The Lycan King's Forbidden Craving - Chapter 75: Chapter 75

It's been three hours since the ceremony started, and during this time, Lucas has been the one leading, causing whispers to rise among the Elites.
Magnus, on the other hand, was simply restless. According to his guards, the King was supposed to be in the Black Mountain. How could it be three hours with still no sign of him?
His mind grew restless, but he kept his composure in check. Only mates could sense if their partner was in danger. She'll surely die tonight... right?
Magnus and his children are the only ones who knew about the assassination; the other Lords and Alphas simply minded their own business.
However, those with devious desires like Pericles had been reassured by Magnus that everything was under control.
But Magnus couldn't help the uncertainty gnawing at him.
Where the hell is the King?!
Valkyrie saw the look on her father's face from where she stood among the Lunas.
She hadn't for once mentioned her father or brother how the King constantly chose Arianna over her...
So if the King had run to seek Arianna to save her from the dangerous trap of the assassins, Valkyrie wouldn't be surprised.
After all, she couldn't ignore the unimaginable pull between the King and his slave.
Finally, the head Seer, Evelora, spoke aloud with the prophecy she had foreseen.
The greatness to come.
Prayers was done after.
Evelora then headed back to the small confinement. The air was heavy and thick with his presence, laced with rage and a pang of betrayal.
Evelora could already tell what it was. The man had found out.
"Your Grace," she greeted, facing the direction of the energy. When Duncan was like this, Evelora tended to address him with formality.
Silence followed, but not for long.
"Centuries after centuries, you've been a close person to me, Evelora. I've known you for years, to the point that I've lost count. And every decision you've made was for my own good, but this?-" he paused, his voice dropping colder as he paced the space with slow steps.
"I did what was necessary, Your Majesty," Evelora's voice was calm, unlike the King's raging one.
"Necessary?" Duncan's footsteps sounded as he approached. "Since when did you know my mate was the dragon side of her?"
"Ever since she stepped into the Citedal," Evelora heard the sharp intake of breath from Duncan. "Ever since Lord Fredrick bought her to satisfy you. I wasn't sure at first because her dragon was faint... now, it is slowly dominating her being."
"If you know this much about her, then you must know how she was born in the first place... How many of those Ouroboros are still out there? Because clearly, there are more, just like the head maid in my domain. Do you know about that too? About the other Ouroboros?"
"Do you plan to destroy them if I told you?" Evelora asked, her calmness unwavering. "Besides, the heavens only reveal what is needed."
Duncan's jaw clenched while she continued. "The Ouroboros that have survived stayed hidden for a reason; perhaps they are harmless since there no dragons. If you think of hunting them again, then you've learned nothing from your past."
Evelora stepped closer, taking one of Duncan's hands. "The past is in the past, my King. Terrible, traumatizing, and unforgettable, but what is done is done. You can't rewrite this story with vengeance. You can't heal that deep pain and anger inside you if you don't face it. Your choice won't only decide her fate, but yours too."
As she spoke, Duncan remained silent, his breath slightly uneven as everything seemed to press against his chest.
"Hear her out. Feel her. Let her in. This is the only way to heal; that is why you are mated to her..."
"You don't understand," Duncan finally cut her off, his voice rough and edged with frustration. "This isn't just about the past. If I decide to accept her as my mate, you know very well this realm won't accept her. There are still Lycans who hold that deep scar in their souls... The past will not only escalate, Evelora. It will cause war."
Evelora exhaled. "The ball is in your court." She gave him a light squeeze. "You've been the chosen guardian, the protector, the great King for centuries. This will not be your end." Her voice grew softer. "This is your story to write, after all."
Silence.
Duncan had too many thoughts running through his head, too many emotions swirling in his chest.
Without a word, he walked past Evelora, stepping out to join the ceremony. It was already time for the transformations, and the sacred howling.
They were not to transform unless the King said so.
"Duncan," Lucas said, giving him a worried look as he spotted him approaching. His eyes took in the King's tunic, marred with dirt and the dryness of blood.
Duncan gave him a reassuring nod that didn't reach his hard expression.
"Let's get on with the ceremony," Duncan's voice was rough.
Lucas decided not to press further, choosing to ask after the ceremony.
As King Duncan took his place at the altar, the Elites straightened their stances, looking up to him. The whispering among them immediately abated, and the air turned serious as they waited for the King's command.
Lucas noted Duncan's stiffened shoulders, the clenched jaw, and the subtle storm behind those golden eyes.
Kael was among the Elites, squinting at the King's appearance. Why did this male look familiar?
As he was quite a distance from the altar, Kael couldn't get a clearer view.
"Shift."
King Duncan's command struck the air, jolting the nerves of the Elites.
Heavy breaths filled the air, mingling with the cracking of bones. Muscles stretched and reshaped, fur spilling out as they all transformed.
'Ash.' Duncan reached his Lycan and immediately began his full transformation too. His eyes dilated, changing to the deepest shade of gold, his muscles expanded, his fangs elongated, hideous claws digging through the rock.
Duncan, in his Lycan form, stood tall and mighty. Then, with a sudden violent snap, Duncan's wings erupted from his back. Short, and unlike creatures that use wings to fly, ancient Lycans use these wings for balance, speed, and protection.
Duncan's mighty form stood powerful, emitting a menacing aura.
Lucas also shifted to his large form, his presence equally powerful among the warriors.
Then Duncan threw his head back, letting out a deep, powerful howl. The Elites joined in, throwing their heads back and letting theirs out as well.
The sound echoed through the mountain, sealing the moonlit ceremony.