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Aira.

Author: symplyanjay
last update Last Updated: 2025-03-27 06:22:31

Time passed excruciatingly slowly in the castle afterwards, each day blending into the next like a never-ending cycle. Silence dominated every part of the castle, life sucked out of the long, winding hallways of the palace. It was as if everyone was mirroring the emotional state of their ruler. It was depressing.

As the person tasked with delivering the King's meals, I was the only one allowed to see him, but even my presence seemed to make little difference. The king remained shrouded in darkness, his chambers a constant, oppressive gloom that seemed to suffocate me. He rarely spoke to me, and when he did, his voice was laced with a deep-seated exhaustion that made my heart ache.

I couldn't help but wonder if everything was alright with him. The memory of Helen's words about the dormancy that plagued him and its devastating effects haunted me, refusing to be silenced. If everything she said was true, then the king was already feeling the effects. He was slowly losing strength, getti
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  • The Lycan's Bargain   Aira.

    The king moved ahead, his long strides eating up the distance, and I followed behind him, eventually falling into step with him. The walk should have been comforting, a welcome respite from being cooped up in his chambers for way too long, but instead, my anxiety and worry tripled as I walked next to the king. Though it was hardly visible, he kept stumbling over his own steps, his feet tangling in the weeds as if he'd forgotten how to walk. His breathing had started to become strained, a thin sheet of sweat coating his forehead. My heart went out to him, aching with a mix of compassion and fear. It was at the tip of my tongue to call it quits, to suggest we return to his chambers, but something held me back. Eventually, he came to a stop, his gaze locked forward, barely aware of his surroundings. "Are you alright, your majesty...?" I called out softly, concern filling my voice. When he didn't answer, I started to panic. "Should we go back to the chambers? Is there anything you need?

    Last Updated : 2025-03-27
  • The Lycan's Bargain   Aira.

    After that night with the Lycan king, my relationship with the king improved somewhat. Well, if you can call being permanently confined to his chambers an improvement. But that was it – the king never dismissed me anymore, so I spent all my sleeping and waking moments next to him, either lying beside him or simply being near him. His chambers had practically become my bedroom, and I no longer had to bring in food, as he began to summon other workers for that task. My duties were now limited to feeding him and occasionally cleaning his chambers when he allowed it.To fill the idle time, I would talk about everything and nothing, singing or sometimes humming a tune. The king would watch me with that intense, piercing gaze of his, his eyes gleaming in the dim light. I did numerous things to entertain myself and him – I'd pace around the room, run my fingers over the intricate carvings on the furniture, or simply sit and stare at the flickering candles. The darkness and chill of the chamb

    Last Updated : 2025-03-27
  • The Lycan's Bargain   Aira.

    The air felt stale, mostly because it had been a long time since the library had been used. But that didn't deter me in the least. If anything, I was surprised at how clean it looked. There was barely a speck of dust anywhere.The king stood behind me, his gaze assessing, piercing, but I paid it no heed. My eyes gravitated towards the brightly colored books on the far left, and I found myself walking towards them, drawn by it. Reaching for one of the books, I flipped open the pages, a smile spreading across my face as I encountered colorful pictures. "This one has pictures!" I exclaimed, twirling on my feet, my eyes sparkling with excitement.The king walked towards me, his long strides devouring the distance. He took the book from my hands, his fingers brushing against mine. "Indeed it does," he murmured, his voice low and soothing. "It's a story book.""A story book?" I repeated, my voice filled with longing. "I wish I could read it..." I trailed off, picking up other books as well

    Last Updated : 2025-03-28
  • The Lycan's Bargain   Kael

    I woke up from my slumber, my mind foggy and disoriented, my body feeling like it had been submerged underwater for hours. Taking a deep breath, I blinked rapidly, trying to shake off the haze. As I stretched my tense muscles, I became aware of the body next to me.My gaze drifted towards Aira, who was laying on her side, sound asleep. Even in the darkness that cloaked the room, she was still as clear as day in my eyes. My gaze stopped short as I took in her sleeping features: her lips lightly parted, the gentle rise and fall of her chest, her hair fanned around her in a soft halo, and her breathing soft and peaceful. She looked so at peace, so trusting, that a pang of guilt and unease struck my chest.Why was I keeping her around me again? At first, it was because she had helped quiet the demons in my head. Being next to her made me feel a sense of peace, if only for a short while, which is why I allowed her to stay. But now, it had gone way beyond that. The thought of her spending

    Last Updated : 2025-03-28
  • The Lycan's Bargain   Kael

    Your majesty!?" She cried out, shocked, as she pulled away from me, realization dawning on her. Her face burned with embarrassment, her skin flushing a deep shade of pink. I watched her, noting as her embarrassment deepened, before she broke eye contact, curling into herself, a pained groan escaping her lips. "Heavens, my body is burning," she whispered, her voice barely audible, but the words sent a shiver down my spine."I'm sorry... " She panted out, her body misty with sweat, her skin glistening in the dim light of the chamber. She tried to slip off the bed, but a contraction must have hit her, as she whimpered, crumpling to the edge of the bed and gripping her abdomen tight. Her fingers dug deep into her skin, her knuckles white with tension."It's here again... Oh, why?" She cried in misery, tears leaking from the corner of her eyes, her voice cracking with despair. Her body shuddered, racked with sobs, as she struggled to catch her breath."You... Wake up from your dreams, like

    Last Updated : 2025-03-28
  • The Lycan's Bargain   Aira.

    I woke up from my sleep, my head spinning and my body heavy. Blinking away the fog that had settled in my eyes, I let out a low yawn, stretching my stiff muscles before becoming acutely aware of the tenderness on my breasts and between my legs. Stiffening slightly, I sat up on the bed, pulling away the covers as I rushed through my memories, before tensing as my mind replayed every single stolen moment I had with the king the night before.Was it the night before? I wasn't even sure. Being in this ever-dark chamber had me losing track of time. Unbidden, my mind drifted back to those moments, and a low smile began to form on my lips, my cheeks burning. The pleasure I had felt with the king this time far surpassed the previous one when I had sought out my relief myself.Why had he gone that far? Did he like me now? Now, you're reading far into it, Aira, I cautioned myself, the smile on my face dropping for a bit. It's just wishful thinking. His attitude towards me hadn't changed yet."I

    Last Updated : 2025-03-29
  • The Lycan's Bargain   Aira.

    "Who cares, it's juicy," she said, rolling her eyes. "Now come with me. You need all the privacy you can get." I nodded, following her through the winding corridors, until we reached a secluded bathhouse, tucked away from prying eyes. Helen set about preparing the bath, while I undressed, feeling the warm water envelop me like a soothing balm. As I began to wash my body, Helen kept me company, looking around for intruders. It seemed as if we weren't supposed to be here in the first place but I didn't mind. As I poured water on my body, Helen's gaze landed on the reddened parts on my flesh, and she stiffened, her eyes narrowing in concern. "Where did you get those?" she asked, her voice low and gentle.I stiffened, my face burning up as memories flooded me. "Oh... I had those dreams again," I answered, trying to sound nonchalant despite the embarrassment.Helen gasped, alarm crossing her features. "You did?! What did the king do?""Funny, he helped me through it, again," I replied, fe

    Last Updated : 2025-03-29
  • The Lycan's Bargain   Aira.

    The weeks flew by, and I started to notice improvements in the King's demeanor, which filled me with happiness and deepened my feelings for him. One of the most significant changes was his continued patience with teaching me to read. He'd spend hours with me, going over letters and words in the picture storybooks I adored. Thanks to his dedication, I could now read the books, although I still struggled with many words."You'll get better," he groaned one night, exasperated by my mispronunciations and muddled sentences after I finished reading a story to him.I looked up at him, my voice small. "You think so?""I wasn't expecting it to be this hard," I admitted, frowning at the jagged lines that had begun to take form in recent days.He murmured reassuringly, settling into the pillows. "Yes, you just need more practice."I smiled, clutching the book to my chest, resolving to practice more whenever he fell asleep.Our nighttime walks had become more frequent, with the King preferring to

    Last Updated : 2025-03-30

Latest chapter

  • The Lycan's Bargain   Aira.

    The next five days passed with bliss and happiness. So much so that I wished we didn't have to return to the castle. I loved the simple, rustic life here in the cottage and was rather nervous about how things would pan out in the castle, but Kael assured me that things would be alright, promising that we would occasionally come here to get away once in a while.Following the events of the mating night, the bond had been restored, and we could now hear each other's thoughts and emotions. I had loved it so much, though I did find it rather jarring when he listened to the soft musings in my heart. My erotic fascinations that I thought were private only to me. He said he would put up a shield later on when they returned to the castle and had to resume his duties, as he wouldn't want to be distracted, but I hoped he wouldn't so often.Like him, I loved listening to his thoughts as well. His were usually incredibly detailed, a sharp contrast to his simplistic outlook. We did get to know eac

  • The Lycan's Bargain   Aira.

    "Gods, when you beg like that... " He trailed off, rising from the water and taking me along. I immediately wrapped my legs around his waist, while he led us to the bedroom. We tumbled to the bed together, drenching the sheets with our wet bodies and kael resumed kissing me, more ardently this time, filled with utter possessiveness and primal need. His hands roamed around my body, groping and squeezing while mine dug into his back, pressing his body closer to mine, as if we weren't close enough. "You're so beautiful... " He murmured, spreading my thighs apart and throwing my legs over his shoulders, practically folding me in half. "So are you." I gasped back, hazily kissing him, my spine arching as I felt his arousal nudge my weeping core. "Want you." I moaned into his mouth. "Want you too. You have no idea just how much I've been holding back.""I... I don't want you to hold back." I rushed out and he growled, the sound more animal than male. Fuck, I'm just as wanton as he thinks

  • The Lycan's Bargain   Aira.

    "Wow... If someone had said I'd see this side of you, I would have laughed them off." I muttered, my fingers already reaching for the bindings on my dress.He cocked his head to the side, a crooked smile on his face. "What? Am I not allowed to take care of my woman?" he asked, and I felt my cheeks grow warm."My woman." I didn't know what to say to that, so I just focused on undressing until I was standing bare in the room, bathed in the warm candlelight, the air around us suddenly too warm.His intense gaze never left my body, and when I couldn't take it anymore, I headed straight to the tub and got in. I gasped as the water encased my legs, the surface rippling and scattering my reflection.Surprisingly, the water was warm, and I realized I liked it that way. I slowly submerged into the warm water, resting my body at the edge of the tub while Kael sat across from me, his body slightly tense.I bit my lip but refused to pull my gaze away from his, watching as the tension swelled and

  • The Lycan's Bargain   Aira.

    I started to back away, but the animal, already irritated, began to growl and paw at me. I swallowed, my eyes darting quickly, trying to find an escape route but painfully drawing a blank."Kael... I'm in a situation here!" I called out as the animal trailed after me, its growls growing louder and meaner. Just then, the bear let out a menacing sound, getting ready to pounce, and I let out a scream, curling into myself.When another figure jumped from right behind me, catching the bear mid-lunge, I only raised my head when I heard a painful whimper coming from the bear and the sickening sounds of bones cracking. Before me, Kael was holding the bear meters from the ground, the latter slumped, blood dripping from its mouth."Woah..." I muttered without thinking, and Kael discarded the dead animal, a mild look of disgust flashing in his eyes. "That's so cool," I added when he locked eyes with me. Kael didn't look too pleased."That's the end of hide and seek, young lady," he announced, hi

  • The Lycan's Bargain   Aira.

    We continued to run through the woods till Kael reached a clearing that opened up to a small cottage nestled in the heart of the forest. Gripping his fur tight, I let out a sound of wonder, my eyes taking in the quaint dwelling bathed in the resplendent moonlight.Only then did Kael slow down, urging me to slide off his back. I did so, and he reverted back to his male form, a soft smile on his face. "Do you like it?" he asked, his eyes searching mine, and I scoffed."Like it? I love it! It's so beautiful," I muttered, taking several steps forward while he followed behind, holding my hands. "I've always wanted us to come here. This is where we'll be spending the next seven days," he informed me, and I felt my cheeks grow warm.Squeezing my hands gently, he led me to the porch, picking up a small torch that had been carefully laid out and lighting it up with a nearby fire striker. The kindling on the torch burst into flames, and he opened the door, leading us into the living space.For

  • The Lycan's Bargain   Aira.

    Kael stared at me in disbelief, his eyes slowly widening as he held my gaze, a brow slightly furrowing. I managed a small smile, feeling my heart pound in my chest, my fingertips tingling. "You... You really mean that?" he stuttered, his deep voice shaking ever so slightly.I giggled, nodding my head vigorously. "Yes, Kael. I want to be bonded with you. I think I've had more than enough time to think about it, and I'm sure now," I whispered, searching his eyes.He let out a huff, a chuckle hidden somewhere in it, before sitting up, a huge grin on his face. Suddenly, he slipped out of the bed and pulled me along, placing me into a bone-crushing hug as he twirled me around. Laughter bubbled from my lips."I thought I would have to wait forever for you to say that," he said as he lowered me to my feet, pressing his forehead against mine. I let out a sheepish smile at that.He held my cheeks, his gaze transforming to something tender, almost reverent. "You have no idea how happy I am to h

  • The Lycan's Bargain   Aira.

    I woke up to the sun shining against my face, a warm feeling spreading over my chest. Tossing and turning for a bit, I finally cracked my eyes open when I saw that Kael was no longer in bed. I must have overslept while he went on with his duties. Sitting up, I brought my knees to my chest, unable to help the grin that broke out on my face, my cheeks heating up.The night before had been magical, and I still blushed every time I thought about it. Kael had gone into great detail about the mating ritual, and hearing about the process had been both awe-inspiring and panic-inducing. Even now, as I thought about it, I had goosebumps.He had informed me that the mating ritual usually lasted a week, as per werewolf/lycan customs, where we would not only get to know each other personally but also had to engage in sexual intimacies. However, it came with its own twist. I had wondered how I would have the energy to go through that for seven days straight when one night with him had tired me out,

  • The Lycan's Bargain   Kael

    I sat submerged in the bath water, head leaned back, thinking about everything and nothing. Cracking my heavy eyelids open, I watched the water that reached my chest swirl and ripple around me, while I tried to make sense of my thoughts. Today had been a long day. After I had returned with Aira, we had hosted a celebratory banquet with all of my loyal subjects that had lasted well into the night, officially introducing her as my mate and, as time went on, my queen.As expected, there had been outrage because of what species she was. A human. Despite the years that had passed, my kind still held a deep animosity concerning humans that was only exacerbated by Morris's actions in bringing them back into slavery once more. I had been quick to counter it, however."If it wasn't for her quick thinking... " I said as I stood up from my throne, addressing everyone present in the hall with a loud voice while she stood next to me. "The Traitor Mortis would have succeeded in his plans of killing

  • The Lycan's Bargain   Aira.

    Thank you for bringing me here." I whispered, and he nodded. He moved forward, and I followed after him, mildly surprised he was taking the route that led to my mother's cottage.We finally arrived there, and for a moment, I stopped, staring at the small building that had been my home for so long. I could still recall the memories I had made here with my mother - the happy, sad, and downright ugly ones. Fresh tears filled my eyes, and my hands began to tremble.Kael tenderly held my hands, and I glanced at him, seeing the encouragement in his eyes. I shakily nodded, cleaning off the stray tears with the back of my hands as I led him to the back of the cottage where she was buried.A shabby tombstone stood at the edge, hastily crafted, and for a while, I watched the space, the whole world around me going quiet. "Mom..." I started to say, my voice wobbly with grief, moving forward."A lot has happened since you left. I thought my life ended when yours did. But instead, it was only about

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