Ch. 211..215: The Rogue is a Female Alpha chapter 211-215
Back Where 211
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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 blanket, 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 a comb 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, my lady.” 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 blanket.
“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 blanket.
“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
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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 explained,
“I bought them with my paycheck, for you and my King.”
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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 occasion,” 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 glance, 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 blanket over himself,
closing his eyes.
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I swallowed, about to speak again when Blue’s soft voice broke through.
“Your Majesty?” No response. “Your Majesty?”
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Lycannar’s eyes snapped open, his gaze deadly as he turned to her. Blue stepped back, clearly terrified of his wrath.
“Please… accept 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 he laid 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, glaring at her. ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ꜰʀᴏᴍ find~novel~net
“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
…
::.
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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, lay back, and pulled the blanket 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?”
Back Where 212
I was woken by the sound of a soft knock. Still sleepy, I called gently for the person to come in.
A second later, the door opened and Princess Mearez stepped into my bedchamber. Just like that, the sleep in my eyes vanished completely.
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 blanket 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–rain 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.
“You will be strong for him. Whatever unstable reaction he might display… you will be there for him, and you will be strong. Do you understand me?”
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Tears spilled out, and I nodded, wiping them away with a sigh.
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“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. Official source is find(ɴ)ovel.net
***
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.
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“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 the laundry 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 glanced 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
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 Black 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 balanced 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 will come 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.
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He walked out into the open, heading toward his horse without a word, fixing his twin blades in place.
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. Claw 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 clawed 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 glanced at me one last 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 accepted 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.
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“You will be strong. Stronger,” he murmured gently. Then he drew back, studying me in silence. “When everything is too much to bear… I will come 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 glance at me. Read complete version only at Find✶Novel.net
“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 become a Blood too. Either by force, by fire, or… by marriage.
Back Where 214
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.
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“It was obvious to us all. His blade 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?” Chapters first released on Find~Novel.net
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 plan…”
“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 replacing her spark. I raised
a brow.
“Zephyr…” she said hesitantly. “What if… Varyn doesn’t want me anymore?”
“Nonsense.”
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–in–law. 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.”
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“Just like her brother,” he said, and I smiled, until his next words dimmed it.
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“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 Blackwater. 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…
“My lady?” 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.
“My lady, 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.”
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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, my lady?” 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.
“My lady, while you were away, there’s something you must know. Your aunt… she’s been visiting the Blackbridge Pack in secret. And worse, one of the maids here has been reporting your every move to her.”
Back Where 215
We arrived too late. gods, we arrived too late. 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 Black tower, the sickness erupted.
The beast inside me clawed to the surface. My fingers cracked, stretching into claws, 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 Black
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–torn, half–born. I collapsed, 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.
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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, slamming the door shut behind him at the last 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–hot, binding me. Achoring me back to normal. ʀᴇᴀᴅ ʟᴀᴛᴇsᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀᴛ fındnovel.net
Slowly, agonizingly, the shift reversed. Bones cracked back into place. 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 slaughtered them all. This… this was why I could not stay away from the Blacktower for two nights. I was a danger. The threat. A curse.
Chantel retrieved the empty vial and placed 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 return late? 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 glare. 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.”
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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 Black 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 explanation.
“Your uncle Dareth sent them this morning,” he said without delay. “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 it lay, 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.”