LOGINShare
78. After
Last Updated:
2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
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 Prologue
"You poisoned me!""And that too was your fault. You don't get to ruin my relationships because I was trying to save you from your poor taste in women and--"Rune rears back like I have stabbed him with a sword. "My poor taste in women?"He leans in, staring deeply in my eyes as he adds in a low, deadly whisper, "And who would you peg as the right choice for me, Red?"Red.I hate when he calls me that.I want to tell him that but his fingers suddenly cup my cheek, pushing my head back so I can look at him. My body jerks from the contact and when I start to move back, I collide with the closet door.Shit.My heart slams into my ribcage as pure, feline excitement courses through me. Perhaps it is the alcohol, but my wolf is stirring, purring with excitement."You?" His warm breath that reeks of alcohol tickles my nostrils and somehow, something so little has me trembling with need under his fingertips.I shouldn't have drank so much. I think he's drunk too. This isn't right. This should
Lycan School: The Hekate's Bride Chapter 1: Happy Birthday Princess
Lounging in my throne beside my parents, I peer down at the revelry below, itching to get into the frenzy with my people, but my mother’s stern look holds me in place.As the sole heir to the Alpha King’s throne, I must behave with dignity and whatever nonsense it is that is expected of royalty. I weary of having these discussions with my parents and getting grounded when I snarl back at them for trying to keep tabs on me.I clocked twenty-freaking-one today. It’s my birthday party, as well as the celebration of Solstice. I should be dancing with my friends. I should be getting drunk on smuggled human alcohol and plants. I should be having fun, because come tomorrow, I will be going through the portal that leads to the Werewolf Academy.My life begins the moment I go through that portal. My responsibilities as heir will begin to weigh down on me, as I will be expected to excel in every single aspect of my training. Werewolf High had been hard enough. The Academy was simply arduous and
Lycan School: The Hekate's Bride Chapter 2: Wrong School
Bleary eyed, I squint at the twin huge boulders that hide the portal to the Realms beyond ours. This is it. I am finally going to the Academy. I would be excited if my head weren’t hurting like hell. I should not have gotten so drunk last night. I can’t even see colors properly.Around me are my friends and peers who will be getting enrolled in the Academy today as well. I spy Thorne conversing with his father, Aria hugging her mother, Trinity kissing her girlfriend goodbye. . .all very touching moments they seem to be having. I already had mine. It came with a book of rules and regulations on how the future Queen of Wolvendom is expected to behave. I was forced to memorize the first page and. . .My days of extravagance and partying are officially over. No males. No alcohol. No getting high. No smooches in between. No fun. One must be courteous and respectable. I must lead my people in the right direction with the Goddess as my guide. Her will must be my will. Like hell will any of
Lycan School: The Hekate's Bride The Lycan King's Lore
In a time when all three races lived together as one and the Lycans ruled the realm, there was a prince. He was Hekate, and he was heir to the throne.It is said that Hekate was born on the night of the blood moon. Cursed, they called him. Strange, they said. A bad omen, they named him. The Moon Goddess’s priestess had taken one look at him and had told the King and Queen that he would bring destruction upon the realm. He would be better off dead as a child.But King Cassius and Queen Sylvi had tried to birth a child for centuries with no avail. They would not kill their child. Staring at his pale hair and moon kissed skin as she held him to her chest, Queen Sylvi had told the priestess fiercely, “He is but a child. You cannot damn him to death. I will raise him right. He will be a good, powerful king.”And so, she raised him, damning the consequences.As they say, the bad habits may begin as small shoots, but if left unchecked, they will begin to grow like vines, entangling the soul
Lycan School: The Hekate's Bride Chapter 3: I'm No Princess Here
The crowd pushes past me, rushing out of the hallway in which I'm standing, dazed and freaking out.This can't be happening to me.This can't be real.I can't be in Lycan School.Did the Grand Mistress make a mistake? I've never heard of such a mistake being made in all of my history lessons on the portal. It takes you where the Goddess wills you to be.I...I can't be here right now. I need to be at the Academy with Aria, Trinity, and Thorne.I spin in a circle. The hallways are awfully lit with electronic devices from the human world. There are thin lockers lining the walls and I see a few people pulling out scrolls and books from them.I need to find the Grand Master of Lycan School. Surely, he can help me reach my father and mother, and procure a way back to the right school.Straightening, I follow the crowd to this assembly they speak of, looking around as I do. The vast white corridors seem to stretch on forever, with doors (too many doors) that possibly lead to classrooms and o
Lycan School: The Hekate's Bride Chapter 4: No Way Home
After the assembly, the men drag me across the hallways, stopping in front of an iron door that is at least ten foot tall.The door suddenly swings open, even if there is no one behind it.I am thrown in by the men, and the door shuts the moment I'm inside the office.I whirl around in the space that looks to be an office. I am immediately struck by the sheer size of the room. The high ceilings seem to stretch up into infinity, while the walls are lined with tall bookcases filled with ancient-looking tomes. The scent of old leather and paper fills my nose, and it reminds me of the library in the castle.In the center of the room, a large oak desk dominates the space, with a high-backed chair behind it. The desk is cluttered with papers and stacks of books, but everything seems to be in perfect order, as if each item has been placed with utmost care.Behind the desk, a tall window offers a view of the sprawling grounds outside. The sunlight streams through the glass, casting a warm glo
Lycan School: The Hekate's Bride Chapter 5: Bullied
The Dining Hall is noisy and filled with people holding trays and speaking into their gadgets. My stomach growls as the smell of chicken teases my nostrils.I pass by a group of people and they laugh at me. I know. I look like crap.I skipped dinner last night, crying and punching the stupid mattress. Then I'd slept rather roughly.I couldn't find anything to comb my red hair with this morning and I have terrible bed hair. I lost my cosmetic bag at some point in the portal so my skin is dry like desert sand. My eyes are dark and haunted and my uniform doesn't fit.Worst first school day ever. Can it get any worse?I follow the crowd and get in the line where I see the chicken being served. More funny looks are tossed in my direction, but I'm in a piss poor mood, and I don't wish to speak to anyone. Not that they even want to speak to me either. Good.I soon reach the head of the line and I extend my food tray to the lunch lady. Her face, while undeniably beautiful, is twisted into a
Latest chapter
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
