The Lycan King's Forbidden Craving - Chapter 87: Chapter 87

{NEXT MORNING}
Lylah was scrubbing the floor, her mind occupied with the thought of meeting Lord Lucas soon. He had mentioned that training would become more frequent in the coming days.
All of a sudden, a hand yanked something from her clothing.
“Nice dagger you have here misfit. Where did you get this?” a young warrior chuckled, staring at the weapon Lord Lucas had given Lylah.
“Give it back,” Lylah demanded, reaching for it, but he pulled it out of her reach.
“Not until you tell me where you get this?” he barked a laugh, examining the dagger.
“Give. It. Back,” Lylah warned.
“Or what? Are you going to beat me up, misfit?” he stepped forward. “You're just one of the servants in the barracks. There's no way you could afford this special dagger.”
“Someone gave it to me. Happy now? Now give it back!”
“Who? Your traitor slave sister?” the second young male sneered and Lylah's eyes darkened. “The one who has to spread her legs for the king every night…”
Lylah’s fist instantly collided with the guy’s face, splitting his lip.
“Speak ill of me, but leave my sister out of it,” she growled.
“You bitch,” the first guy snarled and threw a punch. Lylah dodged it, grabbed his arm, and flung him to the ground.
The one behind her succeeded in grabbing her from behind. The first got up and punched her in the stomach.
“Little bitch thinks she’s all mighty just because she sparred with the Grand Lord. You’re nothing… and you’ll always be,” he spat and punched her again.
Lylah groaned, pain shooting through her belly.
“Then you should spar with me,” a deep voice echoed from the threshold.
The two young males nearly wet themselves at the sight of the Grand Lord standing in the doorway.
“Your Highness,” they both immediately bowed while Lylah get off their hold.
“Didn’t you hear what I said?” Lucas asked, his voice calm but cold. “Spar with me.”
The young males exchanged glances, sweat beading on their foreheads as they trembled under his gaze.
“See? Who’s better now?” Lucas asked, shame washing over their faces. “Apologize to her before I dunk your faces in boiling soup.”
“I’m sorry," they both chorused their apologies to Lylah and returned the dagger. Beta Lucas turned to leave, and Lylah followed—it was time for her training.
As they walked, Lucas’s face remained cold, his brows knitted, and for some reason, Lylah knew it was because of her.
“I’m sorry,” Lylah muttered.
“For what?”
“I let those males corner me,” she admitted. Lucas halted and turned to look at her. “I’ve always wanted to be strong, but even my sister does better than I do in training.”
“You don’t have to be sorry for that. You just have to find a way to beat them next time… not just them, but the head warrior himself.”
Lylah’s eyes widened. “Wait, what?!”
“You want to prove yourself, don’t you?” Lucas raised a brow.
“Yeah, but—”
“He’s strong. And you, on the other hand, don’t have a wolf. Do you want to remain the pathetic little girl who’s just curious and might end up dead?”
Lylah hated those words more than anything. The more she thought about them, the more she wanted to become stronger.
“No.”
Lucas smirked. “What did I tell you last time?”
“Power isn’t about strength. It’s about strategy.”
Lucas ruffled her hair, and just like last time, her heart skipped a beat as he said,
“That’s good, little wolf. You’ll be strong in no time.”
•••••••
SCARED MOON WING
“Do you plan to sleep all day, mate?”
Arianna stirred at the husky, deep voice, her eyes fluttering open to meet the king's gaze.
“Yeah, thanks to you,” she rasped.
Duncan leaned in, cupping her face as he kissed her gently. Arianna was stunned by his actions, wondering if it was a dream.
“How do you feel, Ari?” he asked, his voice unusually soft.
“Wrecked. Destroyed,” she joked, and his lips twitched slightly at her words.
“I guess I did a good job punishing you,” he muttered kissing her again, and this time, she kissed him back.
“Get up and eat, Ari,” he ordered softly after pulling away.
Arianna noticed he was already dressed. He seemed to be heading somewhere, so she quickly spoke the words that had been on her mind since the Moonlit Ceremony.
“I need to see Selene,” she whispered, and the king’s expression shifted slightly. “Please.”
After a long pause, Arianna thought he was going to reject her plea. As the silence stretches, Arianna's heart raced with the thought of Selene still hurt.
“Fine." Duncan finally replied. "Falcon will take you to her.”
Relieved, Arianna smiled, though the king didn’t return it.
“Take your time. I’ll see you soon,” he said, straightening up to leave. As he did, Nyra stepped in.
“Good morning, my lady,” Nyra greeted with a smile.
Later.
The gates opened, and Falcon led Arianna to Selene’s cell. The place was dimly lit, thick with damp stone. Arianna’s heart broke at the surroundings—and shattered further at the sight of Selene sitting on a bench inside one the cell.
"Selene,” Arianna whispered. Falcon, meanwhile, excused himself.
Selene, sensing a presence, immediately sat up. Her eyes lit with relief as she quickly moved closer.
“Aria, you’re alive,” she smiled.
“Yes, but—” Arianna’s eyes darted around the cell. "Are you alright? Why are they keeping you in here?"
"I'm fine," Selene whispered, her eyes scrutinizing Arianna as if searching for a bruise or something.
"You're alright," she breathe and Arianna gave her a questioning look. "I couldn’t tell the king where he could find or reach my goddess, so he decided to keep me here. But do not worry about me; I’m just glad you’re alright.”
“I’m sorry,” Arianna reached through the bars to hold her head. Selene's hands were rough and slightly cold.
"Do you need anything? I'll find a way to get them," she said.
"No. Don't worry about me," Selene assured and Arianna bit her bottom lip.
“Thank you for saving me, and I’ll do the same to save you. I’ll find a way to get you out of here, okay?”
“Oh, dear Aria,” Selene reached out to cup her face. “How is the king treating you?”
“He treats me well… surprisingly," her face flushed at the thought of last night.
“Tell me about it,” Selene suddenly asked.