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Chapter 9: Rot
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Lycan School: The Hekate's Bride Chapter 10: Playing With Fire
Three years ago:I clocked eighteen today. Everyone's dancing. I am too, and Goddess knows I have never been this drunk in my life."Astrid, careful," Thorne says, hands circling my waist when I keel over, nearly falling into my huge birthday cake.I giggle, though nothing is particularly funny. I lean into him and lick his neck that is slick with sweat from dancing so hard. He groans and I giggle at the sound of it."I'll take you to your room," Thorne mutters, grip around me tightening."Don't wanna..." My voice trails off into an unintelligible slur and I inch out of his arms when I see another untouched glass of alcohol in the hands of a passing woman. "Give that here," I tell her.Thorne swivels, muttering an apology to the woman and he throws me over his shoulder, taking the stairwell that leads to my room.It is safe to do so. Father and mother have retired to their chambers and the people left in the hall are too drunk to notice Thorne Nightshade kidnapping their princess.I
Lycan School: The Hekate's Bride Chapter 11: Barf
The meeting with both our parents ends up making me feel sick. The Hekate has found a way to get his men through the veil, and the rot has begun. Rather than attack the people first like we anticipated, he comes for the schools. He should not even know the school's exist. They are hidden deeply, and the only way to get into them is through the portals, two of which exists in my realm and the other in the realm of lycans. The gates that lead to these portals are heavily guarded, not even leaving out the fact that the portals can only be opened by the Grand Mistress. It's impossible for the dark army to have gotten past the gates and through the portal. And the most aggravating question of them all. Why the schools? I blow out a breath, threading my fingers in my hair as the harsh smell of bland shampoo fills my nostrils. I really miss home. I had spoken to my father and mother alone after the meeting and it had gone nowhere. I can st
Lycan School: The Hekate's Bride Chapter 12: Exhausted
"Come on," Darian says, ushering me to the front of the 'special food' counter. I bite my lip nervously, expecting the lunch lady to haul me off the line again, but her sight is set on Darian who she smiles prettily at. "Two plates. The usual," Darian says with a stunning smile that has her fanning herself with the spatula. Ugh. It feels good to have this again. Privilege over others, however temporary it is. My stomach growls at the smell of roast chicken and stew. I stare at the tray handed to me and joy has my eyes stinging. I never thought I'd taste chicken again. The Cafeteria is especially noisy tonight. It's deafening. The chatter and laughter mix together to create a wall of sound that makes it difficult to think. It is packed with students who are gathered around, laughing and chatting with each other. Some of them are taking selfies while others are sharing their food with their friends. I feel my face heat up as we walk past. I can feel ey
Lycan School: The Hekate's Bride Chapter 13: Take Your Stance
There is something in my room.It reeks of rot and death. The usually clear air is thick and murky, like a swamp I’m trying to wade through. Its aura is pressing down on me from all sides and drawing in a single breath is a struggle.“Princess. . .” It drawls, and I am frozen in place, trapped in a nightmare that refuses to let me go. My heart sprints as a shadowy figure that is darkness incarnate draws closer to me, sucking in all light and life into its impenetrable void.Evil in its purest and realest form.I want to run, to flee from this creature that should not exist, but my limbs won’t obey me. I can’t shift.. My muscles are tense and rigid, as if they have been held captive by an invisible force.Fear has me captive in its cold grip, and it suffocates me.“You are a long way from home, Princess Astrid. . .” It says, and my blood curdles when I feel its cold breath on my neck. A whimper escaped me when sharp canines brush my neck and a tongue darts out to taste me. Cold sweat b
Lycan School: The Hekate's Bride Chapter 14: Lost
Did I get beat up?Hell yeah.She moves too fast for me to follow, it is like trying to catch the wind. Or maybe run faster than my shadow. With every hit she lands on me, the crowd cheers louder and louder, and the bet points rise higher and higher.I barely dodge a punch when another lands in my belly. I don’t feel pain. I become one with pain.She doesn’t stop hitting me, expecting me to yield to her. I can’t have her beat me to a pulp and still beg for mercy. Double jeopardy. Goddess forbid it. All I think of as she hits me is how to pay her back in kind.When I am curled up against the wall with my hands shielding my face from her, a voice cuts through the shouts of excitement. “Enough!”I crack an eye open and see Rune cutting through the crowd. I have never been happier to see him.“What is this?” He asks and Ginevra turns away from me to face him, giving me enough space to breathe. My ribs ache. Goddess. This really isn’t my week.“She challenged me to a duel—““You could have
Lycan School: The Hekate's Bride Chapter 15: Interschool Games
The Lycan King’s Hall is super packed today and it has me wondering if only half of the school’s population attended the first assembly. As I—we arrive, myself and Maya—yes, she won’t leave my side—there is little room to move about so we opt for remaining in the back of the hall, since our attempt to squeeze in closer to the front of the line has everyone shoving us and elbows jutting into our ribs.Everyone chats nervously and they all think the assembly is to address the matter of the deaths.I am itching to hear what will be said, especially since I got a visit from yours truly. Thinking about it causes goosebumps to raid my skin and I shudder, rubbing lightly on the wound.“Students.”A hush falls over the growing crowd and I stand on my toes to try get a view of the podium and the Chancellor. I catch a glimpse of him ascending the platform stairs with a couple of teacher, as well as regally dressed people I do not recognize.He takes the center of the stage and his voice carri
Lycan School: The Hekate's Bride Chapter 16: The Pool
“To bring them here, the portal would need to be opened, and for them to leave, the portal would also need to be opened. Can I leave with them?" “You may, if the portal lets you through," Chancellor Vesper says, taking quick strides that I can't keep up with. "I'd advice you not to count on it.” "Why?" "If it brought you here in the first place, then it will not take you anywhere else." Rune left a couple of seconds ago to attend to royal matters, he had said. His shitty grin remains in my head through, and it absolutely annoying. "Why host the games now? It is horrible timing," I mutter under my breath but I can tell that Chancellor Vesper hears me when his shoulders tighten slightly. I brace myself for a harsh rebuke but instead, he stops in front of his door and cocks his head as he observes me. "What do you think?" Is he being serious? I pull at the hem of my blouse nervously as I say, "I don't know." His dark eyes skim over me. "Think out the box, Blackwood. For a royal,
Lycan School: The Hekate's Bride Chapter 17: Jealousy
I take laps beside Darian, trying so hard not to look left. He is there. Ginevra is there. They sure are doing something because I can hear Ginevra moaning all the way over here. The sounds make the fine hair on my skin rise and it doesn't matter how nice and cool the water is. I keep feeling hot all over, also in places I cannot describe. "Would you like a drink?" Darian asks while I seat on the slated edge of the pool, kicking at the water that has taken on a beautiful blue hue. "Yeah," I say, suddenly feeling parched. Darian asks Maya as well but I can hardly hear anything past Ginevra's girly giggle and the sharp sigh that leaves her lips when Rune's fingers caress her inner thigh. A sharp sigh leaves my lips and I catch myself biting on my lower lip, nearly wishing I were in her place. What is wrong with me? I grip my fists hard enough to hurt, forcing my gaze elsewhere. "This is awkward," Maya whispers, sliding closer to
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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
