The Lycan King and his Dark Temptation novel Chapter 339

KATHERINE

I took a long, hot bath after nearly frying my brain trying to memorize that strange spell. I repeated the words over and over in my mind.

They felt odd, yet at the same time, they awakened something deep and alive in my chest. I feared it and, at the same time, craved it.

When I stepped out of the bathroom, I was surprised to find two maids waiting for me with a change of clothes.

"What are you doing here?" I asked, tightening my robe and swiftly but discreetly walking toward the vanity.

"Mrs. Prescott sent us to assist you with all your needs, Your Ladyship," one of them replied with an outwardly respectful tone behind me.

My fingers went to the round wooden knob, and I pulled the small drawer of the vanity outward, making sure it was still locked.

Cold sweat ran down my back at the mere thought of someone discovering the little notebook I had hidden there for a moment.

I needed to be more careful.

"I don’t want attendants. You may leave and never enter my room again without knocking."

"But—"

"No buts," I turned to face them.

I wouldn’t give them another chance to step all over me.

"Do you not understand my language? Tell Mrs. Prescott that if I want attendants, I will choose them myself. Now get out of my chamber."

They bowed their heads in acknowledgment.

Still, I caught the glint of anger in their eyes.

I need to gain the Duke’s trust to have some control over the servants because I feel like I’m living in a nest of vipers.

After dressing, I walked around with the notebook in hand, looking for a better hiding spot.

An idea came to me—behind the massive wardrobe.

I crouched in the corner and slipped my small hand into the narrow space between the back of the wardrobe and the wall.

It was a good spot. No one would have any reason to find it, nor would they move this heavy piece of furniture, not even for cleaning.

Dusting off my hands, I felt more at ease.

I checked carefully inside my inner pocket, where I kept the little pouch Nana had prepared. I had to enchant that thing—let’s see how it goes.

But for now, I was going to visit my beloved torment, the most important person of all.

*****

I pushed open the door, which let out a soft creak. Nana had told me that Lavinia had just washed and was getting ready for bed.

I found her in front of the enormous gold-framed mirror, sitting on the stool by her vanity.

As always, being near her made me nervous, expecting the worst, feeling guilty deep down despite being another victim of fate.

All the resentment she harbored toward Rossella was just a mask for her real fear—being abandoned forever.

"You… if you lie to me again… hic… if you do, I’ll hate you so much… I won’t forgive you again…" she sobbed, clinging to me.

She couldn’t even finish before bursting into heart-wrenching cries.

My hands clutched her small, trembling body. I shut my eyes, shedding my own bitter yet joyful tears.

You’ll never regret accepting me, Lavinia. I will create a safe place for both of us—I swear it, my daughter.

With that conviction in my heart, I felt something unravel within me.

Knots that had bound my soul loosened, and something flowed through my veins as I made peace with the most important person in my life.

*****

I looked at her now, lying in bed, fast asleep.

She even let me read her a story.

Smiling, I gently stroked her dark hair.

I was so happy. She was still distant, wary, unwilling to trust me—but step by step, I would win her over completely.

I stood up and turned off the light. Walking toward her vanity, I sat on the stool and pulled out the small pouch hidden in my pocket.