The Lycan King and his Dark Temptation novel Chapter 337

KATHERINE

"I gathered all the herbs listed here, ground them into powder—that part was easy. The hard part is enchanting it. Only a witch can do that by reading this incantation."

"Nana, my magic never works when I want it to. Do you think it’ll show up this time?"

This whole plan was giving me a headache—holes everywhere.

"If the Duke finds out…"

"Your mother always said magic has to be felt with the heart. That’s something I can’t help you with, child. You’ll have to find the way on your own," she said, standing up and patting my hands.

"Memorize everything well and keep that book safe—it’s yours now. And, Kath, time is running out," she warned me before leaving, her steps soft as she closed the door securely behind her.

I bit my nail, my mind a storm of indecision. I was playing with fire—but I had no other choice.

I opened the damn witchcraft manual and started studying the words to put the Duke to sleep.

Later, I’d come up with something about how I got pregnant—maybe blame it on our accidental friction in the bath.

I didn’t know if conceiving would be that easy, but I couldn’t just sit idly by while his mistress hovered around.

*****

ELLIOT

"I want soldiers infiltrated everywhere—discreetly investigate the real situation in the border villages. Reports come directly to me, sealed, no intermediaries…"

I was giving orders to Vittorio and the main squad commanders. My private army was one of the most powerful in the entire realm.

I had set up a massive deployment across my duchy. Every stone, every grain of wheat—I was going to know everything.

I had expanded too much these past years. Too much land, too much trust in the wrong people—these were the consequences.

"Go do your jobs. And make sure they understand—I’m evaluating everyone’s performance and their loyalty. The slightest suspicion, and I’ll cut off heads before asking questions."

"Yes, Your Grace!" they all responded in unison, standing firm.

"Dismissed—except for Vittorio," I ordered, watching the five uniformed men file out.

"Sir, I have the dungeon report here. The interrogation of Mr. Wallace has already begun," he said, handing me an official document.

"He still insists he’s not the spy," he added, and I crushed the paper in my fist, seething.

"Wait for me. I’m coming to the dungeons with you," I said, standing up with determination.

That bastard was telling me what they were plotting at the borders today.

"Have you chosen the man who’ll assist my contact at the southern border?" I asked, because there was no way I was leaving Aldo unprotected.

"Yes, sir. Two highly capable men—they look like regular field workers, they know the land, they won’t raise suspicion, and they’re ready to leave as soon as you give the word."

"Good. I’ll prepare a signal so my spy can recognize them…"

"Sir, there’s another matter," he stopped me as I reached for the door.

I closed it again, already halfway open.

"Thank you, Your Grace. You are most generous. Rest assured—if that person exists or ever existed, I will find out," he said, taking the money and tucking it into his coat.

I dismissed him and stood staring at the door for a moment.

It was impossible for two people to look this identical—unless that damn liar had deceived me about having only one daughter.

That was the most likely answer.

Rossella and this new Duchess were twins.

But then… where was the real Rossella? And worse—would she return?

I wouldn’t allow it. I did not want her back. I preferred this new wife.

*****

I walked through the dark corridors, my boots echoing against the black stone that gave these dungeons their name.

They were built far from the city center.

The soldiers' barracks and common prisons for petty crimes were nearby, but this special tower…

Only the most dangerous criminals ended up here.

The ones who never left alive. I descended the stairs to the underground level.

The damp air, the stench of blood and fear, hit my nose as I approached one of the farthest cells.