The Lycan King's Forbidden Craving - Chapter 160: Chapter 160

Lylah's eyes were filled with tears—and the reason was that her sister was carrying the King's child. Arianna had broken the news to her, and her reaction was priceless.
She couldn’t keep her mouth shut, only staring at Arianna’s belly in awe.
“It’s been three weeks and a few days now,” Arianna added.
“Oh my God,” Lylah gasped, her palm flying to her mouth.
“You’re going to be an auntie,” Selene said beside Arianna. “And I’m going to stitch a whole wardrobe.”
“You’re… pregnant,” Lylah pronounced each word, shock lacing through them. In the next moment, she nearly screamed and hugged Arianna. “We should celebrate!”
“Nah… the realm is in chaos right now.”
“Oh right, I almost forgot.” Lylah’s face dropped. “But I’m so happy. This is great.”
“We can’t let anyone know yet. Just me, Selene, the King, and his Beta. I’ll tell Nyra when the time is right.”
Lylah pressed her lips together, suppressing another scream. Instead, she started listing names for the unborn child.
“Ah! How about Lucielle for a girl and Sorin for a boy?” Lylah said as she paced.
“You’ve mentioned like a hundred names. How about you store them for a few months and give them when the time comes?” Selene said.
“Right. I’ll write them all out,” she grinned happily.
“My lady,” Selene whispered to Arianna, “Tonight is the full moon.”
Arianna nodded in understanding, and Selene provided the necessary herbs.
•
Duncan was seated behind his oak desk, sweat beading on his forehead as he buried himself in work.
Lucas stepped in and bowed. Duncan looked up instantly.
“How is it going?” he asked, and Lucas exhaled.
“Only a few are getting convinced. They say if you trust her, then they do—but most are still confused and troubled. They need explanation.”
Duncan knew that words alone wouldn’t be enough. The realm was hungry for proof and certainty. Fear of the Ouroboros blood ran deep—ancient legends spoke of destruction and chaos. To silence the murmurs, something had to be done.
He wouldn’t reveal Arianna’s pregnancy just yet. Not until the realm was ready. If the news came out too soon, it could ignite chaos instead of hope.
Instead, Duncan planned a gathering—an unprecedented summit. All the Alphas, the strongest and most influential leaders of every pack across the realm. He would summon them to the Citadel, under one roof.
“This is really tough, Duncan. Especially now that she is carrying your child,” Lucas said, his worries deepened ever since Duncan broke the news to him.
Duncan leaned back in his chair. “Whether the realm wants it or not… she’ll be the only one for me.”
Lucas leaned back too, his jaw clenching, but he said nothing.
The full moon was rising. Duncan was exhausted, and that only intensified the sensations surging through him. His Lycan craved relief.
Lucas left and as he approached his chamber, Falcon inclined his head, waiting for his command.
•
Arianna rose to her feet the moment Duncan stepped into the chamber. His tired look broke her heart, and she instantly felt tears burning at the back of her eyes.
“Ari,” he smiled, cupping her face and kissing her forehead. He does that every day.
When he saw her tears, he frowned.
“Why?” she sniffled. His eyes were a little red. He barely slept, digging through every possible way to have the realm accept her.
“Dearest. I told you, I hate to see your tears,” he whispered and her throat tightened, trying to hold them back, but they kept pouring from her eyes, nonstop.
“Ari,” panic filled his gaze.
“How about—” she hesitated, but she had no choice. “How about you take another woman?”
Duncan froze, expression shifted.
“Take another woman and crown her as your Queen—”
“Stop,” he warned, releasing her. For a fleeting moment, disappointment flashed in his eyes as he walked past her.
“Dun… they’ll never accept me. If the realm refuses me, then crown someone else. I will raise our child in the shadows. You need a Luna they can follow—”
“No, Ari. You will stay by my side. You will be my Queen whether they want it or not.”
He walked toward her to hold her, but she pulled away.
“Dun, please. Perhaps you should consider someone else.”
The words felt thick on her tongue, but it seemed like he was losing himself over this, and maybe this was the safest way for them.
She recalled the times he refused to claim her, knowing full well chaos like this would erupt.
But she had been greedy—talking and acting as if love alone would be enough.
He stayed silent, but she could feel his gaze burning into her.
“Perhaps Lucas was right back then. He won't say it now because he swore never to bring it up… Maybe taking a pureblood as your—”
“Stop.” His voice darkened.
“Duncan—”
“I said stop,” he growled, slamming his fist against the wall behind her head, leaving a deep crack.
His breath was ragged, his voice rough and feral. Her teary eyes met his.
“Do not insult me with this again,” he growled. “You think I would let another woman near my throne? My bed? My child?”
“I’m just trying to protect you. I can’t have you go against the Council, the Alphas, and the Lords for my sake,” her voice trembled—not out of fear, but worry. “I don’t want to lose you, Dun.”
“You won’t.” His gaze softened.
She had thought deeply about it, and even though it made her angry at herself, she had made a promise—
Not to let Duncan lose himself while trying to protect her.
“You are mine, Arianna. Before they ever lifted their heads in rebellion—I chose you. Marked you. We’ll fight this together, okay? Don’t ever bring this up again.”
Hot tears spilled down her face, and he wiped them away with his thumb.
“You’re not going anywhere, dearest,” he whispered.
She nodded, unable to control her sobs. Then he pulled her into his warm embrace, kissing her hair.
Unable to stop herself, she whispered, “Do you regret choosing me?”
“Never. Even if it ends me, I will love you until my last breath,” he replied in a breath.
Arianna cried harder against his chest, her lips quivering.
“We fight together. Not apart. And you, my love… you don’t belong anywhere else… but here. With me."