The Lycan King and his Dark Temptation novel Chapter 365

ELLIOT

I slipped out through a service door, my senses sharp, leading me toward the woods, staying alert for any spies who might be following me.

Pushing past the tall grass, I quickly reached the spot where a man was already waiting, dismounted from his horse.

"Vittorio, what happened?" I got straight to the point.

"My Lord, I bring news from the south. One of our spies arrived at the border, severely wounded, and delivered a message to the sentries. They rode all night to inform us that our men have been discovered."

I shut my eyes for a second, damn it—exactly what I had feared.

"It seems they were cornered in the border mountains. Duke Thesio found out about the skirmish. They're in grave danger," he dropped the news all at once.

I tensed, worry tightening my chest, my brain working at full speed, calculating strategies.

I had to save them. Save Aldo, save Tomas, save my men.

"Prepare the elite warriors, quickly, Vittorio. I want them armed to the teeth…"

"Already done, my Lord. They're waiting for us at Saint Alessandre’s pass," he answered.

And that was why he was my general—a hardened, perceptive man, always one step ahead of my plans.

"Good. Go and wait for me outside these lands. I’ll meet you in less than half an hour," I ordered. Without wasting another word, I turned back toward the mansion.

Behind me, I heard him mount his horse, which neighed briefly before its hooves pounded against the ground, carrying him swiftly into the forest.

I moved quickly, heading first to the stables, waking up the night groom.

"Saddle my black stallion—now!" I ordered sharply, watching him dash off to prepare the horse.

Now, I needed to see Katherine.

I climbed the stairs, running through every possible scenario in my head.

I wasn’t sure… but taking her with me wasn’t an option.

Neither could I escort her back to the Duchy—every second lost was vital.

I pushed open the door and approached the bedroom.

“Elliot?” Her hoarse, hesitant voice called to me from the bed.

The moonlight streamed through the windows, casting silver shadows across her form. So beautiful.

"Baby, there's an emergency…" I said, sitting at the edge of the mattress, next to her.

"What happened? Did something happen to Lavinia?" She shot up, her face filled with concern.

"No, no, don’t worry, the child is fine. It's in the south—with Aldo. I don’t know exactly what happened, but Duke Thesio found out about my plans. I have to go save them." I frowned.

How had Thesio found out? I was certain I had kept the leak under control.

"Elliot… that means there are more traitors among us," she came to the same conclusion.

I locked eyes with her—those sharp, intelligent brown eyes.

I loved that fire in her gaze, always so alive.

"It seems so. I have to go now… Katherine…" I called her name deliberately, raising my hand to caress her cheek.

“Elliot, I… I swear I—”

"Fine. I’ll leave some guards here. They’ll escort you to the Duchy in the morning."

"I’ll tell them you left early to handle business in our lands." She rose from the bed to help me dress.

I threw on my tunic over the rumpled clothing, hurriedly fastening the straps.

Fully armed, I rushed toward the door.

But before leaving, I turned back, wrapping her in one last embrace, one last kiss.

I hated leaving her alone—but it was even more dangerous to bring her into the heart of the conflict.

"You have full authority to run the household. Immediately lock down the castle. I’ll send word with the men escorting you—the gates to the fortified walls must be sealed."

"I’ll be fine, don’t worry… but Elliot, please, please, be careful," she pleaded, her warm hands cradling my face.

On tiptoe, she pressed a kiss to my chin.

"Kath, if the worst happens—"

"No, it won’t—"

"Listen to me, baby. Just in case. In my study…" I whispered into her ear, giving her the safe code, telling her where to retrieve the gold from my private treasury, where to find the hidden house—her escape plan with Lavinia.

"I won’t use a damn thing, Elliot. You have to come back, do you hear me?" She grabbed my lapels, her eyes wet, her hands shaking. "I’ll pay you back. Every single pension check, I’ll repay with interest."

"That’s a promise, my dear Duchess. Don’t forget it."

I gave her a faint smile to reassure her. Then, pressing a final kiss to the tip of her nose, I turned and walked away—without looking back.