The Lycan King's Forbidden Craving - Chapter 218: Chapter 218

He had woken up an hour ago.
He stared at his mate for what felt like forever. Shocked, bewildered, confused whether he was dead.
Everything felt out of order. So he went out, but it only worsened his confusion. Mountains and buildings he didn't recognize surrounded him.
He wandered until he found no point in it. But just as he made to return, several females gathered around him. Silver hair, silver eyes. The kind he had thought were extinct.
Then he scented her. Heard his name.
"Lylah."
She crashed into him. Her frame trembled against his. Her scent, voice, and touch. Everything overwhelmed him.
Only then did the memories flood in. The betrayal, the poison, the devious plans of the enemies.
But as he opened his mouth to speak, pain struck his chest. His head spun, and he winced.
Lylah broke the hug and wiped her tears. "Let me get you back."
Her room was comfy, bright, and furnished with only the essentials. Lucas watched her prepare some kind of herb that smelled like chamomile.
So many things had changed about her. Questions swirled in his head, but he didn't know where to begin.
His eyes never left hers until she was done.
"Drink this. It'll make you stronger," she said, her fingers trembling around the cup as he took it from her.
She settled beside him while he drank it all.
"Thanks," he whispered. She took the cup while he stared at her.
"I can't believe the first thing you did after waking up was wander off," she chuckled.
But he didn't smile. Didn't talk, despite having so much to say.
She reached out and cupped his cheeks, her fingers gently caressing his face.
"It must feel like a dream to you right now. Trust me, I feel the same," she whispered.
Lucas's throat tightened. "You've... grown. And... by the gods, how long..." He struggled. "How long have I been trapped in the death sleep?"
Many beats of silence passed.
"Seven years."
Lucas paled, unable to hold back the moisture that gathered in his eyes. "What happened? Duncan, Arianna, Falcon... everyone. Are they all well?"
"I'll explain it all."
•
"Are you insane, Rheal? What do you mean you want Lily to fly you over there?" Cal's jaw slackened as he stared at the stubborn little boy trying to pull the dragon's tail.
The beast didn't budge. It stared at Rheal as though he wasn't there.
"Come on, Lily, I'll do anything. Just fly me there," Rheal insisted.
"Your mother probably gave it instructions already. The beast listens. You can't go to the Moon Realm," Cal shook his head.
"Mother might need my help."
"And why would she? She's strong. What are you going to do to help her anyway?"
"Be cute..." He glanced at Cal. "It works every time."
Cal's mouth fell open. He blinked rapidly.
"You know, sometimes I wonder what kind of man your father is, because clearly, you did not get this side from Queen Arianna."
Rheal slumped onto the dragon's large tail, suddenly quiet as he stared at the cave's ceiling.
"You're right," Rheal muttered in a low voice.
Cal pressed his lips into a thin line. He approached with a deep breath. "I know how much you love her. I mean, I've helped you sneak into this very cave just to see her while she was still trapped, and got into trouble many times for it. I know you miss her and you're worried, but can you at least trust her? She'll send a message soon. Just be patient."
Many beats of silence passed.
"Okay," Rheal's voice was quiet.
The dragon let out a soft growl, as if offering its own condolences.
"Hey boys," a tiny voice sounded from outside. Both boys glanced up to see a girl.
Long silver braided hair. Minty silver eyes. Lips slightly twitching. Her arms were crossed behind her. She was a year younger than Cal.
"Eshara?" Cal's eyes widened. "What are you doing here?"
"My mother and I came to visit, and I figured I'd find you two here," she shrugged, then glanced at Rheal, who waved.
"Hello, handsome. Still waiting for us to grow up and get married?"
"Hey, stop it. You're way older than him," Cal snapped at her.
"Who cares? Are you jealous?" She tilted her head. Cal looked away with a scoff.
"You wish."
Eshara looked back at Rheal. "The dying master is awake. You should head back to see him. I heard he's close to the King of the Moon Realm-your father."
Rheal's lips parted.
•
Lucas had been quiet after Lylah explained it all to him. Shoulders drawn up, elbows tucked to his sides. Lylah could already guess what he was thinking.
"It's all my fault," he muttered, fingers digging through his hair. "If only I hadn't left that night... things wouldn't be like this."
"Don't blame yourself-"
"No, I should. It all began with my stupidity. She hurt me once, and I let down my guard and put everyone at risk. Everything... everyone. The realm flipped upside down, and I wasn't there."
"Lucas," she called firmly, and he slowly looked at her, guilt in his eyes. "You're here now. That's what matters. Beating yourself up like this won't help anyone."
He averted his gaze with a nod, then stared deeply at her. Eyes filled with longing.
"I'm sorry, Lylah," he sighed. "I really am."
"It's fine."
His fist clenched and she reached out to hold them.
"None of this is your fault."
He finally looked at her, his lips twitched to the side slightly. "You look different."
"In a good way or a bad way?"
"Not sure if I should still call you Little Wolf anymore," he said softly. Lylah's stomach flipped.
If only he knew what that name meant in the Arena. The bloodlusting memories it brought. She hadn't told him about that part yet and she wasn't sure she should.
Her cloak still covered most of her body. He hadn't seen the marks yet. The devious stories they told.
He suddenly reached out, sliding a loose strand of hair behind her ear. And just like back in the old days, it sparked-sending butterflies through her stomach.
No, she felt even more of it now.
That dead part of her. The one that melted like a crazy, obsessed wolf-returned.
"Thank you. For saving me... mate."
She bit the inside of her cheek, suppressing the urge to kiss him. To touch him. Hug him. Breathe him in. Bite him, if necessary.
Gods, there were so many things she badly wanted to do.
"You haven't told me your story."
Color drained from her face. Lylah's lips parted and closed again. Her throat suddenly dry.
"You should meet the others first. I'll tell you about me later," she said, standing.
But he grabbed her and gently pulled her back down.
Her face was inches from his.
"I want to hear it. What happened to you all these years. I want every detail."
How? How was she even supposed to begin?
"Please. I'll tell you later, I promise."
He stared at her for a long moment before finally nodding.
"I'm glad the moon chose you for me."
Red flushed her cheeks. "Me too," she whispered.
He had always been intimidating. The second ruler of the Lunaris Citadel. An ancient Lycan, almost as cold and ruthless as the king himself. But right now, all she saw was her mate.
Lucas Ardyn.
He'd been hesitant when she introduced him to everyone. Especially shocked by Arianna's part and the fact the Ouroboros were alive.
Lylah made sure to stay close to him. After all, he was still recovering. Both physically and mentally.
Finally, she caught a glimpse of Rheal and some of the other kids.
"Hey," she whispered to Lucas. "One more thing to show you."
"Yeah, but..." he leaned closer and whispered, "Lady Aria was pregnant. You never talked about that part."
She pointed her chin toward Rheal. Lucas's eyes followed.
He paled, jaw slack.
"By the gods..." he muttered.