The Lycan King and his Dark Temptation (Valeria) novel Chapter 256

NARRATOR

"It looks like he's in love with Sigrid."

"Even worse, Alessandre—we have a walking time bomb. What will happen when she leaves for her world?"

They stared at each other in silence. The answer was obvious.

"For now, though, Sigrid has control over him, and we need more strong allies on our side. I think the smartest move is to use him, keep him close. That man must despise Lucrecia with every fiber of his being."

Alessandre calculated his next move, and Renata did the same.

If Alessandre presented Lucrecia Silver’s head to the Queen—if he became the hero who defeated the witches, controlled the vampires, and swore loyalty to the crown—then they might accept him as the next King and Renata’s husband.

"We can’t delay our plans. Sigrid could leave at any moment. I don’t even know if she’ll find the way…"

"Love," Alessandre interrupted, the decision already made in his mind. "Lucrecia invited me to one of her ‘private parties’ in a few days."

"Disgusting." Renata grimaced in distaste.

"Exactly. But it’s our opportunity. I’ll take Sigrid and her companion. It’s all or nothing. You need to come too, undercover. We’ll set a trap for her when her guard is down."

"And your father? He could send reinforcements and side with Lucrecia…"

"No, Renata. Leave my father to me. I’ll handle him."

His gaze left no room for argument.

Renata sighed and pressed a loving kiss along his jawline.

She knew the sacrifice her mate was making—for her.

Alessandre’s father was not a good man. But he was still his father. And now, he had to choose.

"You won’t regret it. I promise you won’t. We’ll always be together."

She whispered, straddling him, pushing him down onto the bed.

Piece by piece, she shed her clothing, and Alessandre watched, entranced—just like the first time he had ever possessed her.

Desire blazed between them.

"I know, my love. I know we’ll always be together."

*****

SILAS

I remained still, gazing at the dark horizon, waiting—just waiting for her decision. I didn’t know what had happened, but I never should have spoken that name.

I regretted it more than anything.

The moment I said it, I felt the tension coil in her body, rigid in my arms. I tried to fix it, but it was already too late.

Her eyes… when she turned to look at me… something had changed between us. I could feel it.

She has never told me about her past. What is she doing inside that witch’s body? Where is her real one?

But one thing is clear—Sigrid doesn’t belong here. She has so many secrets. And I don’t want to ask, because I fear the answers.

Now, more than ever. I can feel it—that the truth will separate us.

So I’d rather live in this illusion. My magic calls out to hers, reaching for her essence, trying to entwine with it.

But now… she puts up a barrier between us.

What did I do? What did I do so wrong for you to suddenly reject me?

I know. I know what you're doing right now. I know you’re holding a dagger at my back, a deadly blade hovering inches from my spine.

To me, she was the most vile and despicable being of all. But now… I’m not so sure anymore.

She created Lucrecia. But she also created Sigrid. I lower my head and stare at her—obsessed.

"Don’t push me away, please, my love. I will do whatever you want. I will give you my life. But if I die… it will be at your side."

I whisper, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead.

Then, I lift her into my arms.

I’ve already commanded my specters to free all the slaves from their prisons. I can feel them running, scattering into the forest. I hope they find another life.

Though in this realm, safe havens are growing scarce.

I close my eyes, exhale deeply, leaving part of my power to guard the estate as I call the rest back to me.

Then, my massive wings unfurl. I take flight, rising into the sky, making sure she doesn’t wake.

Below, I watch the houses, the empty streets, the darkened mansion on the hill.

She will decide later if she wants to stay here.

But tonight—I will make the choice for her. I ascend higher, shielding her with my power so the cold won’t touch her, so the wind won’t disturb her sleep.

I slip between the clouds, soaring over valleys, cities, and forests.

This sensation—this—the feeling of absolute freedom and power—it’s intoxicating.

My memories guide me. Toward the elemental village in the mountains. The place I was ripped away from.

My home.

The place I wish to live forever—with my woman.