Curves And Claws: The Lycan King's Relentless Claim novel Chapter 52

**Fireflies in Winter Rain — Neil A. Varma**
**Chapter 52**

Cassian,

The moment I received word that a band of rogues had launched a vicious attack on Carolyn and her trusted servant, I made a beeline for home. This was the second time in five years that she had been targeted, and the mere thought of it ignited a furious fire within me.

I had known I should have remained to handle the pressing issues in the Ocean Region, but the idea of sitting idly by while rogues dared to invade my territory and threaten someone I cherished was intolerable. I had to unravel how they were slipping through our defenses in the first place.

Moreover, my trust in Roana was unwavering. It wasn’t merely because she was my Luna; it was her wisdom, her choice of words, and her calm demeanor that radiated strength and leadership. I had no doubt that she would excel in whatever challenge she faced.

As I drove into the territory, I spotted Keane waiting for me just outside. His usual calm demeanor was replaced with an unmistakable tension, a storm of concern brewing behind his eyes.

“Keane. What’s going on? Where is Carolyn?” I demanded, my voice sharper than I had intended, the urgency of the situation clawing at my insides.

“Your Majesty,” he replied quickly, straightening his posture as if to shield himself from my wrath. “A group of rogues attacked Miss Carolyn in the Royal Garden. Her servants claim they appeared out of thin air. The entire area was supposed to be heavily guarded, yet they managed to breach it.”

“In the Royal Garden?” My voice dropped to a dangerous whisper, the gravity of the situation hitting me like a punch. “They have access to the heart of my mansion now?”

Keane nodded, his jaw clenched tight, the weight of the news evident in his expression. “Miss Carolyn is badly injured. The Royal Healer has informed us that she may be unable to walk for some time; her spine sustained a severe blow.”

My heart lurched violently within my chest. Those words hung in the air, momentarily failing to register. Before Keane could utter another syllable, I turned on my heel and stormed toward the mansion, my footsteps reverberating through the hallways like thunder.

Upon entering Carolyn’s room, the sight that met my eyes was gut-wrenching. She lay on the bed, her body swathed in bandages, her skin pale and her gaze fixed vacantly on the window. Her hands quivered slightly, and her lips were parched.

“Carolyn.” I softened my tone as I approached her, my heart aching at the sight.

The moment she heard my voice, her eyes flickered to me. “Cassian!” she whispered, her voice fragile, a mere shadow of its usual strength. Tears brimmed in her eyes, trembling at the corners. “I’m so sorry. I couldn’t even fight them off. They came out of nowhere and slammed me against the wall. I feel so weak, I—”

“Stop.” I interrupted gently, pulling her into my embrace. Her body felt alarmingly light, her skin radiating a feverish heat. “It’s okay. You don’t need to apologize.”

A shuddering breath escaped her as she pressed against me. “They were laughing at me,” she sobbed, her voice breaking. “They tried to touch me. They said something about… not trusting outsiders. That I was paying for trusting them.” Her body shook uncontrollably, and I felt my heart clench in response.

I clenched my jaw, trying to keep my voice steady despite the fury coursing through my veins. “I will find whoever did this,” I vowed, my determination solid. “They will pay for every moment you’ve suffered.”

“I’m scared,” she cried, gripping my shirt with desperate fingers. “Someone wants me dead, Cassian. I don’t want to die. Please help me. Don’t leave me alone. I can’t walk now. What will happen to me?”

Her trembling intensified, her head resting against my chest, the heat radiating from her skin almost unbearable.

“Calm down,” I murmured, gently stroking her hair, trying to soothe her. “Nothing will happen. I’m right here.”

“Please don’t leave me,” she whispered over and over, her voice small and broken, each repetition a plea that tore at my heart. “Please don’t leave me.”

I was bewildered by her words. Outsiders? In the royal mansion? It was impossible. Every servant, every guard was meticulously trained and fiercely loyal. Who, then, was she referring to?

Eventually, exhaustion took its toll, and she slipped into a fitful sleep. I carefully lowered her head onto the pillow and tucked the blanket around her shoulders, lingering for a moment to watch her pale face and the gentle rise and fall of her chest.

Just as I turned to leave, one of her servants entered, her steps unsteady, her left arm encased in bandages.

“Your Majesty,” she stammered, lowering her gaze in submission.

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