The Lycan King and His Dark Temptation Novel

---- 392.

THE MAIDEN AND THE BEAST KATHERINE 1 lifted my head, looking around with curiosity.

The stone path was barely visible under the thick blanket of dead leaves covering the ground.

The old mansion looked more like a decrepit house, with the tall statues on the rooftops stained black and covered in bird droppings.

limagined that after my dear father died, Rossella never set foot here again.

Elliot, you can put me down now," I asked in a soft voice.

My fingers itched to stroke the furry, comical ear twitching in front of my eyes, but I still had some reservations about this incredible transformation.

With a low growl, he moved a little farther into the overgrown front garden, the flower beds choked with wild plants that reached my waist, mosquitoes buzzing in the thick undergrowth.

The croaking of frogs echoed from the stagnant green water of a nearby fountain.

Elliot crouched down, and I stretched my feet until they touched the steps of the main staircase.

"shhh," [ hushed, limping slightly as my wounds finally caught up with me.

---- He turned to me immediately, still cradling Lavinia in his arms.

His front pawshaped remarkably like a human handreached gently for my exposed legs, his claws grazing the raw wound on my knee.

"Dont worry, its just a scratch," I whispered, meeting those penetrating eyes, which now fascinated me.

"How is our daughter?" T leaned forward to check on her.

She had regained consciousness during the journey, but the moment she saw Elliot, she fainted again from sheer shock.

Poor thing.

Later, Id have to figure out how to help her heal from all these traumas.

The powerful wolf let out another low growl.

I still didnt understand anything why wasnt he shifting back into his human form? Before I could voice my questions, he nudged me gently to climb the remaining steps.

And so, before him, I stepped into the mansion that had ignited the feud between my father and the Duke.

A set of double doors guarded the entrance.

Beyond the grand threshold, stained-glass panels, once vibrant, were now dulled by a thick layer of dust, obscuring their colorful designs.

---- I grasped the cold doorknob, feeling the presence of my wolf behind me, which gave me more confidence.

I turned it, andtrack! track! track! Locked, as expected.

A furry hand passed beside my waist, placing itself over mine on the handle.

CRACK! Just like that, with raw beastly strength, the ancient lock gave way completely, granting us entry with a chilling creak.

My dirty boots crossed the threshold, stepping into the grand foyer.

"Cough, cough, cough!" I covered my mouth as the dust swirled up from the stone floor, welcoming us in a suffocating cloud.

Heavy footsteps echoed behind me.

I turned, worried he wouldnt fit through the doorway, and sure enough, his massive frame nearly took the whole doorframe with him.

liot, cant you shift back?" I finally asked, a little concerned, while checking on Lavinia to make sure she was still okay.

A huff sounded above me.

I lifted my head to see him shaking his.

Honestly, he looked so cute when he wasnt tearing people apart.