The Lycan King's Forbidden Craving - Chapter 73: Chapter 73

BLACK MOUNTAIN
"Why are you here instead of the fortress?" Evelora asked Nyra as she helped her dress.
"I heard you’ll be the head Seer for the night. You need my help. Besides, I needed to see you.”
"I can handle myself, Nyra. I have other servants who can help with all sorts of things," Evelora said, slipping her arm through the second sleeve of her cloak.
"None understand you as I do."
Evelora snorted. "How is she?"
Nyra, understanding who she was referring to, replied, "She’s nice so far. No bad energy." She took a deep sigh. "The King is growing fond of her. Last night, they snuck into the city together."
Evelora’s lips parted in surprise. "He showed that side of himself to her?"
"Yes, but I’m afraid she might..."
"Might what?" Evelora asked. "The King has finally found a woman who triggers him in a good way, in such a short amount of time. I think we’re looking at this the wrong way, praying to gods they'll never meet was absolutely wrong. Perhaps they are meant to be."
"He still doesn’t know he’s mated to her Ouroboros side. If he does, the king would get angry we kept this away from him..."
"Shh," Evelora hushed her, seeming to listen intently. The woman had an uncanny sense of hearing and could sense a presence before it arrived.
Moments later, a voice from behind the entrance door announced the King's presence. The door creaked open, and Duncan stepped inside.
He was clad in a fine robe embroidered with silver and midnight-blue thread, a wolf-fur mantle draped over one shoulder, and a silver circlet resting upon his forehead.
"Your Grace," Evelora greeted.
"You came," Duncan’s lips barely tugged into a smile.
"I did… I’m not waiting another thirty-one years before seeing you, especially when you need me the most," Evelora replied, while Duncan shifted a questioning gaze to Nyra, who pressed her lips together.
"Pardon the child," Evelora spoke, sensing his thoughts. "I summoned her for an urgent matter."
Duncan nodded, refocusing on Evelora. "Very well then. I’m inviting you to the palace. You should attend every session of the Grand Festival."
"His Grace must know I am quite occupied. There are many things laid on my table."
"I doubt there is anything more important than what is happening within my court," Duncan’s eyes narrowed. "Your presence is needed."
"Just say it, Duncan," Evelora teased. "Is it truly the festival that compels you to summon me… or is it because of the girl?"
Duncan sighed. "You assume too much, Evelora."
"Oh… the ceremony is about to start," Evelora swiftly changed the subject, but before Duncan could reply—
A scream tore through the air. Piercing.
So loud and triggering that Ash surged to the surface immediately.
Duncan’s head snapped back, his golden eyes widening, alert. "Did you hear that?" he asked, his breaths coming hard and fast.
"Hear what?" Evelora asked, as all she could hear was the chatter of the Elites outside, preparing for the ceremony.
"It’s her," Duncan muttered.
The scream came again. Twice louder.
His body reacted before his mind did—forcing him to shift into his half-form. The next thing he knew, he was running like a devil through the woods.
•••••••••••
Lunaris Citadel – The Palace Gardens
Arianna gasped as another violent wave of heat slammed into her body. She clawed at the grass, her breath ragged and uneven.
Arianna
The voice clashed against her hearing. It felt like a hammer slamming onto her head, ready to split it.
“Make it stop! It’s too loud!” Arianna growled, her eyes glowing silver. Strands of her hair turned silver, glowing under the moonlight.
“Accept your dragon, Arianna,” Selene's voice broke through the chaos, urgent as she remained close. “The more you resist, the angrier it gets.”
“It’s too big. Too terrifying. It feels like it’s going to burn me alive!” Arianna groaned, the crescent mark on her neck glowing brightly.
Selene burned another arrow coming their way. The assassins seemed to observe the situation, perhaps surprised by the strange, crackling energy Arianna was emitting.
“Aria,” Selene called softly, her voice grounding Arianna for a moment.
Arianna’s dragon was strong—it was bound to scare her. It had been buried inside of her, suppressed by her alpha wolf. Dragons were meant to grow alongside their masters, forging a connection as they matured.
But Arianna, already an adult, had never nurtured that bond. Now, both she and her dragon were like strangers trying to merge, an inevitable struggle causing pain, frustration, and confusion.
“It's okay,” Selene let down her defenses, just to give Arianna a light, consoling hold on her shoulder. Arianna looked up at her.
“Be calm and… dance with the fire,” Selene assured.
Dance with the fire. Selene's voice echoed in Arianna's head but a poisonous dagger weaved through the wind, hitting Selene's shoulder.
Selene groaned in pain, staggering back. Arianna's eyes widened.
"No!!" She screamed.
"I'm fine," Selene hissed, struggling with the pain.
Dance with the fire.
Arianna’s eyes flicked towards the hand lamp on the floor, then to the assassins who began running in their direction with their weapons.
“Die,” Arianna growled, weaving her hand and the fire obeyed, sweeping through the air, catching one of the assassins, whose scream pierced the air.
The others didn’t stop; they kept coming. Arianna continued with the fire, shoving it towards them. It hit another, but others began to dodge.
Selene, who was beginning to be affected by the poison, did her best to support Arianna. Her trembling hands could barely lift.
It took a toll on her, making her vomit blood onto the grass.
“Selene!” Arianna’s eyes widened, distracted for a fleeting moment, but as she regained her composure, she saw three assassins already in the air, swords aiming to stab her, and the last one with claws… all moving with speed.
Oh no.
A bump collided with her waist; Arianna's feet left the ground as someone pulled her away from the spot swiftly. She shut her eyes with a gasp, waiting for her body to crash to the floor, but nothing happened.
Gently, the strong arms dropped her onto the soft grass. Arianna’s eyes met those familiar golden amber eyes, staring at her with both concern and confusion.