The Lycan King's Forbidden Craving novel Chapter 231

231: Healing

Arianna’s eyes darted around the small place, her dry throat lighting and her head reeling with thoughts driving into her mind. Books… a cup of tea?

“Don’t…” she almost choked on her words. “Don’t tell me you’ve been here this whole time.”

Silence.

That was enough to give her the answer, and her lips parted in disbelief.

“I can explain,” he said.

She pulled herself away from his hold and turned to look at him.

Her breath seized.

In the dark, he had slightly changed. Longer hair, a short beard like those times, golden eyes with sharp irises indicating his restraint. They looked relieved, happy–extremely happy to see her–yet with a hint of guilt. They didn’t glow bright like – before; it was as though they had lost most of their light.

And then the cracks.

So many dark, jagged cracks on his pale skin, spreading across his frame and disappearing through his tunics and pants. Those cracks were like the ones she saw when she satisfied his rut for the first time. His chest was heaving, his posture slightly unstable as if he were trying to hold himself together.

Arianna’s shoulder slumped, gaze softening. “How long have you.”

“Three months,” he said hoarsely. “I believe… the same time you woke up.”

He winced, groaning, his face contorting in pain.

She stepped forward instinctively, but before she could touch him, he pulled her into a sudden embrace. His shoulders shook- and then came a sound she never imagined she’d hear.

He was sobbing.

Tears welled in her own eyes. She wrapped her arms around him, holding tight, feeling his pain and desperate need. She had so many questions—but for now, she just held him.

Not long ago, she had went crazy with the thought of losing him forever.

Now he was here.

“I’m sorry, Ari… I failed to protect you,” he whispered into her hair, breathing in her scent. His arms tightened around her, as if she’d disappear again.

“It’s alright,” sob wrecked from her lips. “I thought I’d never see you again.”

She hugged tighter.

“Your Highness,” another voice called. Female, soft and aged.

Arianna broke the hug, her head snapping toward the source. With a wave of her hand, she lit the fire touch near the entrance.

It was the Seer, Evelora, stepping out from the shadows. Graceful, blind, leaning on her walking staff.

So that’s where the tea had come from. Duncan once told her how much this old woman loved tea.

Arianna glanced toward the books scattered near the hearth. Spellbooks, all belonging to Evelora.

Had she been helping Duncan this whole time, just like the Ouroboros did with Lucas?

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231. Meuling

“Hello, Arianna,” Evelora greeted gently. “I’m glad you’ve finally found us.”

She stepped closer, her staff tapping softly against the ground.

Duncan groaned softly, nearly losing balance.

+25 BONUS

Without hesitation, Arianna wrapped his arm around her shoulders and guided him back to the bed. Tears fell silently as she lowered him gently, trembling as she held his cold hand. He was so weak. She hadn’t seen him like this before—not even his scent was strong. She had assumed it was due to suppressants… but it wasn’t.

“I’m not dying,” Duncan said faintly, sensing her fear. “Not when you’re finally here. Don’t cry.”

He raised a trembling hand to brush away one of her tears.

Arianna looked toward Evelora, who had poured herself a cup of tea and sat calmly as if none of this was unusual.

“How long… will he be like this?” she asked, voice cracking. “Will he really heal?”

“Yes, Your Highness,” Evelora answered with certainty. “Now that you’re here, His Grace will recover in no time.”

Arianna turned back to Duncan. He was her focus now. Even though her mind raced with questions, none of it mattered more than the fact that he was here, alive. Still breathing. Still holding on.

Duncan reached up and brushed her cheek with the back of his hand. “I’m sorry I scared you.”

“I’m sorry I came late,” she whispered.

His eyes were wet. But he smiled softly. Longingly.

“Come here,” she whispered again.

And he did. As if he had been waiting for her to say those words.

He lay on the bed, resting his head on her thighs, and stared at her while she held him close.

“I broke my promise… and you had to suffer through these years. Forgive me.”

She shook her head. “You did nothing wrong, Dun. You have nothing to apologize for. It’s fine. Rest now. I’ll be here until you wake up my love,” she whispered.

“I hope it’s not a dream like every night. Dreams of having you in my arms, only to wake up and find you gone.”

Arianna bit her lower lip, her trembling fingers stroking his hair with all the gentleness in the world.

“It’s not a dream, Your Grace,” her voice trembled.

“I love you,” he whispered once more.

“I love you too,” she said, and finally, those golden eyes slipped into darkness, his hand holding her second hand, as if afraid she was going to disappear.

She let herself stare at him, taking in every line of his face as her fingers touched him. Tears streamed down her cheeks uncontrollably.

She had missed him so much.

I found your father, Rheal. And he’s alive. You’ll finally get to meet him soon.

“I see you bear the Goddess’s power. Not only did you save the dragon realm, but you’re saving the moon realm too,” the old woman smiled softly. “The heavens wrote such a beautiful story for you, Arianna.”

“Beautiful story?” Arianna nearly scoffed. “Why didn’t you tell me that day he was alive? Why did you keep such a thing from me?” Her brows furrowed.

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