The Lycan King and his Dark Temptation (Valeria) novel Chapter 410

KATHERINE

Whatever mystery that small chest held, I would have to uncover it later.

First, because we needed to go home.

And second, because, as expected, it wouldn’t open so easily.

"Mom, is it safe to leave? The… the Lady Prescott, she’s not in the forest with her bad son, is she?" Lavinia clung nervously to my skirt, glancing toward the ruined garden and beyond the fence.

"Don’t worry, sweetheart, I’m here to protect you. No one will ever harm you," Elliot answered for me, lifting her protectively into his arms.

My heart couldn’t feel warmer.

"But, Father Duke, there’s a monster out there. You have to be careful, it’s… it’s really fierce…" I twisted my lips at her words.

Daughter, that “monster” is the same one holding you right now—your adoptive father!

A subtle laugh gleamed in Elliot’s eyes as he glanced at me for a second.

"Lavinia, we didn’t see any monster. It was probably a large animal, and you got confused because of fear," he explained, downplaying the matter.

In the future, we would tell her, of course. But children aren’t very good at lying, and our survival depended on keeping this secret.

Lavinia didn’t look entirely convinced, but she didn’t bring it up again, though her eyes continued scanning the surroundings with lingering fear.

"We’ve had breakfast. Now, let’s go home," Elliot finally said, and we set off.

There was no talking about our appearance—we looked like war survivors, half-dressed and filthy.

The Duke had his feet wrapped in curtain fabric as makeshift shoes, his hair a mess, ragged but safe.

We crossed the forest, guided by Elliot and Vorath’s instincts, who wouldn’t stop speaking in my mind.

His mark tingled on my nape. I still wasn’t used to the idea of being claimed by a werewolf.

Like a united family, we left behind the dangers of the swampy area. No wild animal dared approach with the deadly warning of a lycan in the air.

Finally, we reached a guard post between the forest and the castle.

"YOUR GRACE!" The soldiers shouted from the tower as soon as they saw us and immediately started rushing toward us.

"Don’t come any closer!" Elliot barked, stepping in front of me. His overwhelming aura instantly chilled the soldiers’ enthusiasm.

"I don’t want any male near my almost-naked mate!" I heard Vorath roar, baring his fangs, as if those poor men could even see him.

Possessive, jealous wolf—so savage.

"Bring a comfortable carriage with warm clothes to take us to the castle!"

His order sent everyone into a frenzy.

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