The Lycan King's Captive のすべてのチャプター: チャプター 41 - チャプター 50

Chapter 40: the pleasElena povI sank back onto my throne, suddenly exhausted.Marcus appeared at my side. "That was masterful. You satisfied the court while preserving her life. You…""Do not congratulate me on finding the least terrible option in a room full of nightmares," I said bitterly. "Twenty lashes, Marcus. Twenty lashes from a silver-tipped whip on an omega who is my mate. And I have to stand there and watch while the bond screams at me to stop.""You did what you had to do.""Did I? Or did I just prolong her suffering because I am too much of a coward to either execute her cleanly or claim her publicly?"Marcus was quiet for a moment. "You are giving her a chance to prove her worth. To demonstrate that she has value beyond her deception. That is more mercy than most would have shown."Before I could say anything more, the throne room doors burst open with enough force to make the guards jump. I was on my feet instantly, hand moving toward my weapon, but I stopped when I sa

CHAPTER 42: The d-dayElena's POVTwenty lashes from a silver-tipped whip.The words echoed in my mind, over and over, like a death sentence being read aloud. I had heard the stories, of course. Everyone had. Whispers in the omega quarters about wolves who had undergone the same punishment in the past… the story was that they never remained the same. And most of them were warriors. Strong. Trained. Built to endure pain.And I was none of those things.I wrapped my arms tighter around my knees, trying to make myself smaller, as if I could somehow disappear into the stone itself. My hands were shaking so badly I could barely hold them still. The trembling had started when Kieran described what was coming, and now it would not stop.*Each one will burn like fire. Each one will tear flesh and leave scars that may never fully heal.*His voice had been so cold. So detached. As if he were discussing the weather rather than my torture. And maybe that was the worst part. Not the promise of pa

CHAPTER 44: AftermathKieran's POV"Twenty."I felt the last strike hit me as if i was burned with hot iron. Elena's body convulsed one last time before going completely still.The chains holding her, suddenly let loose and she was now falling. I didn't know how it happened and didn't care about anything else, I moved without thinking.One moment I was on the balcony, the next I had vaulted over the railing and was hitting the ground running. I caught her just inches from the ground, her body collapsing into my arms like a broken doll. "Elena." Her name came out rough, desperate. "Elena, stay with me."But her eyes stayed closed, her body limp in my arms. Up close, the damage was worse than I had imagined. Her back was a mess of torn flesh and blood, the silver burns preventing most of the healing I had witnessed. She was so pale, her breathing so shallow I could barely detect it."What in the gods' names was that?" Lord Heinrich 's voice cut through the noise, shrill with barely co

Chapter 46: the counci meetingElena povMarcus stood in the doorway, breathing hard like he had run all the way here. His eyes immediately found me on the bed, and for a moment, something flickered across his face. Wonder? Fear? I couldn't tell. But then his expression smoothed into professional neutrality."Your Majesty," he said, though his gaze lingered on me for another moment. "The Council of Elders is assembled. They are demanding your presence. Immediately.""Tell them I am occupied," Kieran replied without looking away from me. His voice was strained, tight with emotion he was clearly trying to suppress."With respect, Your Majesty, this isn't a request. After what happened in the courtyard, they're... concerned. And they're not the only ones. The noble houses are in an uproar. King Darius is threatening to leave despite your lockdown order. And there are rumors spreading about…" He glanced at me again, then back to Kieran. "About what people saw during the punishment.""I do

Chapter 48: the invitationKierean povMy body stiffened,It was king darius, apparently he didn't leave with the others.I let out a bitter laugh. "Define 'well.'""You didn't kill anyone. In your current state, I consider that a victory." He walked toward me, his expression serious. "But Kieran, they're not wrong to be concerned…“I made myself clear that everyone should leave.” I growled."Now, now, Kieran," Darius's voice called out, dripping with false cheer. "Why leave so soon, And here I thought we might have a chat. Just the two of us. King to king."I stopped, my jaw clenching so hard I heard my teeth grind together. "I believe I made myself clear in the Great Hall, Darius. Your presence is no longer required.""Ah, but that's where you are wrong." His footsteps grew closer until he was standing beside me, close enough that I could smell the cloying scent of his cologne. "We have so much to discuss. So many... fascinating developments."I turned to face him, keeping my expres