The Lycan King and his Dark Temptation (Valeria) novel Chapter 235

SIGRID

Through the animal’s eyes, I scanned the vastness of the forest, searching for a safe refuge—and soon enough, I found one.

Nestled in the mountains, far from the mansion, possibly even outside their lands, I spotted a dark hole, half-hidden in the hillside.

I landed softly at the entrance, shifting back into my human form, a fire spell glowing in my hands to light my way and fend off any threats.

The cold drafts made my hair flutter as I glanced toward the horizon, at the night sky.

For some reason, I felt restless and nervous; still, I took the risk of venturing into this wild cave, hoping I wouldn’t stumble upon any unpleasant surprises.

Just in case, I placed a defensive spell at the entrance.

At first, I walked through a narrow passage that gradually widened like a funnel.

The damp, earthy smell welcomed me, but it didn’t feel like an animal’s den.

I noticed two tunnels stretching deeper into the unknown, but what I needed to do could be done right here, in this small chamber.

I sat on the ground, in a dry spot against the cold wall, and rummaged through my corset and the ornament in my hair.

Soon, I had all the magical pieces laid out in front of me, ready to be assembled.

The light from the small floating fireball hovered above my head, illuminating my work.

In less than fifteen minutes, it was finally ready!

I drew the sleep runes around the small flower-shaped artifact, my fingers trembling slightly. Goddess, I imagined my parents crying, all the pain and drama flooding my mind.

Taking a deep breath, I began reciting the incantation and closed my eyes, diving into the dream world where I hoped to find Zarek.

I chose him because our dark magics were most aligned, and I prayed I’d be able to reach him.

When I opened my eyes again, I looked around at the withered, shadowy forest where there was no night, no day, no wind, no human warmth—only forgotten memories, unfinished dreams, and the worst nightmares.

I wandered aimlessly, guided only by instinct, calling out to him in my heart over and over.

Seconds, hours, days—I didn’t know. Time moved differently here, but I kept searching and searching, calling and calling, to no avail.

"Please, someone, please, Zarek, sleep and find me, sleep and find me."

I begged, collapsing to my knees, my hands covering my face.

Beneath me was a deep abyss, and tears began to stream down my cheeks.

This artifact wouldn’t help me contact my family.

“Sigrid?” Suddenly, a voice made my heart skip a beat.

I spun around quickly, afraid I was imagining things.

“Uncle, is that you? It’s you!” I sprang up, running toward him and hugging him around the waist, crying, breaking down after holding it all in for so long.

“Calm down, little troublemaker, calm down,” he said, running his hand over my head, though his touch felt stiff, and he seemed a bit lost.

“What are we doing here? Sigrid, what did you do now, girl?”

He pulled back, gripping my shoulders, his brow furrowed. Honestly, I expected a different reaction.

“Uncle, I didn’t leave because I wanted to, I… the Goddess…”

But when I tried to give him details, that cursed sensation returned—like my lips were sewn shut.

“Mmmmnn…”

I fought back angrily, wanting to claw at my mouth with my nails, sick of all the mystery, all the damn schemes, all of it!

“Calm down, calm down, Sigrid, there’s not much time. This spell is unstable. I don’t know why you called me—it’s obvious it has something to do with that b*tch. Tell me, tell me what you need from me!” he urged.

I realized I had to make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime moment.

“Tell my parents not to worry, that I’ll return to my body…”

Finally, an image appeared in my mind—it was my father with my mother sitting on his lap.

They were talking animatedly around a small table in the garden of the dark palace.

My grandmother sat beside my beloved Quinn, their hands always intertwined, the beauty of the Selenia preserved only within these four walls.

Aunt Celine was gazing toward the palace’s inner door, surely missing her mate.

My steps drew closer over the grass to my beloved parents.

Mom smiled at some silly thing, and my father, as always, had his brow furrowed.

The intense love between them hung in the air, in every hidden gesture, in every knowing glance...

"Mom, Dad, it’s better if you don’t know. It’s better for you... When you finish your afternoon tea, I’ll already be back..."

I whispered beside them, reaching out to caress their faces. Like the afternoon breeze, they couldn’t see me.

Suddenly, Mom went silent, and I saw a tear roll down her cheek. She didn’t understand why she was crying out of nowhere. She wiped it away with a finger and lowered her head.

My tear-filled eyes wouldn’t stop overflowing, streaming uncontrollably down my cheeks, sobs escaping my lips.

I stepped back, fading away—the connection was breaking.

Suddenly, Dad stretched his hand toward me, as if trying to grab my non-existent hand.

He shot to his feet, pulling my mother up with him, walking toward me, desperate, as if he could see me. But I knew it was just a father’s instinct.

"Sigrid! Sigrid! Where’s my daughter? Where’s my pup, Aldric?!"

Her shouts echoed from afar, my mother calling my name, my father’s red eyes staring directly where I stood, and me—a ghost fading once again from their present, still trapped in the past.

When I came back to consciousness, I was in that cold cave again. I hugged my legs and cried—cried like never before.

I completely broke down, only to rise stronger. Now, I had important information in my hands.