Semua Bab THE LYCAN KING CLAIMED HER: She Becomes His Obsession: Bab 11 - Bab 20

ARIAThe hall broke into chaos.Wolves shouted, some in support of Bryson's challenge, others calling for order. The noise crashed over me like a physical wave, but I forced myself to remain still. To show no weakness.Kael's hand found mine, squeezing once before releasing. A silent reminder that I could do this."Silence!" His voice cut through the noise like a blade. The hall fell quiet instantly. "Alpha Bryson Cole, you challenge my mate's right to be Luna. State your grounds."Bryson stepped into the center of the hall, his expression a mask of righteous concern. He looked every inch the concerned Alpha, worried for his realm. I knew better. I'd seen this act before, right before he locked me in the cellar for three days without food."Your Majesty, I mean no disrespect to you or your authority." His voice carried false sincerity. "But this girl, this Aria, she is of my pack. I raised her after her father's death. I know her better than anyone here."Lies but he delivered them wi

ARIAI woke to darkness and the smell of blood.For a moment, I couldn't remember where I was. Then it all came rushing back. The feast. Kael's episode. The long night of greeting nobles and pretending everything was fine.We'd finally collapsed into bed around three in the morning, exhausted but relieved the night was over.Now something was wrong."Kael?" I reached across the bed, but his side was empty. Cold. He'd been gone for a while.I sat up, my eyes adjusting to the darkness. The scent of blood was stronger now. Fresh. Close.My heart hammered as I climbed out of bed, my bare feet silent on the cold floor. "Kael, this isn't funny."No answer.I moved toward the bathing chamber, where a sliver of light showed beneath the door. The smell of blood was overwhelming now, metallic and sharp.I pushed the door open.Kael stood at the sink, his back to me. Water ran red down the drain. His hands were covered in blood, and he was scrubbing them mechanically, over and over, like he coul

KAELReading Drake's letter felt like being punched in the gut.They had planned it all. From the guard's murder to my supposed breakdown at the full moon ceremony. They'd been counting on my curse, weaponizing it against me.And I'd almost let them win. Almost believed I was the monster they wanted everyone to think I was."Arrest them both," I ordered, my voice cold enough to freeze blood. "Now."Guards moved forward, but Morgana was faster. Purple light exploded from her hands, creating a barrier between her and the advancing wolves."I don't think so," she said calmly. "You have no proof. Just a letter that could easily be forged.""My handwriting can be verified," Drake added, looking far too confident for someone caught red-handed. "But even if the letter is real, it proves nothing. Planning is not the same as action. We've committed no crime.""You murdered a guard!" Aria's voice rang out clear and strong."Did we? Where's your evidence? The claw marks were too small to be Lyca

ARIAI woke in the healing ward with sunlight streaming through the windows and my shoulder wrapped in bandages that smelled like antiseptic and moonflower."Don't move," Helena's voice came from beside the bed. "That wound was deep. You're lucky Morgana's spell didn't sever the muscle completely."I tried to sit up anyway. Pain lanced through my shoulder, making me gasp."I said don't move." Helena pushed me back down with surprising strength for someone half my size. "You've been unconscious for six hours. Your body needs rest.""Kael?" My voice came out hoarse."Fine. He is exhausted, but fine. He's been in here every hour checking on you." She poured water into a cup and held it to my lips. "Drink."I drank, the cool liquid soothing my dry throat. "What happened after I passed out?""Drake and Morgana are in the dungeons awaiting trial. The wolves who fought for them surrendered or fled. No one died, thank the Moon Goddess, though we have plenty of injuries to deal with." Helena s

ARIAThe interrogation chamber was deep under the palace, in a part of the dungeons I didn't know existed. The air was thick with old magic, the kind that made my skin crawl and my wolf whine nervously."This room was built centuries ago," Vera explained as she arranged candles in a specific pattern on the floor. "Before the ban on dark magic. It's warded to contain whatever happens inside.""Comforting," I muttered.Morgana was brought in, still bound in silver chains. She looked around the chamber with interest rather than fear."The old interrogation room. How nostalgic." She smiled at Vera. "I didn't think you had it in you, Councilwoman. You always were such a stickler for the rules.""Desperate times," Vera replied coldly. "Sit."Guards forced Morgana into a chair at the center of the candle circle. More chains were added, binding her completely."This won't work, you know," Morgana said conversationally. "I've spent years building mental shields. Your little spell won't break t