Semua Bab Too Tempting for the Lycan King: Bab 71 - Bab 80

Ariana’s POVThe battle had left something broken inside me that I could not quite name. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw the arrow flying toward Kael, felt the terror of watching him nearly die.I felt the strange, overwhelming power that surged through my body when I threw myself between him and death.Sleep became difficult after that night, and when it finally came, nightmares waited patiently to consume whatever peace I might have found.Three nights after the attack, another nightmare tore through my sleep with brutal intensity. I dreamt of kingdoms burning, of warriors with familiar faces falling around me.And of Kael that bleed out in my arms while I screamed helplessly and my power refused to answer my desperate call.I then woke up gasping and tears already streamed down my face.My whole body trembled violently in the darkness of my tent and I could not stay there alone.Without fully considering my actions, I climbed out of my bedroll and stumbled through camp.Past

Damien’s POVI followed them into the palace, and my legs felt unsteady beneath me despite the strength I usually carried without effort. Guards lined the corridors respectfully, though their eyes tracked me carefully, clearly uncertain what to make of an Alpha from a rival territory walked freely through their King’s private halls.I told myself I had come purely out of concern, that the fear I had felt through the bond justified this journey regardless of anything else happening between Ariana and Kael. I told myself repeatedly that my presence here served only to ensure her safety, and nothing more complicated than that simple truth.Then I saw her.She stood near a large window in what appeared to be a private sitting room.Sunlight caught gently against her hair, and she was laughing.Not the polite, careful laughter she had offered during formal occasions throughout our marriage. Not the strained smile she had forced whenever pack members watched us together, performing happi

Damien’s POVDeep within the rogue territories, and then far beyond Blackwood’s protected borders.Selene stood before the gathering of powerful, dangerous men and her expression carried so much calculated confidence even despite the obvious risk of standing within enemy territory.“You have brought us valuable information,” the Rogue King said slowly and his eyes studied her carefully from where he sat upon a crude throne that was constructed from carved wood and animal bone. “Though I remain curious why Blackwood’s former mistress would betray her own kind so willingly.”Selene smiled coldly and then she settled into a nearby chair without waiting for anyone to invite her to sit.Her composure also remained steady even despite the dangerous atmosphere that she was surrounded by.“Betrayal implies loyalty existed beforehand,” she said gently and also calmly. “I owe Blackwood nothing. I owe Damien even less and given how thoroughly he has discarded me in favor of pursuing his precio

Ariana’s POVKael found me when I stood near the palace window that same night.He was still staring at the distant silver glow that illuminated the mountainside where the ancient temple apparently waited patient and awake after centuries of dormant silence.“I want to go there,” I said quietly and I did not turn to look at him.“Ariana, with everything happening currently, armies gathering along every border, this seems like dangerous timing.”“That’s exactly why I need to go now,” I said firmly and then I finally turned to meet his gaze. “If this temple truly holds answers about my destiny, about what I am capable of becoming, I need that knowledge before facing whatever war awaits us.”He then studied me carefully and understanding gradually replaced his initial hesitation.“I will take you myself,” he said finally. “Quietly, with minimal escort. We cannot risk drawing attention that might expose our destination toward enemy forces.”We departed before dawn, and only two trusted

Ariana’s POVThe blade pressed harder against my throat, and then I felt another thin line of blood trickle down toward my collarbone. Below us, Kael and Damien stood frozen, and their faces were so pale with horror, and their hands moved into helpless fists at their sides.“Choose,” Selene repeated and then her voice was filled with cruel amusement through the quiet night air. “Save Ariana, or save the baby. One of them dies tonight.”“That is not a real choice,” Kael shouted and his voice broke with desperation. “You cannot separate them. Harming one harms both.”“Can’t I?” Selene’s smile widened cruelly. “A skilled hand knows exactly how deep to cut, exactly where to press. I could end her life slowly enough to save the child, or quickly enough that neither survives. The choice belongs entirely to whichever man speaks first.”“Take me instead,” Damien called out and his voice trembled with raw so much emotion. “Please, Selene. Whatever anger you carry toward me, direct it a