CHAPTER 5

Lucas's POV

"Get that away from me!" I growled, angrily slamming the cup against the wall. The maids flinched, obviously afraid. Their constant mistakes were always getting on my nerves.I rubbed my temples, trying to soothe the growing headache. I searched for the right words but found none. The terrified maids quickly dropped to their knees, hurriedly gathering the shattered glass before scurrying out of the room, panicked and unable to handle the situation properly.I sighed as I relaxed into my chair, trying to calm my frayed nerves. It surprised me how I had gone from a man who barely showed any emotions to someone who was always angry, and it was all because of her. Ever since she left that day, ever since she disappeared completely, I have been like this.It's been five years since her disappearance, but I still don't understand why I still feel this way. I showed her I cared, so why did she leave, just like everyone else in the end? I didn't understand. I remember jumping into the water immediately after she did that night, hoping to rescue her, but she was nowhere to be found. It was as if she had completely vanished, not even a body left behind."Here are some pills for you, Your Majesty," one of my doctors said, handing me the medication. I looked at him for a moment before taking the pills to ease the migraine."How often do you think about her?" my doctor asked curiously. I remained silent, thinking hard about the situation before I answered."Barely a day goes by without thinking of her multiple times," I answered. The doctor sighed, relaxing in his chair as he adjusted his glasses, seemingly searching for the right questions to ask. I knew a psychiatrist couldn't solve my problem, but sometimes I found myself interested in their questions, pretending they understood my issues and could find a solution. But my problem ran deep; no solution could be found in a thousand years. I was already bored of this session and didn't want to answer any more of his questions, so I looked at him and commanded, "Leave."The doctor, aware of my temper, didn't say anything. He simply rose and left my study. I sighed, settling back into my chair, when a knock came at the door. The person entered the study, bowing slightly before walking towards me and placing papers on my table—most of them concerning council matters and work."When is he coming again?" I asked, to which the woman replied."Today, sir," she replied, nodding before quickly leaving the room, not wanting to risk provoking my anger. I wasn't angry at that moment; the pills I had taken earlier had calmed me.But then again, he was coming—my twin brother, Ryker. Our relationship wasn't perfect, but it wasn't terrible either. He had left the pack by choice, uninterested in being king, and had since become a Lycan. Today was the memorial for the man who was supposed to be our father, and since the council deemed it necessary, we had to hold one for him.A slight knock on the door was followed by Veronica entering the room. My eyes traveled up and down her frame as she smiled and reached for the strap of her dress. "No," I said, rising to my feet and walking towards her.Without warning, I bent her over the table, her body colliding with it forcefully as she winced gently in pain. I lifted her dress and entered her abruptly, making her wriggle—whether in pain or pleasure, I couldn't tell, and frankly, I didn't care.I thrusted into her hard, all the while picturing Clara in my head. No matter how many women I slept with, none of them were her, and certainly not the one I was with at that moment. Feeling frustrated, I withdrew from her and said, 'Get out.' She didn't argue, quickly adjusting herself and leaving the room. At least this one wouldn't try to escape like Clara.I went to the bathroom to freshen up, sighing as the cool water from the shower flowed down my skin. Afterward, I dried off and slipped into the first black outfit I could find.I strolled out of the study and into the main living room, where the memorial ritual was already being done. The council members were gathered, and I quickly joined them, everyone paying their respects as we performed the ritual together.'Your brother isn't here yet,' Councilman Richard, an old friend of my father, said. I didn't respond immediately. He pressed further, saying, 'Did you know he is to be married soon?''Marriage?' I asked, turning toward Councilman Richard.'You didn't know about it?'”"It's not like Ryker and I are close. Why should I know?" I asked coldly and dismissively. The councilman sighed and said,"We don't know who she is for sure, but there are rumors. She's no ordinary woman." He paused before adding, "I have heard neither you nor your brother have ever believed in marriage, but now he's suddenly eager to wed. Doesn't that seem a bit suspicious?""Why are we talking about my brother?" I asked, growing more impatient by the second."I just think something's going on. He's up to something, so I suggest you be careful," the councilman advised. I didn't respond, eager to end the conversation, but his words remained in my mind. Ryker never believed in marriage, just like me, and he was a sadistic bastard too—maybe even worse than I am. Who is the unlucky soul getting married to him?We soon finished the memorial ritual, and I mingled with some of the high-profile guests. The maids served drinks as we chatted throughout the night."Want a drink?" a familiar voice said behind me, immediately irritating me as I knew who it was.Ryker stretched his hand towards me. He was holding a cup of something, and there was this smile on his face. I stared at him coldly. "Don't worry, I didn't poison it," he said.