The Lycan King and his Dark Temptation (Valeria) novel Chapter 352

ELLIOT

I followed Katherine’s trail, a creeping fear settling in as I realized she was heading deeper into the forest.

A thousand conspiracies ran through my mind. Had someone captured her? Taken her away by force?

But there were no other scents. Still, I didn’t trust it.

I was so anxious I imagined every possible scenario—except the one I actually found.

Shielded by the darkness, I reached the outskirts of the commoners’ celebration.

Lively music filled the air, nothing like the refined melodies played in the ballroom.

Voices and laughter flooded the night, but among them, I heard one that was too sweet for my ears.

Her scent, that lavender filled with joy, engulfed me.

I searched for her among the circle of dancing people—then I saw her.

She moved while holding up her skirt, lifting it to an indecent height as she jumped from side to side, following the other women.

Her eyes sparkled under the torchlight.

For a second, I was hypnotized, drunk on the sight of this woman.

I had never seen her so free—so herself.

Her loose hair whipped around her as she laughed non-stop. She was stunning, seductive. And I wasn’t the only man noticing.

My excitement at finding her, at seeing her, twisted into deep jealousy as I caught the lustful stares of several men on her.

As she passed from one hand to another during the dance, they gripped her waist, their eyes hungrily traveling over her neckline, over the suggestive curves outlined by the movement.

Rage coursed through my veins.

So she had run from my side just to put herself on display for others.

I yanked off my tunic, tossing it into the tall grass.

She was trying to pass as a commoner, too.

I stuffed my cufflinks and expensive rings into my pants pockets.

Untucked my white shirt, ran a hand through my hair to mess it up.

I didn’t think twice before stepping into the light.

A man walked past carrying pints of beer on a tray. I grabbed one, took a long swig, then slammed it down, trying to control myself.

My blood pounded, and the alcohol burned my throat.

With a dull thud, I set the pint on a table and wove through the crowd.

I quickly picked up the rhythm of the dance. When I was younger, I used to sneak out and wander among my people in disguise.

With a leap, I forced my way between two men and began moving, imitating their steps—right, left, a step forward, another back…

I must have looked ridiculous, completely out of sync. But I didn’t care.

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