The Lycan King and his Dark Temptation novel Chapter 127

QUINN

“Celine, do you really want to take on such a dangerous mission alone?” I spoke through the bathroom door while she was getting ready to leave.

“I know it’s important, but maybe they can track Beof through magic.”

“Brother,” she suddenly stepped out, already dressed, with her dark hair pulled up in a high braid that fell down her back.

“We’ve spent our whole lives fighting to fit in somewhere—at least I have—and I dragged you along with me, making you feel like an outcast too. You’ve found your mate now, and I have to keep searching for my path.”

She raised her hand and placed it on my shoulder, looking at me with that innate bravery in her bones.

“No matter what I say, you’re not going to back down, are you?” I sighed, cupping her cheeks and pinching them.

“When you were a baby, you were so cute and always followed me around like a little tail. When did I lose my obedient Celine?”

She huffed, pretending to be annoyed, but the redness in her ears betrayed how poorly she hid it when being praised.

“Stay here and take care of your mate. Nothing will happen to me. It’s not the first time I’ve traveled incognito through the Dark Realm.”

“Yes, but this time it’s different. Everything is in turmoil—the internal war between sorcerers, hybrids, and vampires is about to explode,” I warned, frowning.

“That’s exactly why I need to warn Beof, so he doesn’t get involved too. Otherwise, it’ll be a disaster. Besides, I’m a Guardian now; I need to prove myself,” she puffed out her chest proudly.

She always worked so hard to be recognized, and Aldric, with his foolish prejudices, had never given her the place she truly deserved.

A sudden knock on the door interrupted us.

“It’s your stepdaughter. When are you going to have the awkward conversation?” she leaned in and whispered.

The word stepdaughter made me shudder in discomfort.

"Just because she’s my mate’s daughter doesn’t mean we have to call each other that. Valeria and I are friends; it doesn’t matter what my relationship with Gabrielle is," I told her mentally, walking over to open Celine’s door.

“Oh, you’re ready… and Quinn, haha, you’re here… yeah, of course…” Valeria avoided my eyes unnaturally, clearly already in the loop.

“I’ll leave so you two can talk alone…” I made to leave.

“No, no, stay. I just came to say goodbye to Celine,” she stepped forward and hugged her.

I sighed, at least relieved that my sister had found a friend with such a “masculine” personality.

“Take care of the pup. No reckless ghost hunting, okay?” Celine scolded Valeria.

“Yes, yes, ma’am,” Valeria nodded with a smile, holding both of Celine’s hands. “Celine, I’m worried about you leaving alone. Here, I made this for you. Just relax.”

Suddenly, she pulled down Celine’s sleeve, exposing her bare shoulder.

Valeria placed her hand there, and that dark misty magic began to swirl around her as she chanted an incantation.

“Aashsh,” Celine whimpered in pain.

“I’m sorry, the burning will pass quickly,” Valeria withdrew her hand, leaving behind the shape of a raven between my sister’s shoulder and collarbone, like a black ink tattoo.

“I learned how to do this. It’s one of my messenger ravens. We can communicate through it. If you ever get into trouble, just do this…” and she explained how to activate the magic.

“I’m sorry I can’t offer you more protection. I’m not as great as my mother was.”

“And what if she stays like this forever, Quinn? Will you still stand by her, support her, even if she never regains her beauty and strength?” she asked, stepping closer to me.

“I’m willing,” I answered without a second of hesitation. “Gabrielle is mine, and I’ve already claimed her in my heart. My wolf craves her. I’ll never leave her.”

“Then, as weird as it is, welcome to the family, stepdad. I’ll support you in your conquest.” She stretched out her hand, and I took it, shaking it as if sealing a deal.

We laughed at this bizarre joke.

Now that the last thing troubling me was settled, I could move forward with even more determination to win over my Selenia.

*****

GABRIELLE

“How is the girl and the baby?” I ask Brielle, unsure of what she’s even doing in the room.

“She’s fine. Right now, she’s in a meeting with the townspeople, waiting for news to decide whether to return to your palace or go back to the Lycan Realm.”

“No, she must claim her throne—the one that rightfully belongs to her in this Dark Realm. I don’t want her to continue being humiliated and marginalized. She is my legitimate heir,” I try to sit up, and although my wounds don’t hurt as much thanks to the magical treatments, they still sting and itch a little.

A hand mercilessly pushes me back against the pillows.

“Stop trying to control everything. Valeria knows what she wants and what she’s doing. For now, you’d better focus your energy on what’s coming next,” her elderly voice tells me, and a shiver of fear runs through me.

The malice and mockery in her tone are evident. What is this old witch up to?

“I’ll leave you with your tormented love. Who would have thought I’d see you in this predicament someday,” I feel her presence vanish, accompanied by her low, sarcastic laughter, just as the door opens, making me tense up.