The Lycan King and his Dark Temptation novel Chapter 103

VALERIA

The sea was far more extraordinary than I had ever imagined.

Having always been confined within the packs, inside the Realm of the Werewolves, I would never have had access to this endless view of water merging with the darkness of the sky on the horizon.

The moon shone above us, while the wind and magic propelled the sails toward the destination marked on the map the Vampire King had brought.

I wrapped a shawl over my shoulders and stepped out onto the small balcony of my cabin.

It wasn't the best, but it wasn't bad either—a little bed tucked into a corner, with a round table and a chair to take meals.

What I liked the most was the privacy and this tiny balcony overlooking the stern of the ship, where I stood, gazing at the stars.

Every cabin, every plank, every nail, the waves brushing against the hull—I could feel it all.

This vessel moved by my will, and if I didn’t want it to, no one could make it budge, unless it was another Selenia.

Celine and Quinn had been placed in a secluded room within the watchmen’s quarters, but they were safe and in one piece.

Suddenly, the pendant around my neck began to vibrate and heat up. A black mist clouded my vision, and the next moment, I heard the caw of a raven.

"Nana, can you come out now?" She immediately flew and perched on my hands, repeating her usual gentle pecks on my cheek.

I kissed her little head; she seemed so adorable. I suppose this level of connection we share exists because, in reality, this magic has always been a part of me.

"Nana, I’m doing what you told me, but I'm still scared. If we fail, we’ll be placing great power into that psychopath's hands," I whispered with worried eyes as she settled on the wooden railing.

"And then there's the pup... If something happens to the baby this time, I don't think I’ll be able to bear it," I placed one hand on my belly and the other over my face.

I haven’t been able to sleep from the anxiety, and I know it's affecting me. Despite the ship being sturdy, the rocking still makes me a bit nauseous.

Then, the sudden silence surprises me.

I uncover my eyes to see the black raven, frozen, staring intently at my belly with her dark, beady eyes.

"Nana?" Dear Goddess, she’s not moving. Did she just have a stroke?

What nonsense—I’m thinking like she’s a regular old woman.

She lifted her head and looked at me, then back at my belly.

"Is there something wrong with the pup?" Anxiety began creeping in.

I stepped closer to the railing, letting her press against my belly over the dress, and she did.

She spread her wings and tilted her head to the side with her eyes closed.

Honestly, the whole situation looked a bit ridiculous, as if a raven were hugging my belly.

Still, I let her be. Something about her actions gave me warmth, and I didn’t feel as lonely anymore.

There must be nothing wrong with the pup.

"Thank you for being here, Nana, for everything. I wish this pup had a father to recognize him, someone by my side so that both of us could give him lots of love."

I lowered my gaze in melancholy and stroked her feathers with my fingers.

Seeing the surprise and joy on her face.

However, Valeria almost gave me a heart attack. Can this damned bird body even die from shock?

"Aldric, our mate said… she said… why can't I feel it?" My wolf was stunned, and this strange raven vision just kept examining her belly.

"Is she pregnant with our pup?" My heart pounded wildly as she stepped closer with concern.

All I could do was press against the fabric of her dress, trying to sense the pup. I closed my eyes, searching deep within for the bond that connected them to my blood.

"Aldric, Valeria… she's pregnant with our pup. Our mate is going to have a little one for us!" Azarot was ecstatic, and if a raven could smile, I'd be grinning ear to ear right now.

But then, her anxiety and loneliness hit me like a ton of bricks. Her words were like stones sinking me further.

"No, baby, you're not alone, my love. I'm right here, right here with you" I nestled against her chest and let her stroke my feathers.

The sensations were so strange yet so familiar.

These were my beloved mate’s hands. I had to protect her and our pup.

The thought of them being here, so close to danger, was becoming unbearable.

"Nothing will happen to them, I can assure you. But you must stop being so stubborn, King Lycan, and see clearly what I wish to show you. When the time comes, you will have the chance to defend your family."

The old woman’s voice spoke to me again from within the pendant where she was hiding.

What was it she wanted me to see? Soon, another reality of the Dark Realm unfolded before my eyes—one I had never imagined.