Chapter 28 Zephyrise #Finished Tense silence fell , heavy enough to crush the air from my lungs . It wasn't just a statement . No , his tone made it a vow , carved deep into my bones . The look in his eyes was so resolute that I knew , in my marrow , not even I could stop him now , Our gazes locked , and for a heartbeat the world stood still , then shattered . Lycannar moved first , sharp and sudden , his hands gripping me with a possessive hunger . I wrapped my legs around his waist without thinking , my mouth crashing into his in a kiss so ravenous it made me question if he was the only one who was primal . Or if I was too . He carried me to the table and sat me on it , his fingers already sliding beneath my dress with burning purpose . Heat roared between us , wild and consuming , until a low . guttural growl vibrated from his chest . The hunger in his touch sharpened , choking me in its intensity . Then , with a snarl , he tore at my dress , the fabric ripping at the shoulder , his tongue dragging over my throat like a claim . That was when I felt the wrongness . His grip on my neck grew tighter , the pressure nearly dizzying . I broke from the kiss . trying to pull free , but he didn't loosen his hold . And then I saw his hand . The fingers , no , claws , thickened , fur bristling across skin that had moments ago been human . My breath stuttered and He suddenly went still . For a heartbeat , our eyes met , only they weren't the eyes of the Lycan King anymore . They were older , darker . alien . " Lycannar " I breathed , my voice trembling . He jerked away , turning his back on me , his shoulders straining as though fighting something deep inside . " Lycan , " I called again , sliding off the table , but his hand shot out , palm turned back toward me , clawed and monstrous . " Don't come closer ," he growled . The sound wasn't his voice . It was deeper , rougher , ancient . I froze . My pulse thundered in my ears . The doors slammed open at that moment . Princess Mearez strode in , her eyes locking on her brother . She moved with purpose , placing herself between us like a shield , " Come here ," she said sharply , her hand reaching for mine , tugging me away . Confusion buzzed through my head , but I didn't resist . Mearez glanced over her shoulder at Lycannar . Something unspoken passed between them . Then she turned back to me . scanning my face , my tom dress , the bruises forming at my neck . " Did I hurt you ?" His voice came again , this time human , softer . I looked at him . He wouldn't meet my EV " Lycan ... " I stepped forward , but he backed away like my presence burned him . " Did I hurt you anywhere ? " His tone was quieter now , but there was a tremor in it . Fear or rage , I couldn't tell . Mearez moved to me , lifting the torn fabric of my dress . Her eyes widened at the thin trail of blood running down my belly . She looked at me , jaw tightening " No ," I lied . " I'm fine . " He said nothing more . He just turned and walked out , each step a retreat that left my chest aching . " So that's it ? You're just going to walk away ? I demanded , but he didn't stop . Didn't even look back 25PM P. P Chapter 28 Finished From the comer of my eye , I caught Chantel slipping out too . He hadn't interfered , not even when Lycannar lost control . I leaned against the table , breathing shakily. My skin still burned where his claws had touched . And why why wasn't I healing " Come with me ." Mearez murmured . She pulled off her cloak , draping it over my shoulders to hide my bruises and my torn dress We walked in silence through the corridors until she ushered me into her chambers . Her voice was steel when she commanded the maids to leave . When we were alone , she drew me into a chair and studied me . " I'm sorry ," she said , but my mind was somewhere else . Is his obsession so deep it can break his control ? We've barely known each other . How can it be possible ? " Will he be alright ? " I asked before I could stop myself . Mearez's brows knit in awe .. " He gave you bruises , and you still care ? " 1 dropped my gaze . She crouched before me , taking my hand gently . " Let me see . " She lowered the fabric of my dress , revealing the bruise and the strange runes burned into my arm . " They appeared this morning , " I murmured . " He said it's his beast .. marking me " Gods , " she whispered , her gaze sharp with worry . " He's never done this . Ever . " Her words lodged in my chest . Am I the first ? She healed me quickly , the wound sealing under her magic , but the blood stains remained like an accusation . " You'll need a new dress , " she said softly . Then , after a pause she added . " He told me about the kiss . " I swallowed . " Yeah " Zephyrine . " She held my eyes , her own full of warning . " My brother won't stop coming after you . If his beast could mark you after one kiss .. it's already over . You can't run . But I'll be here for you when it feels like too much . " Goosebumps prickled my skin . Relief flickered , not for him , but because someone outside the Ash Pack , outside my military life , cared about me . Me , the rogue . " I'm not running " I said quietly . " Maybe .. maybe if he stops killing , it could work . " She sighed , looking away . " I was there last night when he gave the order . I couldn't stop it . " Silence fell between us after that and she gets up and walk away . Mearez brought me a fresh gown and helped me out of my ruined one . The torn dress pooled to the floor , and I stood bare before the mirror and the Lycan princess . Her eyes flicked over my body before she helped me into the new gown . As she zipped it , I said , " It was an Alpha he killed ." She paused , meeting my gaze in the mirror .. 18 1 turmel to face her " He killed him because he spilled wine on me . An Alphia . The werewolves will demand blood . " " No one dares challenge the Blood family , " she said tightly . " You'll be safe . " Theld her gaze , the unspoken words stretching between us . Sale from others , maybe . But from the Lycan King ? Send Gifts 2.2K 四 Finished The Roque Is A Female Alpha 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.