The Lycan King's Forbidden Craving - Chapter 151: Chapter 151

“Arianna Greystone,” Lord Merek’s voice rang deep with power. “I suppose you know the reason why you stand here before the court.”
Lord Merek was said to be a father figure to Duncan—the oldest and wisest among the four Lords. He had served as the Western Emissary for a very long time, a position earned through sheer dedication.
He had also been close to Duncan’s father during his reign, before the war tore everything apart.
If she could manage to win this man over, even just a little, then things might shift in her favor.
“Yes, my Lord,” Arianna said, keeping her voice calm and respectful. “But what I do not understand is why I’m clad in these shackles.”
She held out her hands, the clacking sound echoing softly.
“We don’t know what kind of power swirls within you, so we had to take precautions,” Lord Merek replied. His voice was neither soft nor cold—measured, rather.
“I believe it wasn’t necessary, my Lord, as I pose no threat,” Arianna responded.
“Well, I don’t believe that,” Lord Valoreth spoke now, and she instantly knew the shackles had been his idea. “If you give us a good reason, then those chains won’t be a problem. That’s not our main focus here.”
Arianna remained quiet. It was pointless arguing with someone like Lord Valoreth. Unlike the others who still questioned whether she was a threat, he had clearly already made up his mind.
The host stepped forward with a scroll—presumably the list of questions prepared for her.
“Is it true that Ouroboros blood runs through your veins? Are you a werewolf or an Ouroboros?” the host asked.
“I carry both bloodlines,” Arianna answered simply. Only the questions asked were to be answered. No more. No less.
Their expressions tightened. Lord Damaris shifted in his seat, jaw clenching.
“And how is that so?” asked the brown-haired, middle-aged host. Interestingly, he was the same one who had questioned her during the slave trial. He stared at her with the same hostility burning in those black eyes.
Arianna gave a brief explanation—how her father met Drakora and how she had been born. She made it clear that her father never knew what Drakora truly was.
With questions like these, she wasn’t sure if Lord Valoreth had already revealed the book to the other Lords. Still, she remained calm and explained how both bloodlines had come to exist within her.
A breath passed.
The silence was deafening—heavy with disbelief.
“So perhaps you already know what that bloodline cost us centuries ago—the blood they spilled, the homes they took, the terror they bestowed upon the Moon Realm. You know that, do you not, Arianna Greystone?” Lord Damaris spoke.
He was a simple male who had lost his father—the previous Lord of the Eastern Wing. He had suffered an injury that almost cost him his life—traumatizing and unforgettable.
It was clear this male might not go easy on her, but she could see a hint of emotion in his eyes. One that demanded explanation. One that, perhaps, sought even the smallest ease to his scar.
But Arianna knew no words could ever ease that kind of pain.
“I do know about the war. About how the Moon Realm was soaked in blood while fire from dragons poured from the skies,” Arianna paused, searching for the right words. “However, I didn’t choose this blood. Neither was I there when it happened.”
“That doesn’t mean it won’t happen again. You being here means there are more of you out there,” Lord Valoreth cut in, his voice sharp. “A threat that could erupt at any moment. Your kind stayed hidden—quiet—perhaps planning to strike again. Did you even plan to let the realm know what blood you carry?”
“I was just trying to survive, my Lord. Clearly, I cannot climb to the top of the highest mountain and scream out my bloodline—especially when I, myself, didn’t fully understand it. So I let fate take the lead.”
Arianna’s reply made Lucas’ lips tug slightly. That was such a sharp reply—especially for someone like Lord Valoreth.
“Are there still dragons outside the realm?” the last Lord finally spoke.
Lucas had once said he hadn’t been there during the war. The youngest of the ancient Lycan Lords now looked at her with worried eyes.
“No, my Lord. They all vanished with their masters during the war. The remnants of the Ouroboros are like werewolves—some like Lycans. But the chosen Dragon Keepers were eradicated.”
“Then what are you?”
Arianna simply gave him a small smile. “I am Arianna Greystone. Daughter of Thane Greystone—the King’s betrothed.”
•
Selene, who stood outside watching the sky with a heavy heart and sweaty palms, simply prayed the heavens would guide Arianna.
Guards stood at every corner of the court, allowing no one else to enter.
“She’s still in there. It’s been almost an hour. I wonder if she’s doing alright,” Lylah muttered beside her, breaking the silence.
Nyra, who sat around the corner with her head lowered in worry, whispered, “We couldn’t even find the book.”
“Lord Valoreth must have taken it with him, or perhaps he’s already shown it to the others. I don’t even know what that male is thinking,” Selene sighed. “We just have to trust Aria.”
“If it doesn’t end well, I’ll protect her at all costs,” Lylah said, fire burning in her gaze.
Selene recalled when she had wanted to tell Arianna the exact location of the Ouroboros and Drakora—just as she had told the King—but Arianna had asked her not to.
Selene had thought it was simply because Arianna didn’t want to know about Drakora, but… it seemed that female had known this was coming.
•
“What do you mean you have no idea where the Ouroboros are located?” Lord Valoreth nearly sneered, his eyes glimmering with anger.
“They are beyond the Moon Realm,” Arianna replied, still maintaining her calm tone. “That is all I know.”
“Liar!”
“Lord Valoreth, we can all hear her heartbeat. She’s been telling the truth this whole time,” Lord Lucas interjected, disliking the tone the male used on the King’s woman.
So far, the questions had grown increasingly dangerous. Thanks to Lucas, who had explained what kind of males the four Lords were, Arianna had a hint of the kinds of questions they might throw at her—and she responded with calmness.
However, she could feel her strength beginning to wane. She knew the longer this dragged on, the harder it would become. But she hoped the herbs Selene had given her before coming here would help her endure.
“Who knows what she’s capable of?” Valoreth countered. “She might even know how to control her heartbeat, just like some of us here.” The other Lords seemed to lean toward his side. “If she were to become our Queen, who’s to say she wouldn’t bring ruin to the realm?”
Seriously? Are they that wary of her?
“You’re jumping to conclusions,” Lucas sneered.
“My Lord,” Arianna whispered, and Lucas understood immediately.
She didn’t want his help; an argument might only make things harder for her, and Lucas understood that part very well. But Valoreth was clearly acting out of emotion.
“If you’re worried about where I stand, Lord Valoreth, take a look around you. I’m here—and not there. I could have left this realm a long time ago, knowing blades would be pointed at me, ready to take my head the moment my bloodline is revealed. But here I am. Clad in chains, aren’t I?”
They all knew she was right. Especially the fact that she stood before them, knowing the danger it posed.
Lord Merek gave a signal to one of his soldiers before taking over, his voice calm like a silent storm.
"To be honest, I’m not quite sure Arianna Greystone is telling the truth either. She claims her parents had no idea about her bloodline, but…”
The small door at the corner opened, and a soldier led Elder Varyn inside.
“I heard something different from the oldest in your pack."
Arianna’s brows furrowed, a strange disturbing wave washing over her.
Why had they bought Elder Varyn?