006

"Mate, mate!"

A wave of excitement washed over me.

"Run to him, run to him!" Lyla howled in my mind.

This can’t be happening. This is forbidden.

How could a Kyrethi Lycan King be my mate? A surge of agreement from Lyla echoed within me.

I yanked on her, trying to stop her from howling. My hands trembled uncontrollably, heart slamming against my ribcage. My body shook with pain—Lyla was trying to break free.

"Lyla, control yourself. This can’t be happening. It’s forbidden. Do you know the penalty if this gets discovered?" I whispered, breathing heavily, my entire body vibrating with strain.

For a moment, my heart rate slowed. Lyla’s energy became more subdued.

A dark-haired female werewolf standing nearby tapped my shoulder, pulling me back from my internal struggle. Her gaze was filled with concern.

"Are you okay?" she asked gently, placing her hands on my shoulders.

I inhaled deeply and nodded.

"Yes, thank you." I gave her a faint smile.

As I glanced at her, a familiar scent wafted over me.

She’s a Valtor wolf—one of ours.

She nodded.

"The Lycan King is about to give his speech," she said, just as the crowd murmured in anticipation.

As he stepped onto the dais, the crowd instantly bowed.

"Hail! Long live the Lycan King!" they shouted in unison.

My hands began to tremble again. The air suddenly felt suffocating. My bones ached with pain.

Lyla was trying to break free again.

Moon Gods, I’m going to get in trouble.

Transforming in the center of a crowd?

My eyes darted around anxiously, scanning the onlookers.

Then I looked at my hands—my claws were slowly emerging. My eyes widened in shock.

"Mate! Mate! I can’t bear the sight of him! Run to him, Evelyn!" Lyla roared.

I was losing control. My body vibrated with a painful mix of agony and joy.

This is forbidden.

There must be a mistake.

If anyone discovers this, I’ll be brutally persecuted—made an example for others like me.

"Lyla, please control yourself! Not now. I know you want to feel his strong arms and warm touch, but it can't happen! Why are you acting like a rogue foreigner?"

I groaned in agreement with Lyla, sweat dripping down my forehead.

He stood tall on the dais—fierce, victorious. His toxic blade at his side, aura guarded like a true king.

His piercing blue eyes swept through the crowd, searching.

"This..." he began, then paused.

Distracted by the pain surging through me, I barely noticed.

Suddenly, I felt a hand around my body. I turned—and blinked in confusion.

RITA?

And beside her... Eric.

I stared at them, lost for words. My body was weak from the inner battle.

Eyes from the crowd burned into me, confused and curious. I quickly bent down, forcing a smile to avoid suspicion.

What will happen if anyone finds out I’m reacting to the Lycan King?

Rita bent down with me, stroking my back gently.

"Calm down. It’s okay. I’m sorry for disappearing without a trace. We were dragged off the train by some Lythari wolves and dumped in a dangerous forest," she whispered.

I stared at her, dumbfounded.

Does that even sound believable?

Who was she dealing with—a child?

Someone who’d believe a monster stole their dessert?

Well, not my problem.

All I wanted was to disappear from this crowd.

I simply nodded, and she smiled.

Then I looked at Eric—he smiled at me, too.

Rita took my hand—and froze.

"Your... claws," she stuttered.

I instantly understood and yanked my hand back.

She stared at me, confused, her eyes filled with unspoken questions.

"Why are you transforming?" she whispered.

"Shh." I signaled her to be quiet.

The murmurs around us grew louder.

We both stood up—and saw the Lycan King and his moon soldiers walking away.

I turned to the dark-haired wolf beside me.

"What’s happening?"

She shrugged lazily.

"I don’t know. He was about to give his speech but stopped halfway. Maybe he forgot," she said, hands shoved in her pockets.

I let out a breath of relief as I felt Lyla slowly releasing her grip.

"Look what you cost us. We’ve lost him—our only hope," Lyla cried.

"Don’t you get it? He’s not our species. It’s forbidden!" I yelled back at her in my mind, gritting my teeth.

"We’ll see how long you avoid your mate. But for now, I’m done with you," she snapped, going silent.

"Lyla, Lyla, please listen..." I called, but she didn’t respond.

If only she could understand.

Yes, I’m hurting too.

But I have no choice.

Fate is cruel.

What if I had approached him, and he’d had me beheaded?

I was drowning in confusion.

If only Mom were here.

My heart ached. I reached for my necklace and kissed it gently.

Rita touched my shoulder, eyes full of questions.

"What’s happening?" she whispered.

I opened my mouth—but this wasn’t the place.

And besides… I wasn’t sure I could trust her yet.

I simply nodded and gave her a small, reassuring smile.

Meanwhile…

Lillian stormed toward his chambers, flanked by his moon soldiers.

He marched down the grand hallway, his icy blue eyes blazing with intensity. The sound of their boots echoed fiercely.

Maids bowed nervously, but he ignored them.

He stopped before a massive door—heavily guarded.

Turning to his soldiers, his eyes narrowed coldly.

"Are you planning to come in with me?"

They instantly shook their heads, fear flashing across their faces.

They scattered like frightened rabbits.

Lillian slammed the door shut behind him.

The royal chamber opened up in all its opulence. Golden moldings glittered on the walls, the ceiling a work of art. Light bathed the room in a warm glow.

He set his toxic blade aside and moved to his ornate golden throne. Sitting down with legs crossed, he rubbed his temples.

Then—

The door flew open.

"What do you want?" he growled, already knowing who it was.

"Can you just explain what the hell happened? You were supposed to give your speech. What stopped you?"

Katei, his childhood best friend. The only one who could enter without permission.

Lillian slowly opened his eyes, leaned forward, and tilted his head.

"She’s here," he said coldly.

"Who’s here?" Katei asked, brows raised.

Lillian clenched his jaw, his voice like ice.

"My mate."