The Lycan King's Forbidden Craving - Chapter 102: Chapter 102

"Feel the fire."
Arianna took a deep breath, her eyes fluttering open as she focused on the flame before her.
She stretched out her hands toward it, trying to concentrate. Seconds passed. A minute. Then more minutes-until she gave up.
"Not again," she muttered, turning to Selene. "Why isn't it working? It did before, and now it's not. The fire isn't listening to me."
"It's because you're not feeling it, Aria," Selene replied calmly. "The times you were able to control the fire, you were in danger. Your instincts were sharp, and the fire responded."
Selene approached and stood beside her. "Watch."
Arianna gasped as Selene suddenly placed her hand in the flame of the burning lamp.
"What are you-" she paused when she saw Selene didn't flinch. The head maid simply smiled while the fire danced around her palm. It was a beautiful sight.
"H–how?"
"Once you connect to your dragon, your body will become one with fire," Selene smiled.
"That's awesome," Arianna chuckled.
"Madam Selene!" a scream echoed from the hall.
Selene sighed. "How did she know I was here?"
The door flung open, revealing Brigid, whose eyes lit up at the sight of the head maid. She bolted forward and wrapped her in a hug.
Selene's nose flared. "What the-"
"Where have you been? This is the first time you've disappeared without me knowing where you actually were!" Brigid scolded, breaking the hug.
"Stop being dramatic."
"Oh my God, Aria," Brigid gasped at the sight of Arianna's attire. "I almost didn't recognize you."
Arianna wore a fitted, golden silk gown that shimmered softly. The fabric hugged her body like a second skin, tailored perfectly to accentuate her curves without being overly revealing.
Her shoulders were bare, revealing a hint of smooth skin, and the gentle dip of her cleavage was just visible beneath a sheer layer of lace.
Her short black hair was styled with tiny flowers and delicate stones to accentuate her beauty.
"You're a literal goddess," Brigid muttered. "Are you planning to kill every man at the ceremony? If the King sees you, he might lose control."
Arianna let out a soft chuckle. "Thank you, Brigid. Thanks to Selene-she made this to congratulate me."
Brigid gasped as realization dawned on her, her eyes meeting Selene's.
"Your dress looks so lovely as well. I thought you said you weren't attending," Arianna said, complimenting her.
"I changed my mind," Brigid shrugged.
"The Grand Lord? Is that the reason?" Selene asked, while Brigid shot her a look.
"Wait." Arianna's eyes darted from Brigid to Selene and then back to Brigid. "Don't tell me you're into the Beta."
Brigid bit her lip, and Arianna got her answer, prompting her to smirk. "Oh wow. I did not see that coming."
Brigid had changed her mind about attending. Thanks to Hilda, she had found something suitable to wear for the ceremony.
"Quick! The ceremony started almost an hour ago. The mask dance will begin soon," Brigid quickly changed the topic.
Don't be late.
Arianna recalled the King's words before he left. As the King, his presence was required before the ceremony could even begin.
As Arianna made her way to the hall with Falcon guarding her, a voice made her halt.
"Aria."
She turned gently, meeting Lylah, who spun lightly, her midnight blue dress swirling around her.
Arianna's lips parted in awe. "Oh my-Lylah, is that you?"
"Of course it's me," Lylah giggled.
"Where did you get that dress? It's amazing. I almost didn't recognize you with all the makeover. Lylah, you got a makeover?" Arianna's voice held a teasing tone.
"Brigid helped. It's lovely, but not really me. This dress is quite suffocating. I came to show it to you before I pull it off," Lylah said, and Arianna burst into a small laugh.
"Get used to it. It suits you so well. You have no idea," Arianna said, turning serious. "Don't you dare pull it off."
Lylah nodded. "You look fabulous yourself."
"Thanks. I love yours better though. Care to tell me who gave it to you?"
"It was the Beta," Lylah chuckled, and Arianna's eyes widened in shock. "It's a gift for being a good student. Nothing more than that."
"Woah," Arianna breathed out.
••••••••
GRAND HALL.
The hall was filled with music, the air heavy with the scent of delicious meals, wine, laughter, and awe. Everyone wore their masks, including the king.
In the middle of the hall, dancers entertained the guests, most of whom were on their feet. Their movements hit each note of the music perfectly. The women swirled their slender waists while the men performed stunts and moves that sent the crowd into a frenzy.
Duncan's eyes were on them, but his mind wasn't. It didn't interest him, or perhaps his mind was simply distracted.
She wasn't here.
Once again, his eyes swept through the hall, searching every nook and corner, yet she hadn't arrived.
Then his gaze settled on Lucas, who didn't seem too interested either. The masked ceremony was quite triggering, reminding him of the rejection of his mate.
Duncan felt his heart clench. He hadn't told Lucas about Arianna's bloodline, but he planned to do so after the ceremony.
Keeping such a crucial secret from Lucas would cause a rift if Lucas were to find out on his own.
A scent caught Duncan's nose. His eyes immediately searched the hall, settling on her. Finally.
Even with the golden mask, he recognized her... and damn, that dress.
Duncan felt as though he was seeing her for the first time. He noticed some men and women flicking their gazes to her, but with the masks, no one recognized her.
'Mine is damn beautiful,' Ash purred, his senses heightened. Jealousy swept through Duncan's nerves, urging him to gouge out the eyes of the men gawking at her.
Before he could stop himself, he stood.
Arianna hadn't expected this many people in the hall. Her heart was beating loudly in her chest as she tried to make her way through the standing crowd, all staring at her.
Her stomach twisted with anxiety.
She could hear the whispers of those wondering who she was.
The music suddenly stopped, and the hall fell silent. Arianna halted in her tracks, her eyes darting around, wondering why the music had ceased so suddenly.
Her gaze flicked toward the throne. Duncan was no longer there.
Those in front of her suddenly cleared a path, and Arianna's heart skipped a beat as she saw Duncan approaching her.
The anxiety in her stomach doubled. Her eyes locked with his, her lips parted, but no words came out.
"Dance with me," the king suddenly offered his hand.
A gasp rippled through the onlookers. Some were already beginning to realize who she was.
Arianna remained frozen, clearly not expecting the king's sudden move and request. He left his throne just to ask her for a dance?
Left his throne. To. Ask. Her. For. A. Dance??
When she didn't respond, he crossed the distance between them, held her slender waist, and whispered hoarsely in her ear.
"You're not planning to say no to me, are you?"
Arianna's anxiety instantly turned to butterflies. Her heart raced so hard in her chest... if it weren't for her mask, one would have seen how red her face was by now.
Clearing her throat, she finally found her voice. Teasing, "You recognized me so fast?"
He let out a gentle chuckle, deep and melodious, prompting her lips to stretch into a warm smile. It's rare to hear him laugh.
Even the onlookers was shocked.
Then Duncan replied, "I'd recognize my woman anywhere."