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29. Erasthai
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Lycan School: The Hekate's Bride 30. Will You Cheer Me On?
Chancellor Vesper makes his way to the middle of the field, flanked by sentinels on either sides of him. Behind him is a figure in those dreadful robes that I can never forget. The Grand Mistress. Her hair is styled in a complicated updo that must have taken hours of careful structuring, and her hands are folded in the overflowing sleeves of her robes. Her blank gaze is fixed ahead, but I have a feeling she can see everything. The silence in the stadium as they approach its center is unsettling. Chancellor Vesper waves dismissively at the teams formed below and they immediately clear the area, heading toward their designated seats. I spy Darian behind, moving at his own pace, like he has all the time in the world. My heart squeezes a little as I recall earlier this morning. I don't let myself dwell on it. Thinking on his words will make them real. And they are not. The ground under my feet moves a little and my eye is drawn to the centre where the the earth cle
Lycan School: The Hekate's Bride 31. Rune's Paintings
"I'm...ah... happy for you," I say, trying to force a smile to my face, but I fail, because I'm not. Even Sapphire sees past it because she gives me a wary look and says, "I'll leave you two to talk." To Thorne she says, "I'll be with the rest." And she kisses the corner of his mouth while her eyes are trained on me. It's a very clear message that I understand all too well. *Back off.* I look away, feeling stupid and angry for reasons that have nothing to do with jealousy. Or maybe it is. I don't know. I'm not angry that he's found his mate. I'm not angry that he has obviously moved on. It's just...it isn't me. I'm not the one. And it stings. There is a long pause in which Thorne stares at me with vulnerable eyes and I stare back at him, heart further sinking. "It happened on the first week." I fold my arms and look down at my boots. "You don't have to explain anything to me, Thorne. I understand." "It wasn't a matter of choice, Astrid."
Lycan School: The Hekate's Bride 32: He's a liar
I stay in my seat for the rest of the game, numb and nearly dead to the world around me. Chaos is my world inside and watching him has my hackles rising higher and higher. I'm so mad, I've been sitting still for hours. I'm not even in the right frame of mind to watch the games anymore. All I hear is a roaring in my head. If it is from me or Sloan, I cannot tell. I want to scream, I want to cry, I want to vent. My skin feels too tight for me right now. Too hot. I consider peeling off my jacket, but I know it won't get rid of the crawling under my skin. I've been here before. It doesn't ever go away. I clutch the book so tight, I no longer feel it. I channel most of my strength into keeping my breathing steady and halfheartedly answering questions from my parents without revealing how lost I am. As if sensing my agitation...like he knows something is wrong, he suddenly looks up at the podium from where he stands on the field, and all the way from here, I se
Lycan School: The Hekate's Bride 33. The Hunt
My claws jut out, biting into my closed fists, tearing into the skin of my palms. The skin heals only a second later, but the wound in my heart is deeper. The skies have a tinge of orange in it as the sun disappears behind pinkish clouds. Dusk approaches and there are three more games to name a winner. Already, the scoreboards have figures that have wide contrasts against the other. LS has sixty points and WA has twenty. Not surprising, since we all knew it was never really going to be a fair game. I sit, watching the players for the 'Pack Hunt' form lines, each team facing off. My brows furrow when I see Maya at the end of the line, head bowed low and a ferocious grin on her face as she faces off a figure that seems oddly familiar... I start in my seat. Trinity? Not good. Not good at all. I am happy to see Tri, but seeing her stand against Maya, looking every bit as menacing as I know she is, I can't help but feel a sense of dread. For Maya, of cours
Lycan School: The Hekate's Bride 34. Untouched
"Rune?" I whisper faintly, even if I know there is nothing of him in the man I am staring at. Nothing of this situation makes sense and I can't put into words how this entity, this being, can be in the body of a man I have known since I was a child. He takes a step toward me and even if everything in me says to flee, I ignore it and take one forward. My hair whips around me at the force coming from and around him. I edge one step closer, eyes trained on him as he watches me with mock amusement on his hard beautiful face. "Why?" I ask, knowing how well he understands my question. The weight of it. His lips tip into a smile that belongs to Rune and it makes me wonder just how much of Rune he is. He extends an arm for me, pale elegant fingers reaching out. "Come home with me, princess. There is much else you don't know." My fists curl by my side as I suffer the desire of placing my hand in his. "Where is home? The Void?" "No. I will take back my castle in
Lycan School: The Hekate's Bride 35. Rejected
My parents left for Wolvendom yesterday. The goodbyes had been awkward and somewhat detached. With my parents, with Thorne, and with Trinity, everyone itching to get back to their lives and me. . .back to my misery. Frankly, the problem had been me. I couldn’t stand being around any of them. My lying parents. Thorne and his mate. Trinity who’s become Thorne’s best friend. Aria didn’t attend, choosing instead to remain in the Academy with her fourth year boyfriend who isn’t much for sports. I have been holed up in my room since then, brooding and thinking. Classes start again in a week, ensuring that all of the injured have recovered. Not nearly time to get over everything that happened, but we're all trying to set it aside. Having had two days to myself to think, I have decided to meet up with Rune and talk it out. After which I will check in on Darian. He was among the injured. Maya told me. Rather than go see him myself, I have had Maya take flowers to him on my behalf.
Lycan School: The Hekate's Bride 36. The Fall Out
Darian pulls back, eyes wide and face flustered. He takes a step back, and another with his hand in front of me. "Don't..." He groans, hands dropping to his midsection to hide the bulge in his pants that I have already noted. "Don't fucking do that." I feel hot and ashamed, but I'd be damned if I let him see that. I smirk instead. It is my go-to. "Why? Scared?" He doesn't smile back. He glances at me warily. "What do you want?" My hand is suddenly in my hair and I am twirling a strand around my finger shyly. Or at least, I try to look shy. "I've been thinking about what you said." "Which part?" He says, walking to the drawn blinds and pulling tightly on them, unleashing rays of sunlight and a cool, pleasant breeze into the room that discards the faint scent of arousal oozing off of him. I watch him work, familiarizing my sight with his broad back and tight ass. He isn't Rune, but he wants me. I'm not going to pine after a man who won't decide that I am
Lycan School: The Hekate's Bride 37. Thoughts
*Rune*It had begun with dreams.Once, I had been a child, trailing after my mother for sweets and running after my knights with a wooden sword with a battle cry that I would deem rather pathetic, looking back on it.I had been oblivious then.I had been normal.Until we met.Rather, until I saw her. It had been the first time I felt him within me.I have always thought the wolves to have the greater privileges of being granted beasts they can tame just as easily as they breathe. Lycans have it worse. I have it way worse.Her wolf to her is what Hekate is to me.A cruel joke. One would think I may have offended the Goddess in my past life--perhaps, I did. To be leashed for all eternity to him, constantly struggling for control, constantly struggling to survive.I don't ever win.When he takes over, I stop being. I lose time. I lose everything I am in those moments, and I do not return until he wishes to leave.Others pride in their true forms, but I, Rune Wilder, Heir of the Lyca
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Lycan School: The Hekate's Bride 78. Bye, For Now.
*Rune*Father holds up two bottles in front of me, stopping me in my pacing. "Come drink with me."I wish to refuse, but panicking and pacing frantically outside the room does nothing to reduce Astrid's screams.It is all I can do to not lose my mind."Make that three," Ronan Blackwood chimes in, snatching my bottle before my fingers can even grip it. "Four, perhaps."I let out a ragged sigh. "Astrid--""Will have your head for drinking while she delivers your child, but I assure you, you do not want to be in that room with her right now." Ronan pulls down the collar of his regal jacket, revealing an old scar across his neck. "This was her mother's gift to me when I thought to ease her of *the pain* by staying by her side."Father snickers, leading us to his receiving chambers. "Zephyr..." He shakes his head, voice trailing off into silent laughter.Minutes span out into hours, and the slow burn of the alcohol in my throat has become somewhat soothing, lulling me and hazing my thoughts
Lycan School: The Hekate's Bride 78. After
*Hekate*I had always pondered on the possibility of Astrid taking after Lorna in appearances. The Goddess must have a cruel sense of humour. I brush back the silky strands of hair that cover her profile and Astrid stirs, murmuring something in her sleep.It is one of the many things I enjoy--watching her sleep. The lack of tension in her body, the unguarded look about her, her slightly parted lips and the rare smile that graces her face when she dreams—perhaps of me.The bandage around her head starts to slip off and I reach for her, putting it back in place. Her brows furrow and her eyes flutter open.Her blue gaze meets mine, a little unfocused, and it takes a few moments for recognition to register. "Hekate.""Why, you don't seem pleased to see me, princess," I purr, a smirk forming on my lips as she blinks rapidly and licks her own lips, trying to hide her flush."I'm not. Considering you bailed on me and--" She suddenly groans, her head sinking into the pillows as she tries, un
Lycan School: The Hekate's Bride 77. Suicide Note
Hekate"Going somewhere?" I ask, gaze dropping to the packed luggage.The woman jumps at my voice, turning immediately to find me leaning against the door. Her eyes widen with fear and surprise. "Prince Rune--""Atlas."One word. One name. Stories untold, secrets buried. A friend. A foe. I have never been able to decide which of them Atlas Moonburn was. The staff in her grasp clatters to the ground and her complexion turns blotchy. Pale. She looks much older now, her allure as a maiden nearly gone. Her grey eyes widen to the side of saucers and she stumbles a step back, reaching behind her for the candle stand.She hurls it at me, trembling with fear. "Oh, Goddess."Displeasure curls my lips and I catch the golden stand, squeezing it hard in my grasp. "That is no way to treat an old friend.""You are no friend of mine!" she scream, hurling a book at me next.My lips kick up as I cross the distance between us. "That isn't what you said when you begged me to kill your sisters.
Lycan School: The Hekate's Bride 75. Rune
*Rune*She jumped, if I am to believe what I have been told.I stand motionless outside the infirmary, listening to Priestess recall what lead to her jumping off the railing for what seems like the umpteenth time."For the past few days, I noticed the dark aura about her. Her sadness and growing anger. I tried to help her. I tried to make her comfortable enough to confide in me. She finally opened up today. She told me she hated being here. She hated him and couldn't stand being married to a monster and sharing his bed." The Priestess' voice breaks and sadness overwhelms her features. "She said she couldn't take anymore of it. I tried to stop her, but she was too fast for me."It doesn't sound like Astrid. I know that all of it has been weighing down on her. I could see the depression and helplessness, and often times than not, I had made sure to convince her otherwise.None of what the woman speaks sounds like my mate.But it was she who had spoken to her last and called for help whe
Lycan School: The Hekate's Bride 74. The Fall
The next days were hectic. The news spread like wild fire and all of Lycanthia wanted to see the 'pregnant wife' of the prince.More than half of my day was spent in the throne room, listening to the people talk about how radiant I looked and how much better it might have been if I was fully Lycan now.Apparently, the reason I haven't shifted completely is because of the child. My body's defense mechanism to protect it. There will be complications from a shift at this stage.There are gifts, tons of them that I have absolutely no use for and end up giving out to the maids once the revelries are over. I see very little of Rune. He spends most of his time in the villages, helping in whatever way he can.At night, he returns covered in gore and soot. He heads straight to my room, jarring me from sleep as he slips in bed beside me, shaking and holding me tightly, like he fears he might lose me.Sometimes, he spends the night, other nights, I wake up alone.The latter hurts, but I understa
Lycan School: The Hekate's Bride 73. Yearnings and Cravings
My lips are swollen and tingling when Rune pulls back, and I am left breathless and stunned. His hands rest on either sides of me, and he remains suspended above me, peering down at me with barely leashed desire. “You are unbelievable,” he tells me, laughter evident in his voice. “You’re welcome,” I reply, trying to shake off the lingering heat. "Are we going to address the issue or pretend it didn't happen?" His brows rise. “I never asked Gin to spend the night with me. These grounds are not suitable for women. I sent her home.” A weight I hadn't realized was there lifts from my chest, but I maintain a narrowed gaze. “She sure seemed to have a different idea.” I pout. “You have a thing for lingerie?” A mischievous smile plays on his lips. “Only if you’re wearing it.” I shrug, fighting the upward tugging of my lips. “I’ll consider it. Not for you, of course. Might take a stroll around your gardens in it, just because I can.” He leans f
Lycan School: The Hekate's Bride 72. It Hurts
The atmosphere is grim, and halfway through to the town, my anger dissipates. The captain of Rune’s guard—Queen Zephyr wouldn’t let me head out alone, since I am carrying the ‘royal baby’—leads us through the towns and we go from bedazzling buildings high enough to touch the skies to the ruins left behind by the Void. There is darkness, smoke and rot and I wheeze at the putrid stench of it all. A few onlookers notice my group as we pass by—myself, Boris and a maid who holds all of our supplies—and they watch with bleak, fatigued gazes. I have seen this before, and it takes me back to the plague. Shivers run down my spine as I see uniformed guards lifting the wailing children into carriages. There are burning piles and the stench of incinerated flesh greets me as we ride deeper into the village. The situation worsens, and I can't help but gag, hurriedly covering my mouth to stifle the urge to vomit. “We could turn around, Your Grace. You should not h
Lycan School: The Hekate's Bride 71. Closure
"I had no choice," I sigh, my voice filled with weariness and regret. "Tell me you believe me at least, Boris."Boris remains silent, his gaze fixed on something beyond the railing. Lost in his thoughts, he seems distant, oblivious to my presence. I follow his line of sight, drawn to the crowd of maids in the gardens, their chatter blending with the sound of flowing water. He looks positively lost, staring at one in particular. Brown hair, meek and pleasant faced."Like her?" He blinks, returning to the present, and a blush spreads across his face. "No," he stammers, his embarrassment evident.I give him a knowing look before releasing an exasperated sigh and turning my gaze back to the castle gates. Rune has been absent all day, and uncertainty gnaws at me. Guilt is eating me up from inside, even if I know I had every right to keep the truth from him.Today, for the first time, I attempted to reach out through our bond, seeking connection, but only silence greeted me. Not anger, jus
Lycan School: The Hekate's Bride 70. Cat Outta The Bag
Rune loves me.I spent the better part of my night pacing my room and scolding myself. I shouldn't have reacted that way. But then...what was I supposed to do? Smile, tell him I love him too and move my things to his room?*Yes,* Sloan chides. She's mad at me, has been since last night. I scowl as I take the staircases down to the dinning hall. After my epic flop last night, I thought I'd honour Rune's invitation for breakfast with his family.I'm not ready to be all lovey dovey with them--though, I doubt they would be welcoming as well, but...this isn't for them.I feel the tug on the bond as I draw closer to the hall, and my insides twist in complicated knots. I suck in my bottom lip, biting lightly on it nervously.And when the guards let me through the door, heads turn in my direction. King Fenrir, Queen Zephyr, Rune, Gin...my heart slams into my chest when I see a familiar dark haired male, seated next to Gin. Darian's here.Why is Darian here?My steps falter and my palms go cl
