The Lycan King's Forbidden Craving - Chapter 146: Chapter 146

A hug?
Freezing in place, Lylah's heart skipped a beat at Arianna's unexpected request.
She had expected a yell, a scolding, days of being ignored and constantly reminded how she had screwed everything up so badly.
She had expected hatred, punishment-just anything to ease her guilt.
A hug?
Lylah's teeth gritted, eyes shut, and tears slipped free, rolling down her cheek as she slowly sank to her knees. Wracking sobs tore from her chest.
"Why, Aria?" her voice trembled like a broken storm. "I don't... deserve it. At least not until I'm-" her fist clenched against the marble floor. "Until I'm able to fix the mess I made. Please, get angry with me... You asked me not to cause trouble, and I did. I messed up big time. I wasn't careful enough, and now the trouble in the palace is because of me..."
"Says who?" Arianna asked, her voice prompting Lylah to slowly look up.
Arianna approached, her footsteps light and gentle. Reaching her, she crouched down to her level.
"None of this is your fault. If you think I'm blaming you for what happened, then you're wrong, Lylah," she said softly, stretching out a hand. "Everyone makes mistakes. We don't have to beat ourselves up for it, especially when we never meant to. We just have to find a way out and fix it."
Lylah's eyes shifted to Arianna's hand and slowly reached for it. Her heart swelled at the contact.
Arianna rose to her feet, helping Lylah up as well, and as they both stood, she drew her into her embrace-just like every time.
Overwhelmed, Lylah shut her eyes, more tears streaming down her face as she returned the hug.
"Thank you, Aria," she croaked.
"You're welcome, little bear," Arianna whispered, stroking her hair gently while Selene and Nyra stood behind with soft smiles.
A knock sounded on the door-Falcon announcing he wanted to see Arianna.
Breaking the hug, Arianna permitted him to enter. As he did, he greeted and bowed slightly. The warm hue of the sun peeking through the window made his armor shimmer.
"His Highness asked me to check on you. How are you doing, my lady?" he asked, his voice filled with respect.
"I'm doing well," she replied. "Send Lord Lucas my regards."
For a fleeting moment, his gaze flicked toward Nyra, who gave him a small smile. With that, he left.
Arianna didn't fail to notice. During their travels, those two had grown close.
"We'll need a plan," Arianna stated, gently pacing the room with slow, regal steps. Her hands folded behind her back, eyes focused as she fell into deep thought.
"We've told Lord Lucas everything. He has sent soldiers to find Toran. That male must be hiding somewhere," Nyra said.
"The south," Arianna replied. "He'll stay where the palace guards can't easily break through without permission. Since he revealed such big information, Lord Valoreth must have his men protecting that bastard."
"He must be keeping Brigid somewhere too, I guess," Selene's jaw clenched, disappointment flashing in her eyes. There was one fact she had tried not to accept-
The fact that Brigid might had be in bed with a cunning bastard like Toran
Truly disappointing.
Arianna sighed. "We need to know if word hasn't gotten out to the packs in the realm. We need to know if Lord Valoreth hasn't spread twisted tales about the Ouroboros among the people."
"How about we spread the word first and make them understand that the Ouroboros aren't enemies?" Selene asked.
"That might cause a war within. They would believe the Emissaries' words over ours," Arianna said, shaking her head. "The Ouroboros aren't known among the werewolves. Only ancient Lycans know about the war. And those who knew Drakora was the goddess who sacrificed herself to end it are very few. If we're going to convince even a few strong packs, we'll need proof."
"They have the book," Lylah spoke up. "They must have read it. It says Drakora ended the war, right?"
Arianna thought for a moment before replying. "I don't think Lord Valoreth is willing to keep that truth in mind. As a matter of fact, I doubt the other Emissaries even know about that book."
"We should get it back," Selene suggested. "At least then we can prove we're not a threat. There are no dragons-we're weak, and we simply want peace and a place to settle. Just like the humans land."
"That is a good idea, but-" Arianna swallowed. "Would they really believe that, when one of the Ouroboros, Jarik, led the rogues in attacking small packs?"
Selene's gaze dropped, her shoulders slumping.
Nyra crossed her arms, her brows furrowed. "Then we need to prove Jarik acted on his own. Expose him for what he is. If we let silence speak for us, they'll twist it into whatever tale suits their fear."
Arianna's lips pressed into a thin line. "We'd need a witness. Someone who saw Jarik with the rogues-someone who isn't one of us. Otherwise, it'll look like a desperate cover-up."
"What about the survivors from that last attack?" Lylah asked. "The one near the border of the Frostfang Pack. I overheard Lord Lucas mention they were attacked before Jarik was caught."
Arianna continued, "One of us has to go out there to confirm if there's any witness."
"I'll go," Lylah stepped forward.
"No, Lylah. They must not get their hands on you-it's too dangerous," Arianna countered. "Selene can't go either because she's a target. The book was from your side-"
"I'll go then," Nyra offered before Arianna could finish. "Not many people know I'm your personal maid and a sage."
"It's dangerous for you too, Nyra-"
"Then who else will go? It'll be faster and less suspicious if I do. Lord Valoreth won't suspect anything." Nyra placed a hand on her chest while Arianna stared at her worriedly. "I'll leave before sunrise, my lady."
"Alright, Nyra. Thank you," Arianna finally said.
"So how are we going to get the book?" Selene asked as they watched Arianna begin pacing the room again.
"It's not going to be easy, especially since Valoreth might already know we'll come for it," Arianna replied. "The male purposely bought it with him for us to see it--" Her hands clenched behind her back, and she winced, eyes shutting as a sharp headache struck her.
"Are you alright, my lady?" Nyra asked with concern.
"Yeah, I'm fine," Arianna shrugged it off. "Maybe I just didn't get enough sleep last night."
Selene remained quiet, her eyes narrowing as she observed Arianna closely.
"If we're to get the book, we'll have to be extra careful," Arianna continued. "We don't know when the King will return, and there's only a slim chance the Beta will be able to stop the trial being prepared for me. I suppose I'll have to prepare myself for questioning."
"That won't happen," Selene stood. "The moment you step into court, they won't show mercy, Arianna. They're ancient Lycans. The King isn't in the palace, and without him, Beta Lucas might not be able to defy their decisions. That could cause serious trouble in the court."
She shook her head again. "It's better if the trial doesn't happen at all, Aria. That would be a huge problem."
"Then how about a distraction?" Lylah suggested. "Something we can use to delay the trial until the King returns."
Sighing, Arianna took a seat and stared blankly into space. "Then we'll cook up something for that. We'll find a way out."