Chapter 284 <fnc58d> ?????? ???? find?novel</fnc58d>


    Zephyrine


    +10 Free Coing


    I arrived at the massive gate of the Lycan Kingdom that night, beneath the dark sky, and i swear I felt the cold, wicked, unweing wind swirling around me, as though warning I was not permitted here.


    It was locked, sealed, and I found myself with no choice but to stand before it, debating whether to leave, turn back, or give a summon.


    I was still debating when the feeling struck. The familiar warmth, the kind only Lycannar’s presence could ever give me. It made me swallow hard. He was inside, and even if he no longer needed me, I had to see him.


    I stepped closer to the gate and knocked. A knock that felt too small, but I knew anyone beyond would hear because Lycans were blessed with heightened hearing.


    No answer came at first. I raised my hand to knock again when a voice sounded from behind the gate.


    “And who are you?”


    I had to gulp down hard at that question, not because of the words, but the coldness in the tone, the voice itself.


    “It’s Zephyrine. I am here to see the King,” I said quietly and waited, my heart heavy with dread. Silence fell, and then the sound of departing footsteps followed.


    Seconds rolled into minutes, time dragging before hurried footsteps returned.


    “Open the gate for her,” the order came at once, and I froze, my eyes fixed as the sound of the heavy metal gate echoed. Slowly, the entrance to the Lycan Kingdom parted for me.


    I stood there for what felt like eternity, my gazending on Princess Mearez, who had granted me passage. My throat tightened at the sight of her, my heart clenching painfully.


    Then, abandoning all restraint, I rushed forward and hugged her at once. She pulled me into her arms tight, too tight, as though she had been lonely for far too long, clinging to me forfort.


    Atst, I pulled back just as the massive gate mmed shut behind me, jolting me back to reality. The harsh reality that drove my gaze upward, to the spot where Lycannar’s ck tower once stood.


    零


    free Coins


    Now ity in ruins. Nothing but ruins that made me still. Slowly, I nced around and noticed windows opening from each household, faces staring at me. Judging or not, I couldn’t tell but thanks to my brother Varyn, I was gaining attention I did not normally want.


    Turning back, I caught Princess Mearez’s eyes. The exhaustion there made my chest ache. She searched my gaze with warmth, gratefulness, then pulled my hand into hers.


    “Follow me,” she said quietly, leading the way.


    I obeyed, walking by her side. The maids we passed paused to stare, the guards‘ gazes lingering far too long.


    Atst, we arrived at the Princess’s quarters, only for a maid to rush forward to whisper something to her.


    “She has fallen asleep now.”


    At this, Mearez released me and crossed to the opposite room. She opened the door to reveal Princess Serena lying on the bed, her lips pale, her body weak, though she slept.


    The sight made my brow crease sharply. Wait. Had she also been caught in Varyn’s attack?


    I stood silent as Mearez sighed heavily and spoke to the maid.


    “Summon me immediately when she wakes.”


    “Yes, mydy.”


    With that, she returned to her chamber, opening the door wider for me.


    I had been here before, but tonight I felt unworthy of stepping inside. I lingered at the threshold until she closed the door behind me.


    She crossed to the window and stared out before finally turning to me with a weary sigh.


    “I can’t believe you are here, Zephyrine.” I swallowed, waiting. “We all believed you would nevere back.”


    My heart ached at her words, at the sadness beneath them. With our eyes locked, I answered softly,


    “I said I loved the King here. That wasn’t a joke or a bluff.”


    Unspoken tension filled the air. Then she asked quietly,


    “Even if the so–called King took away one of your parents?”


    “He loses himself once a month. I can forgive that, though I may not forget.”


    Hearing this, she sat at the table. Her fingers trembled as much as her voice did.


    2300


    10 Free Going


    “You know… the night we discovered you were an Ashmere, we were more stunned than anything. Afraid, too.” She lifted her eyes, emotions swimming in them. “Because we knew the truth that Lycannar killed your father. He only found out recently, and it weighs on him more than anything.”


    She fiddled with her hands, fighting for calm.


    “He was still a toddler when we realized under the full moon he grew vicious. Too vicious, even with the spell–built bricks of the ck Tower containing him. He was given countless warnings, which we obeyed until now.” Her voice broke, tears falling. “The moment he saw his reflection in the mirror… he was never the same again, Zephyrine.”


    My heart sank like stone. Slowly, I moved to sit across from her.


    “He… he went berserk this morning and… and he hurt Serena.” Goosebumps swept across my skin.


    “What?”


    “Without his tower, he will be a ravaging killer, that’s what we thought unti the opposite befan to happen. He is weak. I do not want that,” she whispered, reaching across to sp my fingers. “The world doesn’t know the truth. Even Lycannar doesn’t fully understand what he is, what he can do. He is losing control, and before he loses itpletely and die… we must find <i>a </i>solution.”


    “Princess Mearez…”


    “Since the night the tower fell, I haven’t rested. I’ve tried to stand in his ce, to rule, but that is not who I am. I don’t want politics. I don’t want wars or councils. All I want is for everyone toe together in peace. All I want is to focus on healing, not destruction.” She was crying now, pleading. “I <i>beg </i>you, Zephyrine. He loves you. I believe you are the only one who can bring him back to us. Please. Only you can.”