The Lycan King's Forbidden Craving - Chapter 34: Chapter 34

{NEXT MORNING}
Lylah's head snapped up at the aroma of a meal drawing close. A maid appeared at her cell with a tray of food.
Lylah's stomach growled in response.
The guard unlocked the gate, allowing the maid to step inside.
Even though Lylah was starving, she was surprised that the handsome Lord had actually ordered food to be brought to her.
The maid gently placed the tray before her. It was the same maid who had brought her food when she was still confined in the room. The man gave her a knowing shake of head before leaving the cell.
Lylah drew the meal closer and took a bite.
"I thought Mr. Handsome Lord was going to starve me to death as punishment," she mumbled with her mouth full. "I guess he's not all grumpy after all."
She took another bite, nodding as the flavors spread in her mouth. "Tasty, but not like the one at home..." Her gaze turned serious. "I'm going to execute my plan tonight. I just hope I don’t end up dead before I see Aria."
She took another bite, strategizing in her head
••••••••••
Night fell, darkness engulfing the place.
In a barricade, a high-pitched scream echoed, piercing to the ears and filled with pain.
The two guards at the entrance frowned, exchanging glances.
"What the hell is wrong with her now?" the first asked.
"We're both out here. How the fuck am I supposed to know?" the second guard raised a brow.
Another scream rang out, louder this time, making both guards tense.
"Go check on her. I'll stay here," the second guard ordered. The first nodded and stepped inside, heading toward the last cell.
His eyes landed on Lylah. She was sweating all over and writhing, her face contorted in agony, as if something was tearing inside of her.
Another scream tore from her lips as she clawed at her body, pulling her hair, sobbing.
"Help... Something is wrong!" she cried, her body trembling.
The guard frowned. Could she be pretending?
Another scream came—this time, she arched her back against the floor, as though possessed. It worked on him this time.
Hastily, the guard unlocked the door, stepping inside to check on her state before fetching the Beta or a healer.
"Hey, tell me what's—" He reached for her shoulder, but—
Lylah's hand shot up, gripping a fistful of sand, and she flung it into the guard’s face, hitting his eyes directly.
The guard screamed, staggering back. Lylah took the opportunity to dash out of the cell.
A smirk curled on her lips—but it quickly disappeared when the second guard stood right before her.
"The fuck do you think you're doing?" he sneered, tilting his head, his eyes flashing with anger.
Lylah tensed. She had prepared for this. She was small, but she was fast.
"Get. Back. In. Your. Cell," the guard warned. The other guard, still rubbing at his eyes, was slowly regaining his composure.
Cracking her knuckles, Lylah charged forward. There was an opening on the guard’s side...
The guard smirked. Fool. He moved to block the opening—only to realize too late that she had tricked him.
Lylah's feet slammed the nearby cell bar, launching herself to the opposite side of the guard and darting toward the real opening he had just left exposed.
Maybe she had underestimated his speed, because his hand shot out, nearly grabbing her.
So close—too close.
She barely managed to dodge, but his fingers caught the tip of her bun.
Shit. She couldn't get caught! That would ruin everything.
Her eyes flicked to the dagger at his waist.
Without hesitation, she grabbed it and swiftly sliced off the end of her hair.
The sudden loss of resistance made the guard stumble back, clutching at nothing but a severed lock of hair.
Lylah wasted no time. She drove her knee straight into his groin.
A choked grunt escaped his lips as he doubled over, giving her just enough time to bolt.
"Get over here!" the guard roared behind her.
The pursuit began. The sound of boots pounding against stone filled the air.
Lylah's eyes locked onto the iron gate ahead—the way out of the dungeon. But a guard stood in front of it. His head snapped toward the commotion.
"Stop her!" the guard behind her yelled.
The one at the gate lunged forward.
Shit. Think, Lylah...
She raised the stolen dagger, pretending she was about to throw it. The guard flinched. That hesitation was all she needed.
Smirking, she dove forward, slipping between his opened legs.
The guard looked down in confusion—just as the two chasing her collided into him. All three crashed to the ground.
Lylah let out a small chuckle at the sight. Lucky for her, the key was still in the lock.
Twisting it, she pushed the door open, dashed out, and slammed it shut behind her, locking it.
She exhaled hard. That was close.
Turning, her eyes widened. More guards. Five of them. She quickly ducked into the shadows before they could see her.
Shit.
The guards inside the dungeon began banging on the door, drawing the attention of the ones outside.
"Hey, is everything okay?" one of them asked as they all approached.
"Don't tell me they foolishly locked themselves in," another scoffed.
Their distraction gave Lylah a chance. She began sneaking away, her steps light and backwards.
She had almost made it past them when—
"Who the hell are you?" one of the guards snapped.
Lylah's expression shifted instantly with a worried look, pretending though she was making her way towards their direction.
"I'm a new maid," she stammered, fidgeting with her dressing. "A-and I got lost."
The guard sneered. "Filthy one, get out!"
Lylah didn't hesitate. She dashed away, vanishing into the night.
Now outside, Lylah wiped off her sweat and let out a deep exhale. “That was pretty close.”
Lylah hadn't realized how huge the place was, swarming with guards and maids.
As she walked, some cast her a fleeting glance, holding their noses as she passed by. Only then did Lylah realize how dirty her attire was.
She reeked, and her body longed for a warm bath. But then a whisper caught her ear.
“The Beta is about to spar with a maid.”
The handsome Lord sparring with a maid? Lylah frowned, and as they left, she quickly followed.
They got to the Military sector, not far from the place. Several people had gathered to watch the fight on the open ground.
Lucas had just hit Brigid, sending her flying several feet; a sickening crack of her bone echoed in the air. Gasps filled the crowd.
“Why won't she just give up? Lord Lucas might kill her.”
Lylah blinked and mumbled, “He hits women; he's definitely not a gentleman… hmp." She shrugged and folded her arms. "I don't like gentlemen anyway; they are practically boring.”
The girl nearby gave her a fleeting look, disgusted, before returning her gaze to the show. She spoke again, “She must be desperate to win. If she manages to strike the Lord just once, he'll grant her wish of joining the warriors.”
Lylah's eyes widened. That's insane. Her gaze flicked back to the spar.
The young maid was bleeding all over, her face swollen, with cuts all over. This girl might die if she keeps pushing.
“He is so cold,” a voice murmured, tension filling the air.
“Yield?” Lucas called, approaching Brigid, pointing his small dagger at her.
She spat out blood and rasped, “Yield.”
“Oh dear, she is giving up,” a voice whispered, while they watched worriedly.
“The rule remains the same. If I catch you again, I will spar with you, and I'll go rougher than now."
Lucas spun, ready to leave, but someone emerged from the crowd, stepping out. Her hands were locked behind her as she approached the Grand Lord.
Eyes widened; Lucas wasn't left alone. For the first time in so many years… something actually shocked him.
It was none other than this little wolf.
Lylah.
Wasn't she supposed to be locked in her cell.
“Evening, My Lord,” she greeted, clearing her throat. “Does this deal apply to anyone?”
Lucas, knowing what she was about to do, furrowed his brows. “Go on.”
Lylah swallowed; she was terrified, but she didn't let it show. After all, she had no other way.
“I'll spar with you, My Lord,” she said. Gasps rippled through the air. Many called her crazy. “One strike from me, and I'll win. You'll let me off the hook and allow me to meet my sister. If I'm to serve the Citadel, then I'll join the warriors. However, if you win… then,”
She took a deep breath, “I'll face your punishment right here… Deal?”
She is insane!
Totally crazy!
Who the hell is she?!
Does she have a death wish or something?!
The Lord stared at her for what felt like an eternity; soon, a dangerous smirk formed on his chiseled lips.
Tilting his head slightly, he gave the order…
“Pick up your weapon, little wolf… it's gonna be a long night.”