Bride of the Sea-King Alpha의 모든 챕터: 챕터 41 - 챕터 50

LyraThe next sentence feels good to say out loud. “I’m not a lower princess or a slave girl,” I tell her firmly. “I am Sea-King Alpha Cassian’s mate and Luna.”Anastasia’s eyes go wide for just a second before narrowing. “You can’t be either of those. You’re a human.”I take one purposeful step toward her. I’m not sure when I figured this out or how I know how to do this, but I flash my wolf eyes at her. “I am not,” I say simply.Fear flushes her face. She stumbles backward a few steps, nearly tripping over her gown. It’s only now that I notice the king. His friendly smile has faded into a troubled frown as he looks right at her, incredulous.He isn’t acting like a newlywed man anymore. He hasn’t made a move to help steady her. In fact, he has put some distance between them.“Why are you acting like this, Ana?” he asks. “You told me you adored both your sisters.”I doubt it’s the only lie she told, and I don’t like being the one to have to tell him this since he seems like a nice guy

LyraI’ve already gotten used to the chilly air here in Winter Haven. Even with all the snow on the ground, it’s not really cold. I think it’s more accurate to describe it as cool and refreshing.The streets in the shopping district of Icehaven, the port city, are bustling with activity. Men with shovels hurry to clear the sidewalks that are already trampled from early morning shoppers. On the streets, drivers holler at their golden-maned horses pulling large metal blades attached to wooden frames, driving the snow away for those struggling to make deliveries in the thick snowpack.No one has waited for the snow to clear, though. Many small groups of women, several with children in tow, scurry in and out of shops, their doorbells chiming pleasantly through the air with every passing. We’ve been told by one of the lady’s maidens in Snowthorne’s castle that it’s important to get here early to find the best deals.But I’d rather take the leisurely approach, especially after the heavy emo

Lyra“I suppose we can forget about shopping,” I tell my mother and sister, who both shrug. Apparently, now Cassian and I have to trek up a mountain with a priestess to try to open some locked box with a necklace in it that will save the entire plain of existence.How in the world have I gone from a lower princess of humans to someone who can save all the kingdoms from darkness? I don’t know if I’m ready for that kind of responsibility.But I don’t have much time to worry about that because a bunch of priestesses are already piling into the room with lit candles and bundles of herbs.I guess we’re doing this. I’ll be the Luna Queen.Cassian faces me and takes both of my hands in his. “I wanted this to be a special ceremony back in the Oceana Temple, but this will have to do for now,” he says. “I promise we will have formal celebrations once Assanan is defeated.”“I don’t need any formal celebrations,” I insist.“But my mother will,” he says, a light chuckle escaping his lips. “Believe

LyraIt’s going to be a long few months, staying in a tent with my mother only meters away, trying to be quiet while Cassian’s touch makes me want to holler his name so loud, it echoes through these hills.But for now, I try to contain myself. We still have dinner to cook and a long night ahead of us before it’s time to be alone in the tent. So, I give Cassian a quick kiss, trying not to get any more excited by his touch, before he goes to help his men with the setup.The ladies and I have our own work to do.I don’t know where the High Priestess is. She’d murmured something about communing with the Moon Goddess and went into the forest before I had a chance to thank her for letting me read that book. I wouldn’t ask her to help cook, anyway.Stepping toward Mother, I can see we’re all thinking the same thing—we’re going to commandeer the “kitchen” out here. Without a word between us, we walk up to the men clanging pots and pans together and shoo them out of the way. I don’t doubt the

LyraI’m shivering. It’s been several minutes since I shifted back, and Cassian has been holding me tightly the entire time. Mother has already led Aisla away, though they both turned their heads back toward me a couple of times before exiting the forest.I pull back from Cassian a little, not because I don’t want his comfort, but because I need reassurance that I’m completely back to being human again.He seems to sense this, loosening his hold on me but not letting go. There’s no one else around, so I open the blanket a little to see my feet, my hands, my arms, all the familiar parts of me that have always made me what I am.They’re all there, but now, I’m something different.“You’re completely shifted back,” he assures me. “But it’s normal, not being sure about that the first time it happens.”I nod lightly, pulling the warm blanket around me again, but this time I leave my arms out so I can hold him. I lean my head on his shoulder, tracing the edges of his chest muscles with my f