The Lycan King and his Dark Temptation novel Chapter 101

VALERIA

I paced nervously back and forth in the stifling room, chewing my nails and unable to sleep.

My hand protectively caressed my belly.

Now, this was my priority—keeping my pup safe.

I couldn’t believe it when Nana told me. It seemed like a cruel lie, but I saw it! She showed me with her magic the life of my baby growing inside me!

A smile appeared on my lips without me being able to stop it. I had to hide it deep down; no one else could find out. Only Nana and I knew.

My withered womb had somehow blossomed. She told me it was the miracle of true love—the powerful blood of his father and my power awakening.

She even said she could fix my face, but I refused.

Of course, I don’t want to stay like this forever, but for now, the best thing is to remain unnoticed before the Vampire King.

"Aldric," I whispered his name, sitting on the bed, missing him like crazy.

He seemed to recognize me. Will he at least try to win me back? Does he hate me now for lying and deceiving him?

"Love, we're having a pup," I lowered my head with a lump in my throat, staring at my still-flat belly.

A constant tapping on the balcony door startled me.

I got up as best I could with that damn chain around my ankle and walked slowly, a bit afraid.

It was like a pecking sound. Could it be Nana?

She said she’d come with me on the journey, but hidden somehow. The Vampire King couldn’t know that the old seer witch was my ally.

"Nana?" I whispered, taking a few steps. Why doesn’t she just come in like last time?

In an instant, a strong gust of wind swirled through the room, the two balcony doors swinging open violently, making me shut my eyes for a second. I instinctively protected my belly with my hands.

I heard flapping and a caw. When I opened my eyes, a beautiful raven with glossy black feathers shimmering under the moonlight flew in towards me.

I stretched out my hands to catch it in the air, and it landed gently on them.

"Nana, is that you?" I asked, bringing its dark eyes close to mine. Its response was strange.

Its sharp beak gently caressed my cheek, over and over, as if anxious.

"I'm fine, Nana. Nothing has happened since you left," I said, pressing it against the curve of my neck where it kept rubbing its head and fanning its wide wings.

If it kept that up, it would go bald.

"Haha, look at your feathers, you look like one of those scruffy birds."

I smiled, smoothing the black feathers on its head and neck. It closed its eyes in contentment. I suppose ravens like being groomed, though she’s not a real raven.

I don’t understand any of this, but I’m grateful for her support and feel safer with her around.

"Let’s close the door, it’s too windy," I said, walking toward the balcony.

But as I reached it, she cawed again and flew to something shining on the floor.

I stepped outside and picked it up. It looked like an ancient necklace with a long silver chain.

The pendant's design was exquisite, depicting a raven flying over a crescent moon.

"Do you want me to wear it?" I asked, and she cawed again.

Can’t she just speak to me in my mind like werewolves do?

Well, I wasn’t about to start acting all “Miss Perfect.”

I took the delicate chain and placed it around my neck, tucking it inside the neckline of my dress.

I carried my raven guardian back inside, shut the door, and waited for the first rays of sunlight to finally appear.

At some point, I fell asleep, leaning against the headboard, hugging Nana against my chest, waiting for that damn vampire.

Half an hour later, I walked down the long corridors, following his back.

Behind me, several men dressed as warriors followed—they were vampires.

We arrived at enormous doors that the King opened with a creaking sound, granting access to what appeared to be the throne room.

Tall columns held up the vaulted ceiling, and delicate chandeliers with cobweb-like designs cast a dim glow over the space.

At the far end, a staircase covered in red velvet led up to two golden armchairs with plush burgundy cushions—the thrones of the monarchs.

"Quinn, Celine!" I ran toward them the moment I spotted them standing in a corner.

"I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry. Have they done anything to you after what happened in the plaza?" I hugged them, nearly crying, the memories of seeing them suffer tormenting me with guilt.

In the end, they were here because of me; they were now in danger because of my actions.

"We're fine, calm down, Valeria, we're fine," Quinn replied, patting my back.

I pulled away, my eyes red, examining them to make sure they weren’t actually hurt.

They seemed clean and dressed in decent clothes. There were no visible wounds, but there was something new around their necks.

Thick dark steel collars, like chokers, and I could bet anything they were enchanted.

"Don't do anything that puts you in danger, promise me," I took their hands, and they exchanged complicated looks. I knew very well they were planning how to free me and escape.

I didn’t dare speak to them through the werewolf universal bond; I didn’t know how powerful the Vampire King was.

"Guys, promise me," Everything will be fine, I have a good plan, I mouthed, turning my back to the others, only for their eyes to see.

"We won’t do anything... not like we can do much anyway," Celine touched her neck, making it clear the collar was a threat.

"Have you finished your emotional reunion, or should I fetch a handkerchief for your tears?" I heard that hateful man’s voice and turned around with a sigh, ready to comply with his plans.

"I'm ready."