finish before Varyn¡¯s wolf growl tears through the air. He convulses, shing at nothing, as if proving the elders right, that he is crazy. Quickly, I bypass Jurrek, taking Varyn¡¯s hand and anchoring him back to me until he quiets, until he grows calm. Gently, I reach for the ropes that bind him, untying them as tears trail down my cheeks. ¡°Varyn?¡± I whisper, but before I can say more, he suddenly lunges forward. I¡¯m fast enough to block him, shoving him back. ¡°Snap out of it, Varyn!¡± A growl rumbles again, but he pauses, waiting. He stares, and I stare back, unflinching, my chest heaving. ¡°Leave us. Close the door,¡± I order Jurrek without looking away. He hesitates. ¡°Zephyr, he is¡­¡± ¡°Get out and close the door, Jurrek!¡± I snap, silencing him immediately. He obeys, shutting the door behind him, leaving me alone with the man I once knew as my best brother. Seeing him like this clenches my heart. I bite my lip to stifle the tears, but theye anyway, and I look away to steady myself. ¡°You will stop being like this, Varyn. Do you hear me?¡± My re burns, my voice rising. ¡°You will snap out of this trauma ande back to us all. Do you get it?! We failed you for five for five years -I get it. I failed you. For five years, while you rotted, I stayed in another man¡¯s pack, pouring our parents¡®pensation money into saving his dying home. I left you to rot in ckwater.¡± My lips tremble, but I go on, weary, broken. 18:00 Mon, Sep 22 37 +20 Free Coins ¡°Varyn¡­ you are the love of my life. You are my brother. You are not a ve. You are not in ckwater anymore. You are home¨Chere, in the pack our parents ruled over.¡± Slowly, I take his hand, tenderly. ¡°Varyn, you won¡¯t let themugh at us, will you? I know it¡¯s a big deal to have been imprisoned for five years, but will you give our enemies the chance to mock us now? Will you?¡± He pauses, blinks. Gradually, ws shift back to fingers. Fur recedes into skin. He blinks again, looking at me. ¡°Zephyr?¡± he calls, and I swallow hard. He¡¯s back. ¡°Zephyr.¡± Shattered, I guide him gently to the bed, flinging the ropes aside. ¡°Have you eaten? Did you take your potion?¡± I ask, and he shakes his head, still staring. I swallow again, harder, then walk to the door. Outside, I find them all waiting. I beckon Blue and Isolde at once. ¡°My brother will eat now. And he will take his potion.¡± Immediately, they hurry toward the kitchen to prepare. I return to the bed,ying my brother down with care. I take his frail hand and sigh shakily. ¡°You will be fine, Varyn. We will go through this together. You will be fine again. Understood?¡± He swallows, nods. His eyes soften, drifting shut, and he sinks into sleep. I watch him for a brief moment, then rise atst, sighing shakily as I head out. Exhaustion drags me down, the verge of a breakdown looming. I open the door and step into the hall. Without words, I head toward my chamber, but Jurrek suddenly catches my wrist. I turn, staring at him. He looks at me with guilt, his voice low. ¡°Alpha Zephyrine, I apologize.¡± ¡°For what?¡± I ask, calm, so deadly calm that he swallows hard. ¡°Tell me, Jurrek. For what do you apologize?¡± He hesitates before muttering, ¡°Because I allowed Varyn to be bound¡­¡± He doesn¡¯t finish before I shove him hard in the chest. ¡­ : 437 37 +20 Free Coins ¡°My brother is not crazy! And you will not treat him like a madman!¡± I snap, my voice loud and cutting. ¡°You are my beta. You are supposed to keep order in the pack until I return. Can¡¯t I have one night outside responsibility? One night to be happy?!¡± Silence descends. Choking back bile, I stand my ground and make it firm, clear, for all of them to hear. ¡°Varyn Ashmere is my blood brother. He will be Alpha again, take back the seat rightfully his once he recovers. And when that dayes, each and every one of you who spat on his name will pay with your lives. I swear it.¡± 18:00 Mon, Sep 22 Back Where 234 Nyroth : 37 +20 Free Coins She had arrived like a storm and taken the glory with her. Who would have known she had rescued Luna Tahlia and kept her alive and safe? Zephyrine. The more I thought of her, the more I couldn¡¯t wrap my head around how she had been so perfect. Still. I swallowed from where I stood and turned when I heard soft footsteps. It was my mother, standing there, staring at me. ¡°Mother,¡± I called, stepping closer, but she held out a hand and shook it, sighing. ¡°I heard what happened at the market square. Does that mean, again, Zephyrine took the glory?¡± I couldn¡¯t help but sigh. ¡°She took the glory and left Ka¡¯s reputation in the mud. Now it¡¯s all out there, perhaps Ka isn¡¯t the envoy of peace we all thought her to be.¡± My mother walked toward the couch and settled, sighing. ¡°Nyroth. Tell me something. Do you still love Zephyrine?¡± Goosebumps rose on my skin, and I blinked. The question made my heart clench. There was no point hiding the truth anymore. I sighed shakily, staring at her. ¡°I want Zeph. She means so much to our pack, to our lives, Mom. I lost her already before I realized she is who I want. The one I want.¡± I settled into the chair, groaning in frustration. I didn¡¯t know what to do. I haven¡¯t even made love to anyone since the incident and revtion. I¡­ I want to marry her. ¡°Why don¡¯t you talk to her?¡± My mother¡¯s voice broke my thoughts, and I looked at her, waiting. ¡°Why don¡¯t you exin exactly how you feel? Make an apology in the most fitting way? Or perhaps enter her life in the name of a trade? I heard from my bedchamber that Ash Pack hascked connection with the neighboring packs for five years. Maybe this is your time 18:00 Mon Sep 22 to step in. Nyroth.¡± 1 stared at her and swallowed. +20 Free Coins ¡°Mother perhaps¡­ do you know how to reverse time?¡± I asked, searching her eyes. ¡°Do you know how to turn back time to when Zeph was still my mate? With that connection, she wouldn¡¯t be clouded by Apex, and I could have a strong hold on her.¡± My mother remained silent, staring at me before slowly sighing. ¡°Hue Pack members only get mated once in a lifetime. There is nothing we can do about it. Maybe this is fate, which I won¡¯t let you ept. If there is another way to connect to her¡­ perhaps with¡­ with an amulet?¡± I stared at her for what seemed like an eternity. Did I just hear that right? An amulet? I had heard stories of past Hue Pack Alphas who used the amulet to bind themselves to someone they loved, after fate denied them. ¡°But the amulet only works if the two individuals love one another. If Zeph didn¡¯t love me, it would be painful for her.¡± My mother stared at me and slowly heaved. ¡°If she won¡¯t be yours by case, won¡¯t she be by force? Do you think your rival. a cursed king, will sit idly by and let anyone take that woman from him too?¡± I sat there, gazing at my mother, blinking. There was truth in her words. If I couldn¡¯t reach her, then maybe¡­. maybe I had failed as a man. But still, it would be excruciating for her¡­ ¡°You have to do it at all cost.¡± A voice came from the entrance, and I turned to see Lady Sylvara, one of the Council members, standing there. Stunned, I rose immediately, surprised at her impromptu arrival, but she walked further in. ¡°Alpha Nyroth, I believe you will be the savior of our empire,¡± she said quietly. ¡°Apex and Zephyrine can never be together. It is a prophecy they must be apart. Bringing forth a pup together would bring chaos. The only way to prevent this is for you to have her, by all cost. By all cost, you must cross every limit. The amulet, your forefathers used it in the past, and it is effective in ways you cannot fathom. All you have to do is make sure she wears it. Gradually, her hatred will shift to love. The kind of love and devotion you cannot yet imagine. Her body, her soul, everything will be yours. Do you want me to arrange the amulet, or will you let a king from a different kind altogethere to your empire and snatch the woman you love?¡± 18:00 Mon, Sep 22 337 +20 Free Coins Silence fell in the living room. I turned to my mother, waiting. Impatiently. The thought struck me. It would be shameful if I did not have Zeph in my lifetime. I wanted her with no doubt. The source of th?s content is find~novel I looked up at Lady Sylvara and nodded. ¡°When will the amulet be ready?¡± She smiled at me, and I swallowed hard. I shouldn¡¯t care about the pain Zeph would endure when the amulet began to bend her against her heart¡¯s desire. Apex, the Lycan king, stole her heart. I would steal her soul. Cha Back Where 235 pter 235 Zephyrine ¡°Alpha Zephyrine, the ring will be ready in an hour. My master asked if you wish for anything to be engraved.¡± I met his gaze and nodded, my pulse thrumming. ¡°The Ashmere crest¡­ and the drop of blood I have provided.¡± He bowed and left, footsteps fading, while my hands trembled as I turned toward the stable. This was no mere token. This was sacred. The drop of my blood. The very essence of me sealed into sacred white jade, binding my soul to his. I had decided. I would make it official. I would im Lycannar as he had imed me. With this ring, forged with the blood I had willingly offered, we would be bound heart, body, and soul. An unbreakable tether that no force in the realms could sever. My chest ached and my heartbeat surged, knowing that this act was more than ritual. It was a deration, raw and eternal, that I was his, and he was mine. One thing about being an Ashmere warrior is that we don¡¯t live only for ourselves. We live for those who follow and obey us. Like now. I was supposed to be somewhere else, but here I am in the stable, leaning against the wall, watching Lycannar¡¯s horse and imagining him on it. It had been four days since I returned in a hurry to my pack, and the good news was that after his outburst, Varyn had finally taken his health seriously. He was recovering, and his wolf had begun to reform into the enigmatic, powerful one he once was. Dessyn had stayed behind. The gods blessed her soul and heart. Moon had stayed, but he had to go to Moonveil Fortress toplete his summer training. Blue and Isolde had remained true, making the tension ease much better. I was lost in thought when I heard a neigh from ahead. My horse and Lycannar¡¯s. They are mates, my man had told me, but seeing them together in one stable was strangely¡­ tender. I lowered my gaze from their disy of devotion and turned to head back to my bedchamber, 18:00 Mon, Sep 22 37 +20 Free Coins where I had sealed myself for days. But when I stepped into the hall, I found Jurrek waiting. I bypassed him and headed in anyway, but at thest moment, he reached for my wrist, stopping me. ¡°Zephyr.¡± He called quietly, and I turned narrowly. I hadn¡¯t forgiven him for what he had done. No. Not so easily. ¡°You have news?¡± I asked curtly. He searched my eyes for what seemed like an eternity before sighing. ¡°The elders are waiting at the meeting hall. They wish to speak with you,¡± he said, ncing briefly at me. ¡°Your aunt¡¯s husband, Lord Yua, also seeks an audience.¡± I nodded and pulled my wrist free from his clutch. I decided to hear the elders out first. My uncle can wait till my brother recover. Now, after epting Lycannar¡¯s ring, I feltzy about pack affairs. It was Varyn¡¯s task, after all, and he should shoulder it, not me. Not me at all. I pushed open the hall door to see them all seated. Immediately, they rose, but I wasn¡¯t interested. Thest time I was here, bound and constrained, they had turned away from me. I had no patience for their hypocrisy now. I walked to the chair and settled after Jurrek pulled it out for me, resting my elbow on the table. ¡°Yes?¡± I asked, almost distastefully. One of the elders reached for a report and passed it to me. ¡°Alpha Zephyrine, the pack is at the edge of famine. It has been five Long years since we have traded with neighboring packs. Our supplies are exhausted, and¡­¡± ¡°Then make trades,¡± I cut him off, yawning. ¡°I said on the day of my ascension ceremony that trade should be open. Jurrek, see to it. Now, if you¡¯ll excuse me.¡± I rose to leave, but an elder stopped me. ¡°You did not take the seat of an Alpha for the people, did you?¡± Slowly, I turned to the elder who questioned me. ¡°The vow you made when you ascended the throne, did you not believe in it? You took the seat for something else, did you not?¡± Silence fell as I scanned them all. ¡°You¡¯ve got me,¡± I admitted. ¡°Actually, I took the seat to save my brother. Now that he is here, once he recovers, he will take back the seat that is rightfully his.¡± 2/3 18:00 Mon, Sep 22 : I turned away again, but another voice stopped me. 37 437 +20 Free Coins ¡°You think taking the seat as Alpha is a joke, do you? Having the Moon Goddess¡® blessing?¡± ¡°I understand the gravity of it all,¡± I countered, ring. ¡°I am the one who met the Moon Goddess and spoke to her, not you. I wish to lead, but politics is boring and exhausting.¡± I rolled my eyes and dropped a bombshell. ¡°You want to know first? Here we go. I am getting married to the Lycan King.¡± Gasps echoed, but I raised my hand, showing the ring. ¡°I said yes. You have seen Lycannar, haven¡¯t you? He is eager, and so am I. As soon as my brother is ready to rule, I am leaving you all to him. I assure you, Varyn won¡¯t be as benevolent as I am.¡± ???? ????s? ???????s ?? find?novel I straightened and sighed, just as the door opened and a man entered, looking like a messenger. He bowed, bearing a sealed scroll. ¡°Alpha Zephyrine, this is a notice from the Wolf Fortress,¡± he said. I turned to Jurrek, who took the notice and read it, raising an eyebrow at me. ¡°They want you to stand trial tomorrow at the Wolf Fortress for wiping out ckwater and allowing thousands of ves to roam the empire freely.¡± ¡°Lycannar¡¯s name is written there?¡± I asked. He shook his head. ¡°Of course not. Who would dare?¡± I took the scroll from him and tore the notice. ¡°No one stands trial. The situation doesn¡¯t even deserve it. Once my brother wakes, all will be well. Until then, make trades and keep the pack steady. I will soon be a wife. You all should expect it and respect it.¡± As I turn to leave, I have to pause because right before me stands Nyroth Hue, and judging by the expression on his face, he has definitely heard every word I said. Well, for the better. I am not his, and I will be Lycannar¡¯s wife. Back Where 236 Zephyrine +20 Free Coins When thest elder walked out, I had to pause, turning toward the window so I wouldn¡¯t have to meet his eyes, as if I had done something unimaginably awful. ¡°You¡¯re getting married to a cursed man?¡± ¡°He is thousands of times better than you, Nyroth. Let¡¯s face it,¡± I murmured, turning to him. He stood at the entrance, a frown of awe and disbelief on his face. Then he took a step forward, still surprised, confused, but now curious. ¡°Tell me, Zeph¡­ is it the wealth you¡¯re after? I mean, we all know Apex is blessed. Is that what you wanted?¡± ¡°You forget I am an Ashmere. Just because you heard our pack supplies have run out doesn¡¯t mean we¡¯re poor. There are many There are many alternatives,¡± I said, shaking my head. ¡°I am not after Lycannar¡¯s wealth.¡± ¡°The presents he gave you?¡± I had to smile, unconsciously reaching for my ne amulet to fidget with it. ¡°I love his gifts. I appreciate them, but that¡¯s not it. Really.¡± Then I turned fully to him. ¡°Why should I tell you anything, Nyroth? You and I ended long ago. You love another woman, and I love another man. We are simply not made for one another. ept it, and ept peace.¡± It was as if I had told him to go and die. He stood in silence for a long moment, then took another step forward to stand before me. ¡°Zeph¡­ I am your first love. Five years ago, you looked at no man but me. You wanted me so much. Will you tell me now that you have grown out of love? That there is nothing at all of me that you still desire? Nothing at all?¡± I swallowed hard. ¡°First love is supposed to mean something. Just because we parted badly doesn¡¯t mean you should forget what we went through. The good times, where¡­¡± ¡°Where what?¡± I cut him off softly. He paused, searching my eyes. I shook my head slowly, trying to remember. ¡°Where what, Nyroth? Good times like when your mother was abusive? Or when your younger sister never ceased to mock me?¡± 18:00 Mon, Sep 22 : He didn¡¯t speak. His face faltered, and he sighed regretfully. +20 Free Coins I exhaled now, letting emotions tug at my heart. I realized that I was deeply sad, and I had masked it with happy thoughts of Lycannar and me getting married. But now Nyroth had dug into the depths of that sorrow, and it all surged back. It wasn¡¯t just hate. We simply hadn¡¯t spoken inly and fully after our rejection. He stood there with me, alone in the vast Ash Pack meeting hall. I bit my lower lip, shaking my head. ¡°There are no good times with you, Nyroth. All I did was elevate your pack, and in return, you gave me absence, neglect, and silence when everyone called me a rogue. As if that weren¡¯t enough, immediately after Ka returned from her foolish mission of peace, you started cheating on me with her.¡± ¡°Zeph¡­¡± ¡°I hate that I have topare you to Lycannar, but it¡¯s out there in the open. The truth. You treated me like trash, a worthless rogue. Lycannar worshiped me. He made me feel seen, loved. He supported me and¡­¡± ¡°He supported you to go on a suicide mission. Is that it?¡± he suddenly asked, and I paused. ¡°I heard he was the one who handed you the torch to set ckwater aze. He went into that ce to ughter hundreds in less than an hour. And yet you never questioned his bloodthirst. What if you had died there? What if his egging you on led to your death? If Warrior June hadn¡¯t stood his ground to not stop him, if he had listened to Yadev, do you even realize how many men Apex would have killed? Is that the man you want to bear your pups, Zeph? A man who lives only in a tower? Perhaps your aunt was right after all.¡± ¡°About what?¡± My voice was quiet but filled with awe. He looked up at me, and I repeated, ¡°About what, Nyroth? You sound like you¡¯ve met my aunt somewhere other than this pack.¡± Fresh chapters posted on F?ndNovel He took a step back, lowering his gaze as if I had caught him. Slowly, it began to dawn. ¡°You were there when Warrior June was called to stop Lycannar and me from rescuing Varyn?¡°¡± I asked. Silence fell, and I drifted down memoryne. I remembered the night I mounted my horse to White Pack. Nyroth hade to ask me to plead with the Council members instead of going to war. That meant¡­ he knew what awaited me in that pack. Death. Death if Lycannar hadn¡¯t been the executioner. Staring at him again, I saw he had failed me once more. Nyroth¡­ why? ¡°Each time we tried to find an end to our loopholes, you tied another tight knot yourself,¡± I 18:00 Mon, Sep 22 said, shattered. I moved to bypass him, but he caught my wrist and confessed. +20 Free Coins ¡°I didn¡¯t do anything. I went there to rage at Ka to let you be, and I saw your aunt there. She was going to take your pack with Ka¡¯s help. I did nothing wrong, Zeph.¡± ¡°Let me go!¡± I snapped, jerking my hand free. ¡°You know I was going to get killed. You know their ns, and yet you stood by. Perhaps¡­ you expected me to perish in ckwater with Lycannar? Is that your n?¡± Not waiting for his response, I turned away, but he pulled me back again, losing his senses. He reached for my wrist, but I intercepted, swiftly tugging for his neck, and in a blur, pinned him against the wall, identally tugging my amulet ne free. I froze as the ne rolled from my neck and hit the floor. Lycannar must have felt it. I turned to Nyroth, who seemed to have done it on purpose, and shoved him away angrily. I reached for my ne, but he extended it to me, swallowing. ¡°If this is how you want it to be, Zeph, then so be it,¡± he said. I didn¡¯t dwell on his words. I grabbed the ne and quickly put it back on, reconnecting with Lycannar. Darkness flooded me for a heart¨Cstopping moment, and I staggered. Nyroth reached for me, but I refused his help. I walked to the table, leaning on it, swallowing hard against the powerful force that had descended. Gradually, it faded, and I sighed. I straightened and headed out, tossing a final nce over my shoulder. ¡°Get out of my pack, Nyroth. We are done.¡± ¡°Not yet, Zeph,¡± he said, but I didn¡¯t bother to respond. Back Where 237 Lycannar ¡­ : 37 +20 Free Coins I stared at it once again, stunned. She had¡­ removed the amulet ne that bound us. I could feel it from the anklets that chained me, from my very soul. Emptiness crawled back in, devouring me whole, and I lost every trace of her in the empire. No scent. No thread. Nothing. She was gone. I sat still, hollow, unable to move. Did it mean¡­ her brother had spoken to her? Convinced her? My thoughts spun, stunned and disoriented, so much that even when my brother appeared at the doorway, I barely noticed. Lost, until Chantel was sent in, standing before me, trying to draw me back. I dragged myself to reality, lifting my gaze slowly at my chantel, then at my brother, who frowned with concern. ¡°You alright?¡± he asked. I didn¡¯t answer. Instead, I reached again, inside, searching for the bond, for Zephyrine, only to find nothing but futility. My gaze dropped to the anklets, once a lifeline, now nothing more than shackles. ¡°Apex?¡± my brother called again, softer this time. ¡°Come out to the dining hall. Dinner is ready.¡± I swallowed and nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll be there in a minute.¡± He lingered, staring, then left. Chantel remained, eyes fixed on me. ¡°I¡¯m fine. You can go,¡± I muttered. He didn¡¯t move. I looked up, sharp. ¡°What?¡± ¡°Your runes,¡± he said quietly. ¡°They¡¯re glowing.¡± A near¨Csnarl escaped me. ¡°It¡¯s because I¡¯m in a state of quandary¡± Read full story at find(?)ovel 18:01 Mon, Sep 22 : : 37 +20 Free Coins I pushed up from my seat and walked toward the hall. Four days had passed since she left without a word, leaving a Luna with us as if that would make up for her absence. Four days of silence. Would she return whole? Would she still love me? Descending the stairs, I saw my family already gathered. I had just stepped forward when Luna Tahlia¡¯s bright voice carried across the room. ¡°I¡¯ve received notice to return to my pack,¡± she announced, holding a sealed scroll. At once, my sisters rose eagerly. ¡°Truly?¡± Serena asked, taking the scroll. Her eyes scanned it, then lit up. ¡°Your son will be crowned Alpha?¡± ¡°Not yet. We will go to trial and after that we will know the verdict which undoubtedly will be to let justice prevail.¡± ¡°By the gods¡­¡± Serena grinned wide. ¡°Young ck will make history as the youngest Alpha ever.¡± The Luna nodded, joy spilling from her, while Mearez smiled proudly beside her. I slid into my seat, silent, still weighed down by the echo of loss. Why had Zephyrine removed the amulet? ¡°Your Majesty,¡± my uncle¡¯s voice cut through. ¡°Have you chosen a date for the wedding ceremony?¡± I turned to him, nearly sighing. He was taunting me. He knew I couldn¡¯t set a date without Mother, without the true queen, without the high priestess, without my father¡¯s will from the demon throne. ¡°Not yet,¡± I muttered, swallowing bile. The fear pressed heavy in my chest. What if¡­ she didn¡¯t want me anymore? What if I had already lost her? But then the thunder of hooves. My horse. My head snapped up. The sound grew closer until she dismounted, footsteps echoing into the hall. Zephyrine. My pulse froze. She hade. She had journeyed back to me. To do what? To love me, or hate me? 18:01 Mon, Sep 22 37 +20 Free Coins ¡°Alpha Zephyrine,¡± Luna Tahlia gasped, rushing forward to embrace her. My sisters crowded around, showing her the scroll. Zephyrine read it, then lifted her face to Luna Tahlia with a radiant smile. No words were needed. Emotions soared. They hugged, tight, breathless. ¡°You will return with your head high to your pack,¡± Zephyrine murmured. ¡°You will win the trial.¡± ¡°Yes,¡± the Luna replied, eyes glistening. They looked at one another, smiling through joy. Then her gaze shifted. Fell on me. My chest seized. My breath stuttered. She stepped forward, and I sat motionless, but inside I was a storm. Something was different. Around her neck was a ne like the one I had given her, yet not the same. I knew it. I could swear my life on it. Or¡­ was I mistaken? Before I could think further, she came closer, leaned in, and pressed a kiss to my lips. My heart stilled, then swelled violently. She didn¡¯t know the truth yet. I saw it now. ¡°Hi,¡± she whispered. Just that. And the sound of her voice tore everything else away. Family, hall, time. Only us remain. ¡°I missed you,¡± I breathed, confession raw. She smiled, kissed me again, then ced a sealed, gleaming case in my hands. ¡°My first im of you, Lycannar. Open it.¡± Confusion prickled, but I obeyed. Insidey a ring white jade, carved with the Ashmere crest, the fierce wolf etched with reverence. I looked up, stunned. ¡°I¡¯m iming you as my man too,¡± she said softly. ¡°Everyone should know you¡¯re taken, until we make it official.¡± A smile tugged my lips. Strange, foreign, but real. This was the price, the beauty, the chaos of loving a fiery warrior Alpha. ¡°Should I put it on you?¡± she asked, tilting her head. ¡°I guessed your size, but I don¡¯t know if I¡¯m right.¡± I nodded, wordless. : (37) +20 Free Coins With eager fingers, she took my hand, slid off the ring I wore, and reced it, cing her own on my fourth finger, sealing her im before my entire bloodline. The moment it settled, something erupted inside me. My chest clenched. A groan broke free as I bent forward, gripping the table. ¡°Lycannar?¡± Her voice, urgent, her hand on my shoulder. Peace surged at once. The storm inside me stilled under her touch. I lifted my gaze, steadying. She was there concerned, radiant, mine. And the bond, once severed, now roared back, tighter, fiercer, choking. 18:01 Mon, Sep 22 Back Where 238 Nyroth ¡­ :.. In the end, I told myself I had no choice, and I did it. This content belongs to F¦ÉndNovel +20 Free Coins I arrived under the night sky at my pack, stepped down from the carriage, and walked into the living room where my mother was waiting for me on her toes. She froze the instant she saw me. I swallowed, standing still, watching her face break into a bright smile. ¡°I did it.¡± At those words, she sighed shakily and moved toward the chair to sit. For a moment her fingers trembled, but she steadied herself with a firm nod. ¡°You did well, son,¡± she said. ¡°I am proud of you. Now we wait and see how the amulet works out.¡± I nodded, and then she turned, as if remembering something. ¡°What about the real amulet ne you altered it with?¡± she asked, and I pulled it out. I had seen Zeph¡¯s face when she spoke of the gift Apex had given her. She had held this very ne with reverence. But now, I had altered it with mine. ¡°How did Lady Sylvara know the exact ne Zeph wore, Mother? It¡¯s identical, down to thest detail.¡± I asked, truly curious, and she only shrugged. ¡°You think they sit idle at the wolf fortress? No. They are there for reasons like this. To prevent Ill fate from taking its course. Apex with Zeph is wrong. It is evil. Listen well, son.¡± She sighed again. ¡°When she begins to love you, I want no dys. Mate with her. Marry her. Bear pups with her at once. Do you understand?¡± Hearing this made me swallow hard. The thought of her here with me, mine sent a thrill coursing through me. But it did notst. The sound of the gates opening cut through my thoughts. I traded a sharp nce with my mother before I moved to the window. My breath caught as I saw it. A carriage bearing the crest of the ckbridge Pack. Slowly, elegantly, almost shamelessly, Ka stepped down from the carriage. Her presence here shocked me. Thest time she came, it was to discard me and implicate me in an incident 18:01 Mon, Sep 22 :. I had been forced to apologize for. : ??? +20 Free Coins Now she stood still, radiating arrogance, her presence dragging silence over the entire pack. The rumors were already out there. We were all only waiting for Varyn Ashmere to appear at the wolf fortress and deliver his verdict. One that would seal Ka¡¯s fate and ruin her name, and Yadevs, forever. I stepped back as the door opened. My younger sister Olivia entered, fresh from another failed training session. After countless attempts to be a healer, she had failed miserably, and I was already losing hope. She froze, staring at me for a heartbeat, then turned toward the door just as Ka walked in. But Kai rushed forward to block her way. ¡°You can¡¯t just barge into Hue Pack without an invite,¡± he snapped, anger ring. ¡°Not now, not with all the scandal hanging over your head.¡± Ka swallowed, but as shameless as ever, she walked past him and stopped in front of me, lips curling into a low smirk. ¡°Nyroth. We need to talk.¡± ¡°My son will not speak to a whore. A liar. A merchant of death who sold out our best warrior to very!¡± my mother spat, wasting no time. She scoffed at Ka¡¯s face and hissed: ¡°Get out!¡± ¡°I apologize, Mother, but I don¡¯t think I can leave just yet.¡± Ka¡¯s voice was silky, her gaze locked on me. She smiled. ¡°My love. I should inform you that I am¡­ back.¡± Silence fell. Tension rose. And suddenly, I burst intoughter. Holy gods, what did she just say? When Hue Pack faced its critics and stood on the verge of copse, Ka had never once looked back at me. Instead, she wrapped herself in the arms of a new Alpha who clearly had abandoned her now that her filthy secrets were dragged into the open. ¡°I forgot to tell you, dear Ka,¡± I said, smiling coldly. ¡°Zeph ising back to me. There is no ce for you here in this pack, or in my heart.¡± C Back Where 239 hapter 239 Zephyrine +20 Free Coins I¡¯m happy. Excited for Young ck and Luna Tahlia for almost regaining what is theirs. I¡¯m d to see she has gotten along with the Blood family, and I am happy to see Lycannar once again. Yet, in a hidden corner of my heart, something feels strange. I cannot ce it, but there is a weight, a whisper, that something is amiss. I have showed Dessyn my ring and she had been happy for me as always. After telling her my farewell, and that I¡¯d be back in nt Ike I have ride out alone. ¡°Won¡¯t you eat your meal?¡± The question came from Princess Mearez, and I snapped back to reality to realize I am still here, seated in the dining hall with Lycannar¡¯s family. I sighed shakily and nodded in obedience. But just as I was about toply, a gentle tug stirred in my heart. I bowed my head and murmured an excuse. ¡°I¡¯ll wash my hands and return.¡± Without waiting for another word, I stepped back, ascending toward the stairs and the tower. I arrived in the hall, breathing shakily, swallowing hard. Unsteady. Drained. Why? Why does this dull pain clutch my heart, making it hard to breathe? ¡°You okay?¡± The voice jolted me. I snapped my gaze up, stunned. Chantel. I blinked. Could it be? Did he just speak to me? He stood at the end of the hall, mysterious and ominous as ever, Find the newest release on Find[?]ovel I cleared my throat quickly, but before I could respond, Lycannar appeared behind him, eyes difort. locking onto me. I turned to him, forcing away the fatigue, smoothing out my ¡°You okay?¡± he also asked, his voice edged with concern. I smiled faintly. ¡°Of course. I only wanted to wash my hands and¡­¡± ¡°She¡¯s not well.¡± Chantel cut me off, shattering my cover. My head snapped toward him in disbelief. ¡°She came breathing less. Pale.¡± 18:01 Mon, Sep 22 : 37 +20 Free Coins His words left me bare before my man. He opened his door and slipped away, leaving me stunned, regret burning. Be careful what you wish for. I had longed to hear Chantel to speak, but now I regretted it. I bit my lower lip and slowly turned back to Lycannar. He was still staring, waiting. My lips trembled. ¡°I am fine, Lycannar. You have nothing to¡­¡± ¡°Did I ask for an exnation?¡± His voice cracked like a whip, harsh enough to make me swallow. Without another word, he left me standing there, walking toward the living room, then across to his bedchamber. I followed, unable to bear his rejection now. ¡°You¡­ you¡¯re not eating dinner?¡± I asked casually, as though nothing had happened in the hall. He looked at me nk at first. Then his gaze softened. He crossed to a chair and sat. ¡°How¡¯s your brother?¡± he asked gently, and I exhaled. ¡°Varyn is getting better,¡± I murmured. Then, hesitating, I added, ¡°Lycan¡­ you know my aunt works with the Yadevs and the Council members?¡± He stayed silent, simply watching, as though he knew more wasing. ¡°I¡­ I killed a maid, Lycan. She was spying for my aunt. I slit her throat. Since then, I feel unsteady. Like¡­ I did wrong.¡± ¡°You did wrong,¡± Lycannar said immediately, and I stared at him. ¡°For feeling guilty.¡± He leaned back, shrugging, his voice rough but firm. ¡°You eliminated a spy and feel guilt? Do you think they would feel guilty if they seeded, if they killed you instead?¡± I bit my lip, silent. His hand extended toward me. I ced mine into his palm, and he pulled me closer, drawing me onto hisp. Gently, he tucked a strand of hair behind my ear, his eyes warm as they searched mine. ¡°If politics exhaust you¡­ perhaps we should relocate to a quiet ce, wife.¡± His voice lowered, hoarse, intimate. ¡°Just you, me, and our pups because we will find a way, and we will have them. Me as only your husband. You as only my wife. No burdens. No crowns. Only us.¡± His words cracked something open in me. A part that had yearned for them. I lowered my 18:01 Mon, Sep 22 : 37 +20 Free Coins gaze, leaned on him, buried my face against his chest, breathing in his scent of flowers. ¡°Lycan?¡± I whispered desperately. ¡°I am in pain.¡± His hands grew more tender around me. He pulled back slightly, searching my face. My tears burned. He looked at me, concern flooding his features. ¡°My gods¡­ you¡¯re scaring me, Zephyrine,¡± he murmured in awe. I sniffled, leaning closer forfort, but all I found was ache. Ache deep and suffocating, until sobs broke free, trembling through me. ¡°Lycan¡­¡± My voice broke. He lifted me easily, carried me down to the bed, andid me there, eyes locked to mine in horror. ¡°I¡¯ll call Mearez,¡± he said quickly, moving to rise. But I caught his wrist, pulling him gently back down beside me. ¡°Stay with me. Please.¡± It sounded like ast plea. My wolf howled quietly as Lycannary down, carefully pulling me into his arms, caressing me tenderly. ¡°I¡¯m here, Zephyrine. I¡¯m here. And you will be fine. You will be.¡± I cried softly, drifting into sleep in his arms, wrapped in pain, while I knew he would not close his eyes. Not once. Not while I was like this. Back Where 240 Lycannar +20 Free Coins I couldn¡¯t sleep. Not even once. All I did was stare up at the sketch of her face and pamper her into slumber. Now, with the morning sun spilling into the bedchamber, I wondered what the day would bring. Iy still with her in my arms, her breath soft against me, when footsteps echoed faintly. My brother Hades. He hadn¡¯t slept in the chamber my sister had prepared for him. I knew that from the silence in my halls all night. Now, standing in the doorway, he raked his hair with his fingers. He smelled like sex, and I didn¡¯t need to guess who had spent the night with him. ¡°Little brother, I¡­¡± he began, but I silenced him with a look. He raised a brow, but before I could say a word, Zephyrine stirred in my arms, hershes fluttering open. My jaw tightened. Rage surged as Hades, realizing what he had interrupted, slipped away without another word. By the time I blinked, he was gone. Zephyrine moaned softly, still half asleep, and whispered drowsily, ¡°Good morning, Nyroth.¡± Stillness. A pause that split my chest wide open. Did she just¡­ Her eyes snapped open fully, and she looked straight at my face. Realization struck her, and she bolted upright, pulling away, her breath ragged. ¡°Good morning, Lycan.¡± The words cracked the air like a whip. I said nothing. Only stared, choking down the storm inside me. Then I tore myself from the bed, pulling on my robe, but her voice stopped me. ¡°Lycan¡± I froze. Turned. 18:02 Mon, Sep 22 ¡°I¡­ I¡¯m sorry. I didn¡¯t mean to¡­ call you by anyone else¡¯s name.¡± 37 +20 Free Coins She was sorry. I saw it in her eyes. But the apology did nothing to cool the wildfire now burning in my chest. I nodded once, turned, and walked out of the chamber. My feet carried me to the bath hall. Hades was there, just finishing, toweling off after a dip in the pool. He nced up when I entered. ¡°I thought I¡¯d wash quickly before you and your woman came to use it,¡± he said as he finished dressing up, but I ignored him, stripping my shirt away. The silence ate at me until rage burst its cage. I grabbed theundry basket, flung it hard, and it crashed against the wall, just as the door opened. Zephyrine froze in the entrance. Silence. Heavier than stone. She went pale, and I clenched my jaw, turning from her as I continued to undress. Hades, sensing what brewed between us, slipped out quickly, leaving only us. She stepped toward me, her sigh trembling. ¡°Lycan?¡± Her voice shook. ¡°Lycan, I¡¯d like to go now. I¡­ I have to¡­¡® ¡°¡± ¡°To where?¡± My voice cut her off. I turned fully to face her. ¡°To where, Zephyrine?¡± Something was wrong. I could see it. She didn¡¯t look like herself. Her throat worked as she struggled to speak, then whispered, almost broken, N?w ?ovel chapt?rs are published on find¡¤novel ¡°I have to go to Hue Pack.¡± Hue. I stilled. That pack. I had been there once. My jaw set. ¡°Why?¡± No answer. Only her face, paling, twisting with pain. My anger gave way to fear. She clutched her chest, breath shuddering. She staggered, then looked up at me, her eyes glowing faintly with an unfamiliar light. 18:02 Mon, Sep 22 ¡­ : 337 +20 Free Coins ¡°Nyroth and I have something to talk about. I have to go to him.¡± She straightened, turned to leave, but I caught her wrist. This wasn¡¯t anger anymore. It was dread. ¡°Zephyrine.¡± My voice cracked. She turned, chest heaving, eyes wild. She was fighting something I couldn¡¯t see. It broke me. ¡°Zephyrine, what is it? What¡¯s happening to you?¡± ¡°I feel¡­¡± She struggled, her voice hoarse. ¡°I feel an excruciating agony. Like the love I give you burns inside me, turns to pain. When I¡¯m near you, when you hold me¡­ it¡¯s unbearable.¡± Her words froze me. No. No, it couldn¡¯t be¡­ ¡°Zephyrine¡­¡± ¡°Yesterday¡­ Nyroth came to Ash Pack,¡± she whispered, tears spilling down her chest. ¡°He came, and I don¡¯t know what he¡¯s done to me, Lycan, but when I¡¯m with you, I hurt. I have to go to him. I have to know.¡± She pulled from my grip. I followed, but she shook her head, sniffed, and gave a low voice. ¡°Stay. I¡¯ll be back before afternoon. Don¡¯t worry. Okay?¡± I said nothing. Could say nothing. I only stood frozen as she walked away. Away from my halls. Away from me. She said she would return by afternoon but every bone in me knew she never would. Back Where 241 Zephyrine : 853 +10 Free Coins I couldn¡¯t breathe. Not truly. What I found were two certain truths. The moment I put the ne back on, when Nyroth extended it to me, my thoughts became disoriented and the bond I shared with Lycannar snapped, shattered. The second truth. I felt a pull toward Nyroth. A pull that went against my heart¡¯s true desire. It was painful not to obey it. As I hurried down the stairs, I bypassed guards and maids until I broke outside. My steps carried me to the carriage waiting in the courtyard, but before climbing in, I felt it. His eyes on
  1. me.
Slowly, I turned toward the ck Tower. Lycannar stood in the corridor, staring at me, probably wondering why I had called another man¡¯s name in my sleep. And not just any man, but my ex¨Cmate, the one I was supposed to hate. I swallowed under the weight of his gaze. Every piece of my heart screamed to run to him. But I couldn¡¯t. The pull toward Nyroth was too powerful. I climbed into the carriage, and it rolled toward Hue Pack without dy. Yet the farther it carried me, the worse it grew. As the carriage wheels crossed out of the Lycan Kingdom, leaving it all behind, I felt myself torn by two different forces. Two pulls. Two loves. My very heart battling something unnatural. Something unworldly. I leaned forward, jaw set, fighting to stay steady. Atst, the carriage wheels ground into Hue Pack territory, but I couldn¡¯t step out. Not yet. Not when my body was breaking apart inside
  1. me.
I bit my lower lip, trying to anchor myself. Trying to stay sane. And in one sharp instant, something within me stirred. A strange power. Faint, but enough to help me face what wasing. I stepped from the carriage and stood there, drawing breath. They all stopped to stare. The pack members, the guards, the maids. They looked as they should at an Alpha. At the first female Alpha. The same one they once mocked as a rogue. I ignored them and strode into the hall. Past the guards. Past the staff. Straight into the wide chamber of Nyroth Hue. He was there, waiting. It was as though he had known I woulde. His gaze pinned me. His arms hung by his sides, yet the pull inside me screamed to fall into them. My heart knew it wasn¡¯t real. It wasn¡¯t what I wanted. But the ache tore through me, unrelenting, and when he finally spread his arms wide to wee me, my resistance shattered. I walked into Nyroth¡¯s arms. He crushed me against him, clinging with possession and hunger. Ãñ±Šõr ¡°My gods, Zeph,¡± he breathed, desperate. ¡°How I wish I could turn back the clock, to im you when you were fully mine. But now¡­ you are mine. Are you not?¡± Every part of me knew I wasn¡¯t. But the unholy force inside me urged me to agree. To surrender. Still, the devotion I carried for Lycannar refused to be silenced. I fought the spell, denied him, and shattered in the attempt. Blood sprayed from my lips. I fell to my knees. ¡°Zeph!¡± ¡°What did you do to me?¡± My voice broke as I coughed, breath uneven. He tried to help me up, but I flung his hand away, trembling with rage and disgust at myself, for ever wanting to be in his arms. Horror filled his face as he stared at the blood on the floor. Then the doors burst mother. His sister. open. His ¡°What did you do to me, Nyroth?!¡± My voice rang through the hall, ragged with fury. ¡°What kind of spell is this?¡± ¡°The darkest of all.¡± Pam¡¯s voice slid like a de. My head snapped toward her. ¡°After you left the square,¡± she said, walking closer, ¡°The council menebr made a decision. They summoned the most powerful witch in the empire. A love¨Cbinding spell. The strongest amulet.¡± Gooseflesh rose along my skin. My breath shook as I bit my lip, struggling to steady myself. ¡°What¡¯s the cure?!¡± I demanded. ¡°What can be done?¡± Pam nced at her son, Nyroth, then back to me. She smiled. 420 +10 Free Couns ¡°Never did I imagine a day woulde where I¡¯d stand before the Lycan King¡¯s woman and see the love she feel for him crumbled.¡± Her smile deepened as she faced Nyroth. Then she turned her eyes on me. ¡°This is only the beginning, Zeph. Don¡¯t fight the pull, it will consume you. Soon you¡¯ll forget any love you¡¯ve ever had. Soon, all you¡¯ll want is Nyroth Hue. But don¡¯t worry. You will be fine.¡± Herughter echoed as she walked in, pulling Olivia who clearly was not I support. I can tell from the emotion in her eyes, leaving the truth burning like fire in my chest. I, Zephyrine Ashmere, who had promised the man I loved that I would return before afternoon, sank to the floor. Nyroth caught me, his palm caressing my cheek with false concern. My vision blurred. My eyes fluttered closed. And just before unconsciousness took me, I felt it. My thoughts unraveling, my will splintering. Pam was right. I wanted Nyroth. I was forgetting the man I truly loved. Only she was wrong about one thing. It wasn¡¯t gradual. It was instant. ??? ????? ???????s ??? ?????s??? ?? Find?Novel And as the darkness swallowed me, one final thought struck. Who in this empire had the power to cast such a spell? Back Where 242 Lycannar 200 ¡°You okay?¡± The question came from the doorway of my bedchamber, and I looked up from where I sat on the bed to see my brother. He must have noticed my silence at the dining hall this morning when I came down for breakfast. I lowered my gaze and nodded. ¡°Yes¡­ I¡­¡± I sighed, then looked up at him. ¡°Maybe I¡¯m worrying too much.¡± ¡°Come out.¡± He said simply, and I rose from the bed. I walked into the living room, bypassing him, and he turned to watch me. ¡°Something wrong with and you your woman?¡± I raked my fingers through my hair as I tried to steady my breath. I dropped into a chair, mind spinning, the storm of emotions overwhelming me, sharp and unfamiliar. ¡°I can¡¯t feel the connection with Zephyrine anymore,¡± I confessed. ¡°It¡¯s like she¡­ doesn¡¯t exist.¡± ¡°The love connection?¡± ¡°N¡­ not really. I¡­ I gave her an amulet. One that binds her energy to mine. It¡¯s like a bond. Not the same as a true mate bond, not like the one my foremother forged but close. The amulet was meant to sharpen her Alpha instinct, to keep us tethered. But now¡­ I can¡¯t feel it.¡± He studied me for a while before asking quietly. ¡°How long has it been broken?¡± ¡°Sincest night.¡± I muttered, leaning back, sighing heavily. ¡°I didn¡¯t think much of it at first since she was here with me but this morning she¡­ she acted strange. And then she left for¡­ for him. Her ex. I don¡¯t¡­¡± I buried my face into my palms, trying to calm myself, to keep from snapping, to keep from drowning in possessiveness. I told myself to breathe, to be rational but I couldn¡¯t. This was Zephyrine. My woman. The only part of me I could never be selfless about. 1/4 Th? link to the orig?n of this information r?sts ?n F?nd-Novel 200 ¡°I don¡¯t want to choke her with my jealousy. I don¡¯t want her to feel caged. I don¡¯t want to be that man.¡± I looked up at him, and he could see the pain written all over me. ¡°But gods, I want her back. I can¡¯t stand knowing she¡¯s anywhere but here or her pack. Not with him. And I swear, I¡¯m running out of patience. I don¡¯t know what to do.¡± Hades was silent for a long moment before he exhaled, gaze steady, ¡°You think I¡¯m too much?¡± I asked quietly. He shook his head. ¡°I will never find fault in you, little brother. Good or bad, right or wrong, you¡¯ll always be right in my eyes.¡± ¡°So what should I do?¡± I pressed, but before he could answer, the sound of my uncle¡¯s voice rang from downstairs. ¡°Your Majesty! Your Majesty!¡± I nearly rolled my eyes in exhaustion. Hades sighed with me, then quietly followed as I rose from the chair. Together, we descended the stairs into the dining hall. My uncle Dareth was waiting with the elders. ¡°You are not in the meeting hall today, Your Majesty. Reports are piling up. You are needed.¡± I said nothing. My mind was nowhere near statecraft. If I sat through reports now, I would sign something I shouldn¡¯t. ¡°I am not well,¡± I muttered atst, leaning on the table. ¡°Tomorrow.¡± My uncle frowned but didn¡¯t move. One of the elders cleared his throat, ready to speak. ¡°You are not usually well, Your Majesty. Should Baron¡­¡± 99 ¡°No.¡± My Beta cut him off sharply as he entered the hall. The incident of what had happened that day still fresh in his mmd. ¡°We wait for his Majesty.¡± The elder swallowed, his face paling. The orror of that morning¡¯s tension still lingering. He bowed, then spoke again. ¡°All reports will wait for his Majesty¡¯s approval. We¡¯ll deal with lesser matters in the meantime.¡± I inclined my head in thanks, and they filed out. I swallowed hard, trying to hold myself steady. Just then, a maid entered, bowing low. ¡°Your Majesty¡­ someone is here to see Lady Zephyrine.¡± My brows rose. ¡°Someone?¡± ¡°Yes, my King. She hosted your parties.¡± Her best friend. +10 Free Cow ¡°Let her in,¡± I said at once, ncing at Hades, who watched curiously. ¡°She¡¯s Zephyrine¡¯s closest friend.¡± It didn¡¯t take long. She walked in and paused a few paces away, bowing. ¡°Your Majesty,¡± she greeted, ncing at Hades, then back at me. ¡°Is Zephyr here?¡± I paused, then shook my head. ¡°She told me she needed to go to Hue Pack. Said she¡¯d be back by afternoon, but she hasn¡¯t returned yet. I don¡¯t want to panic.¡± The woman froze at my words, her expression going pale. Her voice dropped low. ¡°Why¡­ why would Zephyr go to Hue Pack? She has no business there.¡± ¡°She told you she was going there when she left?¡± I asked. She shook her head. ¡°We spoke about her ring. Her engagement to you. Then she said she¡¯d return your horse and check on Luna Tahlia. She promised she¡¯d be back in a day or two. If anything urgent came up, she said we should send a fast rider. Zephyr has no reason to see Nyroth. None. I have a bad feeling about this.¡± I swallowed hard, trying to contain myself. ¡°Why?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know. I could be wrong, but¡­ after Nyroth came to Ash Pack yesterday, she was¡­ different. Normally she cries under her burdens, but this time it was something else. I¡­¡± ¡°Something¡¯s wrong,¡± I cut in, my voice low. My chest felt tight. Last night she¡¯d cried again. Out of some strange, stabbing pain. This morning, she woke calling his name. His name. ¡°Maybe a spell?¡± Hades suggested softly. And suddenly it clicked. The amulet around her neck¡­ It wasn¡¯t mine. 420 +10 free Going Back Where 243 Nyroth +10 Free Coints ¡°Destroy the amulet ne Apex gifted her. Break the connectionpletely between them. That way, she will never remember him even if she sees him¡­ unless the love she has for him is beyond heaven¡¯s will and hell¡¯s rage, which I seriously doubt.¡± Lady Sylvara¡¯s words echoed in my mind, and I had done it. After I stole it and exchanged it with the one Lady Sylvara had given me, I destroyed the true one that Apex had sped around Zeph¡¯s neck. Earlier today, something happened that went beyond my understanding and everything I thought I stood for. She coughed out blood. That made me begin to doubt the whole amulet and the idea of forced love. It was as though her body itself, her very soul, was convulsing, battling against the spell that bound her to me. She had passed out since then and hadn¡¯t woken. Staring at her sleeping form on my bed, I realized one tangible truth. She had never slept this peacefully here before. Instead, she had loved the small, damp room across the hall, the one I had cruelly dumped her into. My heart ached for it. For her. For the way I had treated her so badly, so meanly, like she was nothing. I regretted it all. If only she could give me her heart again, I would be everything and more than Apex could ever be. How could I prove I loved her? How could I keep her not by force, but by her own will? Those questions gnawed at me as the sky rumbled again. I looked up toward the window and saw the clouds still gathering. It seemed the rain would fall tonight, and I wondered what it would bring. Chaos or bliss. She had carried the scent of Lycans when she arrived, which meant she had spent the night with him. Would hee here to take her? No. He wouldn¡¯t dare. The door opened softly, and my mother appeared in the doorway. She paused a moment, then stepped further inside. ¡°Is she still asleep?¡± she asked quietly. ¡°She isn¡¯t sleeping, Mother. She¡¯s passed out. Unconscious. I don¡¯t know what¡¯s wrong with her. 1/3 Latest content published on find?novel 16:16 Sat, Sep 27 53 +10 Free Coins Lady Sylvara never told me she would cough blood. Is this how she will be all the time?¡± My voice broke with panic before I realized it, until my mother asked me one sharp question. ¡°Would you rather let her go to Apex, then?¡± That question pierced my mind and sparked anger and possession. I reached for Zeph¡¯s hand instinctively, giving it a firm squeeze. ¡°She is mine, Mother. No one else¡¯s.¡± No sooner had the words left me than she stirred. Slowly, she fluttered her eyes open. I went still, moving closer, waiting for any reaction. Her eyes widened, blinking as if trying to remember where she was and how she had here. gotten Then she turned to me, and I swear I forgot how to breathe. Those eyes, so beautiful, fixed on me, and against all odds, she smiled. Whatever sorrow and hardship I had carried all my life vanished in that instant. She looked at me as though she loved me, and I would give anything for this every single day. ¡°Zeph?¡± I called softly, my palm lifting to her cheek, cautious, praying she would not pull away. To crown it all, she smiled brighter. ¡°Nyroth.¡± I turned to my mother in awe, and in response she rushed forward to ask Zeph tenderly, ¡°My dear, how do you feel now? Any pain?¡± Zeph went quiet for a moment, testing her body. Then she shook her head. ¡°I feel fine. Totally.¡± She looked back at me and sighed. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Why do you look so surprised?¡± ¡°Uh¡­ me?¡± I stammered, climbing onto the bed to sit beside her. My mother, unable to contain her delight, said brightly, ¡°I will leave you both to yourselves.¡± She gave me the signal, and I swallowed hard. Then she departed, closing the door softly behind her. I shifted my gaze back to Zeph, and she was still staring at me, full of attention and, to my shock, with the same wanting she once had, the one I had been so foolish to reject. ÈÕØS…^ $10 Free Com ¡°Zeph,¡± I whispered desperately, lowering myself onto her, my palm cupping her cheek. I nced at her lips, and she waited for me, her eyes fluttering closed. Emotions swirled inside me as I lowered my lips toward hers, almost scaling the moment when suddenly the sound of my pack¡¯s gate mmed open, making me shudder. I frowned immediately, rage bubbling. Who would dare barge into my pack this way, to interrupt such a moment? Whoever it was would pay with their life. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± I heard Zeph murmur as she opened her eyes to look at me again. I dipped lower, my lips brushing her neck, but then came the crash of my guards being hurled against walls, and I froze. Wait. Who is here? I rushed from the bed to the window. A bolt of lightning split the sky, and in the white ze, his form appeared. Apex Blood. He was here. For her. I staggered backward in shock, my heart mming against my chest. If he was here, what could he do? Zeph was mine. Clearly in love with me now. Wasn¡¯t she? I turned back to the bed. She was sitting up, confusion in her eyes. Then she walked slowly to the window, and when her gaze fell on the King standing beside his powerful ck horse, she froze. Her eyes changed. In that instant, I saw it clearly. Her soul might have been stolen by me with a spell, but Apex Blood owned it entirely through love. I could not lose her. Not now. Not to him. With him watching below, I moved behind her, unzipping her dress to bare her shoulders, pressing my lips against her skin and by the gods, that was the most fatal mistake I ever made. 10:10 Sat, Sep 21 Back Where 244 Zephyrine +10 Free Cans Blinking through the haze, I felt warmth spread in my chest when my gaze locked with his down there. But behind me stood yet another obstacle, a man I could not push away, bound as I was by the spell that chained me. I choked at the reality, lowering my gaze to fight the endless tug of war in my life, only to be snapped back to myself. Jump. That was the mind¨Clinked voice that thundered in my heart. I fluttered my eyes open, just as the sky parted, and heavy rain poured down. He stood there, his gaze fixed on me, and as if under his own enchantment, I reached for the window and leapt. I didn¡¯t care. I trusted him with all my heart. Inded perfectly in his powerful arms, my hands circling his neck as he held me tight. My body surged with force and emotion, making me remember what I had forgotten in the haze. In the dark. ¡°Zephyr!¡± The voice of Dessyn came just as the carriage screeched to a halt. Slowly, Lycannar set me down on my feet, and I turned to her. My best friend stared at me in horror. ¡°My gods! Are you okay?¡± she gasped. Before I could answer, the main doors burst open. Nyroth came storming out with his Beta at his side. His mother and Olivia followed quickly, rushing into the rain as the rest of the pack gathered, watching in awe at the scene that had brought Apex Blood into their midst. ¡°Come back here, Zeph!¡± Nyroth snapped, his hand closing around my wrist as he pulled me away from Lycannar just as thunder roared and rain poured harder. ¡°She is mine. You are mine, Zeph. No one else¡¯s.¡± The words unsettled me, but I couldn¡¯t resist them. The emotions I had felt when I looked at Lycannar began to fade. I moved into Nyroth¡¯s chest under the eyes of all, as though to make a choice. ¡°You do not belong to Nyroth, Zeph! What are you doing?!¡± Dessyn cried, her voice cutting through the storm. ¡°Zephyr, snap out of it. You love the Lycan King, not Nyroth!¡± 16:16 Sat, Sep 27 Confusion tore through me. I knew I didn¡¯t belong in Nyroth¡¯s hands, but something bound me, holding me back. I stood still, then slowly met the gaze of the Lycan King before me. He didn¡¯t speak. He only looked at me in another man¡¯s arms, then lifted his gaze to mine. And I felt it. The ache. ¡°Lycan,¡± I breathed in awe. In reply, he extended his hand toward me. ¡°Come here.¡± Agonizing pain ripped through my chest when I tried to move. The same pain that had made me cough blood seized me now, choking me as I fought against it. ¡°Lycan,¡± I whispered desperately, and he nodded, encouraging me. ¡°You can break it yourself, Zephyrine. It¡¯s the ne around your neck. It will hurt, but I am here. You do not belong here. Not to him. Let me take you back home and keep you warm. Please.¡± His voice was desperate, unlike I had ever heard it before. ¡°Zeph, you won¡¯t listen to him, will you?¡± Nyroth cut in sharply, halting me. ¡°He is cursed. Would you truly choose a man like that?¡± ¡°Zeph,e back here,¡± Pam pleaded, her voice heavy. ¡°We know we wronged you, but please¡­ give us a chance to make amends. Do not pull that ne off. Nyroth is your first love. Let¡¯s return as one family.¡± My heart stilled. My senses dulled. They were right. Lycannar and I could never be a match. He was a Lycan. I was a wolf. Maybe Nyroth was where I belonged. My hands dropped at my sides, ready to ept him¡­ But then it surged. A force hotter than any word could describe. A spell might bind me to Nyroth, but Lycannar¡¯s eyes reached deeper into my soul than anything else ever could. Against the pain tearing through me, I reached for the ne. With one jerk, I ripped it from my neck and flung it to the ground. The impact shattered the spell. My body trembled, copsing as I sank back into myself. Lycannar was swift. He caught me before I hit the ground, gathering me in his arms under the storm. I clutched at his cor, shuddering. ¡°Lycan¡­¡± I whispered, guilt weighing heavy in my heart. Guilt for dragging him into another storm. Another problem. *10 Free Som I buried my face against his chest as he kissed my hair, then pulled me gently to my feet, holding me close. ¡°Can you stand?¡± he asked, and I nodded weakly, my gaze darting to Dessyn. At once, I rushed into her arms. But leaving Lycannar free was a mistake. In a blur, he was upon Nyroth, gripping him by the throat before the Alpha could blink. With inhuman speed, Lycannar mmed him against the wall, choking him hard. ¡°Lycan!¡± I screamed, horrified. But my man was beyond reason. His eyes burned, shifting from pale gold to storm¨Cgrey. His voice was raw, acidic. ¡°Touch my woman again, and I swear on the crown I wear, you will pay with your life.¡± He released Nyroth, shoving him down roughly. The Alpha copsed to the ground, coughing and gasping for breath. Pam froze in terror. One wrong move, and her son would have been dead. I trembled at the sheer force Lycannar wielded. And yet, when he turned back to me, his rage melted. His eyes softened. He carried me to Dessyn¡¯s carriage, cing me carefully inside. With the carraige I have ride into Hue pack as well, it moves. As the wheels rolled forward, Lycannar mounted his ck horse and rode alongside us, through the storm, back toward the Lycan Kingdom. The source of th?s content is Find?Novel And in that moment, our love was solidified. Not only pure, but beyond the reach of any spell. 16:16 Sat, Sep 27 Back Where 245 Zephyrine 410 Fo The carriage wheels rolled to a stop in the courtyard, but Lycannar¡¯s horse galloped straight into the royal stable. For heart¨Cstopping seconds, I thought about what would have happened between Nyroth and me if Lycannar hadn¡¯te in time. We would have kissed. We would have made love. My gods. ¡°Let¡¯s get inside now,¡± Dessyn¡¯s voice came from beside me, pulling me out of my thoughts. I turned to her. ¡°You¡¯re safe now. Let¡¯s go in. Though¡­¡± She sighed softly. ¡°I can tell Apex is furious.¡± Get full chapters from FindN()vel Herst words clenched my heart. I stepped down under the rain and hurried into the hallway. By the time I entered the dining hall, Lycannar was walking in from the other side. His sisters were there, and his elder brother too, waiting. The moment I saw them, I rushed into his sisters¡® arms. ¡°Are you okay?¡± Princess Mearez asked immediately. I nodded, pulling back with a shaky sigh. ¡°I was lost¡­ but I¡¯m fine now.¡± I muttered the words, assuring myself as much as her. Princess Seena pulled me into another hug. ¡°My gods. When I heard, I couldn¡¯t even wrap my head around it.¡± She pulled back to search my eyes. ¡°But doesn¡¯t an Ashmere resist spells naturally?¡± I smiled weakly. ¡°We¡¯re only good at wars,¡± I answered quietly. At that moment, Lycannar entered, bypassing everyone in silence as he headed for his tower. My stomach dropped. I knew I was in for a scolding. I turned to see Luna Tahlia walking in. I reached for her hand, and she searched my eyes, then smiled knowingly. ¡°This is you. Truly.¡± I looked at Dessyn, who gave me a small nod. ¡°I¡¯ll stay with the princesses. You should go.¡± I swallowed hard and turned toward the ck tower that suddenly felt more menacing than ever. What would I find there? Carefully, I took the stairs after bidding everyone good night. The hallway was silent except for the trail of water leading into the living room. Quietly, I followed it and reached Lycannar¡¯s chamber doorway. He stood there, peeling off his wet clothes. My heart clenched at the sight. I swallowed and stepped inside, stopping a few steps away as I watched him pull off his shirt. He slid the forearm braces from his wrists, then kicked off his boots. ¡°Lycan?¡± I finally called. He paused, turning to me, his gaze settling heavy and silent. ¡°Lycan, I¡¯m sorry. I know I was supposed to be careful, and¡­¡± ¡°I will kill him.¡± His voice cut sharp, as if carved in stone. My breath caught. He wasn¡¯t joking. I saw it in his eyes. ¡°I¡¯ll kill him the next time he daresy hands on you. I swear it.¡± I bit my lower lip at the vow in his voice. He wasn¡¯t threatening. He was promising. He reached for a towel to dry his hair, but I couldn¡¯t bear his silence anymore. I closed the distance and threw myself into his arms. ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­ sorry I dared forget you, even for a moment.¡± My gaze searched his, pleading. ¡°The ne you gave me¡­¡± 99 ¡°He destroyed it,¡± Lycannar muttered, his eyes dark. ¡°I can feel it.¡± ¡°Can¡¯t you make another one?¡± He shook his head, leaning close until his breath brushed over my lips. ¡°Such an amulet is made once in a lifetime. It can¡¯t be remade.¡± My heart ached at his words, but when his lips brushed mine, sorrow melted away. I kissed him back, surrendering to the arms of the one I truly belonged to. 16:16 Sat, Sep 27 +10 Free Coins His hands gripped my waist, heat ring instantly between us. Then he turned me around and bent me over the table, his hard cock pressing against me. I gasped as he pulled up my gown, bending me lower to strip me down. In slow, deliberate movements, he lubricated the tip and eased into my anus, stretching me with aching patience. I gripped the table¡¯s edge, a groan slipping from my lips as he filled me. ¡°Lycan¡­¡± I moaned his name, trembling as he pressed deeper, expanding me with his length. Then he began. At first, his movements were slow, careful, almost tender. But soon, they turned wild. It was as if he remembered everything that had happened and wanted to im me, mark me with every thrust. He fucked me hard, then pulled out to flip me around. Breathless, lips bruised from his kiss, I let him push me down onto the bed. He climbed over me, easing back inside my anus, kneeling between my legs. His thumb found my clitoris, not teasing, not stroking, just holding it with pressure, grounding me as his thrusts came relentless. I cried out, squirting as his rhythm consumed me. Momentster, he came hard, spilling deep inside me. The world blurred. The storm outside disappeared. All that remained was us. When he came down, I copsed against him, hugging him tightly as if I¡¯d die without his warmth. He buried his face into me, clinging like I was his salvation. And maybe, in a way, I was. Back Where 246 Zephyrine +10 Free Crans I fluttered my eyes open when I heard the voice. At first, I frowned in concern, then turned to Lycannar, only to see him still deeply asleep. ¡°Your Majesty?!¡± the voice called again, louder this time. Lycannar creased his brows, the sound stirring him. Slowly, his eyelids fluttered open and his gaze settled on me. One silent heartbeat, and I knew it. He was the one I wanted. Again and again. I wanted to wake beside him every single day of my life. Not Nyroth. Never him. ¡°Your Majesty!!¡± This time Lycannar¡¯s frown deepened. He blinked, making sure he wasn¡¯t dreaming. ¡°You hear that?¡± he asked, voice low. I nodded. ¡°Sounds like your people?¡± ¡°None of them has ever spoken to me directly,¡± he muttered in confusion, then rose from the bed. He reached for his robe, tied it, and walked slowly, very slowly, toward the corridor. Silence followed. Curiosity pulled me from the sheets, and I went to peer through the window. Below, his people stood gathered. Not all, but a handful. Traders, servants, staff, even maids. Their faces tilted upward, worry etched in their eyes. ¡°Your Majesty, are you okay?¡± one asked, her tone cautious. Why were they worried? Because of what happenedst night? ¡°My king, is everything well with you?¡± another called. I raised an eyebrow. What was going on? Then one voice carried above the rest, a trader, her clothes still dusty from travel. 16:16 Sat, Sep 27 10 free Coins ¡°Your Majesty, behind the walls of your kingdom, the werewolves speak your name in a dark way. They say war ising for you. We are worried.¡± ¡°Are you truly okay?¡± another echoed. I froze. My heart pounded. Did I hear right? War? Why in the gods¡® names would anyone want to wage war against Lycannar or his kingdom? ¡°I am fine. Do not trouble yourselves,¡± the Lycan King assured them, waiting until they dispersed before turning back inside. Only when the courtyard emptied did he return, pausing in the middle of the chamber, a frown shadowing his face. ¡°Something must have happened,¡± he murmured. Then his gaze shifted to me, heavy and searching. ¡°Who elsemands thergest army aside from Ashmere?¡± I frowned at his question. ¡°No one will wage war against you, Lycannar. Not while I live.¡± I stepped closer, standing before him. ¡°Just rumors, my love. Good morning.¡± He hesitated a beat, then leaned in, murmuring against my lips, ¡°Good morning. How did you sleep?¡± ¡°Blissful,¡± I whispered back, kissing him softly. He pulled me up with ease, settling me on the table. I slid the robe from his shoulders, revealing the powerful lines of his body, and smiled. gods, how I loved looking at him like this. ¡°What¡¯s the schedule for today?¡± I asked, yful curiosity in my tone. His eyes roamed over me, lingering at my thighs. He bit his lower lip softly, then parted my legs, exposing me bare before him. His gaze burned as it lifted back to mine. ¡°Schedule for today can wait. Let me taste you first.¡± Without another word, he sank into a chair between my legs. His mouth descended, and my eyes fluttered closed as his tongue brushed me. I trembled, heat rushing through me. My hand found my breast, squeezing softly as a shaky moan escaped me.
  • 10 Free Goms
Lycannar¡¯s tongue swirled over my clit while his fingers slid into my core, stroking deep, steady. My thighs quivered, body trembling as I clutched the table for support, no longer caring who might hear. His tongue pressed, flicked, his fingers curled, sending me higher. ¡°Lycan¡­ Lycan, please,¡± I gasped, climax bursting through me. He rose from the chair and kissed me hard. As his fingers slipped free, I squirted, shaking violently in his arms. He held me close, murmuring against my lips, ¡°Good¡­ good girl. I love when you get this wet.¡± His smile was warm, almost boyish as he searched my eyes. I turned my face away shyly, giggling when he chuckled. ¡°You love me, Zephyrine,¡± he said with the widest grin I¡¯d ever seen on him. ¡°You¡¯re so in love with me now. What would you ever do without me?¡± I lowered my gaze, then asked softly, ¡°And what would you do without me?¡± The source of th?s content is findnovel The room fell silent. When I looked back up, his grin had faded. Sadness swept across his face. I yfully reached to punch him, to ease the sudden tension, but he caught my wrist gently, holding it as his eyes searched mine. There it was. Guilt. Fear. Uncertainty. ¡°Zephyrine,¡± he whispered, voice heavy. ¡°Promise me one thing.¡± I swallowed. His tone was so serious, so raw. ¡°Lycan.¡± ¡°Promise me¡­ you won¡¯t forget the good times we had. Too.¡± My heart squeezed at his words. I stared at him in awe, but before I could answer, a sudden voice thundered from outside the walls. ¡°Alpha Zephyrine!¡± I jolted, slipping off the table at once. Grabbing my robe, I rushed to the corridor. Outside, a messenger sat atop a white horse, bowing low as his voice carried strong and clear. Áã in Free Calls ¡°Your brother, Varyn Ashmere, our great war strategist, has regained his health and valor. He requests your presence at once.¡± The words struck like lightning. Information I never expected this soon, words that would mark the end of something sacred, and the beginning of the hell yet toe. Back Where 247 Chapter 247 This text is hosted at find{n}ovel Lycannar : 552 +10 Free Coins ¡°He is awake?!¡± Serena eximed in awe, mming her palm over her mouth to stop herself from yelling again. We were in the dining hall. Just me and my three siblings, and already my sister¡¯s panic filled the air. Mearez sat quiet where she was, eyes fixed on nothing for what seemed like an eternity. Then she finally looked up at me, just when I thought she was calm. ¡°Lycannar, please tell her before she leaves,¡± she urged. I paused, turning to her, only to see her trembling. She looked at me with pleading eyes, then abruptly headed for the stairs. ¡°I will tell her myself then¡­¡± I grabbed her wrist before she could leave, pulling her back into my arms. I held her trembling body until she stilled, until the panic quieted in her chest. Then I pulled back, steadying her with my gaze. ¡°It¡¯s toote for exnations. Let her reunite with her brother in peace,¡± I said softly. But in response, my eldest sister shoved at my chest and staggered to a chair. She gripped her hair helplessly, shaking her head. ¡°What if she doesn¡¯t want you anymore, Lycan? What if¡­¡± Her voice broke. She sniffed, struggling to steady herself. Silence fell after her panic, and I began to pace slowly. The words had struck deep. Her brother had regained his senses. How much did he remember? And how far would he go now that he was whole again? I was still pacing when Luna Tahlia entered with Dessyn, Zephyrine¡¯s closest friend. ¡°Good morning,¡± they greeted. None of us replied at first, until my sisters jerked back to themselves, distracted. Serena walked quickly to Luna Tahlia to take her son, while Dessyn nced around. 16:17 Sat, Sep 27 52 +10 Free Coins ¡°Please where is Zephyrine?¡± she asked. I never had the chance to answer. Footsteps hurried down the stairs, and there she was, fully dressed, prepared. ¡°Dessyn, we need to go. Varyn is awake and I don¡¯t know what to expect. I don¡¯t know how he will react or how he¡¯ll take the new truths about me and¡­¡± She spoke so fast it was hard to follow, then stopped abruptly, swallowing hard. Emotions flickered across her face. She bit her lower lip, looked away, and exhaled shakily. ¡°I don¡¯t know what to expect from my brother. It¡¯s been five years since I stood before him as his youngest sister.¡± She turned to Dessyn and smiled faintly. ¡°He¡¯s back now.¡± ¡°Yeah,¡± Dessyn whispered, swallowing down a lump in her throat. ¡°He is.¡± Zephyrine turned next to Luna Tahlia, her smile warmer. ¡°We will go together. Since you¡¯ll be standing trial, my brother will too. You can stay in Ash Pack in the meantime.¡± ¡°Really?¡± my older brother finally voiced, shrugging like he didn¡¯t care, though his eyes betrayed the truth. ¡°Can¡¯t she stay here longer?¡± Zephyrine turned to me, but I said nothing. I was too focused on what this day would bring. What tomorrow would unravel. What truths were waiting. ¡°I¡­ I think it¡¯s safer if shees with me. Easier too,¡± she answered him softly. ¡°Besides, I don¡¯t want her to difort you more than she already has.¡± ¡°Nonsense,¡± Mearez muttered. ¡°Luna Tahlia and her son were never a difort.¡± She rose, moving toward Zephyrine. My breath caught, praying she wouldn¡¯t spill out words we weren¡¯t ready for. ¡°Zephyrine¡­ you wille back, won¡¯t you?¡± My woman paused, then nodded firmly. ¡°Of course. I am engaged to the king here.¡± ¡°But what if there¡¯s a truth that¡­¡± ¡°Enough, Mearez. Come here.¡± My brother drew her into his arms, calming her. Then he looked back at Zephyrine with a smile. ¡°She¡¯s emotional that you¡¯re leaving. Don¡¯t mind her.¡± 16:17 Sat, Sep 27 52 +10 Free Coins ¡°Please where is Zephyrine?¡± she asked. I never had the chance to answer. Footsteps hurried down the stairs, and there she was, fully dressed, prepared. ¡°Dessyn, we need to go. Varyn is awake and I don¡¯t know what to expect. I don¡¯t know how he will react or how he¡¯ll take the new truths about me and¡­¡± She spoke so fast it was hard to follow, then stopped abruptly, swallowing hard. Emotions flickered across her face. She bit her lower lip, looked away, and exhaled shakily. ¡°I don¡¯t know what to expect from my brother. It¡¯s been five years since I stood before him as his youngest sister.¡± She turned to Dessyn and smiled faintly. ¡°He¡¯s back now.¡± ¡°Yeah,¡± Dessyn whispered, swallowing down a lump in her throat. ¡°He is.¡± Zephyrine turned next to Luna Tahlia, her smile warmer. ¡°We will go together. Since you¡¯ll be standing trial, my brother will too. You can stay in Ash Pack in the meantime.¡± ¡°Really?¡± my older brother finally voiced, shrugging like he didn¡¯t care, though his eyes betrayed the truth. ¡°Can¡¯t she stay here longer?¡± Zephyrine turned to me, but I said nothing. I was too focused on what this day would bring. What tomorrow would unravel. What truths were waiting. ¡°I¡­ I think it¡¯s safer if shees with me. Easier too,¡± she answered him softly. ¡°Besides, I don¡¯t want her to difort you more than she already has.¡± ¡°Nonsense,¡± Mearez muttered. ¡°Luna Tahlia and her son were never a difort.¡± She rose, moving toward Zephyrine. My breath caught, praying she wouldn¡¯t spill out words we weren¡¯t ready for. ¡°Zephyrine¡­ you wille back, won¡¯t you?¡± My woman paused, then nodded firmly. ¡°Of course. I am engaged to the king here.¡± ¡°But what if there¡¯s a truth that¡­¡± ¡°Enough, Mearez. Come here.¡± My brother drew her into his arms, calming her. Then he looked back at Zephyrine with a smile. ¡°She¡¯s emotional that you¡¯re leaving. Don¡¯t mind her.¡± Zephyrine¡¯s brows furrowed, confused, but she smiled warmly anyway. +10 Free Coins ¡°Anyone of blood is wee in my pack. I don¡¯t know how my brother will y this, but when I go to the wolf fortress, I¡¯ll branch here as well.¡± Her gaze shifted to me, and I nodded. She moved toward Serena, taking Young ck into her arms. She hugged my sister tenderly. ¡°You stay safe, okay?¡± Serena whispered. ¡°And don¡¯t forget us.¡± Zephyrine nodded. ¡°Why would I forget you? I dare not.¡± She chuckled, easing out of her arms before finally turning back to me. Without words, she looked into my eyes, then rose on tiptoe to press her lips against mine. I kissed her back, swallowing hard against the thought of her light dimming once she heard the truth. ¡°I¡¯ll walk you to your carriage,¡± I murmured, entwining my fingers with hers. Together, we stepped out. My people paused to gaze at us briefly before bowing. In the courtyard, her carriage waited. Dessyn and Luna Tahlia climbed in after bowing respectfully, and I returned the gesture. Then Young ck was ced back in his mother¡¯s arms, leaving just the two of us. Me and Zephyrine Ashmere. She searched my eyes tenderly, then smiled, almost sadly. Her gaze dropped to our joined hands, to the ring she had given me. She lifted my palm closer, admiring it. ¡°You are mine, Lycannar Blood,¡± she said with a soft giggle. ¡°You¡¯re not going anywhere now. You¡¯re trapped with me.¡± ¡°Just like you are, Zephyrine Ashmere,¡± I replied, my voice soft, heavy with pain. She must have heard it, because she searched my eyes again. Then she cupped my cheek with both hands, her touch warm with love. ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Lycannar?¡± she asked, eyes wide, searching. I shook my head, lowering my gaze, and whispered, ¡°I love you.¡± She froze. The confession had never slipped from my lips until now. ¡°Lycan¡­¡± she stuttered, awe filling her voice. I looked up, meeting her eyes once more. ¡°What?¡± I asked quietly. 52 +10 Free Coins ¡°You just¡­¡± Her words trailed off as she threw her arms around me, hugging me tight before kissing me deep. Breathless, desperate, she pulled back, panting. ¡°Say it again. Say it.¡± ¡°I love you,¡± I confessed. ¡°From the moment I set eyes on you, I have loved you. And every moment after, I¡¯ve loved you again, and again, and again.¡± Back Where 248 Zephyrine A +10 Free Coins The massive gate of my pack stood wide open when my carriage wheeled in under the afternoon sky. The sun zed above when the carriage halted, and I felt the heaviness in the air pressing down on me. Without wasting a moment, I alighted, only to stop short in sheer awe. In the middle of the courtyard knelt Ka Yadev, her head bowed to the ground. I froze, stunned. Dessyn alighted beside me, equally struck, and even Luna Tahlia stopped to watch the once¨Cproud woman kneel so low. ¡°What is going on here?¡± I asked no one in particr, my voice thick with disbelief, just as Isolde appeared. She had seen our arrival and now approached quickly, pausing only long enough to bow before me. ¡°Lord Varyn awaits you in the memorial hall,¡± she said, and for what felt like an eternity, I stood still, the weight of the name crashing into me. Varyn. I tore my gaze from Ka to let the truth settle in. The rightful heir to the Alpha seat. The war strategist brilliant enough to win with cunning rather than brute force. My brother. The first and only male direct bloodline of Ashmere. I swallowed hard at the news that he awaited me, then turned to Luna Tahlia. ¡°You should go to your abode. Word will reach you about the trial.¡± She nodded gratefully and left with her son. After her departure, I turned to Dessyn, our eyes locking. The tension in the pack was different now, charged, shifting, and I couldn¡¯t help but wonder what had happened in my absence. Where was Jurrek? With Dessyn beside me, I walked into the hall, passing maids and guards until we reached the sacred threshold of the memorial chamber. She lingered at the doorway, but I pulled her forward. She was family, too. And this was Varyn Ashmere, the man she had waited years for. Fresh chapters posted on find[?]ovel 10:17 Sat, Sep 2 ?? 52 10 Free Coins My fingers trembled as I reached for the door handle, my heart thudding wildly. Slowly. I pushed it open. Cold air rushed out, greeting me like a harsh wind. My brother stood inside, dressed in his usual clothes, his blonde hair cut short and perfectly disheveled. I froze, breath catching. Thest time I saw him, he was weak and broken in his chamber. But now¡­ now he was himself again. Varyn had regained his valor. His dominance radiated once more. His shoulders were broad, his body restored, his hands no longer skeletal. His wolf whole again. All thanks to everyone¡¯s efforts. And especially Lycannar and Princess Mearez, who had made the most difference. I lingered in the doorway, marveling. My brother¡¯s back was to me as he lit candles before our parents¡® moonstone vessel. When he finished, he blew out the match, turned slowly and froze not only me but Dessyn as well. He was back. Truly back. His green eyes zed, sharp and alive. Varyn. We should have rushed into his arms, but his piercing gaze rooted us both in ce. His stare lingered on me, then moved to Dessyn. ¡°Go wait for me in my bedchamber,¡± he said to her, his voice firm, devoid of warmth. My heart sank. That was no joyful reunion. Something had shifted. Something deep. Dessyn trembled under his tone but obeyed, nodding quickly before leaving. The door closed behind her, leaving me alone with my brother. He stood silent for a moment, staring into empty space before sighing and turning back toward the moonstone vessels. ¡°I heard you became an Alpha,¡± he said atst. I swallowed hard, nodding. ¡°Y¡­ yes. The man who had word of your whereabouts, he refused to speak to me unless I was Alpha. Because of that, I found you.¡± ¡°Hmm.¡± He murmured absently, then asked, his voice quiet but edged like a de. ¡°When I awoke from my trance, I found a Lycan in the pack. How is that possible?¡± +10 Free Colns ¡°Oh, Blue?¡± My pulse quickened. ¡°I¡­ I must have forgotten to secure the proper scroll of permission from Lycannar. I¡¯ll do it next time¡­¡± ¡°Lycannar?¡± he repeated, turning sharply to me. His eyes locked on mine, filled with raw hatred, and the weight of it nearly crushed me. The name of the Lycan King spat from his lips like poison. Varyn¡¯s gaze bored into me for an eternity before he stepped closer, taking my hand. Slowly, he lifted it, his eyes narrowing as he examined the rings adorning my fingers. Then he looked straight into my soul. ¡°Of all the thousands of men in this empire, little sister¡­ you dared to choose a cursed, condemned, unholy man as your beloved.¡± Cold chills ran down my spine, his words striking like daggers. My lips parted to speak, but he cut me off before a sound could leave me. ¡°Be ready. Tomorrow morning, we will be at the Wolf Fortress. All will gather to hear what has been hidden, and you, my love, most of all.¡± With that, he moved past me. At the door, he paused, ncing back over his shoulder. ¡°Stay in your chamber tonight.¡± 16:17 Sat, Sep 27 Back Where 249 Talk about being stunned beyond belief by what I never sawing. I stood frozen in the memorial hall, my eyes fixed on the empty space long after he had left, and for a while I could not breathe. What lived in my heart tore free at the hatred in his voice, at the look on his face when he spoke my man¡¯s name. My fingers began to tremble, and I looked down at the ring. Lycannar¡¯s ring. The one he had proposed with, the one I had epted wholeheartedly, with the ddest and most grateful heart. Thinking back, I recalled his voice when we were about to part. He had told me he loved me. Lycannar. He did love me. I had always known it, deep down. But to hear him say it had gone far beyond mere knowing. It had carved itself into me. Cold shivers wrapped my heart as the weight of my brother¡¯s presence and the heaviness of chamber. his words lingered. I left the memorial hall and headed slowly to my The hall was oddly quiet. The guards who should have been posted at every corner were fewer now, as though they had all been sent elsewhere. Lowering my gaze, I passed through, noticing the strange way everyone I encountered looked at me. Curious. Measuring. Near the hallway to Varyn¡¯s bedchamber, I slowed my steps, gods help me, to eavesdrop. And what I overheard stunned me cold. ¡°I leave for just a few years, and you, already you¡¯ve gone to the Lycan kingdom? Even slept there? Why? You got a man there?!¡± It was my brother¡¯s voice, sharp with usation, tearing into Dessyn. ¡°I only went to fetch some clothes from my pack. Then I decided to stop by the Lycan kingdom to see Zephyr. But she was under a spell, and we couldn¡¯t leave until night had fallen and she recovered.¡± ¡°Really? So you were there, my own woman, with my little sister, in a territory ruled by a dangerous man?!¡± ¦Í¦Á¦É, ¦Ò¦Å¦Ì¦Å¦É 1:14 52 ¡°Varyn¡­ why are you like this?¡± +10 Free Coins That was thest of Dessyn¡¯s words I caught as I drifted past. My heart was drumming louder and louder, like a warbeat of doom. Something was wrong. Deeply wrong. First Ka, kneeling outside the packhouse, as though her only choice was to beg forgiveness or rot on her knees forever. Then Varyn, his eyes fixed on the ring I wore as though it were the greatest sin I couldmit. I was tangled in those thoughts when the sound of my chamber door opening startled me. A voice followed, one I knew instantly. ¡°Mydy!¡± Blue. Even in the dark, I would recognize her. Relief swelled through me, and only now did I realize how much I had missed her. I closed the distance at once, grabbed her wrist, and pulled her into my chamber, shutting the door firmly behind us. ¡°Spill it. Who came to my pack while I was gone?¡± I demanded. Blue looked around quickly, ensuring no one lingered near. Then she lowered her voice. ¡°Last night, something happened. Lord Varyn, your brother¡­ he regained consciousness. I was pouring him his potion when he suddenly looked at me, sniffed the air. The moment he caught my scent, the moment he realized I was Lycan¡­ something in him snapped awake.¡± I swallowed hard. ¡°What did he do?¡± Blue¡¯s eyes flicked to mine, then away. She shook her head. ¡°He rejected the potion. He said nothing. So I left.¡± My arms folded tightly under my chest as I pressed, carefully, ¡°How did he reject it?¡± Inwardly, I prayed it wasn¡¯t with violence. ???s ??????? ?s ?????? ?? FindN()vel ¡°He only shook his head,¡± she said, voice low. ¡°So I walked out.¡± Then she added, 16:17 Sat, Sep 27 ¡­ +10 Free Coins ¡°Later that night, he summoned Beta Jurrek. They spoke for hours in private. Afterward, Jurrek rode off. And under the cover of storm and rain, the three Council members arrived, with Ka Yadev.¡± I froze. My stomach clenched. ¡°They cane into my pack?¡± ¡°Yes. They all went into the long chamber, and your aunt Kostyra was called as well. They stayed in there for hours. When they finally emerged, Lord Varyn came out first. Then Ka. She fell to her knees before everyone and cried aloud for forgiveness, her voice echoing through all four walls of the packhouse. The Council dered that all will gather at the Wolf Fortress tomorrow. They said the truth will be revealed before all.¡± My breath caught. Varyn, working with the Council instead of cutting them down? How? Why? What was he nning? ¡°Mydy¡­¡± Blue¡¯s voice broke into my spiraling thoughts. She hesitated, then added quietly, ¡°There¡¯s more. I swear I didn¡¯t mean to eavesdrop on your brother.¡± I nodded for her to go on. She held my gaze. ¡°I heard one word. War.¡± Back Where 250 Back Where 250 Zephyrine :0 2 +10 Free Coing The sun rose in the cast, and I gazed at it on the horizon. Somehow, I knew today would unravel a part of me I had never touched before. I couldn¡¯t sleep, and I could bet no one else in this pack had slept much either. From my window, I watched groups of men and women, both great and small, all making their way toward the Wolf Fortress. It was today. At longst, Ash Pack would be heard, and our name, once dragged through the mud, would finally be lifted back into the light. All thanks to Varyn. But I knew the truth. Varyn would not even be alive if not for Lycannar Blood, who had saved him. I had only done the little I could. ¡°Mydy?¡± Blue¡¯s voice came from behind, but I did not answer. My eyes followed the carriages rolling past, the riders on horses, and those on foot, all in one direction. The Wolf Fortress. I lowered my gaze to the spot where Ka had knelt, but she was no longer there. In the darkest hours of the night, a carriage had arrived to take her away, and I had seen my brother watching her leave with his arms folded across his chest. I hadn¡¯t seen Dessyn either, and I couldn¡¯t tell what she had gone throughst night. My throat tightened as I turned from the window, ready to prepare for the fortress journey. But before I could step away, I saw Luna Tahlia in the distance, raising her hand to me. I lifted mine in response, offering her a small smile, then returned inside to wash and dress. Today, we would have justice. Today, it would all be set right. Blue led me into the bathing chamber and was just about to undress me when the door opened quietly. The surge of power that swept in made me go cold. Varyn. I froze where I stood, and Blue turned sharply to see him. At once, she bowed her head. He did not so much as nce at her. ¡°Leave us,¡± he ordered. She obeyed immediately, almost as if afraid. The door shut, and silence fell. I lowered my gaze with a sigh, trying to ease the tension, but then his fingers brushed my back. He slid down the strap of my gown. 52 410 Free Cons ¡°Lycans should live in their own kingdom, little sister. Don¡¯t you think?¡± His voice was calm, steady. I slowly turned to face him, swallowing hard, just as he slipped down the second strap and let my nightdress pool at my feet, leaving my breasts bare before him. Our eyes locked. His fingers lifted to my chin, stroking lightly, then lowered to trace across my breast. He studied me closely, intently, almost clinically. ¡°You are not a virgin anymore, are you?¡± he asked. I swallowed again, unable to form words. When I gave no answer, he raised his gaze back to mine. ¡°Yes?¡± ¡°I fell in love¡­ Varyn,¡± I whispered. Tension tightened the air between us instantly. For a long moment, he said nothing. Then he nodded once, dropped his hand from my breast, and leaned close to press a kiss to my temple. ¡°Maybe it wasn¡¯t love, little sister. Maybe it isn¡¯t.¡± With that, he turned and left me standing cold, and somehow¡­ broken. *** When my carriage rolled to a stop inside the Wolf Fortress, my blood chilled at the sight before me. Thousands of people had gathered, and still the fortress held them all. Each pack had its ce, each group in order. Some sat, some stood, while the Alphas were gathered inside the great hall. Yet even from the courtyard, the pack members could see everything. I had ridden alone in my carriage. My brother made sure of it. He had also ensured that Dessyn and I had no chance to speak, which only sharpened my suspicions. Blue had not been allowed to ride with me either; she had been forced to walk with the other maids. My heart ached at that, but I had whispered for her to find me once she arrived. ¡°Zephyr!¡± The loud call tore my thoughts apart. I looked up, and there was Moon. My gods. I ran into his arms, hugging him tightly. ¡°Zephyr,¡± he breathed. O: 410 Free im It had been only a few days, but it felt like years. I pulled back to look at his broader shoulders, and froze at his new buzz¨Ccut hair. My gods. He looked so manly now. The source of th?s content is FindN0vel ¡°The training at Moonveil Fortress is hard, isn¡¯t it?¡± I blurted, already knowing the answer. He grinned, and my heart skipped. Beautiful, as always. ¡°I came as soon as I heard Lord Varyn had woken,¡± he said, loud enough for me to hear. Then he held my hand, his eyes locking on mine with intent. ¡°Zephyr¡­. the name Ashmere is on everyone¡¯s lips now. They are ready to obey yourmand.¡± ¡°Zephyr!¡± The voice of Varyn cut through the air, from the entrance of the hall. I swallowed hard. Moon pulled me forward toward my brother. Varyn¡¯s eyes held mine for a heartbeat that seemed to stop time. Then he tucked a strand of hair behind my ear and pulled me closer. ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± he said. I obeyed. With him behind me like a solid wall, I walked into the Wolf Fortress hall. This time, all the guards who had once looked at me like a criminal bowed and bowed and bowed. Respect swelled like a tide. The massive sacred doors opened. Inside, the Alphas sat in silence, and the moment we entered, the entire fortress went still. The coldness that descended was absolute. Nyroth. He sat among them, his gaze averted from me as though he already knew the weight of his guilt. The three Council members were there as well, seated in their rightful ces. Ran, the butcher of Ashmere warriors at the camp, the one whose hand I had chopped, stood aside. And at the center of it all¡­ Ka. She stood tall, as though ready to confess. Perhaps they all were. And judging by the crowds they had summoned, I knew whatever truth they were about to reveal would not only shake the Wolf Fortress. It would shake the very bones of the empire. Back Where 251 Zephyrine : ¡°I, Ka Yadev, have sinned.¡± +5 Free Coins That was the first confession that shattered the hall that day. In the center of it all, before thousands, she dropped to her knees and begged. but ¡°The envoy of peace everyone knows me as¡­ it wasn¡¯t aplete lie. I was an envoy, between here and the Demon Realm. I delivered sealed letters back and forth, never realizing they were written to stir war already agreed upon. When the mission ended, the Council ordered me toy low for years, to make my mission of peace believable. With no funds left to support myself, I turned to an ugly solution. Theirst order was to kill Varyn Ashmere. But I didn¡¯t. Instead, I sold him to ckwater, bartered his body for myfort these past five years.¡± It was done. The awe flooding the Wolf Fortress was palpable. She confessed without hesitation. I had expected her to twist, to deceive, to cling to cunning, but no. She was surrendering. ¡°After my return, I not only sought to usurp Luna Tahlia¡¯s ce, I threw myself into her husband¡¯s bed, thete Alpha ck.¡± ¡°My gods¡­¡± ¡°How treacherous¡­¡± ¡°She is vile!¡± Murmurs spread like wildfire among the packs. My eyes slid to Luna Tahlia, standing tall with her son in her arms. She blinked back tears, listening as Ka pressed on. ¡°We copted many times and¡­¡± She paused. The silence choked the fortress. Even Nyroth looked struck dumb. ¡°A few days before his death, I realized, I was pregnant with Alpha ck¡¯s pup.¡± Tension smothered the room. I froze, turning toward Luna Tahlia, who stood pale as stone. ¡°Liar!¡± the Luna spat. ¡°ck never impregnated you! Do not worm your way back in after everything you¡¯ve done! You were rutting with Alpha Nyroth of Hue Pack too!¡± Ka faltered at that, but only for a breath. Then, to my shock, her eyes brimmed with tears. False tears, but convincing enough. 9:21 Sun, Sep 28 : 696 s ¡°Luna Tahlia¡­¡± she said softly. The woman stepped back as though stung by her pretense. ¡°I know you never loved me. And yes, I¡¯ve sinned against you. But I beg you. Please ept me back into ckbridge. My father and I will not trouble you. And the child within me will never hinder your son¡¯s im. Please, I beg you.¡± Luna Tahlia was speechless. Politics twisted truth into rot. Justice bent before all eyes. Slowly she turned to me, desperate. I swallowed. ¡°You were with Nyroth of Hue Pack, Ka. Everyone knows. And your time with Alpha ck ended months before his death¡­¡± I spoke, but Lady Sylvara cut across me. ¡°Young ck will be reinstated as Alpha of ckbridge. Luna Tahlia will rule in his stead until hees of age.¡± Lord Osmir added, ¡°Ka Yadev, her father, and the rest of their line will remain in ckbridge. It is their pack too. And she bears thete Alpha¡¯s pup.¡± Lord Eryndor finished, ¡°We cannot drive them from their rightful pack, can we?¡± My knees nearly buckled. Injustice. Naked. I turned to Luna Tahlia. Her eyes fixed on the Imperium Council, then hardened as she shook her head. ¡°You call this justice? You call this a trial?!¡± ¡°You have what you wanted, Luna Tahlia. You will rule ckbridge,¡± Lady Sylvara snapped. ¡°What of my name dragged through mud?!¡± she burst out. ¡°My mother died under false usations! If not for Zephyrine Ashmere, I would never have survived!¡± Tears streaked her face as she trembled. ¡°My mother¡¯s house was burned to ash. I lived as the dead, hiding with my child for weeks. Have you ever once asked why? Have you thought of the hand behind it?¡± She gasped, broken. ¡°The Yadevs are destruction itself. But now I see¡­ you are worse.¡± ¡°Choose your words carefully, Luna Tahlia,¡± Lady Sylvara warned coldly. ¡°We are merciful to let you rule. We do not even know if that son is truly ck¡¯s. Be satisfied with the crumbs we grant you. For we are the Imperium Council.¡± Defeat hollowed her eyes. Her lips trembled as she turned toward me. 9:22 Sun, Sep 28 96 s Discover more novels at Find_Novel(. ¡°I will not return to ckbridge, Alpha Zephyrine. Not if the Yadevs remain.¡± She shook her head, clutching her boy. ¡°I cannot.¡± I swallowed, my chest aching. I was the one who told her to stand, and here she was, broken under the weight. My gaze fell to the child in her arms, and chills raced my skin. Then I lifted my eyes to the three Council members, my voice sharp enough to cut through stone. ¡°The Imperium Council has no right to dictate the will of a pack against its rightful blood. You are unfit to rule us. Youmitted crimes against Ashmeres. That alone condemns you.¡± The air shifted. My brother moved from the shadows. I stilled, bracing. Here it was. Atst, he would stand beside me, shatter lies, expose truths, bring light into this darkness¡­ ¡°The Imperium Council is the least of our worries, little sister. The one who slew our father on the battlefield is.¡± The words cut me cold. ¡°What?¡± My voice shook. ¡°The Council killed our parents and our warriors. Ran himself led the ughter at the camp¡­¡± ¡°Father didn¡¯t die in the camp, Zephyr.¡± I froze. His gaze burned through me. ¡°He died by the de of the Lycan Prince.¡± Back Where 252 Chapter 252 Discover more novels at find?novel Zephyrine Z(96) s I paused. No. Everything in me froze. Time stopped for me, and somehow everything else faded, leaving only me with my brother, who had just spoken words I could not even make light of. I stared at him nkly for a while and suddenly burst intoughter. Did he just¡­? I punched him yfully in the chest, giggling. ¡°What are you talking about? The Lycan Kingdom has no prince. Lycannar has no pup yet.¡± I told him, still giggling, but then it hit me. The world that had slipped away returned all at once. The tension thickened. The seriousness. on my brother¡¯s face. The way he only looked at me with¡­ pity and concern, as though worried how I would take this news. That alone made myughter fade. ¡°Five years ago, Zephyr, the Lycan Kingdom had a prince. We all knew him as Apex, and he came to the battlefield on that bloody day.¡± ¡°To save you,¡± I murmured, nodding, swallowing at the same time. I stepped backward, realizing my heart was thudding too fast. I felt dizzy, but I held on. I tried to focus. ¡°Lycannar told me everything already. He said¡­ he, uhm¡­¡± I waited, sighing shakily. For a moment I allowed the emotions to settle. Then atst, I looked up at my brother, steady now. ¡°Lycannar Blood is the Lycan Warlord.¡± ¡°I know.¡± My brother¡¯s voice was firm. ¡°Hemanded three hundred and fifty soldiers. Together, they never once lost a battle. I met them on the battlefield.¡± ¡°Lycannar camete. It was full moon, and he said something about not being able to move freely on that day. He arrivedte. He arrived when the battle was already over. He came to inform the Ashmeres that the battle was instigated by our own people. By our own kind. Before he even reached our camp, it was already burning. That man over there.¡± I pointed at Ran. ¡°He raided it. They cornered you. It was the Council¡¯s order, Varyn. They¡­¡± ¡°Apex killed our father, Zephyr.¡± My brother cut me off quietly, his gaze boring into mine. ¡°He ughtered him before my very eyes. In battle it would be fair if he fought fair, but Apex didn¡¯t. He was a monster. He had fangs. Wings. Different from demons, different from Lycans. 9:22 Sun, Sep 28 : 1 (96) s He killed our father right in front of me, and he is the greater threat. Not these ones. The Council promised us freedom if we turn our des against the Lycan Kingdom. And we will. We will take revenge, and only then can we return to our people.¡± His words came, but I couldn¡¯t hear them. Couldn¡¯t ept them. All I felt was dizziness, a hollow ache spreading inside me. I didn¡¯t know how, but I felt like¡­ dying. ¡°Lycan didn¡¯t kill our father,¡± I murmured, almost to myself. ¡°You are mistaken, Varyn. The Council did. They sent him to an unfair fight against the Abyss. They raided the camp at night, when we were vulnerable.¡± ¡°Zephyr¡­¡± you said ¡°You wrote it in your letter, Varyn!¡± I cut him off firmly. ¡°I saw it, I read it. In there someone saved you. A monster, whatever you called him, but it was Lycannar. He saved you from being killed on the Council¡¯s order. He saved you again in ckwater. If it wasn¡¯t for him, or for his sister, gods bless their souls, we wouldn¡¯t be here today.¡± I hadn¡¯t realized the tears were already spilling, burning my cheeks. I wiped them off quickly, refusing to let myself tremble. ¡°I know you hate that I chose a Lycan as my beloved. But I promise you, he is a thousand times better than my ex¨Cmate ever was. He treated me well. He loves me. To the world he is cursed, but with me he is kind, supportive, loving. He is the most humble man I know. A benevolent king, adored by his people. He is not a monster, and he wasn¡¯t the one who killed our father. He bowed once before the Moonstone Vessle that carried their ashes. He respected them. He respects you. He cares. He would never¡­¡± My voice broke. ¡°¡­never do that.¡± Varyn did not speak. No one spoke. They only looked at me with emotions I hated. Pity. Worry. As though I had been lied to. Cheated. Deceived. Used. Gently my brother reached for me, to pull me into his arms, but I pushed him away, swallowing hard. I did not want his pity. This was not why I wanted him here. This was not why I wanted him here. Lycannar would never be my father¡¯s murderer. No way would he have done that and not told me. Those were the thoughts shing inside me when Ran¡¯s voice came from where he stood. ¡°I raided the Ashmere camps under orders, with my men. I ughtered them. But your father wasn¡¯t there.¡± ¡°That¡¯s because he died before they reached the camp, Zephyr,¡± Lord Osmir of the Council said tly. ¡°We made a bargain we now regret. We feared the Ashmeres were growing too strong, so we sent them into battle to eliminate them. We made a deal with the Demon King, 9:22 Sun, Sep 28 96 431 s but instead it was the Lycan King who epted.¡± ¡°He wanted his son dead,¡± Lady Sylvara added. ¡°The Blood army alongside him. The battle was finalized before the full moon. The Warlord would not appear. Rumor was he was a monster, impossible to defeat on that night.¡± ¡°The battle was led instead by the Demon Warlord and few of Abyss warriors,¡± Lord Eryndor finished. ¡°The Blood army was defeated. The Abyss Warlord captured. He was about to be executed when Apex arrived.¡± My brother reached for my hand gently now, sealing everything. ¡°We would have won that battle, Zephyr. The Abyss underestimated the Ashmeres. The Blood army died first. We attacked, captured the Demon Warlord, and were about to im victory. But Apex came. Different from anything I had ever seen. The full moon stripped his secrets bare and unleashed his strength. He killed Father in one strike. With that, Ashmere shattered. The formation copsed. We returned to camp already broken. If only, Zephyr, if only he hadn¡¯te that day, the Ashmeres would have survived. The Council¡¯s betrayal would have failed. They will all pay for their sins¡­ but Apex pays first. With everything he has.¡± Words that stunned me, confused me, stole my breath. It was all bing too real. They were serious. Every single one of them. And suddenly, standing became impossible. Dizziness washed over me all at once, and I sank to the floor. But before I hit the ground, my brother caught me, holding me close, protective as ever. 3/3 Back Where 253 Zephyrine ?(96), s I stared nkly into the space, my head resting on the pillow, as the door opened and closed. They moved about quietly, gathering the untouched breakfast and setting down lunch. Six days had passed since the revtion, and yet I had not recovered from the shock. Instead, Iy in bed sick, stunned, numb. Of all things in this world, in this empire, in this lifetime, Lycannar was the one I loved the most. The one I held in my heart the most. We slept together. We bathed together. We ate together, fought side by side together, yet what did he do? With the most loyal heart I gave him, with the purest love I rendered, the most honest, the most joyful one¡­ he had¡­ The thought paused. New tears stung my eyes, and I blinked them back only for them to spill, as all the others before. No, I would not believe those words. Not until I heard him say it himself. Because I knew Lycannar would never do it. He killed, yes. I knew. Sometimes his killings were unnecessary, but he would not have killed my father in war. I refused to believe anyone until¡­ until he said it himself. That was the thought I clung to every day, my onlyfort. Yet truth and reality pressed closer and closer with each passing moment. What made it worse was that Varyn isted me. Dessyn, more or less imprisoned in his chamber. Moon, forced to leave for training at the Moonveil Fortress, denied even the chance to say goodbye to me. And my maids. ordered not to speak to me unless absolutely necessary. They obeyed. Too strictly. I blinked when Blue came into view, setting the lunch table. She was just finishing when the sound of footsteps came from the hall. A momentter, the door opened. Even with my back to it, I knew who it was. My brother. I could tell by the fear that red in Blue¡¯s eyes as she jolted at his presence, spilling the water she poured. 9:22 Sun, Sep 28
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¡°I¡­ I¡¯m sorry, I¡­¡± she stammered, trembling as she tried to clean up the mess, but my brother¡¯s voice cut in. ¡°Leave.¡± Cold. Firm. Devoid of warmth. Blue bowed her head and left at once, leaving the room empty. So very empty. And then I felt it. The weight of his eyes fixed on me in bed. Varyn¡¯s. He hade each day. never questioning me. Always gentle. Always loving. Softly, he walked up and lowered himself to sit beside me. He smiled warmly. ¡°Good afternoon.¡± I lowered my gaze, unable to speak. He reached to wipe the tears from my cheeks and said carefully, ¡°Little sister, there is someone I want you to meet.¡± I looked up, puzzled. ¡°A physician. I¡¯m worried for you. I want her to check on you.¡± His concern looked genuine. After a moment, I nodded. The door opened, and a woman entered, bowing her head as she came to stand a few steps away. Varyn looked at me tenderly. ¡°Can you sit up?¡± I tried, but he helped me, careful with my weak frame. He propped me against the headboard and gestured to the physician. ¡°Mydy, I will only ask a few questions,¡± she said gently. ¡°I need you to be honest, so I know which potion to prepare.¡± I nodded slowly, waiting. She nced at Varyn first, then turned back to me. ¡°Whenst did you have sex?¡± I froze. Why¡­ that question? Blinking, I sighed softly, thinking. ¡°Uhm¡­ seven days ago, I think. Yes.¡± 9:22 Sun, Sep 28 She jotted notes, then looked back up. :. ¡°Have you ever taken a pregnancy¨Cdying potion before?¡± This time I stared at her directly. Wait. What was going on? ¡°No,¡± I answered. ¡°How sexually active is he, when you make love?¡± 96 s That question left the air still. I stared at the physician in silence, then slowly turned to my brother. The truth dawned. They were trying to see if I carried Lycannar¡¯s child. ¡°I don¡¯t want to do this, Varyn,¡± I muttered, looking into his eyes. He searched mine tenderly, reaching for my hand, but I pulled away, biting my lip. ¡°I don¡¯t want any of this.¡± Our gazes locked. The fa?ade of care slipped. He had tried to coax me gently, but now I knew he would force it if he must. ¡°Answer the question, Zephyr.¡± ¡°I won¡¯t¡­¡± ¡°Zephyr.¡± ¡°I won¡¯t!¡± I snapped, losing myself. I turned to the physician, fury in my eyes. ¡°Why don¡¯t you go to the Lycan Kingdom and ask the king yourself? Ask him how hard he gets, how long hests, how deep he thrusts into me. Go there and ask him!¡± Silence fell. Heavy. Then, after a moment, Varyn signaled the physician to leave. She bowed shakily and slipped out, closing the door behind her. I realized then I was trembling. My heart pounded painfully. Varyn reached for my hand again. This time I didn¡¯t pull away. I looked at him, and he looked back at me, tender, protective. ¡°I miss you, Zephyr,¡± he said softly. ¡°This isn¡¯t you. He made you like this. He lied to you. He the truth. And yet he still bedded you, even knowing he killed your father. Tell you me. will you give birth to his pup?¡± never told That question weighed on me, pulling sobs from my chest. My brother saw the crack and he used it. He climbed onto the bed and drew me into his embrace. ¡°Tell me, Zephyr. How far did he go to force you? Rape you? I need to know, so we can find a 9:22 Sun, Sep 28 solution at once.¡± I sniffed, steadying myself. He pulled back, holding my hands, waiting patiently. ¡°First, Varyn¡­ it wasn¡¯t rape.¡± ¡°Zephyr¡­¡± ??) s ¡°What Lycannar and I shared¡­ it was beautiful. It wasn¡¯t rape. We made love. It was love, Varyn. He never forced me to the bed. Yes, he was aggressive at times, but never¡­¡± My voice broke. Emotion rose, but I pushed through. ¡°Never like that.¡± I breathed shakily, then whispered, ¡°I am not pregnant with his pup. After I became Alpha, these days¡­ we only did anal.¡± Varyn stilled at that. I looked into his eyes and I saw it. The promise that he would pay Lycannar back. Tenfold. A hundredfold. A thousandfold. He gathered me close again,ying me down to rest in his arms. ¡°I¡¯m here now, Zephyr. No one will reach you. No one.¡¯ 99 Readplete version only at F¦Énd£Îovel Back Where 254 Zephyrine 95 s I woke with a start. Another restless slumber ending in nightmare and forcing me awake. I opened my eyes to darkness. Alone in the chamber. My brother, who had rocked me to sleep, was nowhere to be seen. With a soft sigh, I rose carefully to answer nature¡¯s call. After relieving myself, I washed my face, then walked back into my chamber. On the table, I noticed a potion waiting for me. ¡°Mydy?¡± The voice of Isolde came from behind. I turned to see her open the door. She walked further in, her head bowed in respect. ¡°You are awake. Lord Varyn said, when you wake, you should take the potion before you eat.¡± My eyes shifted back to the potion. I knew what it was for, but I did not believe I needed it. I was not pregnant with Lycannar¡¯s pup. Ignoring it, I pushed through the door into the hall. For days I had been locked inside my chamber. Now I made my way to my brother, to tell him there was no need for me to drink any potion. I reached the door of his chamber and sighed softly. The maids and guards nearby stared, their gazes heavy upon me. Ignoring them, I knocked. At first there was no answer. I raised my hand to try again, when suddenly the door opened, and it was Dessyn. My eyes went wide. Before I could speak, she seized my wrist and pulled me inside, shutting the door quickly behind us. Dessyn. My gods. It had only been a few days, but it felt like years. She turned, and I stared at her, reading her eyes. I had always believed when Varyn returned, Dessyn would be happy, no, happiest. But now I realized how wrong I was. ¡°Dessyn¡­¡± I began, but before I could finish, she pulled me into a tight hug. ¡°Dessyn.¡± She pulled back, searching my face, and I swallowed hard, wondering what had happened. ¡°Dessyn¡­¡± ¡°Varyn has changed, Zephyr.¡± She cut me off with the truth. ¡°Vengeance¡­ that¡¯s all he lives for 9:22 Sun, Sep 28 8200 +5 Free Comes!!! now. And anyone in his way will be crushed in it. He hates Apex more than anyone, and I believe he is nning¡­¡± Her words died when the door suddenly opened. Varyn stood there in the doorway. Dessyn and I froze at once, the air growing chill with his presence. I swallowed, biting my lip. as Dessyn stepped quietly away from me. ¡°Uh¡­ Zephyr. Ah. Your brother is here.¡± She stammered, her voice small. I turned to him. Varyn¡¯s gaze was pinned coldly on her. It was as though he scolded her in silence, and I wondered what my presence meant for her now. ¡°And I thought I said you were not to speak to anyone but me while you are in my chamber,¡± Varyn¡¯s voice broke through as he stepped inside, his tone firm, brooking no warmth. Dessyn tried to smile through it, taking a small step back. ¡°She only just got here, Varyn¡­¡± she murmured. But he did not believe her. It was clear he had overheard her words to me. He reached out for her. She flinched back, shaking her head, pleading softly. And then it dawned on me. Perhaps truly, my brother had changed. He was not like this before. He had never been aggressive. He was always tender, warm, gentle. But the fear in Dessyn¡¯s eyes told me otherwise. ¡°Varyn, please¡­¡± she whispered, but he ignored her. He took her wrist anyway, pulling her into his arms. He kissed her, soft and tender. But when he pulled back, his eyes were so cold that the kiss felt like a price, a promise stolen back by his gaze. ¡°You are my woman. You will obey every word I say. Do you understand?¡± His voice was quiet, but the warning within was sharp. Dessyn bit her lip and nodded atst. ¡°I understand.¡± Get full chapters from FindN0vel Varyn smiled then, caressing her cheek, smoothing over the tension like a man painting over cracks. 9:22 Sun, Sep 28 : 870 45 Free Coins ¡°When all this is over,¡± he said, ncing at me now with a smile, ¡°we will hold a party here. Just a small one. To make her my wife. My beloved wife.¡± A marriage between him and Dessyn. My throat tightened. I turned to Dessyn, but the spark of excitement I had always seen in her was not there. It unsettled me. Still, I lowered my gaze and swallowed hard. Everyone was changing. Even their hearts. Just like me. I had changed too. The strong will I once had, the spirit Lycannar never ceased to say he loved and loved and loved, I was losing it. When I looked up again, they were kissing, deeply, affectionately. Quietly, I walked toward the exit to give them privacy. But before I left, I heard the sound of fabric tearing. My brother was stripping her. Taking her to bed. I closed the door softly behind me, sighing shakily. It seemed to me Dessyn was more prisoner than woman, more captive than beloved. And all of this, all of it, was because of that war five years ago. The war that left us brutal, changed us, warped fate, shattered hearts. I returned to my chamber andy down upon the bed until My eyes fell upon the white fur cloak Lycannar had given me the day of my ceremonial party. The bold crest of the Lycan Kingdom gleamed upon it. My heart clenched, and memory seized me. The night he gave it, when we had made love in the garden, when he had handed me letters exposing the council¡¯s lies and Ka¡¯s true nature. Slowly my gaze fell to the rings still circling my fingers. My heart ached. Even amidst this storm, I could not bring myself to pull them off. Why do I love him this much? Why does it have to be him? Why¡­ Back Where 255 Zephyrine 96 +5 Free Colna The water soothed my skin, making my eyelids flutter shut. Serenity filled the air. The tension melted like wind, and I sighed softly, trying to escape reality. But the reality I escaped only lured me into another fairytale of fantasy. A bliss I had once felt, that night that never came to pass again. I missed him. Lycannar. I missed him so much I thought I might die, now that I sat in the pool that reminded me of him. We had bathed together in this very pool, and here, he had proposed marriage to me. He had told me the price of saving my brother was for me to spend the rest of my life with him. I swallowed hard against the bitterness in my throat and fluttered my eyes open with a shaky sigh. The source of th?s content is find?novel ¡°Mydy, you cane out now,¡± Blue¡¯s voice broke the silence. I lingered a moment before rising from the water, allowing her to wrap a towel around me. She dressed me in my nightgown, left my hair damp, and guided me back toward my bedchamber, only for us both to freeze in the doorway. Varyn was already inside. He stood fully dressed, as though ready for an important meeting, no trace of the clothes he¡¯d worn when he was about to make love to Dessyn. His arms folded across his chest, he stood at the wardrobe side, eyes fixed on the white fur cloak Lycannar had once gifted me. His jaw set as he stared at the crest embroidered upon it. Slowly, he turned to me and smiled. That smile. The one he had used countless times to butter enemies into lowering their guard, the one that had won him wars without lifting a de. The smile of a strategist. Calcted. Deadly. ¡°It bears the Lycan Kingdom crest,¡± he said softly. ¡°I didn¡¯t know our designers here had begun weaving crests other than Ashmere¡¯s.¡± I swallowed, taking a step into the chamber. 9:22 Sun, Sep 28 ¡°It was a present from Lycannar. For ascending the Alpha seat. ¡°Oh, really?¡± he asked as he moved away from the cloak, walking toward me. My breath hitched, my body pausing. ¡°That was thoughtful of him, wasn¡¯t it?¡± His fingers circled my wrist. He pulled me gently to the dining seat and lowered me down. His hands brushed my shoulders, caressing lightly, easing the tension he had just stirred. ¡°Rx, little sister. Rx.¡± His voice was soft. I swallowed. He moved around and sat across from me, his smile steady. ¡°You should eat your meal. But before that, you need to take the potion.¡± I hesitated. ¡°I am not pregnant, Varyn. Anal sex doesn¡¯t impregnate women.¡± His gaze lifted sharply. That piercing gaze. And then it softened. His brilliant green eyes dimmed with something else. He lowered his gaze, swallowed hard, and whispered, ¡°I failed.¡± The words startled me. ¡°I failed in battle as strategist. I failed them as a son. I failed you as a brother.¡± ¡°Varyn¡­¡± I whispered, shaken. He shook his head, sniffing hard. He fought it, but the tears came anyway, shattering me. ¡°Leave us,¡± I said quickly to Blue. She bowed and slipped out, closing the door behind her. My brother sat there, tears trailing his face as he leaned back against his chair, gaze distant. It was as if the memories dragged him back to that bloody day. ¡°We nearly won, Zephyr,¡± he said tiredly. ¡°We nearly won. The victory was almost ours. Then he came. The formation I built was torn apart. The blood army at the front fell in moments. To defeat the Abyss army, I had already drafted the n. We almost had it, when he arrived.¡± His jaw clenched at the weight of it. My own shoulders sagged under the bitterness. ¡°He sided with the demons. He had perfect ties with the Warlord of the Abyss. And he killed our father like nothing. Mother was there, Zephyr. She¡¯s the war general. She saw it all. She 2/4 95 shattered before my eyes. When we returned to camp¡­ we were never the same.¡± ¡°Varyn¡­¡± s ¡°I asked myself how could I tell you? How would you survive hearing that Father was killed at the very strategy I built? How would I live, knowing I failed him?¡± His voice cracked. ¡°Even the soldiers¡­ seeing our father cut down so easily, they lost their spirit. Ashmeres became a joke.¡± His voice dropped low. ¡°He wed me, Zephyr. That wound never healed. That made me gwt weaken enough to be sold into ckwater.¡± I froze. ¡°He wed soldiers too, and I swear to you, they dropped dead instantly.¡± Slowly, he looked at me, his hand reaching, gripping mine with heartache. ¡°Apex Blood killed our father, Zephyr. He broke the Ashmeres. He is the greatest threat. Those council members? All their schemes, their betrayals, yes, they will die one by one. But none of them matterpared to him. Apex must pay for shedding our father¡¯s blood.¡± ¡°Varyn¡­¡± ¡°He¡¯s not a Lycan,¡± he confessed, shaking his head. ¡°I¡¯ve never seen anything like him. Have you seen him shift?¡± A chill spread through me. ¡°Not really,¡± I whispered. ¡°You know he has fangs?¡± Tears slid down my cheeks as I nodded faintly. ¡°You know he has wings?¡± I lifted my gaze, shaken, and he pressed again. ¡°Do you know he has horns?¡± ¡°Varyn¡­ please¡­¡± ¡°You cannot marry such a man, little sister.¡± His voice hardened. ¡°That Lycan maid in this pack¡­ I don¡¯t want her here. That carriage with his crest¡­ I don¡¯t want it in Father¡¯s courtyard. That cloak¡­ I don¡¯t want it in your chamber. And¡­ 9:22 Sun, Sep 28 His gaze dropped to my fingers. 0:0 ¡°Those rings. Don¡¯t you think it¡¯s time you returned them?¡± d I shuddered. My heart paused in my chest as his eyes pinned me, waiting. The answer I gave would define his next move. His patience was thinning. And I understood his pain. Lowering my gaze, tears trailed down. ¡°I will send back every gift he gave me. And the rings¡­ I¡¯ll return them tonight, Varyn.¡± ¡°And the potion to flush his seed out of your system?¡± he pressed. A sob broke from me. My hands shook. But without hesitation, I seized the potion and drank it down in one gulp. When I looked back, he was rising from his chair. He came to embrace me warmly, holding me close. ¡°It is only you and I now, Zephyr,¡± he whispered. ¡°And together, we will make them all pay. I swear it.¡± Back Where 256 Zephyrine It¡¯s unusually quiet tonight as I stood at the window, my gaze falling down to see he has already gotten them ready. The great white horse Lycannar had given to me. The white carriage Lycannar had presented as well. Both of them, gifts he offered me after our first night together as lovers. I turned away and swallowed hard. That wasn¡¯t the only present he gave me that night. After we made love, he had introduced me to his family, gifted me a horse and carriage, and entrusted me with a personal maid who loved and cherished me. But now¡­ now I must return them all. My eyes slowly roamed around my bed chamber and fell on the robe hung up against the wall. That white great robe with the Lycan crest, made to fit me perfectly. And finally, those rings. The rings that once made me one of the happiest women alive. I swallowed down the bile in my throat just as the sound of approaching footsteps reached me. I turned slowly as the door opened and Blue stepped in. Her head bowed before me, then she straightened, looking at me with that innocent humility that always pierced through me. My heart ached knowing she was about to be sent away. But I was quick to blink back tears. I lowered my gaze to my fingers and slipped off the two rings Lycannar had given me. The first as a gift, the second when he proposed marriage. I ced them carefully into the chest I had prepared. Then I walked to the robe, pulled it down from its rack, folded it neatly, and ced it in the chest as well. Atst, I looked at them one final time, my chest tight with grief. Shakily, I closed the lid and shivered in silence. Silence, and nothing but silence. He had told me once not to forget the good times we shared. He had told me he loved me. It¡­ it was almost as though he had known this moment woulde. As though he knew the truth, and never told me. I bit my lower lip and turned toward Blue, unable to meet her eyes. ¡°A guard will escort you on your journey back to the Lycan Kingdom. Take the chest with you. The horse will follow. Ride in the carriage. Give them all back to your King and remain there.¡± My voice cracked, but I forced the words. Without waiting for her response, I climbed onto the bed and pulled the nket over myself. But I had to pause because she didn¡¯t move. She stood there, frozen. That made me lift my gaze and see her staring at me with that same expression that only deepened my guilt. ¡°Mydy¡­¡± she whispered, stepping forward before dropping to her knees before me. I turned my face away, trembling. ¡°Mydy?¡± ¡°Go, Blue. You¡¯ve served me enough. Just go.¡± Silence fell between us. No response. It rattled me more than words would have. Then she spoke again, her voice breaking. ¡°Mydy?¡± I bit down on my lip as I turned to her, my own lips trembling. I shattered before her, and she broke into tears. Shaking her head, she whispered through sobs, ¡°I don¡¯t want to go. Don¡¯t send me away.¡± Her plea tore me apart. ¡°Lycannar kept secrets from me. You¡¯re one of his people. You share his blood. He is your king. When I see you¡­ I see him. That¡¯s why you have to go.¡± ¡°Are you sure, mydy?¡± she asked softly, her eyes searching mine. ¡°Are you sure you¡¯re sending me away just because I remind you of him?¡± ¡°What?¡± I whispered. ¡°Are you certain that if I leave, you¡¯ll be able to forget him?¡± Her words struck like lightning. Goosebumps rose on my skin. ¡°You love him. No matter what they say, you will never forget him. Even if you return his gifts, even if I leave, you will always¡­¡± ¡°Who said I wanted to forget him?¡± I snapped, my voice shaking as tears spilled freely. ¡°He is the love of my life and I love him. I was honest with him, open to him. And what did I get in return?¡± ¡°Mydy¡­¡± ¡°You will leave tonight,¡± I forced out, choking on my own sobs. ¡°And you return here. Do you understand me?¡± will stay there. Do not She didn¡¯t answer right away. Instead, she reached for my hand and caressed it gently. ¡°Mydy¡­ there is something you should know. My king¡­ he isn¡¯t always himself. Sometimes, he¡­¡® The door suddenly flung open, and my brother stormed in with two guards. They seized Blue at once. ¡°Mydy!¡± she cried; struggling as they pinned her. ¡°Throw her out of the pack!¡± Varyn¡¯smand thundered through the chamber. Horror crashed over me. ¡°Let her go,¡± I murmured weakly, almost to myself. But the sight of them forcing her down so harshly made my blood run cold. ¡°Let her go!¡± My voice snapped loud, and the guards faltered, hesitating at once. I shook violently, stunned at the horror rising in my heart. This is what I feared. Werewolves venting their hatred for Lycannar onto the Lycans themselves. Slowly, I turned to my brother. He had given that order, and I knew he was the one feeding them with hate. I swallowed hard as I held his gaze. ¡°She will walk on her own, Varyn. No one touches her.¡± It was a challenge, and the tension between us sparked like fire. Atst, he gave a curt nod and gestured to the guards. They released her and backed away, bowing before leaving the chamber. My lips trembled as Varyn¡¯s gaze burned into me, heavy and knowing. Leave, Blue. Now,¡± I whispered, dismissive, knowing his patience was thin. She hesitated, as expected, but finally obeyed. Her sobs faded with the sound of her steps, until the chest scraped away and the echo of the massive Ash Pack gate opening filled the night. Then came the sound of hooves and wheels. Fear gripped me. Emptiness swallowed me whole. Sadness sat heavily in my heart, and though I tried to gulp it down, I failed. The tears spilled silently, then broke into sobs, until pain itself shredded out of me. My brother walked up, pulled me into his arms, and I buried my face in his chest, crying all my sorrow out. But the more I let out, the heavier the pain became. This content belongs to F?nd-Novel Back Where 257 Lycannar Nothing. Nothing I see¡­ brings peace anymore. I had expected it, and now that it is here, nothing terrifies me more than this. The istion. The sudden¡­ loneliness. As if she doesn¡¯t exist, as if the love between us¡­ never happened in the first ce. Standing in the corridor of my kingdom, in the cktower, I can only gaze at the massive gates and the walls beyond my territory. I await her. Questions I will answer. Words I will give with the truest heart. A bow I will make without caring about my status. A promise I will speak without hesitation. But she did note. No. Instead, I heard whispers. Different words. That she is locked in her chamber, more prisoner than Alpha of her pack. Her brother controls everything, and he is a very, very, very smart man who knows the pros and cons of every situation. What¡¯s worse is¡­ I can¡¯t hurt him. I can¡¯t take him out of the way. Even if he poisoned all and sundry against me, I must never touch a single hair on his head. Why? Simply because he is the older brother of the woman I love. Heartache has slept and woken with me since her farewell that day. My sisters have been on toe, and my brother Hades has been supportive, standing solidly behind me. But I couldn¡¯t h away the fear, the dread of what Zephyrine might feel. think I used her? Will she perhaps hate me for¡­ for killing her father? How will I o her that once a month, under the full moon, I lose my senses? stions tore my heart until the sound of the massive gates opening wide reached me ight. ps rose on my skin when the horse rode in and that carriage I had gifted her with grateful heart followed behind. caught the Ash Pack guard who stood at the gate, ensuring the carriage had entered, en he turned back, riding away. Confusion, curiosity, surprise all hit me at once as I ooked at the carriage, and then she alighted. Blue. With a chest in her hands. 17:46 Mon, Sep +10 Free Coins She stood beside the carriage, slowly lifting her eyes toward me, and my entire body went cold. Literally cold. ¡°Come in,¡± I said, my voice barely above a whisper, but I knew she heard. Obediently, she made her way inside. After she disappeared through the entrance, dread welled up in my heart. I nced at the carriage again, then the horse, before I moved, descending the stairs, down to the dining hall where she stood with the chest in her hands. My eyes fixed on the chest first¡­ before flicking up to her face. The torn shoulder of her dress froze me in ce, and before I could speak, hurried footsteps echoed and my sisters burst in. ¡°What happened? Blue?¡± Serena asked, while Maerez walked forward, her eyes wide with worry. ¡°Blue?¡± She sniffed back her tears, then ced the chest carefully on the table and pushed it gently toward me before bowing. ¡°Mydy asked me to deliver this to you.¡± Hearing that pinned me, rooted me where I stood. For original chapters go to Find~Novel ¡°Are you hurt?¡± I asked, my voice rough but firm. She looked at me briefly before lowering her gaze. ¡°No, my King.¡± Those words struck deep just as my brother walked into the hall too. The tension rose immediately, heavy and sharp, as he leaned on the wall at the doorway. I dropped my gaze to the chest, unable to look away. Slowly, I reached forward and lifted the lid. My eyes caught them at once, my rings. The very rings that made her mine. My hand shook as I reached for the one I had proposed with, forged from ck quartz of the demon realm and Lycan Kingdom pure gold, bound together with a drop of my blood to make it sacred. ¡°How is she?¡± The question escaped me, low, almost voiceless. No answer came at first. Then Blue lifted her gaze to me, her eyes brimming until tears spilled down her face. +10 Free Coins ¡°She cries every day,¡± she whispered. ¡°She won¡¯t eat her meals. Her brother istes her, and we are ordered to never speak to her unless absolutely necessary. She¡­ never recovers. She¡¯s slowly losing her sanity, her valor, her very self.¡± I choked, the weight crushing me. Harder than ever now. I looked away and swallowed painfully. I broke her. I¡­ I broke her. ¡°Go back.¡± My voice cracked as I pressed the ring I proposed with into Blue¡¯s hand. ¡°Go back and give this to her. Tell her I will ept any punishment but not this one. Tell her she¡¯s mine, and I¡¯m hers, and I won¡¯t let anyone take that away. If she wants to break up, she shoulde here and say it to my face.¡± Blue stared at me, daring to hold my gaze, her tears sliding again. Then she bowed, clutching the ring, and turned to leave. Once more she rode back to Ash Pack. ¡°Chantel, have a guard escort her to the Ash Pack gate and return immediately,¡± I ordered my bodyguard, who lingered in the shadows. Themand was obeyed, and soon the sound of the gates opening and closing echoed through my halls, signaling Blue¡¯s departure. The ache inside me surged. I sank into the nearest chair, burying my face into my palms. Blue had been hurt. I saw it. The torn dress. The hatred meant for me was being vented on my eople now. Zephyrine returned everything, but she didn¡¯t return me to the way I was before I et her. dness choked me until I nearly drowned in it. But then a hand pressed firm and steady ainst my shoulder. My eldest sister. e will pass through this, Lycannar. We will.¡± Her assurance anchored me, and I grasped her hand, kissed it, clinging to the sanity she offered. This time will pass. I will smile again. I will be happy again. Back Where 258 Zephyrine I stared at the arrival of the Imperium Council messenger who galloped into Ash Pack that cloudy afternoon. He dismounted sharply and bowed with deep respect toward the entrance, and I swallowed when I saw he bore a sealed scroll. All onlookers froze, their attention fixed on him. Then he came out, my brother. Varyn. He walked forward to stand before the messenger, who extended the scroll with utmost reverence, his forearm outstretched, his head lowered. My brother epted the scroll delivered from the Wolf Fortress. The messenger bowed again, this time so low his head touched the ground, before mounting his horse and riding away sharply. There I stood, swallowing hard. A scroll delivered with such ceremony, under a clouded sky, from the Imperium Council, it meant something sacred. I watched as my brother held onto it, then slowly turned his gaze upward, toward the window of my bedchamber. Our eyes met, and a chill ran down my spine. Varyn. He dropped his gaze and walked inside. For what felt like an eternity I couldn¡¯t breathe. I felt¡­ empty. I was not allowed outside anymore, and it had gradually be the norm. Blue had left, and Isolde now handled everythingpletely. Yet never have I felt so¡­ empty. I was still standing when the sound of my door opening came. I felt his gaze on me even before I turned. My brother. Find the newest release on find(?)ovel He searched my eyes in silence, then extended the scroll to me. I stared at it for a long moment before walking toward him and taking it. Gently, I moved to the chair and sat, breaking the seal to read. ¡®By themand of the Imperial Council, Varyn Ashmere, the true son ofte Warlord Vale, will stand at attention on the third day of full moon to be crowned the new Werewolf Warlord, and he will lead the Ashmere Armies to victory. It was great news. I was not born when my father was crowned a warlord, but I had heard the stories of how excited everyone had been, how they threw parties and drank all night. But¡­ for Varyn? Why did I feel more fear than excitement? Why did I feel this position was offered only to pull him to the Council¡¯s side rather than pay for what they had done to the Ashmeres? As though t buy him off? ¡°Today,¡± Varyn said as he moved toward the chair opposite me, ¡°I received a letter from Moonveil Fortress.¡± I lifted my eyes to him as he continued. ¡°Thousands of soldiers are ready to answer one order from us, Zephyr. Every werewolf in every pack is on our side after hearing that our father, the werewolf warlord was in unjustly by Apex¡¯s ws. They all want justice, just as we do. We are stronger than before, and when we make the attack¡­ we will win. This time, we will be victorious.¡± Hearing him say those words made my chest tighten. I hadn¡¯t realized I was already panicking until he reached for my hand and gave it a tender squeeze, his eyes never leaving mine. Attack¡­ where? That was the only question burning in my mind when the sound of gates opening and closing echoed. A scent hit my nostrils, the scent of a Lycan. Varyn caught it too. His expression darkened as he moved to the window, a dangerous smirk curling on his lips. ¡°I suppose Apex has decided to dere war openly now.¡± I froze where I sat, dread spreading through me. Footsteps approached, and the door opened. I turned toward it, and there stood Blue, holding unto a ring and a book that looks more like an old diary. One look at her eyes told me she hadn¡¯t rested. She had traveled all night to get here. Slowly, she walked forward and bowed. When she straightened, she extended the ring Lycannar had proposed with. My heart thudded painfully at the sight of it. Even more when she spoke. ¡°My king said he will ept any punishment, but not this one. He said you are his, and he is yours, and no one will take that away. He said if you truly want a break up, then you muste to his kingdom and say it to his face.¡± The audacity. The boldness of those words. My brother lost it. He stormed toward the exit, but I shot up from my seat and said quickly. ¡°Varyn, let me go.¡± He paused at the doorway and turned slowly, as though stunned I had spoken. ¡°Let me go give him back the ring. I will break things off with him and return.¡± step, he Hearing this, my brother stared at me in silence for a long time. Then, step by slow approached. Each one made my heart thunder harder. When he reached me, his palm came up, caressing my cheek with a tender pressure that forced my gaze into his. ¡°A carriage will be ready tonight. You will return immediately after putting him in his ce.¡± His voice was soft, almost coaxing. I nodded, though my heart raced. ¡°You put him in his ce, Zephyr. He is an enemy. Our enemy. You understand¡­?¡± I searched Varyn¡¯s eyes before choking back a sob as the tears fell. ¡°Yes,¡± I whispered. ¡°I understand.¡± Back Where 259 Chapter 259 For original chapters go to Nyroth Pressure upon pressure after the resurrection of Varyn Ashmere. He rose like a phoenix, and now he burns with vengeance. That fire in his eyes, I know if none of us are careful, we¡¯ll all be caught in its ze. Days had passed since the shattering truth left Zeph literally pale, and still I can¡¯t fathom how and why she loved Apex. ¡°Varyn Ashmere,¡± they called his name when he walked into the Wolf Fortress. He silenced every lip with his mere presence. That same presence still gives me goosebumps to this day. They had said he was dying, sick, enved for years in ckwster, but I beg to differ. The man who now stood solidly before us was not one who had suffered, and if he had, then whoever healed him, whoever brewed the potion he drank, was no ordinary soul. My thoughts fell to the Blood family. The Lycans. I wondered again, even after that day, if this is fate. Is it truly fate? Everything that has happened, was it written? I have seen what the love between Zeph and Apex can do. It is beyond me, beyond every spell I used to bind her soul to mine. And after that terrifying confrontation with him, I realized Apex is much more than the Lycan he pretends to be. should all have been suspicious when he locked himself away in the ck Tower for years. ly thought him strange. But now, hearing he has fangs, that he could y an entire rewolf warlord, I know it is true. Apex once gripped my neck, and I could have died had I tried to fight back. He is¡­ a beast. I sighed shakily as the carriage made its way toward my pack. Instead of rest, Alphas and Betas had been summoned to endless meetings about how we would proceed, how we would support our fallen warlord who had been unjustly killed by the Lycan King. I was the first to attend. I have great hatred and vengeance against Apex personally, and as though the Moon Goddess favored cruelty, she made Varyn Ashmere hate him even more than I. Now I know for certain, Zeph will not have him. Apex will never have her. But thinking further, I had to swallow at the dark political squeeze that had unfolded. Just like that, the Imperium Council, those who had sent the Ashmeres to war unfairly, now begged forgiveness, and were willing to crown Varyn as the next warlord to indirectly ask for forgiveness. Ka Yadev, the most shrewd of all, twisted the de deeper. She went on her knees before everyone and hijacked the ckbridge Pack from Luna Tahlia once again with a deceitful, ugly truth. Whether or not she is pregnant is none of my concern. All I want is to see the Lycan Kingdom in ruins, just as Varyn Ashmere desires. I swallowed hard, wondering what it would be like to stand before him now. I was the one who collected the money for their parents¡®pensation. Would I also be punished by him? I shook my head suddenly, swallowing harder. No. I will stand by his side now, and I will give him anything. Those thoughts pressed into me as the carriage finally rolled into my pack. I turned to the side of the path and there he was again. The young man who lingered behind, staring at me without blinking. The one I had seen at White Pack. He imed he only came to check on his sister, not to follow me, as I thought before. I swallowed at his presence as the carriage passed him and stopped in my courtyard. I blinked, then alighted, pausing mid¨Cstep. That night, when he said he came to see his sister at White Pack, I had wondered who this so- called sister was. Clearly not Dessyn since she had only one brother. I went still. Slowly, I retraced my steps, walking toward where he stood, as though waiting. He was younger, powerful, fire burning in his eyes. He had only appeared briefly before, but now¡­ he caught my attention fully. ¡°Who are you?¡± I asked without dy. His eyes flickered up to meet mine, then he replied¡­ ¡°I am Gaxib.¡± Hearing that name made me swallow hard. It felt heavy. Gaxib. ¡°Why are you here?¡± I pressed, my gaze fixed on him. But he didn¡¯t answer. He only stared again at me. Then the sound of hooves broke the silence. A rider galloped in on a powerful white horse, the kind only Ashmeres owned. ¡°Alpha Nyroth,¡± the messenger said firmly, looking at me. ¡°Lord Varyn asked for your presence immediately.¡± At that, a cold chill ran down my spine. Chapter Varyn Ashmere? Why did he¡­ ¡°I can tell you the Lycan King¡¯s weaknesses.¡± The voice of Gaxib cut through my thoughts, forcing me to look back at him. ¡°I will help you take him down. I can.¡± And with that, he turned and walked away, leaving me stunned with an offer that felt almost like a dream. Back Where 260 Zephyrine My carriage was ready at night just as my brother had promised, and I arrived out there in the open only to attract eyes and attention with my presence. I stood under the dark sky, dressed in a long flowing gown and a fur cloak with the crest of my powerful pack. Guards followed, too heavily, but I knew I had no choice. My brother might get suspicious if I appeared without them. I stared silently into the night, and gently I felt her gaze. Dessyn¡¯s. Slowly, I turned towards the window of Varyn¡¯s bedchamber and saw her standing there, her eyes fixed on me. Somehow, I could feel her depression and desperation, but before we could connect ormunicate, he appeared right behind her dominant, possessive. Varyn. In seconds, Dessyn lowered her gaze just as my brother¡¯s hands circled her neck. His palm tightened in a possessive grip before he kissed her lips, more like a warning than affection. Then he hugged her, forcing her back into his chest while his eyes pinned themselves on me. His look was clear, like a warning, like an order for me to put Lycannar right in his ce. He was entrusting me with a mission, one I could not afford to fail. I turned away and was about to get into the carriage when another approaching carriage caught my eyes. The crest of Hue Pack carved on its frame. A frown spread across my face as the carriage stopped and Nyroth stepped out. My brow arched in utter disbelief, and before I could process it, an Ash Pack messenger came riding in. In that moment, I realized why Nyroth was here. No one would have summoned him except my brother, Varyn. Swallowing hard as Nyroth was ushered into the hall, I climbed into my carriage with Blue, and the ride back to the Lycan Kingdom began, my heart aching all the while. Blue still attended to me like a maid, though I didn¡¯t want her service, yet she insisted. I leaned in my seat, resting my head quietly, but sleep would note. No peace had found me ever since I learned the truth. The ride was long, but atst my carriage reached the massive gates of the Lycan Kingdom. And I swear, I felt it. The uneasiness. The ache. The pain. And the warmth that only his presence could bring. Get full chapters from Find[?]ovel The gigantic gate opened, and my carriage wheeled inside with the guards of my pack following. Blue alighted carefully, but I remained still, my gaze fixed on nothing, wondering how to hold myself together, how to face this. ¡°Mydy,¡± Blue¡¯s voice pulled me back, and I looked at her outstretched palm. For a moment, I just stared. Then, tenderly, I took it, allowing her to help me down. And there I stood, under the night sky of the Lycan Kingdom, captivated by the intense gaze of the king himself. From the tower corridor, he stared down at me, and I looked back. In silence, our eyes locked, until I forced myself to lower my gaze and move toward the hall. Blue followed closely behind as we entered the dining hall, the same one that held beautiful memories. None bitter. His sisters emerged soon after. They must have seen me arrive. ¡°Zephyrine¡­¡± Princess Mearez called softly. Our eyes met, and I felt like crying, but I swallowed the sobs and tried to stay strong. That was when footsteps echoed. Him. Descending the stairs, step by step. Lycannar Blood. He stopped a few steps away. I could not bring myself to look into his eyes. Instead, I stared at the empty space between us, silence stretching painfully. Then Hades entered too, leaning against the wall, silent as ever. Atst, I choked back the bile and reached for the ring I hade to return. Quietly, I set it on the table and turned to leave. But I should have known he would not let me go so easily. In a sh, the air shifted. One moment he was across the hall, the next, he blocked my path. ¡°Zephyrine¡­¡± His voice called, that tone breaking my heart. ¡°I came to return the ring. I will take my leave now,¡± I murmured, refusing to meet his eyes. But he caught my wrist and pulled me back into him. In his arms, I went numb. Completely numb. ¡°Zephyrine¡­¡± he whispered, but I couldn¡¯t respond. Not like this. Tears welled in my eyes as I tried to pull away, but his hand rose gently to my chin, forcing my gaze to his. There, I stared into his blurry eyes through my tears. ¡°Zephyrine¡­¡± ¡°Why didn¡¯t side. you tell me?¡± The words slipped from me quietly, exhaustedly. His hand fell to his I took a step back, wiping my tears, and asked again. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me?¡± He only watched me, silent, his eyes soft in a way they never were for anyone else. And I broke. The sob tore from me as I pushed him, raining punches against his chest. He didn¡¯t fight back. He took it all, until I shoved him again and red through my tears. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me?!¡± I snapped. He swallowed hard, his gaze heavy with apology. ¡°I was scared.¡± The word sounded foreign from his lips. Iughed bitterly, brokenly. ¡°Scared? You? The great Apex Blood, scared of me? A woman you never loved, a woman you slept with, ate with, bathed with, and still lied to?!¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t lie to you, Zephyrine,¡± he said softly. I struck his chest again and again until exhaustion overtook me. My body sank, but he caught me, held me up. I pushed him off, rejecting his touch, ring through the blur. ¡°Do you have any idea what is going on out there?¡± I demanded. ¡°Do you even know what the werewolves are saying about Apex Blood?! Do you, Lycannar, have any idea?¡± I looked away, biting my lower lip at the cruel twist of politics. Then I faced him again. ¡°The Imperium Council twisted the truth and diverted attention. Ka and those council members were ten steps ahead of me because you kept the truth hidden. If you had told me, I would¡¯ve been prepared. But no! Now they¡¯ve made you, the Lycannar Blood, the true viin. +10 Free Coins They call you names I can¡¯t even defend you against, because you weren¡¯t honest with me.¡± My voice shook. ¡°It¡¯s over between us, Lycannar. My brother will never let me marry you. My kind hates your kind. And I can¡¯t forgive you for hiding such a truth from me.¡± I turned for the exit, but once more, his hand caught my wrist. I froze, my breath hitching as he held my gaze onest time. ¡°In two nights,¡± he said quietly, ¡°I will be at the tavern where we had our first outing. I will wait for you.¡± My chest clenched at his words, but I said nothing. Without another nce, I bypassed him, mounted one of the guards¡® horses, and left. I abandoned the carriage he had gifted me. I abandoned Blue. And under the night sky, I galloped back to Ash Pack, my heart breaking with every beat. Back Where 261 Nyroth I had felt her gaze before she rode out of the pack. It was almost as though her brother had calcted everything precisely, arranging it so I wouldn¡¯t be able to speak with her. It worked. Because only minutes after I arrived, she left in her carriage, riding away, and now I sat alone in the long meeting hall, wondering why Varyn Ashmere had summoned me, and why, though I had been here for over half an hour, he had yet to appear. I sat for a long time, the silence pressing, then slowly looked around at the guards who stood like statues in every corner, armed and ready. Ashmere guards. They were different from all others, both warriors and guards in one. I swallowed hard as the truth hit me. At a single order, they might strike. Even as an Alpha, it would take a fight to escape alive. I waited another hour, impatience gnawing at me, when the sound of footsteps came atst, true, steady, heavy. The doors swung wide, and he appeared, standing at the entrance. Bold. Dominant. Varyn Ashmere, with a presence that made one go still with caution. He stood there for a while, staring at me before lowering his gaze and walking further inside. As he drew nearer, moving toward the chair across from me, I let my eyes linger on him. Staring at the man I had only ever heard about, only seen clearly for the first time days ago at the wolf fortress. Back when I was still obeying my father¡¯s words, news had spread that Varyn Ashmere was the war strategist, praised for his wit, his ability to smooth even the most wrinkled situations with cunning and tactics. He was broad, handsome. He looked like a male version of Zephyrine, and I understood why. They were siblings. His hair was damp, like he had just bathed, and a scar was visible behind his ear. He wore leather from neck to boots, every part of his body covered except for the fingertips his muffled gloves could not conceal. ¡°I apologize for keeping you waiting,¡± his voice came as he reached his chair and sat down with an exhausted sigh. ¡°I have had so many urges¡­ after being enved for five years.¡± Hearing this, I looked at him, but he looked right back, gesturing with his eyes. ¡°You know her, don¡¯t you?¡± he asked, making me pause. ¡°Dessyn.¡± ¡°I do,¡± I answered quietly. He nodded, shrugging lightly. ¡°She¡¯d make a good wife, wouldn¡¯t she?¡± The question confused me, but I nodded anyway. ¡°I think so.¡± ¡°Hmm.¡± He murmured absently. ¡°She¡¯s just like my little sister. Fell in love too deeply with a man who gave her attention. Women¡­¡± He shook his head with a sigh, leaning back in his chair. ¡°They tend to love being pampered, being noticed. Once you do¡­ they fall, and lose all reasoning. Just like Zephyr¡­¡± I swallowed hard at that name. Zeph. He lowered his gaze to his fingers tapping against the table, and though he looked detached, I could feel it, he was watching me closely. Every detail. That was why he was the war strategist. His skill with the sword would only add weight when he was crowned Warlord soon. The silence thickened. The tension rising. Then, with his voice barely above a whisper, he asked. ¡°I heard you were my sister¡¯s first love. His gaze lifted, sharp and steady, waiting. Waiting for my answer. I weighed the situation carefully, then, seeing no point in lies, since everything was already in the open, I said. ¡°I loved her. I only realized toote how much I wanted her. Before I knew it, Apex had swept her off her feet, deflowered her, and proposed marriage. Recently I tried to make her love me with a spell, but the love she had for Apex was too strong it broke it. I wronged her in the past, and I wanted to make up for it, but¡­ she won¡¯t give me a chance.¡± 2/3 ???? ????s? ???????s ?? F?ndNovel +10 Free Coins He stared at me, his gaze unmoving, before asking quietly. ¡°Have you ever seen Apex fight?¡± The memory of nearly being choked came back sharply, and I swallowed. ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Extraordinary, isn¡¯t he?¡± ¡°Beastly, if I am precise. I¡¯ve never seen anything like it.¡± He nodded, thoughtful, then murmured almost to himself. ¡°He can¡¯t be defeated so easily¡­ unless we have his weaknesses.¡± Then he looked straight at me, sighing carefully. ¡°You know any of his weaknesses?¡± I froze, staring at him. He wasn¡¯t mad at me? It wasn¡¯t me he wanted, it was Apex. Only Apex. ¡°I¡­¡± I began slowly. ¡°I don¡¯t really¡­¡± rovide Apex¡¯s weaknesses,¡± Varyn cut in, his voice calm but sharp, ¡°and I will let you marry sister.¡± rooted me to the spot. I stared at him, almost sure he had lost his mind. But no. Those yes. They didn¡¯t lie. They never did. They made me gulp hard. ¡°His weaknesses,¡± he repeated, ¡°and I will send an invitation within the hour. I swear it.¡± That broke thest straw. At once, my mind flew to Gaxib. The one who had imed he knew Apex¡¯s weaknesses. And I swallowed hard, nodding to Varyn Ashmere as though to say¡­ we had a deal. 3/3 Back Where 262 Zephyrine It was already morning when I arrived back at my pack, exhausted and heartbroken. I blinked to keep myself steady, numb with pain and agony. Slowly, the horse came to a halt in the Ash Pack, and my brother, who seemed to have been waiting for me, walked forward, reaching for my hand to help me down perfectly. ¡°You reek of the curse, King,¡± he murmured, but without waiting for an answer, he pulled me toward the direction of the meeting hall. ¡°The elders have some reports to approve.¡± I walked beside him, his palm at the small of my back. The door opened gently, and at once the elders stood, bowing as my brother pulled out my chair and lowered me down carefully. He walked to take the report, cing it before me. ¡°Approve it,¡± he said gently, though themand in his tone was unmistakable. Whether I liked it or not, I had to approve the reports. I swallowed hard. ncing at the documents, my senses disoriented, I approved them as the Alpha. The reports were taken away immediately. Not long after, the elders began to leave, one by one, without a word. I swallowed hard as thest one exited, closing the door and leaving me at the mercy of my brother, who I felt was studying me intently. kept my eyes on the table, memories of Lycannar fresh in my mind. He hadn¡¯t denied killing y father. nstead, he¡¯d been full of apologies, and had even made a date to meet me. I blinked to push away the lingering tenderness of his touch just as my brother sat across from me, his intense gazepelling me to meet it. He was¡­ so handsome, so dominant. Behind his ear, I noticed a scar that hadn¡¯t been there before. Then it urred to me. Nyroth hade herest night. Why? ¡°I heard you used thepensation money for our parents for something,¡± he finally said, making me pause. For a while, I couldn¡¯t speak, then in guilt, I lowered my gaze and nodded. ¡°Five years ago, I was foolish. I gave Nyroth of Hue Pack permission to use it to elevate his pack. He was my ex¨Cmate¡­ and I¡¯m sorry, Varyn.¡± No words came from him for a long moment. When I lifted my gaze, I saw him staring gently, neither using nor angry. Get full chapters from find¡¤novel ¡°You were only tricked. It wasn¡¯t your fault,¡± he said softly, shrugging. That shrug told me something significant wasing. ¡°You know I invited Nyroth of Hue Pack herest night.¡± I paused. Yes, he had. ¡°We had a conversation. He confessed how foolish he had been, and now he realizes his mistakes. He wants you back.¡± I waited, unsure where my brother was going with this. ¡°He said he will make everything right, Zephyr. Reading him¡­ I can¡¯t tell if he¡¯s truthful. But there won¡¯t be any harm in¡­ trying.¡± My heart leapt to my throat. I stared at my brother. ¡°What are you talking about?¡± I asked. ¡°Marriage,¡± he said simply. I went cold. Literally still. Did I hear that right? ¡°I can¡¯t marry Nyroth. I hate him.¡± ¡°You will love himter. The date has been set, and earlier this dawn, I gave the order for the wedding invitations to be sent out.¡± I froze. Exhausted physically, mentally, and emotionally, yet now this? ¡°Varyn, I can¡¯t marry Nyroth,¡± I said, my voice trembling. ¡°He cheated on me repeatedly. I was called a rogue in his pack. He spat on our parents¡® Moonstone vessel. He never once paid his respects, and¡­¡± vision ¡°At least he didn¡¯t kill them, did he?¡± His question froze me. Our gazes locked, my blurry as tears threatened. ¡°Nyroth wasn¡¯t cursed. He didn¡¯t kill our father. At least not that, did he?¡± I bit my lower lip stubbornly. ¡°I won¡¯t marry Nyroth, Varyn. You would have to kill me first.¡± ¡°And why would I do that?¡± he asked, his gaze hot. ¡°Get ready. The wedding is a few days away, on the full moon night, at Hue Pack. You will be a bride and take your vow.¡± My heart dropped. +10 Free Coins ¡°The wedding was only a bait, wasn¡¯t it?¡± I asked, narrowing my eyes. I shot to my feet, looking at him dangerously. ¡°It¡¯s a facade to lure the Lycan King because you know he won¡¯t let me marry another man. Isn¡¯t that it, Varyn?¡± He paused, expression unreadable, then smirked gently. ¡°Under the full moon¡­ I will expose him, Zephyr. You¡¯ll see for yourself that the man you are foolishly in love with is nothing but a monster. A creature that needs to be shackled and tortured until he dies.¡± Cold chills ran down my spine at the hatred in his voice. I could barely fathom it. ¡°What if he doesn¡¯te?¡± I asked, voice trembling. ¡°What if Lycannar doesn¡¯t¡­?¡± ¡°Then we proceed to n B. That¡¯s what a war strategist does,¡± he said before walking out, leaving me shaken and stunned. 1 Back Where 263 Zephyrine I watched in silence as Isolde set the table for dinner. She poured the water, then turned and beckoned me to sit. I obeyed without a word. If I resisted, Varyn woulde, and with that calm maniption of his, he would force every bite down my throat until I swallowed. It¡¯s a bait. The marriage Varyn announced earlier today. I should have known better that Varyn is too clever to marry me off to a man who humiliated me. He would never give me to Nyroth so easily. No, he had staged it as a real wedding, which could only mean one thing. Lycannar will be forced toe to Hue Pack. And if hees¡­ will he be captured? The thought made me go cold. I swallowed hard and lifted my cutlery, eating without tasting anything. My heart felt restless, my mind unsteady. I didn¡¯t know what kind of trap Varyn had prepared for Lycannar, only that he must note. Not if he wanted to survive. We are done, I told myself. That¡¯s the end of us. But are we? The question tore at me until I nearly choked. I pushed my te aside and emptied my ss of water, then rose from the table and moved to sit before the mirror, sighing heavily. I missed her. Blue. Since she left yesterday, I had not been able to bear the emptiness. The gods bless Isolde, but she was no Blue. My heart was more bound to Blue than to any other. ¡°Good night, Isolde,¡± I whispered. She bowed, cleared the table, and left quietly, closing the door behind her. Alone in the chamber, my gaze wandered over the stillness of the room. Tomorrow night, Lycannar had said he would meet me at the tavern, the very ce where Alpha ck once spilled a drink over me. The memory stung, and I lowered my gaze. I turned toward the bed, but a book resting in the drawer caught my eye. My steps faltered. Blue¡¯s book which she brought with her when she came with the ring. +10 Free Coins I pulled the drawer open and lifted it out to see it¡¯s a diary. I stared at it for a long moment, intending to keep it safe for her until I could return it. But a slip of paper pasted at the back caught my attention. ¡®Open the first page, mydy¡® My heart tightened. A letter. Blue wanted me to read it. I studied the book again. It was old, worn, far older than Blue herself. Wait¡­ was it even hers? I opened the first page. The title struck me cold. Juliana¡¯s Diary. I froze. This wasn¡¯t Blue¡¯s. This was Juliana¡¯s, Julie¡¯s, the woman I had heard of, the one Lycannar had stabbed, again and again, to free his sisters. Blue¡¯s mother. Shaking, I locked the door, hurried to my bed, and curled beneath the nkets, clutching the diary to me before I dared open it again. The pages were brittle, the ink blurred by dried tears. Every line was heavy with grief, pain, pity, and devotion. I turned carefully, page after page. Awe and fear bled through her words, uncertaintyced with unflinching truth. A prince cursed from birth. Five curses. One that stole his mind each month, turning him into a beast. Born in grief, condemned even by the goddess. My throat tightened as I reached the final pages. One entry glowed with affection. ¡°The prince came to my door today and asked for lunch. How peaceful he seemed, how kind. If only the King would release him from hatred, he could be the most cheerful of .¡® But the next was smeared, hurried, written in shaky strokes and stained with what looked like blood. ¡®He will tonight, the eve of full moon. He warned me to run. I will not. If tonight I must die, then let me die by his knife. I will go in peace, if it means freedom for the princesses and peace for my prince.¡® The words ended there. The scene reyed in my mind. Lycannar, consumed by madness, entering her house, striking her down. He had chosen the eve of full moon because that was the only time he could do it, when his curse stripped him of restraint and left only blood. I closed the diary andy back on my pillow, staring through the window at the pale dawn creeping in. +10 Free Coins Chapters first released on find{n}ovel The truth struck me, brutal and undeniable. Lycannar was the one who murdered Juliana. Blue¡¯s mother. And yet¡­ the diary had exined it all. On the night of the full moon, he lost himself. That was why he wasn¡¯t there when I rejected Nyroth. Why, months ago, when I was framed for Alpha ck¡¯s death, he didn¡¯t appear until days after. The pattern was clear. But rity didn¡¯t ease the pain. My chest burned as I realized the depth of Blue¡¯s love for him. She had read these same pages. That was why she could forgive him. Forgiveness. If only it were so simple. For me, it was not. For me, it never would be. I pulled the nket over my head and tried to sleep, knowing Isolde woulde soon to wake me. Silence filled the room, until suddenly, painnced through me. At first it was only warmth, faint and crawling beneath my skin. Then it burned hotter, spreading with a searing glow. skin. I ripped the nket away and stared at my arm. Runes, glowing red, zed across my The heat grew savage, unbearable, crawling down my arm and across my back. My head dropped, teeth clenched against the agony. ¡°Lycan¡­¡± The word slipped from me in a gasp, part prayer, part pleading. The runes spread like fire. The pain broke me open. My scream filled the chamber. Back Where 264 Lycannar I jerked awake all of a sudden from a slumber I had only just dipped into, a strange thrill coursing through my spine. I sat up quickly, staring at my fingers as though they held the answer. Something had surged through me. Foreign yet whole, unfamiliar yet beautiful. Power. Confusion was still clouding me when I heard footsteps downstairs. Then it hit me. The stench. Heavy, sharp, unmistakable. Demons. A frown creased my face as I rose and stepped out into the hall, just as my brother Hades emerged from his chamber across from Chantel¡¯s. ¡°You feel it too?¡± he asked. I nodded, and together we descended the stairs, only to stop short at the dining hall. Demon guards. They stood there as if they owned the ce. My chest tightened as I turned to Hades. He stepped up beside me, his confusion mirroring mine. ¡°I thought you said Father gave us until next full moon,¡± he muttered. ¡°Yes,¡± I answered quietly. ¡°Then why are they here?¡± Before I could respond, the guards bowed, water dripping from their armor and pooling on the floor. One spoke in a cold, formal tone. ¡°His Majesty sends a reminder that on the next full moon, three days hence, he wille himself if neither of you appear.¡± We said nothing. We only watched them retreat toward the backyard sea, toward the hidden passage that led into the Demon Realm. When the silence returned, my shoulders sagged. ¡°I¡¯m still tangled in this Ashmere mess,¡± I muttered. ¡°How am I supposed to survive both?¡± I dropped into a chair, heavy with thought. My mind drifted tost night, to her. Zephyrine. She was not herself anymore. Blue was right. Zephyrine¡­ she is unraveling, and it hurts me. It hurts more than I can bear. She hasn¡¯t spoken of her father¡¯s death. She hasn¡¯t asked me if I killed him. She only wanted to know why I kept it from her. It¡¯s as if the very words, my confession, would break her beyond repair. A sin she couldn¡¯t forgive. I buried my face in my palms, torn apart by the thought of losing her. I didn¡¯t want war. I didn¡¯t want blood. I wanted her. And I was ready to kneel, to beg, to do anything to bring her back into my arms. ¡°One of us will have to marry a woman we don¡¯t want and take the Demon Throne at the next full moon.¡± Hades¡® voice cut through my thoughts, cold and steady. The reminder made my blood run colder still. Father wasn¡¯t sparing us. If he had sent this message, it meant he was serious. Deadly serious. My thoughts barely settled before hurried footsteps reached us. ¡°Baby brother!¡± Serena¡¯s voice rang out as she rushed into the hall. I frowned at her panic. ¡°What is it?¡± ¡°One of the traders I met at the market brought news from outside the Lycan walls,¡± she said breathlessly. Hades stepped closer, listening intently. ¡°What did This content belongs to findnovel you hear?¡± Instead of answering, she handed me a folded slip. An invitation card. My fingers stiffened as I opened it and read aloud. ¡®The official union of Zephyrine Ashmere and Nyroth Hue. A marriage blessed by both families. To be held in Hue Pack on the night of the full moon. All are invited. Food and drink in abundance.¡® The words bled into my chest like knives. I looked at Serena, then up as Mearez rushed in, her face tight with rm. She too had heard. Leaning back, I exhaled sharply. Zephyrine hadn¡¯t known. I had seen herst night, her body, her eyes, none of it spoke of a woman who knew she was to be wed in days. Varyn must have forced this. But forcing her into Nyroth¡¯s arms, that was too far. Yes, I am guilty of killing the Ashmere warlord when I lost myself. But I will not sit aside while that mistake estroys my heart in return. ¡°I will ept any punishment for that mistake,¡± I said, my voice raw. ¡°But not this. This is unfair. And I will not let it stand.¡± The room fell into silence until Mearez finally spoke. ¡°Lycannar, it¡¯s full moon.¡± ¡°Yes, baby brother,¡± Serena added softly. ¡°On that night, you¡¯ll be in the steel chamber.¡± Their words struck me hard. They were right. The full moon would strip me bare. The beasts, the madness, the horns, the truth. ¡°It¡¯s a trap,¡± Hades muttered, stepping behind me. His eyes scanned the card again before he sighed. ¡°He¡¯s luring you out. On the full moon, when you¡¯re weakest and Mad. When you¡¯d be exposed.¡± ¡°Exposed?¡± Mearez¡¯s voice tightened. ¡°As in, your horns, your wings, your fangs?¡± Hades nodded grimly. ¡°Exactly.¡± I swallowed, throat dry. My true identity. The hybrid blood I carried. That was what Varyn wanted the world to see. My chest heaved, but I forced the words out. ¡°I don¡¯t care. I¡¯m not letting Zephyrine marry another man. She¡¯s mine. Whatever it costs, she¡¯s mine.¡± ¡°Then you¡¯ll have to stop it yourself,¡± Hades said tly. ¡°Mearez will brew you a potion to dull the beast. It won¡¯t hold long, but for an hour at least you¡¯ll stay in form. Enough to disrupt the wedding, then return before the shift takes you.¡± A dangerous n, yet it was the only n. Still, I saw the fear in my sisters¡® eyes. ¡°Brother Hades, I don¡¯t think it¡¯s wise,¡± Mearez whispered. ¡°If you leave the kingdom that night and something goes wrong¡­¡± I cut her off, quiet but certain. ¡°I will be fine. But before then¡­ I¡¯ll meet Zephyrine at the tavern tonight.¡± ÈÕ h Back Where 265 Zephyrine The dusk had settled before my eyes, and the night darkened with lightning. Thanks to the storm, most of the pack had gone to bed early, leaving everything unnervingly quiet. I stood at the window with my arms folded beneath my chest, his words echoing in my head, about us meeting tonight, this very night, at the tavern. My gaze lingered on the gate, though I already knew the truth. I couldn¡¯t go. I must not go. If Varyn discovered it, he wouldn¡¯t just be angry, he would be furious. Turning away from the window, I climbed into bed and pulled the nket over my body. I shut my eyes, praying for sleep, but it refused toe. All I felt was the raw burn of the runes that had appeared agonizingly on my skin this morning. I had been lucky my brother wasn¡¯t in the pack at that time. He would have demanded answers. I swallowed hard, trying again to force sleep, only for the warmth to spread once more. It climbed to my chest, the runes glowing faintly as they branched further across my body. What had first appeared only on my arm had now reached my back, curling down to my waist, forming sacred symbols I couldn¡¯t understand. Their presence on me left me feeling exposed. Vulnerable. Too seen. I opened my eyes and gave up. Rising from bed, I reached for a cloak and grabbed Blue¡¯s diary from the rack before slipping to the window. Peering out to ensure no one was watching, I leapt down,nding softly on my feet. I didn¡¯t hesitate. In a blur, I sped toward the walls, vaulted over with ease, and shot into the darkness like lightning, leaving only the whisper of air behind me. The tavern came into view at the darkest hour. From a distance, I stopped, my breath shaky, my heart unsteady. I pulled my hood tighter around my face and began forward slowly. This is thest time, I told myself. Thest time I would meet Lycannar. I had to tell him to stop binding me with his runes. I had to return Blue¡¯s diary. And most of all, I had to warn him not toe to the ceremony, because it was a trap meant to lure him out. 17:47 Mon, Sep 29 +10 Free Coins That was what I repeated to myself over and over, until I reached the tavern and froze. His powerful ck horse stood in the stable, set apart from the rest. Its presence alone sent a chill through me. I missed him. I still felt something for him, even after everything. That truth, I couldn¡¯t deny. Lowering my gaze, I slipped inside. I bypassed the noisy drinkers andughter and made my way toward the chamber where we had once shared our first kiss. I reached the door and shivered, fear slicing through me. Fear of seeing him again. Fear of standing before him once more. I hadn¡¯t yet gathered the strength to enter when the door opened softly. There he stood in the doorway. Lycannar. Dressed in all ck, a fur cloak draped over his shoulders, he looked impossibly dominant. His silky hair fell loose, and the rings at his brow caught themplight, casting him in a glow that made him almost too beautiful to look at. We stared at one another for what felt like eternity. Then he opened the door wider and stepped aside, silently inviting me in. Clenching my jaw, I broke our gaze and crossed the threshold, bypassing him to step into the chamber. To my surprise, the table was set with food and drink. What was this? Did he think this was a reunion? ¡°You haven¡¯t been eating well,¡± his voice came from behind as the door shut and locked. ¡°Your body shows it. I¡¯m worried.¡± His words sent something sharp through me, and I turned, my gaze fixed on him. ¡°And whose fault is that?¡± I asked quietly. ¡°Hmm? Whose fault is it that I can¡¯t eat?¡± He didn¡¯t answer. His face betrayed no emotion, only that unyielding look in his eyes, the one that always broke me. Then, before I could react, he sank to his knees before me. A king, on his knees. ¡°I won¡¯t ask forgiveness,¡± he said softly. ¡°I don¡¯t deserve it. I won¡¯t ask for your understanding, because even I cannot understand losing myself. But I beg you, Zephyrine, I beg you with everything you hold dear, ept my apology. I am sorry for losing control. I am sorry for apter 265 killing your father on the battlefield. I will atone for that sin with anything, with everything¡­ except letting you go to another man as his bride. I need you.¡± Pinned between rock and fire, helpless beyond reason, I could only stare. His voice, his words, his posture, it tore me apart. N?w ?ovel chapt?rs are published on find?novel Sadness swelled, heavier than before. Sad that we hade to this ce. Sad that everything had to be this way. And sadder still¡­ that even after it all, I couldn¡¯t bring myself to choose. Back Where 266 Zephyrine +10 Free Coins ¡°Get up,¡± I said quietly, my voice barely above a whisper, but he didn¡¯t obey. Instead, he spoke. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Zephyrine. I don¡¯t know how else to apologize for losing myself and¡­ I swear, I don¡¯t know.¡± I swallowed. Somehow, I could see it. The sincerity in his eyes. It was so genuine that I felt almost guilty for making him apologize. I lowered my gaze and walked up to him. Gently, I reached for his hand and guided him to his feet, where he stood before me, dominant, powerful, and unbearably beautiful. ???s ??????? ?s ?????? ?? F¦Énd£Îovel I pulled back cautiously and looked up into his eyes tenderly. That pale golden gaze, still capable of melting my heart, caught me off guard. And then I realized something. I wasn¡¯t mad at him for killing my father. No. Somehow, someway, in a foolish, iprehensible way, I could see his gle and understand that he had done it unintentionally. And that understanding made my heart burn in anger at myself. I was supposed to be furious like Varyn, but I wasn¡¯t, and that made me feel¡­ unworthy of the Ashmere name. ¡°I have to go back home,¡± I muttered quietly, my heart racing. I expected a response in words, but instead, he took a step closer. I swallowed, knowing his nearness was enough to make me lose control. ¡°Lycan¡­¡± I called, my voice trembling as his fingers circled my arm. I gasped softly, unsure of what he intended. I kept my gaze away from his, shivering slightly, only for him to draw me gently toward him, his hands settling tenderly on my waist. ¡°Lycan¡­¡± I breathed softly as he leaned forward. ¡°I¡¯m not supposed to be here.¡± ¡°Why not?¡± he asked, his eyes searching mine, making me swallow hard. I flickered my gaze upward, trying to maintain unsteady eye contact. His lips descended toward mine, but I looked away at thest second. ¡°We can¡¯t do this,¡± I murmured, almost to myself. He swallowed, but his hands around my 15:54 Tue, Sep 30 .. 50 +10 Free Coins waist only became more tender. Then he reached up, brushing a strand of my hair aside to bare my neck. Lycannar leaned forward, cing a soft, light kiss on the nape of my neck. I fluttered my eyes closed. I knew I was losing myself, and I knew I was supposed to run but somehow, I couldn¡¯t. Not when he was this close, this careful, this intimate. His palm cupped my check, exerting gentle pressure to keep my gaze on him as his thumb brushed softly against my lower lip. His softened gaze held mine, as though to convey that the connection we shared transcended reasoning, that I loved him, and he loved me, no matter the consequences. ¡°Push me away if you don¡¯t want this. I will let you,¡± he whispered softly before leaning in to press his lips to mine. Lightly. I allowed the brush of his lips against mine. I knew I should have pushed him away, but no. Not when this moment was so beautiful, so desperate. He deepened the kiss after a brief moment, then guided me toward the chair he had pulled out for me to sit. He knelt at my feet. For a brief eternity, we stared at one another in silence, our breathing heavy, the lust thick in the air. Then his hands lifted the fabric of my gown, sliding off my underwear without resistance. Lycannar returned to my lips with slow, tender kisses as he parted my thighs, his fingers brushing over me while his mouth kissed mine. Then he tore his lips away to move downward, spreading my thighs further to lower his mouth to my clit. A sharp gasp escaped me immediately. My hands gripped his shoulders for support while my other hand clutched the edge of the table. He licked me slowly, teasing, gentle. I restrained myself from moaning, but gasps escaped despite me. Finally, he pulled back, cupping my neck as he kissed me. Restraint shattered. Every ounce of control I had was gone. I shuddered in his arms, wrapping my hands around his neck while he gripped my waist to deepen the kiss. Every reason blurred. All that remained was us, consuming the lust that had built between us. I reached for his shirt, opening the first button, but paused, my heart hammering. Without words, I broke the kiss and met his gaze. His softened eyes held a hunger that made me forget to breathe. I lowered my gaze, shivering at the power he had over me, over my 15:54 Tue, Sep 30 body, over my will. 50 +10 Free Coins Slowly, I pulled away, retrieving my underwear and dressing hurriedly, gathering my hair in my hands as I headed for the exit. But before I could reach the door, his voice stopped me. ¡°I found out the truth the same day we went to rescue your brother.¡± I froze. ¡°When I cked out, I tend to forget things. I didn¡¯t know I had killed the werewolf warlord. All I knew was that I saved your brother from being murdered by his own kind.¡± I turned slowly to stare at him, watching him rise from the chair, his gaze unwavering. ¡°I was told the truth the day we went to save him, and I swear to you, Zephyrine¡­ when I found him first in the cage at ckwater, it crossed my mind to kill him there¡­ to prevent a situation like this, where you would deny us this happiness. A situation where you would deny me my rights.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not your woman anymore, Lycan. It¡¯s not your right to im my body,¡± I said, attempting to be firm, but my words faltered, leaving an opening he could crawl into. Back Where 267 Zephyrine +10 Free Coins Slowly, he walked up to me, and I tried so hard to stand my ground, but I lost the battle the moment his nearness stirred a new sensation I couldn¡¯t resist. Before I could even take a step back, his hand had already circled my waist. He stared into my eyes, stripping me bare of all pretense. ¡°It¡¯s my right to im your body, Zephyrine. You will always be my woman. You know the truth.¡± I swallowed at the naked honesty in his voice. He was right. This was his right. I might have given back his ring, but I never returned his heart, which I took. That made my body his right to im, yet I didn¡¯t want to give in so easily. I was an Ashmere. I was supposed to be furious at him for killing my father, whether it was intentional or not. ¡°Is that why your beasts are marking their territory?¡± I asked softly, my voice unsteady. His s searched mine in confusion ¡°My beasts?¡± He sounded genuinely confused, and I dropped my gaze, sighing shakily. ¡°The runes areing back to my skin, and it¡¯s painful this time. I need you to remove them like you did before.¡± He looked surprised; his eyes showed it. He murmured to himself, still confused. ¡°None of my beasts marked you.¡± At that, I lifted my eyes to him in anger. This pain had chased me for, and here he was denying it? Lycannar saw my rising anger, and his gaze softened further, his hold on me growing more tender. ¡°Can I see it?¡± he asked gently. I lowered my gaze, thinking briefly. That was a trick. If Iid myself bare before him, I would lose all restraint. Could I still go through with it? ¡°Yeah,¡± I replied atst. Without another word, he turned me around to undo the zipper. His hands gathered my hair to the side as he slowly pulled the zipper down. When my back was fully exposed, he paused, and I gulped at the sound he made. +10 Free Coins Silence fell. Everything seemed to freeze until his fingers softly brushed over my back, right at the spot where the runesy, and I sighed shakily. ¡°It¡¯s like mind but¡­ those runes¡­ they¡¯re not from my beasts,¡± he murmured. I made to protest, but his fingers had already moved from my back, and his palm came to cover my breast from behind. He leaned closer, whispering against my car, ¡°Those runes are mine. But I didn¡¯t put them there this time.¡± ¡°Then who did?¡± I asked. He didn¡¯t respond with words. Instead, he answered by giving my breast a tender squeeze, making my eyelids flutter shut. ¡°Lycan¡­¡± I breathed. ¡°I¡¯ll be gentle,¡± he promised. ¡°Just a quick one before you go.¡± My gods. Against all reason, I knew I had to say no, but that wasn¡¯t what came out. Instead, I rolled my hips back against his hard length, and he breathed hotly against my ear. Sexy, dangerous, before we both lost control, letting the lust speak for us. Lycannar drew the zipper downpletely, letting my gown pool at my feet. He guided me gently to the bed, his lips finding mine. Together, kissing, heid me down, my head sinking into the pillow. We had onlye to talk, but our bodies demanded more than conversation. This was its own kind of discussion. He kissed me again, brushing his lips against mine while his hardness pressed against me, heat pooling between my thighs. ¡°Get it off,¡± I muttered against his lips. ¡°Your shirt. Trousers. Clothes. Everything. Now.¡± I was losing itpletely. I surrendered, admitting defeat. If I was going to be wayward, then I would do it fully. Lycannar saw the impatience in my eyes and obeyed at once. He undid the buttons of his shirt hurriedly, peeling it off to reveal his solid, gorgeous chest. Broad shoulders. A body built like sin itself. I swallowed at the sight, but as he reached for his trousers, he seemed too slow, ¡°I have to go.¡± I said suddenly, moving away from the bed. €60 +10 Free Coins He caught my wrist, but I jerked away, reaching for my dress. Lycannar moved instantly to stop me. ¡°Zephyrine, calm down.¡± ¡°No, I won¡¯t!¡± I snapped, shoving him with my palm against his chest. He stared at me, and it hit me all at once. I was frustrated. Angry at myself for losing to him when I shouldn¡¯t. I looked away, blinking rapidly, telling myself it was just helplessness at his beauty. I was brainwashed. I should leave. For a moment, it almost worked. I grabbed my dress to put it on, but he gently caught my wrist again. This time, he looked into my eyes, searching them for warmth, for understanding, his gaze apologetic. ¡°Zephyrine¡­¡± he said softly. I swallowed the lump in my throat and looked back into his eyes as tears blurred my vision. ¡°Zephyrine, please.¡± ¡°I hate that I love you, Lycan,¡± I murmured helplessly. ¡°I hate that I understand you. I hate so much that I want you.¡± He searched my eyes, saw the depth of my pain and struggle, and tenderly released my wrist, stepping back. Follow current nov?ls on find?novel ¡°What should I do to make you love that you love me, then? Do you¡­ want me to leave?¡± I red at him for even suggesting it. He swallowed hard, then murmured, ¡°Fine. Do whatever you want with me. I¡¯m all yours anyway. Anything, Zephyrine. Punish me however you want.¡± That was it. He wanted punishment? Good. I stepped closer to him, staring into his eyes as I murmured, ¡°Take me back to that bed¡­ and fuck me so hard. Too hard.¡± His jaw clenched. That was thest straw. He looked at me onest time before obeying, his 15:54 Tue, Sep 30 restraint snappingpletely. 550 +10 Free Coins A man already crazed with lust, given permission to unleash it. I knew I was in for a hard treat. Back Where 268 Lycannar +10 Free Coins Kissing her didn¡¯t just turn into passion; it turned into worship. She had told me she wanted to be fucked, but I knew better. Deep down she wanted me to make love to her, to remind her, to make her believe she was making the right choice. She was never truly mad at me. She understood me. And that brought relief, gratitude, ache in my chest for her, and made me love her even more. I took her pale nipple into my mouth, sucking with a hunger that was more than lust, more than need. It was a im, a prayer, a confession. The heat between us pulsed like a living thing. It couldn¡¯t be ignored. What we felt, what we had. It was raw, it was ours, and we both cherished it even when we hated ourselves for it. ¡°Lycan¡­¡± she moaned, soft and breaking, as Iid her down, letting her head sink into the pillow like she was something sacred. Staring at her sex, gods, I realized how much I had missed her, the taste of her, the smell of her skin, the sound of her breath. I didn¡¯t know how deep it went until my tongue brushed her clit earlier and she trembled under me. I lowered my tongue again, slower this time, savoring her, tasting her like she was the first andst water in a desert. She jerked in pure ecstasy, and I held her thighs, palms caressing her, coaxing her deeper into the wetness she tried to hold back. Her fingers dug into my shoulders, her moans caught between restraint and surrender. I kissed my way up to her lips, holding her eyes for a heartbeat before turning her onto her stomach. Her skin¡­ gods, her skin. I kissed down her back, each kiss a burn, each kiss a mark of worship. She trembled under my mouth. I reached her buttocks, squeezing softly, worshiping her curves with my hands, with my eyes. Then I licked lower, trailing my tongue to her most hidden ce. She moaned, a soft, desperate sound, and I grew gentler, easing a finger inside to prepare her carefully. 50 +10 Free Coins Her sigh was shaky, and I slowed, almost reverent. I slicked myself with spit, not wanting to hurt her, wanting to honor her even as my restraint trembled. I stroked myself, making sure I was slick, then pressed carefully into her. Her gasp ripped the air between us. I paused, letting her adjust to my size, my length since it had been days we made love. I moved softly at first, careful, letting her body take me, until she moaned louder, until her hips moved to meet mine. Then I thrust deeper, urgency climbing, her voice rising like a cry when I pause to lean forward. ¡°Love, be quiet¡­¡± I whispered against her ear. ¡°I don¡¯t want to share that sound with anyone else.¡± She obeyed for a heartbeat, then rebelled, moving with me harder, louder. I eased out to shift, but she straddled me, fierce eyes, fierce voice that says. ¡°Then don¡¯t stop. Fuck me harder so I can moan louder for the whole world to know I¡¯m yours.¡± Her words cut me open. Challenge epted. I let her sink down on me, my groan low and rough as she bounced, hair falling like a curtain. I spread her thighs wider, brushing her clit as we both neared the edge. Sudden lust. Reason blurred. She drove me deeper and I sat up, circling my arms around her as she leaned back on me, our hips mming together. Her moans filled the room, my groans wrapped around them. We lost ourselves in each other. The bed shook under us. I turned her toy down, pinning her control gone. wrists above her head, my I drove into her again and again, deeper than before, until it came. The tremor, the quiver, the climax that shattered me. Panting, sweat dripping, I kissed her as I filled her, marking her from the inside. Atst, I rolled to my side, looking at her. She avoided my eyes but I took her chin, forced her to look at me. What I saw in her eyespleted me. Love. Desperation. Fire. She cherished this, even if it 15:54 Tue, Sep 30 broke her. I sighed, caressing her. ¡°I want you, Zephyrine. Like this every day and night. Every second. Please.¡± ?? ??? ???? ?? ???? ???? ???????s, ????s? ??s?? She stayed silent, eyes on me, then lowered her gaze. 50 +10 Free Coins ¡°You¡¯re considered an enemy of all werewolves now that the truth is out that you killed our warlord.¡± Silence dropped like a de and She searched my face when I didn¡¯t speak. ¡°What? You¡¯ll give up chasing me now?¡± ¡°Am I your enemy too, Zephyrine?¡± I asked instead. ¡°It¡¯s your father, your warlord. You¡¯re a werewolf. The only words that matter to me are yours. What you feel means everything. Tell me. Am I your enemy too?¡± mad ¡°Do you give me a choice?¡± she whispered, looking down, sighing. ¡°I understand you go once in a full moon. And just because I went to bed with you now doesn¡¯t mean I forgive you, Lycannar.¡± I swallowed hard, reached for my shirt on the floor, and took out our engagement ring. I slid it onto her finger as our eyes locked. ¡°Punish me any way you want, but not by being unhappy,¡± I said softly. ¡°Hit me. Hate me. Kill me. But be my wife still, because if I can¡¯t have you, then no one will, Zephyrine.¡± 15:55 Tue, Sep 30 Back Where 269 Zephyrine 30 +10 Free Coins I stared at my face in the mirror, still stunned I had let him thrust into me. The love he made to me tonight was¡­ different from anything we had ever shared before. He had left his traces on my skin, on my body, in a way I knew even a potion, whatever Varyn might force me to drink, could never crase. I washed my face, trying to push the thought away. After drying off, I smoothed walked out of the bath chamber into the room. my dress and He stood by the window, arms folded across his chest, his cloak draped over his shoulders, looking more formidable than ever. From behind I paused, watching him. He was¡­ dangerous. If he could kill my father in one strike, then the power he carried was immense. So immense, because my father had been the Warlord and gods knew, I had sparred against him, tried to win, but failed each time. We had promised to reschedule before war took him, but we never had the chance. My moves were rustypared to my father¡¯s. Warlord Vale had been considered the best with the sword and even he had admitted he could not trust himself with a de in hand. Yet this man before me, this Lycan King, had struck him once and ended his life. How? What gods or goddess had Lycannar worshiped to gain such strength? He was cold and dangerous to everything, even to himself¡­ but to me he was always soft. Gentle. Kind. I lowered my gaze, still feeling the dull ache where he had thrust into me. I walked further into the chamber, my voice soft. ¡°I will be on my way now.¡± At this, he finally turned, carrying himself with that natural, kingly presence that came from years of being trained for it. He looked at me briefly, then shifted his gaze to the table where food waited. He stared in silence before turning back, closing the distance between us. ¡°Are you okay?¡± 15:55 Tue, Sep 30 50 +10 Free Coins The question made me swallow hard. I didn¡¯t want that tenderness from him, and I certainly shouldn¡¯t still be wearing his ring. ¡°I am getting married the night after tomorrow, Lycannar. The ceremony will be held in Hue Pack. I came to tell you not toe, if ever you nned to.¡± He showed no reaction. Just stood there, staring at me. And for a fleeting moment, unease curled in my chest. Wait. Did he truly not n to interrupt? No obsession left? Would he just let me be whisked away by another man without a fight? ¡°You are not getting married to any man, Zephyrine,¡± he murmured atst, his tone carrying would marry that finality as he moved toward the door. Then he paused, turning back. ¡°So you crazy man who tried to force himself into your bed and bind your life with a spell?¡± I froze, not answering, because as much as it was insane¡­ part of me felt relieved. Special. His possessiveness and obsession were still intact. ¡°If I don¡¯tply, it will seem I am rebelling,¡± I admitted atst, my voice low. ¡°That¡¯s not true.¡± He shook his head with a sigh. ¡°You are epting this wedding because deep down you believe it¡¯s a way to ask your father for forgiveness.¡± ¡°Forgiveness?¡± I choked, his uracy chilling me. ¡°You slept with the man who killed him. You love me still. And you think being unhappy is the price to pay for that, your way of making it right with your father. That¡¯s exactly what Zephyrine Ashmere would think.¡± His voice hardened. ¡°I wille that night. It will cost me dearly, but I will make the journey. And I will stop you from being taken from me.¡± He saw right through me. My gods, he always did. And it hurt, because he was one of the very book. few who could read me like an open I bit my lower lip, turned away, and reached for the door. Without a word, I stepped out of the tavern into the cold dark night. I walked faster, my heart racing, wondering why he wasn¡¯t chasing after me. The urge to look back gnawed at me, but before I could, I heard the sound of his footsteps soft, steady, and the quiet thud of hooves. He wasn¡¯t riding. He was walking beside his horse, just as he used to sometimes. I loved that. Loved that he wasn¡¯t trying to overtake me, wasn¡¯t trying to force me. Loved that even when he gave me distance, he was still following. 15:55 Tue, Sep 30 50 +10 Free Coins He hadn¡¯t given up on me. He still loved me, still chased me, and that alone made me breathe. easier, knowing he woulde to interrupt that wedding night. Maybe it was time. Maybe. Official source is f?i?n?d?n?o?v?e?l? I stopped abruptly, and I heard him stop too. Slowly, I turned to see him standing there with his arms folded, his eyes on me. What disturbed me more was the way the women leaving the tavern were ogling him. A sharp, familiar sting pricked my chest. Jealousy. ¡°Ride your horse,¡± I said quietly, knowing he¡¯d hear. ¡°Now, Lycan.¡± He didn¡¯t reply, but he obeyed. Mounting, he guided the horse forward until it stood beside me. Then he extended his hand, palm open. ¡°I¡¯ll give you a ride,¡± he said simply. My eyes dropped to his fingers, still wearing my ring. A reminder that I was his, no matter how I tried to deny it. Slowly, I looked up into his eyes, and I knew I couldn¡¯t take his hand. Couldn¡¯t ept the ride. Lycannar was powerful, yes, but he had too many weaknesses, and I wouldn¡¯t risk him being hurt by my people, not even after what he had done. Instead, I turned, ced Blue Diary into his palm, and almost red at him. ¡°Give it to Blue. And hide that handsome face of yours if you truly want me,¡± I warned before zooming away, leaving behind only a rush of air. Arriving at Ash Pack was quicker than I expected, but exhaustion weighed heavy on me. I scaled the wall with ease, ws gripping stone, and leapt into my chamber,nding soundlessly on my feet. It was¡­ delicious. Meeting him. Spending time with him. Letting him inside me again. gods, it was so¡­ ¡°You came homete.¡± The voice from behind froze me. Cold spread through my chest at the familiar tone,ced with danger. ¡°And you reek of sex, little sister. I only hope it¡¯s not what I think.¡± Varyn Ashmere. My brother. And I knew, I knew, what he was capable of. Back Where 270 Zephyrine 10 Free Coins It all went still when I turned and saw him standing there, leaning against the wall with his arms folded across his chest. My heart thudded at his presence. It was like he had been waiting for me. His gaze gave nothing away, yet I swore I could feel it. The anger simmering in him, and the vow that someone would pay. ¡°I was hoping to sleep by your side tonight,¡± he murmured, voice deceptivelyzy as he pushed away from the wall, moving toward me. ¡°I couldn¡¯t find peace since I returned from ckwater. But what I found here surprised me. No one in your bed.¡± ¡°Varyn¡­¡± ¡°I told you someone killed our father, our father, and led our family to die on the battlefield. And yet you left the pack behind my back to¡­ to do what with him?¡± He was close now, his presence pressing down on me, and I swallowed hard. Fierceness burned in my chest, but I couldn¡¯t rebel against my brother. Not like this. ¡°He apologized, Varyn,¡± I whispered, though the words died in my throat when his eyes locked on mine. ¡°He raped you?¡± My chest tightened, and I shook my head firmly. Patience slipping, I murmured, ¡°I told you, Lycannar isn¡¯t like that.¡± ¡°Really?¡± His voice sharpened, almost mocking. ¡°So what is he then? A madman who loses his mind once a month?¡± His stare pinned me. ¡°Do you truly believe the Moon Goddess would bless your union with him?¡± My heart mmed painfully. Tension sparked between us until I lowered my gaze, trembling. ¡°Please don¡¯t call him a madman. He has a condition, and I promised to help him. He will improve and¡­¡± A bitterugh cut me off, dry and cruel. My brotherughed in my face, then suddenly pulled me into his arms, clutch too tight, suffocating. 15:55 Tue, Sep 30 And then he shoved me down on the bed, rough and furious. $49 +10 Free Coins ¡°Work with him? Under my watch? My own sister?!¡± he roared. My breath caught as he swept a table violently to the ground, shattering it into pieces. His chest rose and fell as he raked his hands through his hair, looking half¨Cmad. Then he straightened, reached out his hand. ¡°Come. Let¡¯s take a walk.¡± Danger thickened in the air, and though fear coiled inside me, I had no choice. I turned from his hand, but when I stepped out, he gripped my arm, dragging me not so gently through the hall and into the meeting chamber. He shoved me inside. I stood frozen, breath uneven. And then my gaze fell forward, and I nearly went into shock. A man stood ahead, a little younger but with the bearing of Lycannar¡¯s age mate. His aura told me who he was instantly. Gaxib. Blue¡¯s older brother. He wasn¡¯t alone. Warriors from the Moonveil Fortress nked him, and my blood went cold. ¡°Just when I thought only to expose him for what he is,¡± Varyn¡¯s voice rang out, ¡°but the fact he killed my father and thinks he can take my sister is enough for me to wage war.¡± I turned to him, heart racing, but he already had his fingers locked around my wrist. He dragged me to a chair and sat me down, standing over me. ¡°My little sister¡­ you may not know this man, but his name is Gaxib. He is a Lycan.¡± Varyn leaned close, voice low in my ear. ¡°And just like our father, in when that mad King lost control, this man too lost his mother at Apex¡¯s hand.¡± I bit my lip, throat tight, as Varyn turned me to face him fully. ¡°You¡¯ve been brainwashed by him, Zephyr. You need help. And I will help you. All you have to do is tell me his weaknesses. Apex is formidable, but he has ws. ws that can strip him bare. Tell me.¡± Pain swelled in my chest. My brother and I, on opposite lines. My lips stayed sealed. I would never betray Lycannar. Never. But it was as if Varyn had already expected my silence. His mouth curved in a grim smile. 15:55 Tue, Sep 30 ¡°Gaxib¡­ he already knows Apex¡¯s weaknesses.¡± My blood froze. ¡°A golden anklet around his ankles.¡± I went rigid, fear recing defiance. Checktest chapters at F?nd-Novel ¡°He cannot stay away from the ck Tower for more than one nights. ¡°Varyn, please¡­¡± ¡°The mirror. He must never look at it.¡± ¡°Varyn¡­¡± +10 Free Coins ¡°And his two sisters¡­¡± His eyes flicked to the ring on my finger, then back to my face. His voice dropped. ¡°There will be war tomorrow, Zephyr. And you will be the cause. If you agree to marry Nyroth of Hue Pack, stay away from that cursed King, then maybe¡­ maybe I won¡¯t use his weaknesses against him.¡± A deal. A threat. My heart pounded. Those weaknesses, whatever they meant, I knew they could destroy him. And I couldn¡¯t bear the thought. ¡°I¡¯ll marry Nyroth,¡± I whispered, voice breaking. ¡°Whatever you want, Varyn. Just¡­ leave Lycannar out of this. He apologized for killing our father. He didn¡¯t even know what he was doing then.¡± Silence stretched. My brother stared at me, unblinking. As if I had just chosen. As if I had just crossed the line. Finally, he swallowed and stepped back. ¡°Lock the Alpha of Ash Pack in her chamber,¡± hemanded coldly. ¡°She speaks to no one. Sees no one. Not until the night of her wedding.¡± Guards moved in. ¡°Varyn!¡± I screamed, thrashing against them. ¡°Stay away from Lycannar! Just because he is silent, just because he lives alone in that tower, doesn¡¯t mean he has no backup. Doesn¡¯t mean he is weak or foolish!¡± ¡°Really?¡± His voice seared hot as he leaned down, lips brushing my temple. ¡°You¡¯re infected, my dear sister. Infected by a disease. And I will cure you, by killing the host. I will chop his ankles off. Burn his tower to ash. Leave him shattered. Then I¡¯ll march on his kingdom, 15:55 Tue, Sep 30 :. +10 Free Coins ughter his people, capture his sisters, strip them, and let them be ruined, just as their brother ruined you, my own beloved sister.¡± My blood turned to ice. The guards dragged me out, my protests broken, my body weak with terror as I began to realized this isn¡¯t just a simple anger. It¡¯s a war. My brother¡¯s power grew by the day, and if he get crowned as Warlord of the werewolves, every army would march at his word. And Lycannar¡­ Lycannar was powerful, yes. But his army? His army, the formidable Blood Arny had been in five years ago by Ashmere des. gods help us. Back Where 271 Lycannar 4:5 +10 Free Cois My horse galloped into my Kingdom, stopping at the Royal stable. I dismounted quickly and made for the hallways, but then I paused. The diary in my hand needed to be returned. Retracing my steps, I turned toward the maids¡® quarters, where Anahita ruled over the women in my Kingdom. ??? ????? ???????s ??? ?????s??? ?? Find~Novel A few of my people who¡¯s not asleep bowed as I passed, but I responded with silence until I stood before the quarters. I did not step inside. I respected their privacy as females. I waited quietly. Not even ten minutes had passed before Anahita came out, bowing her head in reverence. ¡°My King,¡± she said. I stayed silent for a moment before asking, ¡°I will see Blue.¡± ¡°Of course. I will bring her¡­¡± She hadn¡¯t finished speaking when the young, beautifuldy rushed out from within, as though she had been expecting me. When she appeared, Anahita gave me a knowing nce, bowed again, and left us. Blue stood there, this young woman who had never once found fault in me. I looked at her, my chest tightening the way it always did whenever I met her eyes, the very eyes of her mother. Guilt always made me turn away from all the good she offered. I extended the diary. She received it quietly, asking gently, ¡°My King¡­ are you okay?¡± I gave no answer. The moment she epted the book, I turned away, heading for my tower. But she surprised me, darting forward to block my path, clutching the diary to her chest. ¡°My King,¡± she called again, voice soft but insistent. ¡°Are you okay? I am¡­ concerned about. you. We all are.¡± At that word ¡®We¡® I nced toward the quarters, catching sight of the women peeking from within. The likes of them, if a Kingdom fell, would be forced to fill a harem. 15:55 Tue, Sep 30 49 +10 Free Coins I swallowed hard at the thought. My father had kept the Lycan Kingdom unshakable for The Kings before him as well. I would not let my people suffer under my reign. years. I looked back at Blue and There it was again. The warmth in her eyes. A warmth I knew I didn¡¯t deserve. I bypassed her silently and walked into the hall, leaving her staring after my retreat. When I reached the dining hall that led to the stairway of my tower, I froze. My two sisters were waiting for me. ¡°Serena,¡± I breathed, stepping forward to embrace her. But unexpectedly, she pushed me away, her fist mming into my chest with such force I allowed myself to staggered back, surprised and confused. I turned to Mearez and found her ring as well. My stomach sank. Something had gone terribly wrong. I turned sharply toward the ck Tower, reaching for the pulse of energy, but felt nothing. No trace of a demon. My brother. ¡°Where is my brother Hades?¡± My voice carried a warning edge as I stare t both of them. ¡°Guards of the Demon Realm came,¡± Mearez said quickly. ¡°They said he is to be imprisoned by Father¡¯s order, until he makes his decision, or until a new King is crowned.¡± ¡°Do you know about this?¡± Serena demanded. I shared a nce between them before sighing tiredly. My gods. Of all times, why now? I sank into a chair, exhaustion weighing me down. Why now, gods? Why take away my best confidant now? ¡°Lycannar?¡± Mearez¡¯s voice pulled me back, and I looked up at them, nodding slowly. ¡°Yes. I knew about it.¡± ¡°And you didn¡¯t tell us?¡± Serena¡¯s voice cracked. ¡°I thought we were your sisters. Truly your sisters.¡± Before I could respond, Mearez muttered bitterly, ¡°Maybe because we aren¡¯t. Hades and Lycannar shared a mother. We share neither.¡± The fatigue burning inside me turned sharp with anger. My eyes narrowed dangerously. ¡°Say that again,¡± I warned coldly, ¡°and I will tell him.¡± 15:55 Tue, Sep 30 ??? 49 +10 Free Coins Her face paled. She swallowed hard and looked away, panic breaking through. She knew well Hades would never forgive such words. He would never ept us as anything but true siblings. I leaned back, rubbing my temples, frustration wing deeper. What had made Father change his mind so suddenly? I had thought he would allow Hades to stay until the next full moon. I sighed shakily, looking back at my sisters. Their faces carried nothing but fear. ¡°He¡¯ll be fine,¡± I said softly. ¡°I¡¯ll check on him after I put you both to bed.¡± Neither of them moved. Instead, Mearez asked quietly, ¡°Is he really going to be fine?¡± ¡°I just said he will be,¡± I repeated. ¡°He¡¯s going to prison,¡± Serena whispered harshly, her voice trembling. ¡°How can you say he¡¯ll be fine? And you kept it from us that he¡¯s on death row?¡± ¡°Because I knew you both would panic,¡± I muttered, then tried to soothe the air between us. ¡°I¡¯ll check on him myself. Father won¡¯t kill him until the date he set. My brother and I still have until the next full moon to find our mates and present them to Father.¡± ¡°And if you don¡¯t?¡± Mearez asked. The question dug into me like a de. What if I didn¡¯t find my mate? What if Hades didn¡¯t either? ¡°That means,¡± I admitted lowly, ¡°one of us will have to ept the bride Father has chosen and ascend the throne of the Demon Realm.¡± Silence followed. Fear rippled through their faces. I swallowed down my own dread, then pulled Mearez into my arms first. ¡°It will be fine. Don¡¯t worry.¡± I kissed her hair, then pulled Serena close, brushing a strand from her face. ¡°Let¡¯s get you both to bed. It¡¯ste.¡± They nodded quietly and left together, heading to their chambers. Alone in the dining hall, I lingered. My heart pounded with a weight I couldn¡¯t shake. I could feel it now. The danger creeping closer. As though the Moon Goddess herself had chosen this moment to test me, stripping me of every support, leaving me isted. Back Where 272 Lycannar +10 Free Coins I sat on the chair, leaning back with my arms folded across my chest as I watched my sister, Mearez, prepare for bed. It¡¯s always been a sad story for healers, especially those born true. A true healer takes scars from others onto themselves, and she is no different. Thanks to her, I have none despite all my years as a warrior. But her body, though elegant and beautiful, bears faint scars. On her arm, where Varyn once shed her, the wound closed but left a pale mark behind. A permanent reminder of her devotion and kind heart. My eyes followed her as she slipped beneath the covers, drawing the nket up to her chest. When sheid her head on the pillow, her gaze lifted back to mine. For a moment, there was only silence. She blinked, soft and serene. She was beautiful. Gentle, warm. So beautiful it made my chest ache. And I loved her. I loved her so much. ¡°Is she okay?¡± she asked, her voice low and soft. I knew exactly who she meant. ¡°Does she still love you?¡± I nodded slowly. ¡°She¡¯s conflicted on what to do, but it¡¯s clear she still wants me.¡± Relief softened her features, and she let out a quiet sigh. Then she smiled, sweet, pure. ¡°You both are made for each other,¡± she said, though her smile faltered as she murmured, ¡°I just pray things end well. Well enough in the end. I don¡¯t want this to¡­ to turn into tragedy. Not your love story. Not you, Lycannar. You¡¯ve suffered too much agony to be denied a happy ending.¡± Her words struck something raw in me. I knew what she meant. It hurt to even imagine that tragedy might be waiting for me. Might be inevitable. ¡°That¡¯s only if their love isn¡¯t strong enough but it is.¡± The voice came from the doorway. Serena. She walked into the chamber in her nightdress, themp glow tracing the curve of her hair. She moved to the bed, hesitant. 15:55 Tue, Sep 30 49 ¡°Can I stay here tonight?¡± she asked. ¡°I can¡¯t find peace alone these days.¡± +10 Free Coins Mearez made space for her, and Serenay beside her. I watched them silently, the truthying itself bare before me. Updates are released by findnovel How far we¡¯de to this night. How much we had lost to forge a bond like this. I swallowed, rose from the chair, and came closer. Sitting on the edge of the bed, I pulled the nket more snugly around them. ¡°Tell my brother Hades I¡¯ll be worried about him,¡± Serena whispered quietly. I brushed my thumb against her cheek, my voice low, tender. ¡°He won¡¯t like that. How about I tell him you both will stay strong until he returns?¡± Silence lingered. Then both nodded in unison. I searched their eyes, then returned the nod with gentle conviction. ¡°Go to sleep now. I¡¯ll stay until you do.¡± To my presence, always the one to make them feel safe, they yielded quickly. Within moments, they were asleep. I sighed softly, watching their faces rx, then reached out to snuff themp. Quietly, I slipped from the room, closing the door behind me. *** I was dripping wet when I surfaced into the Demon Realm, water trailing down my clothes as I made my way first to my father¡¯s chamber. It felt like I had been expected; the Demon Elders were already gathered in the hall, and the King¡¯s advisor, Salo, waited with them. I passed through their stares, the heavy doors opening for me without a word. They closed behind me, sealing me in. There he was, the Demon King, seated at the writing table, eyes bent over scrolls. I dropped to my knees immediately in respect, but he didn¡¯t look up. I remained that way until, atst, he beckoned me forward. ¡°Come. Sit.¡± 15:55 Tue, Sep 30 ?? 42 +10 Free Coins I rose carefully, stepping closer. I hovered at the chair until his gaze finally lifted to me.. ¡°Sit,¡± he repeated, firmer. I obeyed, sitting quietly as he finished reading, then folded the scroll and set it aside. ¡°I¡¯m running out of time, son,¡± he said, voice weary. ¡°I can feel it. And I will not leave my kingdom in the hands of enemies.¡± Slowly, my eyes lifted to his. ¡°I have ruled the Demons too harshly. Paid the maids nothing but crumbs. Let the guards starve while on duty. I indulged in wealth, listened to Salo¡¯s advice that has brought me nothing but regret.¡± He sighed, almost broken, before continuing. ¡°My word still stands. I will make no move until the third day of the next full moon. But for now¡­¡± His gaze hardened, pinning me. ¡°You and your brother must be parted.¡± ¡°Father¡­¡± ¡°Together, the two of you¡­¡± His eyes burned as they locked on mine. ¡°Together, you are formidable. Even against me, your father, the King. So I have only one solution.¡± I felt my heart pound harder, even before he spoke the words. ¡°The great witch Ilythra will break the portal between the Lycan Kingdom and the Demon Realm. You and your brother will be severed, unable to reach each other, until the next full moon¡¯s third day.¡± I froze, staring. ¡°He will be sentenced to the Sky Prison,pletely isted, until the decision is made.¡± The words made my shoulders sag. He had already chosen. He pushed from the table, moving to his bed. I rose to help him, but he brushed me off with a sharp re. ¡°Bring me your mate. Take the kingdom, if you care for me at all. Two powerful sons, yet neither will im the throne? So much for being the great Demon King.¡± He lowered himself onto the bed, his back to me, silent in dismissal. 15:55 Tue, Sep 30 49 +10 Free Coins I lingered for a long moment, then bowed deeply before turning to leave. I pushed the heavy doors open, bypassing the stares of the Elders and Salo¡¯s unreadable eyes, and started toward the Sky Prison. That was when I felt it. A shift in the air, followed by a voice. ¡°So, you are the killer of her Queen.¡± I froze. The mention of my mother stopped me cold. Slowly, I turned. Kiara Salo. The one Hades would be forced to marry if his mate didn¡¯t appear by the next full moon. The daughter of Salo. And the woman I had seen, seen in my visions ughter my brother on their wedding night to seize the throne for herself. She was beautiful, yes. But her heart was venom. I could feel it radiating from her. She stepped closer and I avoided her gaze. ¡°Don¡¯t you think it¡¯s better to let your brother take the throne?¡± she asked smoothly, her eyes sharp. ¡°You¡¯ve taken everything from him. The love his father should have had only for him, you stole half of it. The throne he was meant to inherit, you reach for it, too. And his mother¡­¡± She sneered. ¡°You killed her.¡± The words struck a nerve so deep I almost snapped. Slowly, I lifted my eyes to hers. She red, her malice zing, and for a fleeting moment I saw her death, clear as if it had alreadye. ¡°Hades must loathe you more than anyone,¡± she hissed. ¡°For killing his mother. For making him grow without knowing a mother¡¯s love. You don¡¯t belong here. You don¡¯t belong anywhere. You are cursed, condemned, and you will never know happiness.¡± Back Where 273 Lycannar 49 +10 Free Coins The Sky Prison was different from thest underground prison where I had once met my brother. This ce was stricter, harsher. Thest prison had at least allowed him drinks, but this time, when the massive ck gate opened for me, the hefty gatekeeper in charge gave me only one sharp look. No special treatment. ¡°Your cloak. Jewelry. Footwear. None of it goes in.¡± His voice was clipped. I pulled off my cloak, unbuckled my boots, and removed the rings around my brows, the bracelet at my wrist, and the rest of the bands on my fingers. I left only two things. The ring ankles. from my love, and the anklets around my cing the rest in the box meant for safekeeping, I turned back to find the gatekeeper eyeing what I had kept. ¡°It¡¯s my engagement ring,¡± I said, hating that I had to exin myself. ¡°And the anklets¡­ they keep my beasts bound.¡± At that, his eyes flickered in understanding. If the anklets came off, the entire Demon Realm would have to prepare to subdue a monster. He stepped aside, and I entered. The Sky Prison held nomon prisoners. Only royalty. And royals sentenced here rarely returned since it was a ce of no return. Too cold. Too isting. Even the strongest mind broke eventually. I walked to the center of the vast hollow space and stared at the crystalline castle rising before
  1. me.
From outside, it looked beautiful, almost radiant. But within those walls, I knew only madness lived. Royals condemned, some for eternity, left to rot in silence. I waited there, expecting my brother to be brought out, but time dragged on. Concern gnawed at me. Was he hurt? Or¡­ had they already killed him? The sound of heavy shackles broke through the silence behind me. Swallowing hard, I turned. Get full chapters from Find~Novel He came forward, wrists bound, ankles chained, every step a tter of iron. Seeing him like 15:55 Tue, Sep 30 49 +10 Free Coins that stirred something sharp in my chest. One thing I despised above all. My brother in chains. When he reached me, I couldn¡¯t speak. Couldn¡¯t move. I had told our sisters he was fine, but seeing him now, I realized I had lied to myself. He was not fine. Not even close. ¡°You met her?¡± he asked suddenly. The question stilled my heart. Even in chains, he smiled, his first thought still of me. Kiara¡¯s words echoed in my head. She had said my brother must hate me, for killing our mother. Was it true? ¡°I can tell you met her,¡± he murmured with a teasing smile, nudging me with a bound fist. ¡°Did you make love to her?¡± I gave a faint smile. He leaned in and hugged me before pulling back to rub my hair like he used to. ¡°I should have known you were a smooth talker.¡± He groaned, then asked with a wink, ¡°How did you win her over?¡± I punched him lightly,ughing. He made a show of copsing, clutching his chest as though I had struck too hard, then sprawled on the ground, staring up at the sky until his smile faded. The weight returned. Reality pressing down. Exhaling heavily, Iy down beside him, both of us staring up at the endless dark sky. For a long time, there was silence. Then his voice came, quiet. ¡°Father is ten thousand steps ahead of us, Apex. What will we do?¡± ¡°He¡¯s going to break the portal between the Lycan Kingdom and here,¡± I said grimly. My brother turned his head toward me, stunned. ¡°He believes separating us will force our decisions faster. That urgency will drive us to choose paths we¡¯ve resisted.¡± Hades let out a shaky breath. ¡°And my sisters?¡± ¡°They¡¯re fine. Worried, but strong. They¡¯ll hold until things are settled.¡± My voice was weary. ¡°But I can¡¯t shake this emptiness. If that portal closes¡­ it will be worse.¡± ¡°You¡¯ll be fine. You are a King.¡± ¡°I am your younger brother before I am a King. Without you¡­ with no way to reach you¡­. I feel 15:55 Tue, Sep 30 powerless.¡± He sat up slowly, fixing his gaze on me. ¡°Sit up.¡± I obeyed, meeting his eyes. ¡°Something else is troubling you?¡± he pressed. I lowered my gaze, running my fingers through my hair. A +10 Free Coins ¡°I feel uneasy. Like something big ising. And when it does¡­ I¡¯ll have no one beside me.¡± ¡°You have more power than anyone. Without you, I would have died five years ago. You saved us all the Abyss on that battlefield. Do you still doubt yourself?¡± ¡°I have too many limits, Brother,¡± I whispered. ¡°The Ashmeres? Is that what worries you?¡± The name stopped me. My chest tightened. I shook my head slowly. ¡°They¡¯re a threat¡­ but maybe I¡¯ve underestimated them.¡± Silence. Then he said firmly, ¡°Don¡¯t repeat my mistake five years ago, Apex. Do not underestimate any Ashmere. Especially one burning with vengeance.¡± ¡°Yeah.¡± ¡°Does anyone know your weaknesses?¡± he asked suddenly. I froze, swallowing. ¡°My sisters. And¡­ Zephyrine.¡± He thought on that, studying me. I shook my head, anticipating his doubt. ¡°Zephyrine would never betray me like that.¡± ¡°Keep your gates shut,¡± Hades said atst, his tone low as a warning. ¡°If you feel tension in the air, don¡¯t ignore it. Keep your people inside the kingdom. And my sisters, if anything happens to them, Apex, I won¡¯t forgive you. You know that.¡± I nodded with a quiet sigh. ¡°No one will attack you blindly,¡± he continued. ¡°Apex is a mystery. If I were Varyn Ashmere, if I hated you and wanted you dead¡­ I wouldn¡¯t strike rashly. I¡¯d wait. I¡¯d want to know your exact position first.¡± Back Where 274 Lycannar Listening attentively, then he sighed and asked, ¡°That¡­ Luna who has a pup, what do you think of her?¡± I raised a brow, surprised he was even asking. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯ve fallen in love.¡± ¡°Love is a strong word, Apex. You know¡­ she and I had a one night?¡± A 49 +10 Free Coins I nodded. I knew they had made love that night, when Zephyrine was spellbound with her ex. ¡°She is¡­ sweet, and¡­ I don¡¯t want her to think I just had a night and left. Like¡­ when she came and didn¡¯t find me.¡± I looked at my brother now, as he pulled off the ring from his finger and extended it to me. ¡°Give it to her if she everes by.¡± Hearing this, I flicked my eyes to him, raising a brow, and he looked away as though I had caught him red¨Chanded. ¡°You are in love, brother Hades,¡± I murmured, but he scoffed, trying to deny it. ¡°Nonsense. Haven¡¯t you ever had a one night stand? It¡¯s just¡­¡± I waited, searching his eyes until his voice faltered. He looked at me and swallowed. ¡°It¡¯s crazy, right? That I want a woman more than once?¡± His question made me swallow. I reached for the ring from him and tucked it away before murmuring my answer. ¡°If falling in love means crazy, then yes. It is crazy to want a woman more than once.¡± I looked at him to ask, ¡°So who¡¯s going to marry the betrothed Father chose for us at the end of the next full moon?¡± To that, he stared at me narrowly. ¡°Maybe you are willing to leave your woman for the demon throne. I am not ready to marry a 15:55 Tue, Sep 30 $49 10 Free Coins crazy woman that will kill me. If Father doesn¡¯t trust me with the woman I bring forward, then he doesn¡¯t trust me to lead. So what¡¯s the use of sitting on that throne?¡± ¡°It sounds like your situation is a bit better than mine. My woman is an Ashmere.¡± ¡°My own woman, if she ever wants to be, is a widow, and she has a pup. That¡¯s never a problem for me, but I wonder if Father will ever want that.¡± He shrugged, telling himself everything would be fine, but it never worked. Soon enough, his shoulders sagged with exhaustion. And right there, I looked at him still, my heart stirring with the words she had spoken. The same words thedy had said to me on my way here. I watched my brother in silence, wondering if he was mad at me for murdering our mother at birth. Am I¡­ taking everything away from Hades? Even the love his father was supposed to give him? Those were the thoughts swirling in my mind when I felt his gaze on me. I looked up to see him staring. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± he asked. I shook my head slowly. ¡°Keeping things from your big brother?¡± Checktest chapters at Find_Novel(. I searched his eyes before lowering my gaze, frowning softly in curiosity. ¡°I¡¯m sorry Mother died at my birth,¡± I murmured. ¡°I killed her¡­ and I will pay for that truth. Always.¡± Silence fell heavy. The sky prison was already quiet, but now it was so weighted I could hear a pin drop. ¡°Someone spoke to you before you came here?¡± he asked, and I nced at him briefly. ¡°Your betrothed. She said things¡­ and it got to me.¡± Words like that, about my mother, about me not belonging to any world, they always got to me. And Hades knew this. ¡°You must have hated me. For taking Mother away. For taking half the love Father was supposed to give you whole. Now I¡¯m also considered an heir of this realm, which was supposed to be solely your right.¡± I looked at him and sighed. ¡°You must hate me. Don¡¯t you?¡± ¡°Thank your stars I¡¯m shackled. I¡¯d strangle you to death already.¡± His words made me swallow. ¡°You were a baby when she died. How did you kill her? Did you bring a knife to her neck? Answer me.¡± 15:56 Tue, Sep 30 +10 Free Coins ¡°No.¡± ¡°Half of the love that was supposed to be fully mine? Your own father, the Lycan King, shrewd as he was, didn¡¯t he love me more than he loved you?¡± I swallowed, his words dragging me back through memory. He was right. My own father had cherished Hades more than me. ¡°And you talk about the throne of this kingdom? Isn¡¯t it the same throne we¡¯re both running from? Or wait¡­ do you want it?¡± I looked up at him narrowly, and he stared back before his tone softened, warm, brotherly, and startlingly firm. ¡°Mother was never happy here, little brother. But when she carried you in her belly¡­ I had never seen her smile so much. She loved you. And when she gave birth to you¡­ there was no regret in her face at herst moment. She was proud of you. Very, very proud of you. And I loved you too, at first sight. I love you, I love our sisters too, and I will die for all of you if need be. Don¡¯t you dare let anyone, any needless talk,e between the bond we share. Because you are my brother. My younger brother. And I have no regrets that you were born. We will meet again at the next full moon, little brother. And by then¡­ we will smile.¡± Back Where 275 Zephyrine 149 +10 Free Coins Just like that, it settled above us. The full moon. It hung there, great and bright, before us all. The one that made him mad, ravaging, and cold. My heart grew heavy. A wedding, they said, no, more like the first attack of war. More like the very first strike of something bitter, something evil. War. It wasn¡¯t sounding, but somehow I could already hear it drumming in my ears. The sound of war. The iing storm above us all. I lowered my gaze to see them. Ashmere warriors who don¡¯t mount horses just for show. Now they were galloping their way toward Hue Pack. Carriages had also begun to file out, and I knew I would be summoned soon. I moved away from the window and toward the chair before the mirror, settling into it as a cold chill ran down my spine. Slowly, I looked up at my reflection, and just like that, my heart burned. Tears stung my eyes, and I dropped my gaze to swallow the bile. If only I could reach Lycannar, tell him the path is rocky, warn him that the one we saved in blood and agony is rebelling, and that our paths should part. If only I could inform him not toe at all to Hue Pack, to let me be handed over to Nyroth, maybe that would bring peace, and keep Varyn from ever thinking of attacking Lycans. But the massive gate was triple¨Cguarded. My bed chamber was now the focus of every watchful eye. If I moved a single bit, Varyn would be informed immediately. Judging by the full moon above us, I knew I was at a disadvantage if I truly did not want to harm Lycannar. All I needed was to send a letter but to whom? Not Isolde. She is loving, the gods blessed her, but her loyalty lies more with the Ashmeres than me. She would probably think I was brainwashed, too. I paused to think. Who could I send? Who¡­ I suddenly paused, and the answer came. Dessyn. Dessyn had been confined in Varyn¡¯s bed chamber and hadn¡¯t stepped out. Obediently, she had heeded my brother¡¯smand, so Varyn wouldn¡¯t suspect her too much. 15:56 Tue, Sep 30 49 +10 Free Coins Besides, the fight would take ce in Hue Pack. Ash Pack would be isted, and Dessyn wouldn¡¯t be going with us. Varyn wouldn¡¯t risk her safety for anything. Dessyn would help me send the letter. I rushed to my writing desk, picking up my materials, and quickly penned a message expressing my urgency, my heartache, and the warning for him not toe. Th? link to the orig?n of this information r?sts ?n Find~Novel I told him to stay in his kingdom, to take care of himself until I found a way to check on him. At the end, I stared at the letter for a while before adding that I loved him with all my heart. I sealed the letter just as the sound of iing footsteps reached me. I hurriedly hid it and straightened up as the door opened, and there he was. My brother. Varyn. After that night, we hadn¡¯t spoken or even seen one another, and now here he was. His eyes moved over me, then his calcting gaze softened as he stepped forward to gently take my hand. ¡°Your carriage will be ready soon. You will be dressed in Hue Pack for the ceremony, little sister,¡± he said softly. I searched his face. As much as I loved and understood his need to shed Lycannar¡¯s blood, I still wished he wouldn¡¯t. As much as I understood his thirst for vengeance, I prayed peace would reign. ¡°I will prepare,¡± I murmured, moving to bypass him, only for him to say, ¡°You¡¯ve gone soft, Zephyr.¡± I paused mid¨Cstep, turning to stare at him. ¡°His love¡­ whatever he¡¯s done to you has made you soft. You were supposed to lead the army right into his kingdom and kill them all, but that¡¯s not what you¡¯re doing.¡± ¡°Father didn¡¯t teach me to kill innocent civilians in battle,¡± I muttered quietly. ¡°He didn¡¯t advise that we storm ? kingdom filled with innocents and kill them just because of one man.¡± ¡°The man who is their king, and who must be ughtered to restore bnce,¡± he said tightly, taking a step closer. ¡°You know my aunt Kostyra mentioned you and Apex are forbidden to be together because of a prophecy. I will save you from him, Zephyr. I will.¡± Hearing that made me swallow. I didn¡¯t respond. I turned and walked into my bath chamber to wash, waiting for him to leave at first, worried he would see the runes on my skin and fly into anger. 15:56 Tue, Sep 30 4449 +10 Free Coins When I heard the door close, I slowly undressed and cased into the water, sighing as it covered my chest, chilling me. The runes around my body reminded me of him. They made me feel like he owned me. I looked down at the ring on my finger and set my jaw. Moving quickly, I bathed and got out to get ready. I dressed before Isolde arrived, and when it came time for the engagement ring Lycannar had given me, I removed it, ced it in a box, and hid it away. It didn¡¯t take long before the door opened, and Isolde walked in to get me ready, but I was already prepared. I slipped the letter under the fabric of my gown and headed out, guards nking me immediately, security tight and heavy. I arrived at Varyn¡¯s door and knocked. ¡°She won¡¯t be going to Hue Pack, mydy,¡± one guard said. I nodded. ¡°She is my best friend. I will have a word of farewell with her and thene out.¡± Without waiting for a response, I pushed the door open and walked in, seeing Dessyn by the window. She turned and, upon seeing me, rushed forward to hug me tightly, and right there, I felt relief. She would deliver the letter. I knew she would. Back Where 276 Nyroth It feels like a dream. I still can¡¯t believe it¡¯s happening. A day like this, where I will be dressing like a groom, and my bride, none other than the love of my life, Zephyrine Ashmere. I have bargained just like he wanted. Varyn. I have given him Gaxib, and as fate would have it, Gaxib knows almost all of Apex¡¯s weaknesses, and they will be used tonight. The request from Varyn said only one thing. ¡°Apex will definitelye to interrupt the wedding ceremony. Do not worry. I will fend him off so you can be my sister¡¯s husband.¡± I will abide by that because I have always wanted Apex taken away from Zeph. Now is the night, and nothing more could make my mother, or anyone else, happier. ¡°Alpha Nyroth.¡± The call came from behind, and I turned to see Kai, a wide grin on his face. I hugged him tightly. When I pulled back, he was beaming from ear to ear. ¡°Atst. You¡¯ll be bagging the Oman you¡¯ve wanted. I wonder how the night will turn out.¡± I punched him lightly and walked toward the elder who had just arrived to greet me. Tonight, we will consummate our marriage, and I will make her minepletely, driving out anything that had to do with Apex. I was still greeting the arriving guests when the sound of galloping horses reached me. I waspelled to walk slowly toward the window and peer out. Power surged through me at the sight of the Ash Pack cresting into view. Varyn led five powerful men who looked far too agile to be mere guards. Then the carriages arrived, and I swallowed hard. The carriages stopped, the maids disembarked, and then she appeared. Zeph. The Alpha of Ash Pack. All elegance, all beauty, still breathtaking. My heart warmed at the sight of her, and I couldn¡¯t look away. It had paid off. My contribution to giving away Apex¡¯s weaknesses. I smiled with perfect happiness, only to hear a voice behind
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¡°Congrattions, son.¡± 15:56 Tue, Sep 30. 49 +10 Free Coins I turned to see my mother, now smiling, though a crease of worryy between her brows. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± I asked. She sighed, looking past the gate toward thene leading to the Lycan Kingdom. ¡°What if hees and spills blood? That mad king?¡± ¡°That is why the Ashmeres are here. Do not worry, mother. Do not.¡± I said, voice gentle. She swallowed, looking back at Zeph and sighing in relief. ¡°I still can¡¯t believe we didn¡¯t know she was a treasure until she got brainwashed by the Lycan King.¡± ¡°Relief is she¡¯s going to be mine,¡± I said, making her grin. I grinned back, then looked down at Zeph, only to see her pause mid¨Cstep. Her eyes lifted to meet mine in the window. That piercing gaze told me more than I wanted to know, making my chest tightened. Thest ounce of anything like love had been stripped bare and vanished the moment she fell for the Lycan King. Her presence here tonight didn¡¯t indicate willingness to be my wife, but I swallowed hard and pushed the thought away. She is mine, and I will have her, whether she likes it or not. I looked away and walked to greet some guests, trying to stay sane and positive. Just then, I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see Varyn Ashmere at the doorway, standing there with an innocent look in his eyes, though I knew better. I excused myself to give him attention, and he folded his hands as he smile. A smile I was beginning to distrust. ¡°Your bride is here,¡± he said, smiling. For a moment, I tried not to give in, but the word bride hit me before anything else. I smiled back, and he extended his hand. ¡°Congrattions.¡± I took it, feeling the callousness beneath his grip. A true warrior¡¯s mark. ¡°Thank you.¡± ¡°My sister has been ushered into the chamber to get dressed. After that, we will proceed to the 15:56 Tue, Sep 30 hall where it will take ce?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± $49 +10 Free Coins ¡°Good.¡± He smiled further, then paused as his eyes moved past me. ¡°Wow. Who¡¯s she? So beautiful.¡± I turned to see my sister, Olivia, walking forward. She froze at the sight of Varyn, quickly lowering her gaze to bow but Varyn bypassed me to extend his hand to her. I almost raised an eyebrow. ¡°It¡¯s fine. We¡¯ll be family anyway. I¡¯m Varyn,¡± he said. Olivia straightened, smiling, her gaze smoldering as she met the eyes of our next Warlord. ¡°I¡­ I am Olivia,¡± she whispered. ¡°Wow. You look even more beautiful than I imagined.¡± I nearly raised an eyebrow. Why did that sound like flirting? Varyn Ashmere has a woman. I watched my younger sister blush under his gaze. To make it worse, he kissed the back of her hand and leaned in to whisper words I couldn¡¯t hear. When he pulled back, he didn¡¯t nce at her again. He walked past me, saying, ¡°Let¡¯s hurry before Apex arrives.¡± I nodded, but suddenly paused. Wait a second. I whirled around to see my younger sister staring at Varyn¡¯s retreat. ¡°What did he tell you?¡± ¡°Nothing, really,¡± she replied with a giggle, heading toward Zeph¡¯s chamber, making me wary. It¡¯s supposed to be a wedding, but somehow it felt like something else. Content originallyes from FindN0vel Varyn Ashmere is calcting, and I spent thepensation death money of his parents. I am the first love of his sister, the one who broke her heart. Wait a second. Is this revenge? A scheme to get back at me? No. No way. I quickly shook my head. Apex is the real viin. He is the one Varyn will take down tonight while I marry Zeph. Yes. 15:56 Tue, Sep 30 Ch Back Where 277 Nyroth It feels like a dream. I still can¡¯t believe it¡¯s happening. A day like this, where I will be dressing like a groom, and my bride, none other than the love of my life, Zephyrine Ashmere. I have bargained just like he wanted. Varyn. I have given him Gaxib, and as fate would have it, Gaxib knows almost all of Apex¡¯s weaknesses, and they will be used tonight. The request from Varyn said only one thing. ¡°Apex will definitelye to interrupt the wedding ceremony. Do not worry. I will fend him off so you can be my sister¡¯s husband.¡± I will abide by that because I have always wanted Apex taken away from Zeph. Now is the night, and nothing more could make my mother, or anyone else, happier. ¡°Alpha Nyroth.¡± The call came from behind, and I turned to see Kai, a wide grin on his face. I hugged him tightly. When I pulled back, he was beaming from ear to ear. ¡°Atst. You¡¯ll be bagging the Oman you¡¯ve wanted. I wonder how the night will turn out.¡± I punched him lightly and walked toward the elder who had just arrived to greet me. Tonight, we will consummate our marriage, and I will make her minepletely, driving out anything that had to do with Apex. I was still greeting the arriving guests when the sound of galloping horses reached me. I waspelled to walk slowly toward the window and peer out. Power surged through me at the sight of the Ash Pack cresting into view. Varyn led five powerful men who looked far too agile to be mere guards. Then the carriages arrived, and I swallowed hard. The carriages stopped, the maids disembarked, and then she appeared. Zeph. The Alpha of Ash Pack. All elegance, all beauty, still breathtaking. My heart warmed at the sight of her, and I couldn¡¯t look away. It had paid off. My contribution to giving away Apex¡¯s weaknesses. I smiled with perfect happiness, only to hear a voice behind
  1. me.
¡°Congrattions, son.¡± 15:56 Tue, Sep 30. 49 +10 Free Coins I turned to see my mother, now smiling, though a crease of worryy between her brows. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± I asked. She sighed, looking past the gate toward thene leading to the Lycan Kingdom. ¡°What if hees and spills blood? That mad king?¡± ¡°That is why the Ashmeres are here. Do not worry, mother. Do not.¡± I said, voice gentle. She swallowed, looking back at Zeph and sighing in relief. ¡°I still can¡¯t believe we didn¡¯t know she was a treasure until she got brainwashed by the Lycan King.¡± ¡°Relief is she¡¯s going to be mine,¡± I said, making her grin. I grinned back, then looked down at Zeph, only to see her pause mid¨Cstep. Her eyes lifted to meet mine in the window. That piercing gaze told me more than I wanted to know, making my chest tightened. Thest ounce of anything like love had been stripped bare and vanished the moment she fell for the Lycan King. Her presence here tonight didn¡¯t indicate willingness to be my wife, but I swallowed hard and pushed the thought away. She is mine, and I will have her, whether she likes it or not. I looked away and walked to greet some guests, trying to stay sane and positive. Just then, I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see Varyn Ashmere at the doorway, standing there with an innocent look in his eyes, though I knew better. I excused myself to give him attention, and he folded his hands as he smile. A smile I was beginning to distrust. ¡°Your bride is here,¡± he said, smiling. For a moment, I tried not to give in, but the word bride hit me before anything else. I smiled back, and he extended his hand. ¡°Congrattions.¡± I took it, feeling the callousness beneath his grip. A true warrior¡¯s mark. ¡°Thank you.¡± ¡°My sister has been ushered into the chamber to get dressed. After that, we will proceed to the 15:56 Tue, Sep 30 hall where it will take ce?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± $49 +10 Free Coins ¡°Good.¡± He smiled further, then paused as his eyes moved past me. ¡°Wow. Who¡¯s she? So beautiful.¡± I turned to see my sister, Olivia, walking forward. She froze at the sight of Varyn, quickly lowering her gaze to bow but Varyn bypassed me to extend his hand to her. I almost raised an eyebrow. ¡°It¡¯s fine. We¡¯ll be family anyway. I¡¯m Varyn,¡± he said. Olivia straightened, smiling, her gaze smoldering as she met the eyes of our next Warlord. ¡°I¡­ I am Olivia,¡± she whispered. ¡°Wow. You look even more beautiful than I imagined.¡± I nearly raised an eyebrow. Why did that sound like flirting? Varyn Ashmere has a woman. I watched my younger sister blush under his gaze. To make it worse, he kissed the back of her hand and leaned in to whisper words I couldn¡¯t hear. When he pulled back, he didn¡¯t nce at her again. He walked past me, saying, ¡°Let¡¯s hurry before Apex arrives.¡± I nodded, but suddenly paused. Wait a second. I whirled around to see my younger sister staring at Varyn¡¯s retreat. ¡°What did he tell you?¡± ¡°Nothing, really,¡± she replied with a giggle, heading toward Zeph¡¯s chamber, making me wary. It¡¯s supposed to be a wedding, but somehow it felt like something else. Varyn Ashmere is calcting, and I spent thepensation death money of his parents. I am the first love of his sister, the one who broke her heart. Wait a second. Is this revenge? A scheme to get back at me? No. No way. I quickly shook my head. Apex is the real viin. He is the one Varyn will take down tonight while I marry Zeph. Yes. 15:56 Tue, Sep 30 Zephyrine ¡°You look beautiful.¡± +10 Free Coins The voice came just as the jewelries were being ced around my neck, my wrists, and in my hair. The crest, the few warriors, and the carriage had all arrived in the Hue Pack under the full- moon sky, and already I could feel the tension in the air. My brother had been tender, and I had epted his help. We journeyed quietly, but when we emerged into Hue Pack, I realized Nyroth truly believed this was a real wedding. He had invited the neighboring packs, and all of them were here, joyous for him. However, it seemed the Yadevs hadn¡¯t received an invitation, because none of them came. I had been ushered into the chamber at once, told to change into a wedding gown. But I insisted I would remain in my own. First, if ever I were to wear a wedding gown, it would be for Lycannar. Second, my gown would keep the runes etched into my skin hidden from public eyes. I allowed them to adorn me with the jewels, though, and that was when the voice came. Pam. Nyroth¡¯s mother. I sat still in the chair, swallowing hard. After all these months, since my rejection, since the revtion of me as Alpha, Pam and I had never had a face¨Cto¨Cface encounter until now. The maids slipped out of the chamber, leaving us alone. I stared at my reflection in the mirror as she spoke again. ¡°You are beautiful. You fit as the Luna of this pack, my dear.¡± I couldn¡¯t help but roll my eyes. ¡°That¡¯s a lie,¡± I murmured. Catching her reflection in the mirror, I rose and faced her. ¡°I do not fit as the Luna of this pack. I am a whore. A barren. A rogue who came to feed off your son.¡± Those were her words, and she recognized them instantly. She swallowed hard, squared her shoulders, and spoke. ¡°No one is above mistakes, my dear Alpha. Even you made a mistake by loving the Lycan King.¡± 15:56 Tue, Sep 30 449 49 +10 Free Coins ??? ????? ???????s ??? ?????s??? ?? find(?)ovel I smiled at that. ¡°A mistake?¡± I shook my head. ¡°The only mistake I made was not rejecting your son the moment I discovered he was my mate.¡± She went pale, but I didn¡¯t stop there. I stepped closer, my eyes pinned on hers. ¡°The second mistake I made¡­ was keeping that same Lycan King from killing your son when he had the chance. If he had, a night like this would never havee. Would it?¡± I moved to bypass her, but her shaky voice stopped me. ¡°You will realize soon this is the best decision you¡¯ve ever made. He will be the best for you, and you know it.¡± She turned her gaze on me. ¡°Being an Alpha in your pack and a Luna in this pack¡­ that¡¯s the best you can get anywhere.¡± I scoffed. ¡°Being Alpha of my pack and Queen of the Lycan Kingdom, that is the true best I can get anywhere.¡± She stiffened at that, but I paid her no more attention as I walked out, making it clear that her son was the lesser choice. The highest, and always, was Lycannar. *** I walked down the aisle. Alone. Varyn did not lead me. Instead, he stood at the entrance of the long hall, arms folded across his chest, looking almost bored. Too bored. He hadn¡¯t appeared. Lycannar. And I almost smiled to myself, because I knew he wouldn¡¯te. Dessyn and I had spoken, and she had promised to deliver the letter. Her gaze had been so sincere, and I could not have been more grateful. I reached the great altar of Hue Pack and turned to face him. Nyroth. Behind him stood Kai, shing me a smile, one I answered only with a narrow re. He had been one of the bullies when I lived here as a rogue. ¡°Wee,¡± the voice of the priestess rang out, and I swallowed as I turned toward her. Wait. Was it starting now? Was I truly going to be married to Nyroth? ¡°Wee, everyone, for being here tonight. Under this full moon, we will witness the powerful union of two Alphas. And without further ado, we should¡­¡± ¡°Make the speech.¡± 15:56 Tue, Sep 30 +10 Free Coins The voice of my brother came from the entrance. I turned to him. He still stood there, arms folded, looking utterly uninterested. ¡°Make the speech, priestess. My sister is the goddess of war. She is the first female Alpha. An Ashmere. Make it long. Let them know.¡± I understood what he was doing in that moment. He was stalling. This wasn¡¯t a wedding. He was buying time. And it was all the better, because Lycannar would note, and by the end of this night, I would still be very much single, returning to my pack. I smiled faintly, catching sight of Olivia where she sat. Her eyes were locked on my brother, a small smile curling her lips. I paused. What was that? The question was still on my mind when the priestess prepared to begin. And then¡­ it came. The sound. I froze, straining to listen again. The pounding rhythm of hooves. Horse galloping. My heart thundered against my ribs like never before. Everywhere went still. Silence spread heavy across the hall, broken only by that sound, the horse,ing closer. I whirled around. But to my shock, my brother, who had been standing at the entrance, was gone. 15:56 Tue, Sep 30 Back Where 278 Zephyrine 49 +10 Free Coins ¡°Lycan.¡± I murmured his name as I dropped all restraint and headed out, only for my wrist to be caught by Nyroth. His stare froze me in ce. ¡°Where are you going? It is a little wedding. Our wedding, Zeph.¡± I jerked my wrist away as though he had said something utterly stupid. ¡°I¡¯d rather stay single my entire life than be married to you,¡± I choked out bitterly before rushing out. My steps hurried, then quickened, my heart racing. I burst outside just in time to see him. Lycannar. He was on his horse, galloping, and I ran beyond Hue Pack¡¯s gates to meet him. He dismounted easily from the running beast, pulling me into his arms. I hugged him tightly, my heart swelling with the raw affection I had for him. Then he pulled back, eyes searching mine. His gaze dropped to the jewelries on me, and I saw his jaw tighten. He reached for them, to tear them off, but I was quick to speak. ¡°Lycan, didn¡¯t you get my letter?¡± He frowned, that familiar crease forming between his brows. ¡°What letter?¡± ¡°I sent it through Dessyn. You weren¡¯t supposed toe. I¡­ I don¡¯t know, but my brother is nning something, and I fear it will hurt you.¡± At that, he swallowed, his gaze lifting past me toward Hue Pack. He sniffed the air, sharp and quiet. ¡°Is he here?¡± ¡°Who? Varyn?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± 15:56 Tue, Sep 30 $49 +10 Free Coins I paused, reaching for the Ashmere bond, and I felt it. I nodded faintly¡­ then it came. The thunderous sound of bulldozing. I froze, and Lycannar turned sharply, as if he too could feel it. His frown deepened, his brows furrowed. He pulled back from me, and my heart went cold. ¡°Lycan¡­¡± I called, but he didn¡¯t have the chance to respond. His eyes shifted past me, and then I heard it again. The Lycan Kingdom. No¡­ wait. Another crash, heavier this time, shaved through the night, rumbling as though an empire itself had shifted. And then I saw it. The change in Lycannar¡¯s face. His emotions flickered raw as he turned back to his horse, leaning against it, swallowing hard. ¡°Lycan..¡± ¡°It¡¯s my kingdom. I need to go,¡± he said heavily as he reached to mount his horse. ¡°Come with me.¡± I reached for his hand, ready to go with him when it happened. An attack. Sudden, cruel. A spear came whistling from ahead, aimed straight at Lycannar. In a swift move, he shoved me out of harm¡¯s way. But before he could save himself, it struck. He was thrown to the ground, the spear grazing across his upper arm. Everything went hazy. My heart thudded. Wait¡­ what just happened? ¡°Lycan!¡± I screamed, rushing forward. But before I could reach him, he was surrounded. A shield formation snapped into ce around him, trapping him inside. He groaned, forcing himself up to his knees. My breath caught when I saw what the shield bore. A mirror. ¡°No, Lycan!¡± 15:56 Tue, Sep 30 449 +10 Free Coins But I was toote. He had lifted his head, and even the briefest glimpse was enough. He dropped his gaze at once, and with the spear that had cut him, he swung it skillfully, shattering the formation. The warriors attacked, but they were no match. Lycannar was¡­ different. Too different. He fended them off, striking with lethal precision, but every time the killing blow opened, he pulled back at thest second. My brother was nowhere to be found. I could sense it that he was no longer here. Fear wed at me as I scrambled toward Lycannar. He had looked into the mirror. What did that mean for him? ¡°Lycan?¡± I called aloud as he staggered toward his horse, only to fall on one knee, his strength suddenly ripped from him. I rushed to his side and froze in horror. Blood spilled from his mouth. My skin went pale. ¡°Lycan¡­¡± ¡°It¡¯s my tower,¡± he murmured painfully. ¡°I can feel it.¡± Cold swept through me. His tower. That tower. My heart thudded wildly as I reached for his arm, desperate to help him up. ?????? ???? find?novel But luck abandoned me. The Ashmere warriors struck again, their assault unleashed while Lycannary defenseless. Whatever spell had bound his tower together had been shattered, and with it, his strength drained. I shielded him,pelling them to stop. They would not kill me, their Alpha. Varyn would have their heads first. ¡°Stop protecting him, Zeph. Come here!¡± Nyroth¡¯s shout tore across the chaos as he dashed out from his pack. He surged forward, seizing my wrist in a bruising grip, dragging me away. I struggled to pull free, but before I could another spear came. It flew straight toward Nyroth, but fate turned cruel. Kai, rushing out from the pack to see what was happening, was struck instead. The spear drove into him, and he fell. In an instant, he was gone. I turned in shock, only to see Lycannar standing now. He was the one who had thrown it. The same one who had cut down the Ashmere warriors, leaving them unconscious but not fatally 15:56 Tue, Sep 30 wounded. 20 +10 free Con His eyes locked on me onest time. Nyroth, stunned by Kai¡¯s death, released my wrist. Only then did Lycannar mount his horse. In the blink of an eye, he galloped toward his kingdom, toward the sound that had torn through the empire. The sound that would crawl into history, etched forever in blood and fear as the night of the full moon when the great ck tower of the cursed Lycan King was brought crashing down by Varyn Ashmere, who had set his trap so meticulously that not even I had seen iting. And for one heart¨Cspilling moment, I almost ran after him, desperate to join him, but then it came. wolf cried A growl tore from me, low and sacred, as the runes spread further across my skin, burning warm and holy. My gaze fixed on Lycannar¡¯s galloping horse, and in that instant, my out with aching certainty ¡°Mate.¡± Back Where 279 Lycannar 1: $49 +10 Free Coins ¡°Open the gate! It¡¯s the King!!¡± The loudmand rang out just as my horse leapt into my kingdom. I leaned forward on its neck for a brief moment, stunned, weak, shaken, more than I had ever expected to be. The sound, the bustle, the wails, all of it was a storm. Yet gradually, it slowed, quieted, until atst, the stillness spread across the entire kingdom. All my life, though my father was shrewd, he had never taught me to be a coward. Nor had my father in the demon realm. My brother and I were raised to face danger head¨Con, because we are royalty. Never to hide from it. I had believed, even respected, that Varyn Ashmere would also be that kind of man. But no. He wasn¡¯t. Slowly, I dismounted from my horse. My knees buckled, forcing me down onto one knee. It was vital, what he had broken. What he had done. It was¡­ too much. I could feel it, smell it. And when I lifted my gaze, I could see it. The ck tower. Built before I was born, brick by brick of spellwork, one of the strongest ever cast. The most sacred tower, fortified by magic greater than any beast or weapon we had ever known. Now ity shattered. I stared at the ruin, stunned. It must have been done by somethingunched from outside, striking the top, ripping it open, copsing the tower stone by stone. I looked down to where the wreckage had fallen, crushing the ground, and I saw it. The shattered ruin had struck my people. ¡°Chantel.¡± His name whispered from my lips. He was always in the ck tower. My jaw tightened against the choke rising in my chest as I staggered to my feet. My sisters. I turned toward the gates, the realization pounding in my head. Varyn hadn¡¯t wanted to kill me. Not yet. If he had, he would never have lured me away from my kingdom. He would have struck the ck tower with me inside. No. Varyn Ashmere wanted me alive, to suffer. To watch my people bleed. ¡°Seal the gate,¡± I ordered, voice sharp and low. ¡°Now.¡± 15:56 Tue, Sep 30 €49 +10 Free Coins Closing was different than sealing, Sealing meant no one came in, no one went out. My guards obeyed swiftly, just as another voice rang through the air. ¡°Lycan!¡± I whirled around to see her. Mearez. gods. I rushed forward, and she met me halfway, throwing herself into my arms. I held her tightly before pulling back, freezing when I saw the blood streaked across her face. ¡°Mearez¡­¡± ¡°People are hurt, Lycan. What happened?¡± she demanded, but I couldn¡¯t answer. My gaze darted around, searching. ¡°Where is Serena?¡± ¡°Baby brother!¡± She burst through the crowd, her body smeared with blood. She threw her arms around me, and I realized, with a shudder, just how terrified I was of losing them. ¡°So many are injured. You need to see them,¡± she whispered. And just like that, the stillness shattered. Themotion rose again, voices shing, cries echoing. Mearez grabbed my shoulders, her eyes sweeping over me. When she saw the blood at my lips, she went pale. ¡°Princess Mearez!¡± the healers called, but she ignored them. ¡°Lycan,¡± she breathed. ¡°Let¡¯s go¡­¡± I started, but then it hit me. The one¨Chour limit. My body froze, the realization seizing me. The potion Mearez had brewed for me, for this night only, so I could hold my form beneath the full moon. It was running out. She saw it at once, and Serena rushed forward too, panic in her eyes. ¡°He¡¯s going to shift. We need to get him to the steel chamber.¡± I shook my head, clenching my fists. ¡°My people need me. Give me the potion again, Mearez, I¡¯ll¡­¡± ¡°It weakens you, Lycan,¡± she cut me off, voice sharp with fear. ¡°It dulls you more than you know. One dose is enough for a lifetime. If you take it again, you may never shift into your 15:56 Tue, Sep 30 $49 +10 Free Coins beast again. The steel chamber is your only choice. We¡¯ll care for the kingdom until you return.¡± I was slipping, losing myself. As much as I wanted to resist, I couldn¡¯t. I headed for the steel chamber, my eyes flickering in color. I stopped in the hall, turning sharply. ¡°Chantel. Where is he?¡± No answer. My gaze swept my sisters, freezing them in ce. ¡°Where is Chantel?¡± ¡°I¡¯m here.¡± His voice rang from ahead as he rushed forward, bowing deeply. ¡°Someone is dead. I arrived toote and I couldn¡¯t pull her from the crash in time.¡± I went still, my gaze falling to the wound shed across his arm. And I knew. As quickly as we heal, the ck tower¡¯s wounds were different. They struck deeper. The chill raced through me. How much it would hurt if he had died. gods, how much it would hurt. But it hurt anyway because he had just told me someone else had. My people had died. Many more were injured. All because of me. I stood frozen as the sound of agony rose outside, the wails, the cries, the night shattered by grief. Slowly, I turned, walking into the steel chamber. Five iron doors sealed behind me. As I stepped inside, I felt the shift tearing through me and there Zephyrine came to mind. Her arms around me, her shield protecting me, her worry. And yet Varyn had won tonight. I had looked into that cursed mirror, caught a glimpse, not of my weakness, but of something else. A man. My reflection. My other self. And still nothing had happened. Does that mean seeing my reflection isn¡¯t my weakness? That question echoed as I reached the chamber wall. Chantel bound my ankles, and I pulled shirt over my head, spreading my arms so he could shackle my wrists against the stone wall. my I lifted my gaze onest time to my sisters. Their faces were full of fear and sorrow, and I hated this. I hated this time of the month. But this was my curse, and I had long epted it. Chantel finished the bindings, stepping back. ¡°Go,¡± I told them, my voice low. I never wanted them to see me like this. 15:56 Tue, Sep 30 Mearez swallowed hard, forcing strength into her voice as she grabbed Serena¡¯s wrist. ¡°We¡¯re needed, Serena. Come.¡± She pulled her away. When they were gone, I gave Chantel onestmand. The rightful source is Find~Novel ¡°Don¡¯t guard the doors tonight. Go help the people. Go¡± 49 +10 Free Coins He bowed deeply, obeying. The first door shut. Then the second. The third. The fourth. The final. Silence. Momentster, my senses blurred, my body breaking. The shift ripped through me, savage and merciless. A howl burst from my chest, dying against the steel walls as the chains burned into my flesh, shackling me down. Agony upon agony consumed me. 15:56 Tue, Sep 30 Back Where 280 Zephyrine : +10 Free Coins The sunlight bathed my bedchamber, but instead of warmth, it brought only more agony and a strange awe that still lingered. Three days had passed since that night. The night etched forever in my mind. The night Lycannar was cornered, I was cornered, and he hade. The night Dessyn never delivered my letter. The night my wolf cried, Mate. I still couldn¡¯t wrap my mind around it. Couldn¡¯t fathom the possibility. The thought was too frightening, too tender to trust. It felt tooforting, too heartbreaking all at once, to possibly be true. Varyn had shattered the ck tower from outside Lycannar¡¯s kingdom, and the copse had caused screams of agony to ring across thend. Ever since that night, the gates of his kingdom had never reopened. They were sealed shut, just like in the time of the former King. Those were the reports I received. Words that even now I couldn¡¯t fathom. Words that felt like a dream spoken to me while I was awake. Iy in bed, weak. I hadn¡¯t eaten in days. Not because of hunger, but because I was already deciding. Already making a choice¡­ To go there. With or without Varyn¡¯s permission. Still, I dreaded being on his bad side. He was my brother. And yet I still clung to the hope that somehow, somehow, we could make peace. I was caught in that thought when the sound of footsteps came through. I turned my back to the door, pretending to be asleep, thinking it was Isolde. But then the scent hit me. Not Ashmere. White Pack member. Slowly, I turned. There she stood in the doorway. Dessyn. My heart clenched. I sat up quickly as she walked slowly toward me, her face softened in plea, in apology. ¡°If only¡­ if only I had delivered the letter. Maybe Apex would have been fine. Right?¡± she whispered regretfully. I searched her eyes, my chest tightening. She looked so sorry. But her failure to deliver that letter had already cost too much. Did she know what she had done? 15:57 Tue, Sep 30 49 +10 Free Coins ¡°They forced him to look at his reflection in the mirror, Dessyn. He wouldn¡¯t havee if he had read that letter, and¡­¡± I swallowed hard, trying to steady my breath. ¡°I don¡¯t know what that glimpse will do to him now. He caught sight of his own reflection. I fear what that will mean.¡± Silence fell between us. Tenderly, Dessyn sat down on the bed beside me with a sigh full of sorrow. ¡°Zephyr¡­ I think I¡¯m going to break up with your brother.¡± I froze. The words stunned me. I turned toward her in disbelief. ¡°What?¡± ¡°He¡¯s¡­ changed,¡± she murmured, voice tired, almost hollow. ¡°Dessyn¡­¡± I whispered, but before I could say more, she turned to me. I saw the tears brimming in her eyes, tears that tore something open inside me. ¡°He brought down the ck tower, Zeph. He hurt the Lycans. In a few days, he¡¯ll be named Warlord of all werewolves. Do you realize what he¡¯ll do then?¡± The words made me go cold. Dessyn had always loved Varyn, yet hearing her speak like this, ready to leave him, made the truth begin to dawn. ¡°You love him. You can¡¯t leave him,¡± I said softly, searching her. She swallowed and asked instead, ¡°How do you think Apex is feeling? Don¡¯t you think you you should go to him?¡± I bit my lip, sighing shakily. Then she leaned closer, her voice lowering, meant for my ears alone. ¡°Varyn is leaving the pack tonight. If you want to leave, go then. I overheard him. He won¡¯t return until tomorrow morning. You could go ande back before he even knows.¡± I looked at her, my chest aching. Then I smiled faintly. My best friend. Of course she would take my side. I reached for her hand, giving it a soft squeeze of gratitude, and nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll go tonight, then. I¡¯ll be back before dawn tomorrow. You¡¯ll keep my secret, won¡¯t you?¡± She arched a brow with a gentle smile. ¡°Do you even need to ask? Your secret is safe with me, Zephyr.¡± 15:57 Tue, Sep 30 : 49 +10 Free Coins Her words made me lighter. For the first time in days, I felt a flicker of relief. Smiling faintly, I turned toward the drawer, pulling out my ring. I stared at it for a long moment, then slid it onto my finger proudly. ¡°You love him that much?¡± Dessyn¡¯s voice cut softly through the air. I turned, surprised by her question. She wasn¡¯t crying anymore. Instead, she looked at me with quiet wonder. ¡°What?¡± ¡°Apex killed your father. He¡¯s said to be a monster. And yet¡­ you never hated him. Not once. You must love him too much, don¡¯t you?¡± Her words pierced me. I leaned back against the drawer, staring at her. Dessyn Dusk, my best friend. I would forever be grateful for her loyalty, her help. I smiled faintly, nodding. ¡°I love Lycannar, Dessyn. So much it hurts. And I don¡¯t want my brother fighting him.¡± A shaky sigh escaped me as I remembered that moment, my wolf¡¯s voice. And there, before no one but her, the one I trusted with all my heart, I admitted the truth. ¡°My wolf cried mate in Lycannar¡¯s presence. But I don¡¯t know if it¡¯s true. It feels too good to believe. Too much like a dream. Tonight, I¡¯ll go to him. I¡¯ll find out. I need to confirm.¡± Dessyn¡¯s face went pale. Her lips parted, her voice trembling in stunned silence. ¡°And¡­ what do you hope?¡± Meeting her gaze with the most sincere heart, I whispered the words that burned in me. ¡°That he is¡­ my second chance mate.¡± ?????? ???? F¦ÉndNovel The Novel will be updated first on this website. 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