The Lycan King and his Dark Temptation (Valeria) novel Chapter 423

NARRATOR

Around a hundred men advanced, armed and ready to fight—to wage war until the bitter end… An end that came far too soon.

Ovidio’s eyes gleamed with greed as he saw the enormous reinforced gates swing open. But his expression quickly twisted into shock and panic when he realized what awaited on the other side—

The dreaded cavalry charge.

A wall of riders galloped toward them, their faces murderous, and at the head of the charge, gripping a blood-drenched sword in his gloved hand, was the ruthless, heartless Butcher Duke of Everhart.

Behind him, the city burned in flames, still reeling from the battle against Thesio’s rebellious forces.

But Ovidio was a leader, too. After his initial shock, he quickly assessed the battlefield—Elliot had fewer men than him.

"Fight bravely! Hold the line! Do not retreat!" he shouted, puffing out his chest, trying to rally his frightened soldiers.

But as he glanced over his shoulder—his blood turned to ice.

They couldn’t retreat, even if they wanted to.

The rest of Everhart’s army was descending from the eastern mountains—like a plague sweeping in to destroy everything in its path.

At the forefront was General Vittorio.

He was finished.

Elliot raised his sword, prepared to face the other noble—ready to kill if necessary.

However, the scent of fear and surrender told him everything he needed to know. His overwhelming display of force had broken Ovidio’s resolve.

"We surrender!" the other Duke spat through clenched teeth, his hatred for Elliot blazing in his eyes.

How the hell did he do it?!

How did he infiltrate the citadel so quickly?!

"Then, if you wish to leave here alive and not lose your life to war, I demand compensation…"

Elliot didn’t hesitate, stripping Ovidio’s treasury bare—draining his duchy’s coffers, depleting his warhorses and weaponry, crippling his military strength.

Ovidio seethed with fury. Not only had he lost control over this land, but now Elliot Everhart was exploiting his defeat to ruin him.

The prisoners were taken into custody, to be released only once the ransom was paid.

Elliot’s black warhorse reared up, galloping along the perimeter of the walls—a silent message to the other hidden armies lurking beyond the horizon.

The beast’s powerful front legs kicked into the air, its rider exuding an aura of dominance—unyielding, unconquerable.

His dark hair gleamed in the morning light, and his icy gaze carried a chilling warning:

«I am even more powerful now. Stronger. Dare to take what is mine, and you will lose your head.»

Naturally, they withdrew, and the Duchy of Everhart rose to an even greater level of power in the minds of all.

It seemed unstoppable.

However, no one could surpass the authority of the royal family.

And soon, the most formidable duchy found itself entangled in a grave threat—one that placed it directly under the Regent’s scrutiny.

*****

The game had begun. And then…

"Wait, Lavinia! I’m going to catch you!"

Laughter echoed from the staircase.

A little girl ran by, giggling, while behind her, the playful Duchess chased her, arms outstretched.

Her deep red dress billowed behind her, flushed skin glowing from the chase, hair tumbling in flirtatious waves, generous breasts always pushed up by the tight corset.

Katherine froze at the top of the stairs—her playful mood vanishing the moment she spotted the unexpected guest.

Salvatore’s false “dark” eyes nearly turned ruby-red at the sight of her, devouring her hungrily.

He had longed to see this woman again ever since that fleeting moment in the tavern.

He had to exert extreme control to conceal his sinful desires.

So beautiful. So alive. Like Bella. His Bella. But Katherine wasn’t looking at him.

Her gaze was fixed on the lycan standing beside the "royal inspector." Shit. That bastard was playing with fire.

Toying with the beast’s chain…

Vorath was already on the verge of unleashing his murderous aura, ready to rip out the bloodsucker’s throat if he kept staring at his mate like that.

Would Elliot be able to hold back long enough to carry out his plans?

Katherine nearly ran down the stairs—because if she didn’t calm her man down fast, he was going to crush the vampire’s balls and shove them down his throat.