Chapter 21 Zephrine As Tumpacked my small luggage . I realized had forgotten the chest . The one with my hairpin , the invitation scroll , and my mother's bracelet back in Hue Pack . What I had seen and heard made me forget it . I sighed , sitting on Dessyn's bel , jaw tight . A place had already been reserved for me before I arrived , and I packed my few clothes there . I was sorting through my shoes when I felt Moon's presence at the doorway . We had arrived together . Their parents were already asleep , and Dessyn hadn't yet returned from the Lycan Kingdom . I turned , settling my gaze on him . He offered a small smile . " I thought you might need help . " No. " I replied softly . He waited , his eyes lingering on my face before lowering with a quiet sigh . " I'm happy . Zephyr ," he said quietly . " That you're here ." Tension settled in the air at his words , and I swallowed hard . I didn't know what to say until the sound of carriage wheels rolled in , then came to a stop . " Thank you so much for today , Alpha Auedric ," Dessyn's voice drifted in . " You should be the one to be thanked . Good night now . " " Yes , Alpha Auedric ," Moments later , Dessyn appeared in the doorway beside her brother , holding a chest . She stepped inside and dropped it onto the floor with a thud . " Ugh , I'm so exhausted , she groaned , then sat up straighter , her eyes on the chest . A small smile curled at the corners of her lips . " Apex Blood sent this as payment for me hosting his coronation party ," she beamed , then sighed shakily . " Zephyr , do you think it's safe to open it ? I mean ... would he mean well after what happened at the party today ! " " He wasn't hurt , was he ? " I asked , stepping closer to the chest and gesturing for her to go ahead . Dessyn let out a shaky breath before lifting the lid . Golden jewelry glimmered beside an expensive bottle of wine and a bright scroll , handwritten by the King himself . With trembling fingers , Dessyn read the scroll , then looked up at me , her eyes wide . " H ... he wants to hire me . Permanently . To host all of his future festivals , Zephyr . " Hire ? I took the scroll from her hands and read it myself . The confirmation made my heart drop . This meant a lot for the White Pack . For the Dusk family . Lhugged her tightly . She chuckled between her tears while Moon lingered in the doorway , watching . He finally stepped closer and reached for the wine , but Dessyn smacked his hand away . " Ow ! What was that for ? Let's celebrate ! " Chapter 21 " Yes , let's do that . " Dessyn laughed , then turned to me . " How about a warm bath , Zephyr ? " Finished Dessyn filled my goblet and handed it to me with a grin . We were both naked in the wide bathing chamber , the water rising to our breasts , warm and soothing . I took a sip and sighed shakily , then moved toward the edge and placed the goblet down . Moon had already finished his portion and left us ladies to ourselves . " This'll be big news tomorrow , Zephyr , Dessyn said behind me . " I can't wait to host another party in the Lycan Kingdom . " 1 tumed and gave her a small smile . Then I turned back again , staring into empty space , until her voice returned . " What's wrong . Zephyr ? " she asked , sensing what I tried to hide . " You've packed everything from Hue Pack , right ? " I turned to look at her but said nothing . She sighed . She knew me too well . " Zephyr ... " she said again , concerned . I shrugged . " I'm fine , I murariured , taking another sip of wine . " You know .. during the afterparty , people were talking about you and the Lycan King . " I froze . The water around me suddenly felt colder . I slowly turned toward her . " What were they saying ?" " That a bond can't form between a werewolf and a lycan , especially not one who's cursed , " she said softly . " They said ... a rogue and a Blood would destroy each other . I looked down , frowning . I hadn't thought that far ahead . Maybe they were right but then again I am not a rogue . I am an Ashmere . " Nyroth cheated on me , Dessyn , " I said quietly . I felt her stiffen . " Really cheated . He made love to Kaela . And ... I just found out they'd been doing it before ." Silence settled between us . When I looked at her , she was watching me carefully . " You killed him ? " she asked at last . I shook my head . " My days of killing are over , Dessyn and I don't care about what they say about me or what Apex might think , " I tried , but even I knew it sounded weak . She didn't buy it . " You're summoned by him in private later . Tell me you felt nothing when you were alone with him and I'll drop it ." I swallowed hard . Her words echoed in my mind , pulling up the memory of that intense moment . " He wants me , " I whispered . Dessyn swam closer , eyes fixed on mine . " He said he's willing to change himself to my taste . He doesn't want me touched by any man . And ... he's serious about it . " She stayed quiet for a long time . Then she finally spoke . " And what was your response ? " " Dessyn .. " " Apex won't back down ," she interrupted softly . " You saw how brutal he was today " 1 swallowed again . I already knew , He wouldn't . If only he could see my death .. maybe he wouldn't be so obsessed with me . Iwent silent , my thoughts circling in chaos . Then I glanced at Dessyn and asked quietly . Chapter 21 " How does it feel . I mean , being kissed for the first time ? " " Zephyr Finished " And being made love to ? " I lowered my gaze and sighed . " I know you did it once with my brother . Was it that great ? " She stayed silent for a long time . I knew she hated talking about Varyn , Just like me , she hadn't moved on from his disappearance . " It was great , " she said finally . " The best thing to do with a man who is gentle and in love with you . If he's gentle , it won't hurt Gentle . The word echoed in my mind . I sighed shakily . "Apex isn't gentle . " I hadn't meant to say it aloud until I saw Dessyn's gaze . swallowed hard when I saw her expression . I am falling fast . Silence stretched between us , heavy with things left unspoken . The lust , the tension , the emotion building in my chest for the Lycan King was wild and it was growing fast . Send Gifts Title: Crown of Vengeance In "Crown of Vengeance" by CrushReel, delve into a gripping tale of betrayal and redemption. Unravel the intricate web of deceit as a woman's life is shattered by family secrets and a tragic twist of fate. Amid themes of revenge, family dynamics, and dark revelations, this ongoing drama unfolds within the walls of a mysterious mansion where past wrongs resurface to haunt the present. Discover the depths of human emotion as our protagonist navigates a world filled with deception and hidden agendas. What sets "Crown of Vengeance" apart is its nuanced exploration of complex relationships and the quest for justice in the face of overwhelming odds. Available to read at CrushReel, this story promises a riveting journey through the shadows of the past towards a future where truth may ultimately prevail.