The Lycan King's Forbidden Craving - Chapter 193: Chapter 193

Lylah’s eyes fluttered open, meeting the orange-streaked sky. The sun was beginning to set, and she realized she was in a moving cart.
She tilted her head slightly and met a pair of dull, misty silver eyes blinking down at her. The young face flinched the moment her brows drew together in confusion.
“She’s awake!”
“Quiet down, Cal,” hushed a familiar voice. Sylra.
Her head popped up next, wearing a soft smile. “You must be hungry.”
Lylah gasped, springing up into a sitting position, shock flooding her body as the memories came rushing back. Even now, everything still felt surreal.
Never in her life had she thought she’d encounter these creatures—except for her sister and Madam Selene.
“Bread and fish? Healer Zav made them. He’s a really good cook,” the young girl—or perhaps boy—offered.
It was the same kid who had announced the wolves during Zav’s treatment. Long silver hair and eyes filled with excitement and curiosity.
Lylah glanced around.
They were traveling along a mountain pass in large, gently moving carts.
She was stunned to see more of Ouroboros accompany them.
Some of them gave her skeptical looks, like they were still deciding whether to trust her or not.
“Where are you taking me?” She snatched out a dagger. “Where’s Drakora?”
“I’m right here,” a gentle voice answered from the smaller cart behind. Drakora stepped out and sat across from her.
The striking feature she had with Arianna was alarming.
“We mean no harm, Lylah. We were simply here to rescue you.”
“Did Arianna send you?”
“No.”
“Then how the fuck are you still breathing? I thought they said you were dying.”
“I was. I almost did. But miracles happen, don’t they?”
“Don’t give me that shit,” Lylah scoffed. “What did you do?”
“Look,” Drakora sighed. “It’s complicated. Words won’t be enough. We just have to show you.”
Lylah’s throat tightened as she asked the ultimate question of all.
“I... Is Arianna still alive?”
The silence that followed made Lylah’s heart drum loudly in her ears.
“That, as well, is a little complicated.”
Lylah hissed. “Stop playing games with me.”
“She’s trapped.”
A paused.
Lylah blinked. “What do you mean by that?”
“You won’t understand unless you see it for yourself. You’re the hope to bring her back. There are many other things to tell you, Lylah. All you have to do is eat… and trust us.”
Lylah sucked in a breath, calming her boiling blood. Why did everyone think she still had a heart left to trust?
“If any shit happens, I’ll kill you first. Wouldn’t be a bad idea to add a goddess to my list,” she muttered with a glare.
Just because Drakora was Arianna’s stepmother didn’t mean she could be trusted—especially when she was supposed to be dead a long time ago.
Who knew what they were doing to Arianna… or what kind of meticulous act they’d pulled to still exist?
She would lay low—for now. Until she got to see her sister.
After all, she had promised herself: she’d dig through the entire earth if that’s what it took to see her again.
••••••••••
BRIGID
Three days locked in the cell. She didn’t bother asking for release or confessing.
She preferred the barricade surrounding her. Even though she looked disheveled like a messy slave, she’d still choose this place.
It was silent and peaceful. Just her and her thoughts.
Her personal maid had visited, that was how she learned Valoreth was still trying to find Lylah.
She hoped they wouldn’t.
After her maid left, the king’s presence was announced. Light footsteps approaching.
She didn’t look up until he spoke.
“How long are you going to be like this?”
No response.
“Open the gate,” he ordered, followed by the clanking sound of it unlocking.
He stepped in and crouched before her, meeting her gaze.
“Let’s go back.”
She turned her head, letting her tangled hair block him from the corner of her eye.
“Brigid,” he reached to pull her.
“What do you want from me?!” she snapped. “Just leave me alone, Toran!”
“So you like it here?!” he snapped back. “I’m trying to help you, so get up and come with me. My woman cannot be in a filthy dungeon.”
“I am not your woman! And this dungeon is my new home—so leave me the fuck alone!”
Toran let out a ragged exhale, his fingers twitching to grab and punish her for disobeying him. But he restrained himself.
“So, you really did help the Devil’s sister escape?” he gritted out.
And just like every time that question came, she sealed her mouth shut.
“Say it. Just give me an answer. I know you wouldn’t be so dumb enough to help her escape. Did you sabotage the royal scroll and sneak her out because I planned to impregnate her?”
If it was years ago, Brigid would have been hurt.
But now her heart had no place for a knife to sink in.
He stared at her like a volcano ready to erupt if she didn’t satisfy his curiosity.
“What if I did?” she asked coldly.
Toran scoffed, shaking his head. “You wouldn’t dare.”
“What if?”
His expression hardened, and something in his eyes made a chill creep down her spine.
He left the question hanging, rose to his feet to leave. Just as he reached the threshold of the cell, he glanced over his shoulder.
“Enjoy your precious time with the rats and roaches in this dungeon.”
He left, and Brigid rested her head against the wall, wondering if Lylah was okay.