Curves And Claws: The Lycan King's Relentless Claim novel Chapter 67

**Chapter 67**

Cassian,

“Your Majesty, may we have a moment alone with you?” Lorenzo’s voice sliced through the charged atmosphere, interrupting the heated exchange between Carolyn and me. Just moments ago, I had been on the verge of silencing her, perhaps even ejecting her from the room, but the expression on Lorenzo’s face compelled me to halt. His posture was rigid, his gaze darting nervously, and an unmistakable tension radiated from him, one that I could not overlook.

I turned my attention to Roana. Her demeanor was one of irritation, yet she stood her ground, unwavering against Carolyn’s attempts to dominate the conversation. Carolyn had been twisting the narrative in her favor throughout, and I had once believed her to be a reasonable, composed individual. However, her deceit yesterday—claiming Roana had ignored her—had unsettled me, and now, her motives felt increasingly dubious. I found myself grappling with uncertainty about her true character.

As we stepped out of the room, Lorenzo presented a file to me, his expression cautious and serious. He glanced back at the door, ensuring our privacy before speaking. “The testimonies from those Rogues were delivered to me last night. I believe it’s imperative that you examine them yourself.”

His tone carried a gravity that sent a jolt through my nerves. I opened the folder, allowing the papers to cascade through my fingers as I skimmed the interrogation notes. The writing was chaotic, the sentences clumsy, yet the essence of the reports was unmistakable. Then, one particular line caught my eye, standing out like a beacon amid the clutter.

“A woman in a black robe invited us to the Northern Woods. She was a larger woman with a darker aura. She claimed to know how to infiltrate the Royal Packhouse without detection.”

The description felt ludicrous. A larger woman with a darker aura? It sounded more like a figment of a fevered dream than a tangible individual.

“They also mentioned that this woman had a calculated plan to escape the Packhouse before we could apprehend them. However, they were clueless about the specifics—something about diverting our attention,” Lorenzo added, his voice striving for neutrality, though his eyes betrayed his concern.

“Who do you suspect?” I inquired, attempting to weave together the threads of information. It was nearly impossible to conceive of anyone familiar enough with the Packhouse’s layout who would guide outsiders inside.

Lorenzo hesitated, his brow furrowing. “Your Majesty, I realize this may sound offensive, but Her Highness was also discovered in the Northern Woods. Is it not too coincidental? Moreover, she is the only individual who fits the description of being larger and—”

“One more word, Lorenzo, and I swear I will silence you myself.” My voice emerged icy and sharp, laden with a warning. Lorenzo stiffened visibly. “Those rogues claimed that the woman from within led them in. At that time, Roana was with me, in my hotel room, resting in my embrace. Are you suggesting she somehow traversed from the Ocean Region Pack to my Packhouse to guide intruders and then returned undetected?”

The color drained from Lorenzo’s face, shifting from crimson embarrassment to a pallor of realization. His gaze dropped back to the documents, as if searching for a way to retract his insinuation.

I thrust the folder against his chest, my glare piercing and frigid. “I demand to know the full identity of this woman. This is not a matter of personal bias. Do your duty.”

A surge of anger coursed through me as I pivoted sharply and strode back toward the room. Lorenzo’s longstanding disdain for Roana had always been evident. He was loyal, but such loyalty meant little when it clouded his judgment to this extent. I had placed my trust in him, and now he had nearly accused her without any substantiating evidence. That betrayal stung more than I cared to admit.

Yet, as I re-entered the room, the atmosphere shifted dramatically.

Carolyn was on the floor, sobbing uncontrollably. She sat curled up, her knees drawn to her chest, shoulders shaking violently, her hair obscuring most of her face. Her breathing was ragged, uneven, and almost heart-wrenching to witness.

“Carolyn? What happened?” I rushed to her side, helping her to her feet. She immediately clutched the front of my shirt, her fingers trembling as if seeking solace.

“I’m so sorry,” she wept, her voice thick with emotion. “I never meant to imply that you spent the night in my room just to care for me. All I wanted to express was my guilt for keeping you occupied while she was here, struggling alone!”

Her sobs grew more intense, her body shaking with anguish. “But when I asked for an apology, she slapped me and pushed me away.”

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