The Lycan King and his Dark Temptation novel Chapter 161

NARRATOR

Gabrielle started coughing loudly, feeling that Quinn wouldn’t be able to hold back much longer and would rush in to rescue her at any moment.

“She will never forgive you… sir… her brother… he’s my mate… the man standing out there,” she played the only card she thought could save her life.

She could only hope it would work.

Zarek stared at her for what felt like an eternity.

Suddenly, a deep, cynical laugh escaped his lips, sending an even greater chill down her spine; his sharp fangs gleamed with his murderous aura.

“I'll give you one last chance because right now, I can't afford to divide my strength into so many parts. But if you fail me again, Gabrielle, you know I have plenty of ways to kill you without her ever finding out, right?”

“We will get her back, sir,” she assured him, though not entirely convinced. What else could she say?

She collapsed onto the ground, coughing violently, feeling like her lungs would burst.

She had rarely found herself in such a weakened state. Reporting to Zarek made her grit her teeth in frustration and humiliation.

Quinn couldn’t hold back any longer and rushed to support her.

“Everything's fine, love, I know what to do,” Gabrielle clung to his chest while Quinn fumed, glaring toward a specific spot in the cemetery where he felt a powerful presence watching them.

Powerful, Ancient, or whatever he was, that damn bloodsucker would regret it the moment Quinn faced him.

*****

CELINE

Celine moved through the tunnel, feeling increasingly uneasy. Suddenly, her feet halted, and her eyes widened in fear.

She stood at the edge of a deep chasm, a deadly drop into nothingness.

How could they possibly cross to the other side now?

The air felt heavy, ominous, and lethal—she knew neither magic nor a vampire’s transformation could overcome this obstacle without the owner of the castle’s permission.

“Call him, Celine. Tell him you wish to enter his domain,”

Dante’s voice carried excitement as he gazed at the far side of the chasm, where an enormous iron gate covered the rocky wall—one that would undoubtedly open for this hybrid.

He could feel the overwhelming power waiting deep inside the castle, and he would do anything to claim it for himself.

“Zarek, please, let me in. I... brought help to free you,” Celine called out breathlessly, feeling a dull ache radiate through her chest; she couldn't think clearly.

A heavy, moss-covered bridge rose slowly, suspended in the air by the chains, connecting the two sides.

Another creak added to the eerie atmosphere as the gates on the far side creaked open, revealing only a thick fog swirling at the entrance, never crossing its boundaries.

“Once we pass through that fog, we’ll officially be inside the castle, my dear mate; you’ve done well,” Dante smirked, patting Celine’s shoulder, his eyes gleaming with greed.

Who would have thought that, in the end, Merkall’s little spell on the girl would benefit him so perfectly?

Celine took the first step, clenching her fists tightly; the pull calling to her heart grew stronger and stronger.

Suddenly, an overwhelming urge to run into the fog and lose herself in Zarek’s domain consumed her.

However, she barely took two more steps before collapsing to the ground, sweating from the searing pain that wracked her mind.

Her brain was being controlled at full power—she couldn't move a single muscle, not until her "master" allowed it, and that master was near. Merkall.

The dark mist beyond the gate swirled, stretching out like arms trying to reach her and drag her inside, but Dante wasn’t stupid—he sensed something was very wrong with Celine.

He couldn't afford to let her enter the castle alone, or he’d be finished.

Without hesitation, he grabbed her arms, ready to drag her toward the ominous dark fog.