The Lycan King's Forbidden Craving - Chapter 211: Chapter 211

Rodaric’s body crashed onto a rock, the sickening sound of his bones cracking echoed. Fire engulfed his fur.
He groaned, quickly rolling over the soil to stop the fire. He had thought Arianna would be weak without her dragon, but he was totally wrong. The female called on fire without a source.
Is she truly bearing the goddess's power?
There had to be a way to beat her.
“What did Valoreth promise you to take mine and my sister’s head? A high place?” she asked smoothly, lounging lazily on another rock as if the fight bored her.
Rodaric’s Lycan sneered in response.
“As the previous head warrior of the Lunaris Citadel, I expected more logical reasoning ability from you.”
“You know nothing about me,” the words grumbled out of the Lycan.
“Yes, I don’t,” she said, voice gentle. “Tell me... Did you lose someone in the war? Clearly, you have a story to tell, Rodaric.”
The Lycan stared at her for a long while before shifting into his half form. Blood and wounds still marred his body—more visible now.
“You think a little talk could win me over?”
“Nah,” Arianna folded her arms beneath her head and bent a knee. “I’m not planning to win you over or anyone. I’m tired of trying to impress people, because in the end, they do whatever they want. The more you try to make yourself perfect, the more they mock you.”
She dug one hand into her hair. “It’s funny. But somehow, people just need to see things themselves.”
“Are you saying you’re going to go against the moon realm?” Rodaric scoffed.
“What I choose to do depends on me, stupid. I’m the master of my sea, and I’ll do whatever pleases me. If they want bloodshed, I’ll give them,” she flicked her powerful gaze to him. “If you wish to die—your choice.”
The male’s expression shifted, one that gave Arianna a clear sign that her words were slowly reaching him.
“You seemed like a once-good soldier, until you snuck into a barely six-year-old boy’s room to murder him. Was that how you were trained?” she asked. “What exactly broke you to that extent?”
Rodaric's shoulders tensed, breath ragged.
“I do what the crown wants. I swore my loyalty, and I’ll die by it. My past is none of your business.”
“Who did you lose? Brother? Son? Mate? Mother?” Arianna smirked when his eyes twitched at the word mother. “Your mother?”
“Shut it!” he roared.
Arianna didn’t stop. “You think your mother would really want this?”
He didn’t reply. He just shifted and began to run to attack. But fire poured from above. The dragon on the mountain, which he hadn’t noticed.
His world went black.
•••••••••
Lylah woke, bones aching and skin burning as she stirred from her deep sleep. Her eyelids fluttered open, squinting as the sun peeking into the small room kissed her face.
“Morning,” a voice said.
Lylah stirred, meeting her sister’s gaze on her left side, her brow furrowed.
“Aria?”
Lylah blinked as she noticed the unfamiliar room, a thin gown covering her frame. Then it hit her—the memories of last night. Heat flooded her cheeks.
The smirk on her sister’s face made it worse.
“Oh my God. How did you find me?” she whispered.
“Falcon told me, and I had to come pick you up,” Arianna said, sounding as though it wasn’t a big deal knowing what happened.
“So…”
“You fucked Lucas, and you are his mate.”
“Oh Gawd.” Lylah flipped the sheet over her face. “Don’t say it like that.”
“It’s a good thing. I knew it would happen someday, and I’m glad it happened with your first love.”
“Aria, please, I’m so embarrassed right now,” Lylah muffled. “Can you not tease me?”
Arianna laughed softly. “Fine, I won’t.”
“Lucas?”
“He went back to his unconscious state.”
The cover left Lylah’s face. She sat up but winced at the ache that struck her between her legs. She cursed under her breath.
“Oh God, I’m so wrecked,” she said.
“You’ll be fine. You just need a little bit of rest.” Arianna picked up the herb beside her. “Drakora made this.”
Lylah stilled, jaw slacked.
“Does everyone know?”
Arianna almost rolled her eyes. "Just me and her, stop overreacting.”
“Easy for you to say.” Lylah drank the herb and dropped the cup. A shadow fell on her face.
“It will take some time. As his mate, you just have to be there for him. I’m sure he’ll be fine soon.”
Tears burned in Lylah’s eyes. She sank further into the mattress, heart pounding in her chest while her sister quietly watched her.
“I heard him say something last night. I guess I hallucinating then,” Lylah sighed heavily. “I’m glad he’s still alive.”
She gave Arianna a smile, and when Arianna saw the tears that slowly blurred her vision, she stepped close and pulled her into her embrace.
Tears traced a slow path down Lylah’s cheek.
“I’m happy for you,” Arianna whispered, stroking her hair.
“Will he really be okay?” Lylah croaked. “I missed him so much.”
“He will, little bear. He will.”
Lylah pulled away and wiped her tears. A pang of worry hit her; she studied her sister closely.
“Do… you think King Duncan is the same?”
Arianna’s movement froze slightly. Finally, a flicker of emotion passed through those silver eyes. Concern… and a hint of something else.
Doubt?
Duncan had been locked in a silver coffin for years. Silent. No food, no water, and…
“Sorry, I shouldn’t be asking that,” Lylah shook her head.
“No, it’s fine.” Arianna’s smile was tight. “Take some rest. I’ve got some training to do. I’ll visit soon.”
When the door shut, Lylah scolded herself inwardly. She could only hope Arianna would find that light again, because behind Arianna’s smile, Lylah could see the broken woman who badly missed her mate.
She couldn’t sleep. The ache and the curiosity wouldn’t let her. Hours had passed, yet she won't stop thinking.
She forced herself up, wincing at the sharp sting and burn on her skin. Lucas had fucked the hell out of her last night.
“Happy now, huh, Nyx? I can’t even feel my legs.”