Curves And Claws: The Lycan King's Relentless Claim novel Chapter 54

**Fireflies in Winter Rain — Neil A. Varma**
**Chapter 54**

Cassian,

Hours had slipped by as I patrolled the vast expanse of our territory, yet the search yielded nothing but frustration. The Rogues we had captured were as uncooperative as ever, their minds clouded and confused, as if some unseen puppet master was pulling their strings. They had no recollection of their actions, which left me grappling with a deep sense of helplessness. I could either punish them severely or attempt to interrogate them, but the results were always the same—blank stares and empty words.

For now, I relinquished control to Cyrus. Together, we scoured every nook and cranny, desperate to uncover how these intruders had breached the sanctity of my land. Even the sanctuary of my own garden had not escaped scrutiny.

Yet one question lingered in my mind like a stubborn shadow: why Carolyn? Why here, in this very garden? Five years ago, a similar nightmare had unfolded when Rogues attacked her and Elle. The memories were etched in my mind, haunting me as I traversed the woods, searching for any clue that might make sense of this chaos.

Suddenly, a voice broke through my thoughts.

“Your Majesty?”

Cyrus turned sharply, his expression shifting as he spotted Sean Brady standing there, a lamp flickering in his grasp. My gaze was immediately drawn to Candy, the beloved horse, standing beside him.

A surge of anger coursed through me, my blood boiling as my jaw clenched and the muscles in my neck tightened. “What on earth are you doing out here at this hour? And why is Candy with you?” Cyrus’s voice dripped with icy fury, his eyes narrowing on Sean with a predatory intensity.

Sean recoiled slightly, taking a hesitant step back. “Her Highness instructed me to look after Candy for the time being,” he stammered, his voice shaky, the nervous bob of his Adam’s apple betraying his unease.

Cyrus and I exchanged glances, our expressions sharp with suspicion. She had told him to care for Candy? The horse she treated as if she were her own child? How deep was their bond?

“But what are you doing here? Your Majesty, is everything alright?” Sean asked, his brow furrowing with concern.

“It should be me asking you that. Why are you out here at such a late hour? Did I not make it clear that no one is to leave the house tonight?”

His face shifted, a look of discomfort washing over him as he nervously stroked Candy’s back, his fingers trembling. “Her Highness was meant to meet Candy this evening. She promised to take her for a walk. I’ve been waiting for hours, but she hasn’t shown up. Is she alright?”

His words struck me like a bolt of lightning. Roana was supposed to have returned by noon. Lorenzo had assured me that everyone was back safe and sound. Yet, throughout the day, I had felt her absence acutely, lost in the turmoil of my investigation.

“Keep Candy with you until she returns. Now, go home. It’s not the time for you to be wandering around with her horse.”

I turned away, leaving him standing there, my heart racing as a creeping sense of unease slithered up my spine. The truth was elusive, but I needed to uncover it. My people’s safety was my priority.

As I made my way towards the Moonfall Stream in the south, Lorenzo’s frantic voice echoed in my mind. “Your Majesty… We have an urgent situation!”

His tone was laced with panic, each word a desperate plea. “It’s urgent… please respond!”

“What is it, Lorenzo?” I paused, allowing Cyrus a moment of respite. “Is everything alright?”

“No! Miss Carolyn is having a seizure. The pack doctor suspects someone may have drugged her. It’s causing her severe distress.”

The ground beneath me felt like it was crumbling away as his words sank in. My breath caught in my throat, and a wave of dread washed over me. “How is she now? What did the doctor say?”

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