The Lycan King's Forbidden Craving - Chapter 216: Chapter 216

Ever since Toran spilled the beans, the realm had been even more chaotic than before. At first, it was just a rumor that Duncan had been killed by those in power with poison, but many didn’t really believe it. After all, Arianna was his mate—the devil they had blamed. Her blood wasn’t trusted.
But Toran’s words proved them wrong. They really did kill the king.
The protest began to gain more people as the true colors of those in power started to spill out.
Palace soldiers marched toward the house of Greystone in the Ravenhood Pack, where the elders were gathered.
They burst in with swords and met Elder Varyn and a few others in the middle of discussing how to bring those in power down.
“Found you,” the leader of the soldiers smirked.
Elder Varyn’s jaw clenched. One of their own must have been bribed and exposed them. He had expected this, but having others die with him wasn’t what he wanted.
“Kill them.”
“Wait,” Elder Varyn stepped forward. “I'm the one who started all this. Take only me and leave the rest alone.”
“Do you think we’re stupid? Killing you won’t kill the problem. We’ll end everyone involved in going against the throne.”
“Killing us won’t also change the fact that you're making a huge mistake,” the old man countered. “This realm deserves a better leader than these people who are turning us against each other. The palace guards are supposed to protect the people from harm, not kill those who are trying to make things right!”
The soldiers behind glanced at each other, but their leader’s face remained stoic.
“We serve the crown, and anyone against it is the enemy,” he said. “We swore an oath.”
“You also swore to protect the people no matter what. That’s part of your path, right?” another said behind Elder Varyn.
“The crown wasn’t meant for bloodshed. We’re trying to fix it,” added another.
The leader’s nose flared. He shut his eyes. “Kill them,” he ordered.
The soldiers, having no choice, stepped forward to carry out their orders, but a sudden blast of fire swirled across, stopping their movement.
A figure, unnoticed until now, stepped out from the shadows. A dark silver cloak billowed behind her.
She raised her hand, steadying the fire.
“When it comes to serving the crown,” her voice rang out, calm yet thunderous with power, “it shouldn’t come at the cost of your people’s blood.”
Elder Varyn froze, as did the others and even the soldiers.
“The king’s mate,” one of the soldiers whispered.
“I’ll give you two choices. Truly serve the crown I am about to save, or die by my fire,” she warned, then met Elder Varyn’s shocked, teary, yet excited gaze.
“Aria,” he croaked breathlessly.
Her fine lips curled into a smile.
“Hello, Pa.”
An hour later, the soldiers had obeyed her command after learning from the other soldiers, how she had won the war and now had more than two thousand five hundred men at her side, with more still joining.
Arianna hadn’t seen an old man cry like a baby before, but Elder Varyn portrayed that so well. He cried until there were no tears left, praising and thanking her for coming back.
When they asked how she had survived, she simply replied that the heavens saved her.
“You look even more beautiful with your silver hair,” Elder Varyn complimented.
“Thank you,” she faced him fully. “Tell me every detail about the protest. You've gathered more members?”
“Of course. I've never been so proud of myself. I thought this would be the last thing I'd do before my end. Seeing you again is the best gift the heavens have given me.”
“Me too, Pa. I'm glad you're still alive,” Arianna muttered.
After getting the necessary information from Elder Varyn, Arianna left the rest to Falcon, Eryz, and her armies to continue saving the Moon Realm from the rot that had sunk too deep into the bones of the throne.
Saving the realm would take more time and effort, but the fastest way was to get to the Lunaris Citadel and take back the power.
But first, she needed to visit an old friend.
•
“Are we just going to sit and let this keep happening?” Nyra panicked as she dropped Evelora’s tea on the table and sat down.
“Yes.”
Nyra gave her a sharp look.
“Is there anything we can do other than sit and watch everything unfold?” the old female questioned.
“Yes.” Nyra sat up. “Tell me where I can find my lady. I know you know where she is, but you still won't tell me. Many years have passed, but you keep stopping me. I'm going insane, Master.”
Evelora exhaled as if she'd heard this a thousand times.
“And I’ve told you, she’ll come.”
“It’s been seven years,” Nyra said, frustration edging her voice. “A—and I just can't go on like this. I—” She took a deep breath. “I miss her... I miss her so much.”
“Oh lovely,” Evelora said, sipping her tea without a single worry.
“Then at least tell me if the king is still alive.”
No response.
“Just tell me where Lady Arianna is right now, and I promise not to go find her. I'll be an extra good servant to you, huh?” Nyra pressed.
Another sip. “The Dragon Realm.”
Nyra froze for many beats. “Huh? The Ouroboros? That place should’ve frozen over by now. Are you saying that realm still exists. And my lady is there?”
“That’s all I can tell you,” Evelora said, picking up an apple and dicing it.
Nyra scoffed. “I'm going to find her. I'm sorry I lied, Master. I just needed a destination.”
“Don't bother. She’s here already,” Evelora muttered.
Nyra blinked. “Lady Aria?”
“Who else would I be referring to?”
Nyra sat back, a bright smile breaking across her face. One thing about Evelora, she never lies. She didn’t know why the woman was suddenly revealing everything after years of silence, but it didn’t matter.
“So you're saying my lady is in the Moon Realm? What part can I find her?”
“She is here.”
Nyra blinked again, biting her lip. Was Evelora playing with her emotions?
Before she could speak, a knock sounded at the door.
“High Seeress, you have a visitor,” a voice called from outside.
Nyra didn’t think it through. “I'm going to get a horse and start searching the Moon Realm until I find her. Goodbye, Master,” she huffed, standing to leave.
She stepped out, heading to her room, but paused at the sight of a cloaked female observing the shelves filled with ancient books and medicine.
Silver hair?
The elegant frame, the love for books. She’d recognize it anywhere.
The female sensed her presence and slowly turned to face her.
Nyra’s eyes filled with tears as she stepped closer.
“My lady?”
“Hello, Nyra.”
Nyra palmed her lips, shoulders shaking with emotion. “By the gods, you… you’re alive.”
She bolted forward and crashed into her, tears spilling as she wrapped her arms around her tightly.
Days she had regretted of not staying. She blamed, crying and cursed herself to no end. What happened seven years ago had broke her in a cruel way. Worst, the Seer refused to tell her what she needed to hear or let her leave.
“My lady,” she sobbed harder.
Arianna hugged her back, gently caressing her hair.
“You haven’t changed much,” she murmured.
“Gods, I’ve missed you. I thought I’d never see you again,” Nyra croaked. She pulled back to look at Arianna’s face—still glowing as ever. Then her gaze dropped to her stomach.
“My lady?” she whispered, worry etching her features.
“He’s in the Dragon Realm.”
The Dragon realm was still exist and...
“You have a son?” Another wave of emotion hit Nyra. She hugged Arianna again, tighter. “Thank you for coming back.”
Evelora stood at the threshold, watching the scene with a small smile.