The Lycan King and His Dark Temptation Novel

---- many lives could have been saved." She leaned forward to take my hand and placed the cup of herbal tea, which gave off a delicious aroma, into it.

"T am betting on the next generation, Valeria Von Carlsein.

Thats why Im helping you.

The magic within you called to me; its the same magic I felt in your mother.

I don't know your story, nor why youve appeared now.

I didnt even know you existed.

But now that I do, I have faith and hope." She looked at me intensely, and I didnt know how to respond to that.

I felt like everyone was placing all their expectations on me.

"Give me some time to prepare the medicine for your friend.

Dont worry, this is a magical space.

Time flows slower here than outside; you can rest," she said before returning to her preparations.

She hadnt even seen Celine, yet she already seemed to know what was wrong with her.

"Nana, did you really speak to this woman?" I asked, but received no answer, which made me uneasy.

There was a strange tranquility here, a peace that began to lull me.

Thadn't even sipped the tea, fearing it might be poisoned, yet my eyelids grew heavy as if filled with lead, and I seemed to drift off to sleep.

ook Where am I? I looked around, confused.

Wasnt I in the witchs cottage? But no, this place was too familiar.

It was Aldric's room in the palaceit felt like a dream.

Still, I walked slowly towards his bedroom, passing ---- through the dining area, and pushed the door open with a hint of fear.

The morning light streamed through the windows, filtering past the open curtains, and there he wasstanding with his broad back to me.

My eyes welled up, and I had to bite my lip to keep from sobbing.

Even if it was a dream, it felt so real.

I took a few hesitant steps, extending my trembling hand.

I wanted to touch him, to tell him I loved him, that I would never intentionally hurt anyone.

My fingers hovered in the air, mere inches from Aldric.

It seemed I wasnt as brave as everyone thought.

Seeing the disgust and hatred in his eyes is something I could never bear.

Iclench my hand into a fist and turn away to escape, but in an instant, two strong arms wrap around me protectively, and I'm enveloped in that scent of wine and homemy home.

"Are you really going to keep running from me, Valeria?" his deep voice pours into my ear.

I close my eyes, savoring this lie my mind has created.

"Aldric," I murmur, clutching his forearms, pressing my back against his chest.

"I miss you so much, my love, so much," I confess, and tears begin rolling down my cheeks.

He takes me by the shoulders, turning me to face him, his hand sliding to the nape of my neck.

Through my tear-filled lashes, I watch his masculine face draw closer, and then the warm touch of his lips meets mine.

Iembrace him desperately, filled with longing, my hands gripping his shirt in tight fists.

He holds me by the waist and devours my mouth ina