The Lycan King's Forbidden Craving - Chapter 154: Chapter 154

Shocked Valoreth glanced at the King, who he had assumed had already executed Jarik.
"Tell them what you told me," Duncan said coldly. "State your crimes. Tell them why you did it."
Jarik dropped to his knees, the chains clanking. He lifted his silver eyes toward the Lords-guilt heavy in them.
The Ouroboros looked lean, his body marred with scars that told of his suffering in confinement. His eyes were lifeless as he bowed his head in shame.
"You can all hear his heartbeat," Duncan said to the Lords. "So listen to every word of his."
Jarik began to confess.
He explained how he used his abilities to deceive the rogues, making them believe he was their god. He led them into attacking small packs. As he spoke, Valoreth's jaw ticked with tension.
Jarik went on to explain why he did it.
Drakora's dying had frozen their lands, crops failed, animals grew rare, their people starved. They died every day, dwindling in number.
By the time Jarik finished, his face was wet. Tears soaking his cheeks. He was breaking with emotions. The guilt was devouring him inside out.
"I'm sorry," he whispered, voice ragged, eyes tightly shut. "I never meant to hurt this realm. I hate myself for it. I hate that I let sorrow and the pain of losing my beloved wife and unborn child in the depths of icy waters drive me to this. I-" He choked, tears dripping onto the stone floor. "I couldn't bear watching my people suffer for something they never even understood..."
Arianna didn't know when a tear slipped and fell from her eyes.
"We were just trying to survive, and I thought I could-" Jarik sobbed harder. "If it wasn't for the fire in us, we would've gone extinct a long time ago. But things kept getting worse, and I thought I could change things, to set my people free from the consequences of our ancestors' sins. But I did it wrong. I acted like them instead. Led the rogues and killed the innocent. All of this... I did it alone. My people have no idea I'm here. And for that, I'll accept any punishment. I'll regret it even after death. But-"
Jarik raised his teary gaze. "Please! Please do not punish or hate my people for it. We are innocent. Powerless. There are no dragons, no Ouroboros out for revenge. We're just people. Men, women, and children who simply... want to survive. Don't hate them. Please."
Jarik lowered his head to the floor. "Please. I beg you!"
Merek shut his eyes, letting the words sink in. Damaris struggled with what to think. Atheon swallowed hard and sighed, while, of course, Valoreth wasn't ready to accept it. So he asked,
"Where are the remaining Ouroboros? At least give us something to confirm what you've said."
Jarik shook his head. "I'm sorry. I... I can't. My first son is just seven, and he's still out there. I left him alone-the worst mistake of my life. I'll never forgive myself for that. The least I can do before I die is protect him." His voice was quiet. "I'm sorry, my Lord. If our goddess dies, then we'll all go extinct. Honestly... I think that would be better than another child being born to suffer the cruelty we did."
Silence regained its domain in the court, broken only by Jarik's sobs.
Then Duncan spoke, his voice sharp and authoritative.
"Jarik of the Ouroboros. For leading attacks against the Moon Realm and shedding innocent blood, you are sentenced to death."
Jarik lifted his head slightly, stiffening as his body trembled. "Thank you, your Grace," he whispered. A painful smile spread across his lips as his gaze finally met Arianna's.
Hope. That was the hint she saw there. But Arianna averted her gaze, her chest tightening as she heard the hiss of a sword being drawn from its sheath.
She shut her eyes, unable to watch his execution. The sickening sound reached her ears, and she flinched. Jarik's sobs had stopped.
Duncan gave her a gentle squeeze and mindlinked her:
*I had to.*
Arianna sniffed back her tears and replied,
*I understand.*
Duncan returned his attention to the Lord and declared.
"We've heard the male. We know the truth. They are no longer a threat. And in two months, their goddess will perish-so will their people. There will be no bloodshed. This is my command."
With that, he turned and began to leave, Arianna held close in his arms.
Arianna swallowed hard, suppressing the urge to look back at Jarik-and she managed to do just that until she finally stepped outside. The cool breeze hit her skin.
She couldn't believe she had made it out, and it was all thanks to her male. He was still angry; she could feel it through their bond. But she was glad he didn't lose himself in the court.
She spotted Selene, Lylah, and Nyra in the distance. They all looked so relieved, eyes brimming with unshed tears.
Duncan didn't let go of her hand, simply leading her back-and she followed without a word.
Upon reaching the chamber, Duncan entered first and gently cupped her face.
"Are you alright?" he asked, scrutinizing her all over again.
"Mhm," she smiled.
However, Duncan looked as though he hadn't slept in days. Just before she could ask, he told her softly, "Sit."
She did as she was told and was stunned when he crouched down and began to take off her footwear.
"Dun, I can-"
"They must have stressed you a lot. Did you stand for long?" he asked, staring at her bare right foot. It was slightly red, which made him frown.
"Fuck," he muttered under his breath. "I should have at least killed one of their guards."
"Dun. I'm fine," she whispered, and he looked up at her, gauging her expression. "I really am."
Honestly, she was just glad he didn't slash anyone's throat.
Then Duncan suddenly sniffed sharply, as if catching a strange scent. He sniffed again, his brows knitting as his eyes roamed over her body.
"What's that?"
Instead of replying, he leaned close to her belly and sniffed deeply. Then his eyes widened, almost too wide, and they flicked up to meet hers.
Shock etched every line of his handsome face.
For the first time, the Grand King Thornevale stuttered.
"D...id... I just smell my pup on you?"