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43. The Bath
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Lycan School: The Hekate's Bride 44. Stillborn
"I don't understand," I whisper, my voice barely audible amidst the weighty silence that hangs in the air. Mother speaks, words laced with severity. "Upon Hekate's death, the Goddess expressed her wrath, and to the utmost surprise of our predecessors, she did not take our side." Wrapping my hair in a towel, she says behind me in a commanding tone, "Rise." I stretch to my full length and step out of the cauldron. I grab a towel from the hanger and drape it around myself. "So...she brought him back? Don't they say the Goddess forbids manipulating the states between life and death?" Inching out the door, my mother throws over her shoulder, "She was angry enough to keep his soul from crossing into the ether, seeing as he'd cursed every generation yet to be born, condemning all but the humans to death. It didn't make it any better that the curse had taken on a form of its own." Observing her as she raises a diaphanous blue gown and a red garment so deep it verg
Lycan School: The Hekate's Bride 45. To What End
Day after day, I go through the gruelling routine of scrubbing my skin until it is nearly raw, bathing in near scalding water and having milk dunked over my head, having the lacing of my bodice pulled until I can no longer breath, and my hair nearly pulled from my head in a bid to have it styled outrageously. A hiss of exasperation escapes me as a rogue pin pricks my finger, and I pull out the wretched object from my hair, hurling it across the hall. The room erupts in an abrupt silence as the pin finds its mark, clattering against the marble floor. A collective hush falls upon the gathering, every eye riveted to the rebellious object, as if it were a harbinger of upheaval. Tension hangs heavy in the air and stirred by an unseen force, I rise from my throne and make my way down the daiz. No more. I'm not doing this anymore. Ignoring the male whose words cling to the air, his voice thick with irritation, I skip the steps, eager to get the fuck out of h
Lycan School: The Hekate's Bride 46. Playing Games
My brow knits together as a featherlight touch grazes my cheek, trailing down my neck with an intimate caress that startles me awake. Glacial green eyes lock onto mine, and instinctively, I recoil, scrambling backward until my back collides with the headboard. Still, I don't halt until I lose my balance and topple to the ground. A soft chuckle resonates in the air, and my heart lurches at its sound. "You summoned me, princess, yet your reception lacks enthusiasm." Seizing my pillow from the floor, I hurl it across the room with a surge of preternatural strength. "What the fuck are you doing in here, creep?!" Hekate catches the pillow effortlessly, allowing it to slip from his grasp. "Again, you called." Fuming and cursing, I rise from the ground, massaging my bruised knee. "I did not, and I do not appreciate your intrusion." With hands folded behind his back, he strides around my queen-sized bed, pausing only to perch at its edge, propping his head on his fist. Mi
Lycan School: The Hekate's Bride 47. A Knife To The Heart
A knock has my attention snapping to the door and I turn from the window, pulling it shut. I've spent the better part of my morning lost in thought, staring at nothing in particular. Way better than getting plunged in hot water. I've been thinking about everything. Dad, Hekate, the truth, the lies...it all seems like a lot. Though, I'm against my father's idea of forcing a mate on me, I understand his worry. Hekate had said the curse wouldn't take me. That sentence does mean a lot of things. It won't take me, but it'd take everyone else. And then what? We'll both rule over a kingdom of dead wolves and lycans? Goddess forbids it. Though I'm angry at my parents, I love them very much. I cannot imagine my world without them. Or my friends--even if they've all gone on with their lives without me. I have considered father's decision. Theron Frostclaw, Orion's younger brother, stands as the next suitable choice for a mate. Strong, loyal, and fierce, as an
Lycan School: The Hekate's Bride 48. Back To School
Two agonizing weeks had passed, with no one to talk to except my parents. I had initially thought I would lose my damn mind, but turns out I'm made of sterner stuff. This morning, my mother made sure I had the pleasure of going through a fresh set of rules, each one screaming a single message. "Stay away from Rune." My father, on the other hand, had been a tad less confrontational, probably because he'd been distant lately. The thought that I was the cause of his sleepless nights, his haunted wanderings through the castle, weighed heavily on me. So I made a promise to him—I would follow their rules, after tonight, depending on how well it turns out. I didn't add the last part though. Though, it might prove to be a tad difficult, to speak to Rune. Father had guards escorting me back to school. I couldn’t be more embarrassed and self-conscious. I’m not even sure that is allowed, but somehow, telling Vesper that they would keep me in check and join the sentinels was enou
Lycan School: The Hekate's Bride 49. Midnight Shenanigans
It is well past midnight and I can vaguely hear the owl hooting out my window. Creeping toward the door, I pull on the straps, adjusting them to fit around my boobs. Should've gotten a new pair. These are hella tight. As I twist the doorknob, hoping for a quiet exit, I come face to face with Boris, the ever-vigilant captain of my guard. Damn. How do I get rid of them? How the hell am I supposed to sneak out if someone's always on guard around the clock? "Princess, do you need something?" Boris inquires, stepping forward. I force a nervous laugh, holding the door open wider. "I was hoping I'd get some air." He nods, but I know he won't let me go alone. No chance. He motions to the rest of my entourage, and it's crystal clear they're coming along for the ride. "We'll accompany you, Your Highness," Boris declares. "Actually, Boris, I'd like to take a stroll on my own. You can stay here and guard the room. I won't be gone for long," I announce,
Lycan School: The Hekate's Bride 50. Fucker
"No. No!" I yell, kicking at him, struggling with his arms that seem to cage me further. My knee strikes out, slamming into his torso, but he barely flinches, instead catching it and setting it apart from my other knee, spreading me bare before him. I go into full panic mode, yelling my head off, even if I know no one can hear me. Perks of being a lycan prince comes with a room that's soundproof. His fingers snake between my thighs, and my body reacts involuntarily to his touch, a collision of fear and desire that clashes within me. Sloan is mewling and purring and her excitement is clashing with my wild panic, creating a horrendous mix of feelings I do not understand. *Mate,* she whispers, and I know I'm in deep shit. His eyes flash black for a fleeting moment, his entire body going rigid as he shuts them. I back away from him in this moment, or try to, because his eyes snap open again, clear as day and he says coolly, "Stay." My mind shuts d
Lycan School: The Hekate's Bride 51. The Dark Side
I could tell you all about how I showed up by my door in Rune's torn bedsheet and mascara stained tears rolling down my cheeks. I could also describe Boris's disdain and anger. Not at me, of course. It had taken three growls to stop him and the rest of my guards from heading to Rune's room and doing things that would no doubt put the peace between our races in jeopardy. I could tell you about the following days and how much I cried, how much Sloan raged, how much I literally felt like dying and jumping out of my window, feeling like a stupid slut with peas for brains. I could tell you all about how much I wanted to claw Ginevra's eyes out, every time she blushed at a congratulatory comment, every time she smirked in my direction, as if to say, "In your face, bitch." I could also tell how much Rune and I happen to end up in the same place, at the same time, and then, I freak out and flee from there. Oh, and his nose has healed. It looks perfect again, just like the
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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
