The Lycan King and his Dark Temptation novel Chapter 282

ALDRIC

"I will go to battle with my mother. We will support Sigrid. You know I can’t just stay here doing nothing," I hear Valeria’s voice in the darkness as she rests against my chest.

"Aldric, if that evil can’t be contained, there will be no safe place left in this world."

We’re both ready to sleep, but neither of us can.

Quinn has gone to the lycan lands to oversee their territory.

No one knows when this bomb will explode.

More and more specters keep escaping. We have to fight them every time they appear. And each time, they are stronger.

Sigrid told us that the specters left on this earth were nothing compared to the ones still imprisoned.

Thinking about a swarm of those things—massive ones, according to her—would make anyone’s balls tighten.

"Alright. Even if I locked you up in the dungeon, I know you’d find a way to escape," I sigh, pulling her tighter against my chest.

"I just have to protect you with everything I have."

«I just have to protect them—my woman and my pups. I can’t let anything or anyone harm them.»

I know Umbros is Sigrid’s mate, though it still seems unbelievable that the worst nightmare of all supernatural beings is actually the victim of the story.

But victim or not, my family is my priority.

I hope I won’t have to make an extreme decision—Sigrid would never forgive me.

*****

NARRATOR

When everyone retreated to their rooms, the castle sank into a deep silence.

Each person sought comfort in their mate, sharing fears and worries, drawing strength from one another.

All except one. Sigrid slipped out of bed and walked to the balcony, opening it silently.

Her white satin and lace nightgown fluttered in the night breeze. Her short ebony hair gleamed under the silver moonlight.

Barefoot, she stopped at the edge of the balcony, staring into the vast darkness.

She focused on a single point in the distance. The moment was drawing near; she could feel it deep in her Selenia soul.

Her dim, sorrowful eyes reflected images of him—his fleeting smiles, his sharp, dark gazes, the perpetual furrow of his brow.

Everything reminded her of Silas.

To her, it had only been hours, though for everyone else, millennia had passed.

"Soon, my love. We will see each other very soon."

*****

"Baby, what’s wrong? Gabrielle, love, what’s happening?" he rushed to the bed, holding her.

She sat upright, the white sheets twisted around her waist, her head lowered, long hair veiling her face, silent.

When Quinn lifted her face, he saw something astonishing—one of her dull, gray eyes was slowly turning blue, regaining its vitality.

Valeria gasped, covering her mouth in shock.

At that moment, Aldric and Zarek entered the room, their eyes widening at the incredible sight.

"The seal… it’s breaking. That’s why I’ve regained some of my power. I can’t… I can’t hold it anymore…" Gabrielle whispered, her breath ragged, her body drenched in sweat.

She fixed her gaze on her daughter.

"It’s time, Valeria."

"It seems the hour has come, Lycan King," Zarek murmured to Aldric, who held Valeria tightly by the shoulders.

They both shared the same grim expression as everyone else in the room.

"I’m ready, Father. More than ready."

Sigrid stepped into the room, clad in golden warrior armor, reminiscent of the kind Silas used to forge with his magic.

Her short hair was partially tied back, and her stance radiated unwavering determination.

Her focused, resolute eyes left no doubt—she was willing to do whatever it took to bring her mate back.