The Lycan King's Forbidden Craving - Chapter 88: Chapter 88

Arianna swallowed, but then realized she doesn't need to mention that part.
Soon, they were both seated, and Arianna explained everything that had happened so far. How he didn't reject her and the events at the banquet ceremony.
Selene didn’t look surprised, as though she already knew what would happen.
“I’m just worried about Lylah, though. I feel like I’m not spending enough time with her.”
“I’m sure she’s fine,” Selene assured her.
Arianna nodded. “I just feel terrible. I can hardly see her. Sometimes I wish she could stay in the Sacred Moon Wing with me, so I could watch over her—especially now that I have so many enemies. Though that sounds impossible.”
“I think she’s safer in the barracks. She’s surrounded by warriors, remember?”
“Yeah, that’s true,” Arianna finally agreed.
“You should worry more about yourself, Ari. You still have your ex-mate to deal with.”
“I know, Selene,” Arianna muttered. Sighing, she looked at her. “Is there something I need to know? About the king?”
Selene stayed silent for a moment. Her eyes flicked to Arianna’s neck. When she saw no mating mark, she looked away, recalling the king’s words:
I won’t reject her, and I won’t claim her either.
“Nothing, Aria,” Selene said with a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “Just be careful. Especially around the him. Be mindful, because soon you’ll connect with your dragon.”
After spending enough time with Selene, Arianna promised to visit her again and headed back to her chamber. The hour was already growing late, the sun disappearing from its horizon.
Upon reaching her chamber, Arianna was surprised to find Brigid waiting for her. She looked disturbed.
“Brigid, is everything alright?” Arianna asked.
Brigid immediately rushed to her side. “Alone,” she said, glancing toward Falcon, who stepped away.
“I’ll be near my lady,” Falcon stated, standing a few paces away.
“It’s the slave, Aria,” Brigid said. “Nadia—the one you spoke about.”
Arianna’s ears perked up, worry flashing in her gaze. “Is she alright?”
“Aria, she—” Brigid exhaled. “She’s dead.”
Arianna forgot to breathe for a moment; her heart dropped to her feet. “What do you mean? How is that possible?”
“I think that bastard Alpha Toran killed her,” Brigid lowered her voice. “I saw her body being taken away to be buried in the forest.”
“She’s dead, Aria.”
•••••••••
YARD
Toran’s eyes squinted at the target as he drew his bow, gripping his arrow firmly. When it was balanced, he shot.
“Whoa, you're getting better and better,” Pericles let out a small laughter. "Even in the dark, you hit the bullseye."
Toran sighed. “I've been shooting arrows since I turned five.” He set another arrow and shot. “I loved it when it's on a body, though.”
He smirked, recalling Nadia's cries, her begging, and her slow breathing while her blood pooled her beneath. For some reason, it soothed his nerves.
“Let's have a drink," he told Pericles.
Soon, Toran, Pericles, and three others sat in the corridor of the yard with ales and fine meals set before them.
“Aren't you still going to let Kael join the circle?” one of the other Alphas asked.
“Kael is dumb and will soon die anyway,” Toran replied.
“How can you know that?” another Alpha asked.
Before Toran could reply, a sudden hand interrupted them, taking the jug of wine and beginning to drink. It was a familiar female, and they were all shocked to see her… especially Toran.
Brigid stood a distance away, biting her lips. She was unable to stop her.
Arianna removed the jug from her lips after she had chugged down a significant amount to make herself drunk.
“Urgh, that hit the spot,” she wiped the remaining ale from her lips.
‘What about your sister? Is she a fighter too?’ Brigid recalled asking Lylah.
‘Funny, but she is dangerous when drunk,’ Lylah had replied.
CLASH!!!
The heavy jug shattered on Toran’s face as Arianna flung it at him. The others rose to their feet.
“What in the world!”
“Hey!” Pericles faced her.
“Come closer and break your fucking balls,” Arianna warned, and Pericles glanced at his crutches. His hands instinctively reaching for it.
Toran chuckled, wiping the blood from his lips. “We've finally gotten to see each other up close, Luna Arianna. Let me guess, you're here because I killed that slave?”
Arianna growled inwardly, approaching him. Toran made to hit her face, but Arianna grabbed his hand, took hold of his head, and slammed it into the nearest pole. Then her knee cap slammed against his ribs.
Toran groaned. “Fuck.”
“Apologize. Not to me, but to her.”
Toran scoffed. “You know the king is not here,” he moved closer, grabbing her neck. “You don't have a wolf, and I will kill you.”
Arianna smirked, her eyes flicking to the fire paces behind Toran.
She would love to burn him and face the consequences. Toran was worse than an asshole.
The fire ignited a little.
But then—the king’s presence was announced. The Alphas, including Toran, went still. Toran immediately withdrew his hand while Arianna let out a sigh.
They all bowed, including Arianna, who could feel the king's gaze on her. He was angry; she could sense it.
“What in the world is going on?” Duncan shot a glare at Toran.
Toran did his best to steady his voice, his head remaining low. “She assaulted me first, Your Highness.”
“He killed my friend,” Arianna countered, glaring at Toran. “Slaughtered her like she was nothing.”
“She was my slave, Your Grace. I owned her,” Toran muttered. “I'm sure His Highness understands what that means.”
Duncan gave him a warning look, and Toran quickly offered an apologetic bow.
“Apologize.”
Arianna looked up at Duncan, who met her gaze. Her eyes narrowed. Toran smirked, slightly raising his head to her.
“Didn't hear him?" He taunted. "Apologize to me."
Duncan's aura exploded.
“Not her, you fucking bastard,” King Duncan snapped coldly at Toran. His alpha voice struck as he glared. “I meant you, Toran. Apologize to her.”
Toran's eyes widened. What!
Then the king added,
“And you should do it on your knees.”