The Lycan King's Forbidden Craving - Chapter 19: Chapter 19

"Alive."
"Not alive."
"Alive."
"Not alive."
Lylah plucked the last leaf off the plant with a bored expression, then sighed, tossing it aside as she gazed up at the bright sky.
Birds chirped, and a cool breeze grazed her skin. The morning was beautiful, yet it did nothing to ease the uneasiness gnawing at her.
“Are you alive, Aria?” she muttered, a leaf dangling from the corner of her mouth. “I’ve spent all my savings just to find you, so you’d better be—because if you're not, I’ll kill you.”
“My lady,” Ryder called from below, looking up at her. “It’s ready.”
A small smile crept onto Lylah’s face, and she began climbing down the massive tree with practiced ease. Her boots hit the grass with a soft thud as she dusted off her hands.
“Took them long enough,” she huffed as they made their way back to the inn. Pulling the leaf from her mouth, she grinned. “Alive.”
“May I say something?” Ryder asked.
Lylah nodded.
“I don't think it’s a good idea to go to the Lunaris Citadel. They won’t let us cross the main border. The only way through is the Dark Forest, and that’s crawling with night creatures and rogues lurking in the shadows. Even if we make it to the Citadel, they’ll see us as intruders and punish us. It’s dangerous—especially for you.”
Lylah sighed. “When have I ever been afraid of danger, Ryder?” she said softly but firmly. “Are you suggesting I go back to Kael, that bastard?”
“No, of course not. Kael has probably sent men after us by now. I think we should go to your father’s younger sister. She’s married to the Beta of the Crestal Pack. They’ll take us in,” Ryder suggested cautiously.
“You mean the aunt I haven’t seen since I was five? The one who didn’t show up for my father’s funeral—or my fake sister’s funeral?” Lylah countered.
“I think it would be safer—”
Lylah stopped in her tracks and turned to him sharply. “Let me make this clear: I won’t stop until I see my sister’s body myself. She’s alive somewhere—I can feel it. She’s the strongest woman I’ve ever known. If you’re hesitant to follow me, I won’t force you, Ryder. You can go back.” Her voice was steady, free of anger, but firm.
Ryder shook his head. “I promised your father I’d protect you until my last breath. That’s what I’ll do.”
“This isn’t about promises, Ryder. I know this journey is dangerous, and I don’t want to drag you into it,” Lylah said solemnly.
Ryder dropped to one knee, placing a fist over his chest. “I will forever serve the Greystone family. It’s my purpose on this earth.”
Lylah sighed and nodded. She never wanted to force anyone into accompanying her.
They reached the carriage prepared for them. Inside was Garren, looking lean and filthy, tied up and gagged.
“What do we do with him?” Ryder asked. “Shall I kill him now?”
“If we’re going to the Citadel to prove my sister’s innocence, we need a witness. Without one, we’ll be nothing but barking dogs. We need him alive, though I’d love to drive my dagger through his throat,” Lylah replied.
Ryder nodded in agreement, and soon they embarked on their perilous journey.
••••••••••••••
ARIANNA
Silence.
An endless expanse of water, just shallow enough to cover her feet, its surface reflecting her image.
The only sound was the faint, rhythmic drip of water echoing through the space.
Arianna’s eyes slowly widened. She recognized this place—the tranquil realm where she connected with her wolf.
It was like a lucid dream, where werewolves could meet and see their inner wolves.
“Oh, Lily. Finally!”
Tears welled in her eyes as she began to move. “Lily!” Her voice echoed through the space.
“Lily!” she called again and again, but there was no response—only her voice bouncing back at her.
The last time she’d been here, Lily, her beautiful white wolf, had run to her, coiling her body around her. She would happily lick her face, rub her fur against her, and purr with satisfaction.
But now, it was empty.
Arianna’s heart sank. Had the rejection hurt Lily so much that she couldn’t bear to face her anymore?
“Lily, please come back,” Arianna croaked, clutching her arms. “I’m sorry… but I really need you.”
She missed her wolf—desperately.
A shiver rippled through Arianna as a growl rumbled behind her. The sound was so powerful that it made her eyes widen in alarm.
That wasn’t Lily. Lily didn’t sound like that—terrifying and soul-crushing.
If that wasn’t Lily, then… what was it?
Swallowing the lump rising in her throat, Arianna moved slowly, her trembling feet and sweaty palms betraying her fear.
When she turned fully, she found herself face-to-face with a massive shadow lurking in the darkness.
Enormous. Definitely not Lily.
Its pair of glowing red eyes snapped open, locking onto Arianna’s gaze. Her heart jumped as her body went rigid.
Instinctively, she stepped back, stumbling and falling into the water.
••••••••••••
With a loud gasp, Arianna’s eyes snapped open.
Beads of sweat dripped from her forehead, and her chest rose and fell with heavy breaths.
What in the world had she just seen? A nightmare, perhaps—a cruel reminder of her reality.
Sighing, Arianna took in her surroundings. She wasn’t in her small chamber. This place was larger—grand.
Wait.
The King’s chamber?
She sat up abruptly. How could she still be here?
Darting her gaze around frantically, she saw no sign of the King. She had to leave before he returned.
Just as she tried to take a step, pain shot through her back, and her knees buckled.
“Ouch,” she mumbled, recalling how rough the King had been last night. Checking her bruises, she was surprised to find them dressed.
She forced her limbs to move, rising and began to leave, only to pause when something caught her eye—a library. The door was slightly ajar, revealing rows upon rows of neatly arranged books.
Did the King love reading like she did?
Arianna bit her lip, tempted. Slowly, she stepped into the room, enduring the pain in between her legs. It was bright, spacious, and welcoming.
A smile crept onto her face as she brushed her fingers over one of the books. Its leather cover bore the title Legends of the Old World.
Quickly, she opened it, her heart fluttering at the familiar words.
She loved reading with her father, especially about politics. That was why he had chosen her as the heir.
But she had failed, hadn’t she?
She’d let love blind her, allowing her home to be taken and her sister to remain in the hands of the man who had almost killed her.
Determination flashed in her eyes. She needed to find a way to go back. She needed to make them pay.
“You’re quite a bold slave, aren’t you?”
A deep voice startled her from behind.
Arianna gasped, spinning around to meet the King’s piercing gaze.
“Y-Your Grace?” she stammered.