The Lycan King and His Dark Temptation – 51

Chapter 51: Lurking in the Shadows

VALERIA

The altar was beautiful.

Whoever had created it had clearly put great effort into it, but it lacked the intense, dark energy that had drawn me to the other one.

At the foot of several snow-capped mountains, with massive waterfalls cascading in the distance, stood the altar in a clear space within the pine forest surrounding us.

Its base was circular, covered in arabesque carvings that, in reality, didn’t convey anything meaningful.

Above it, the statue of a beautiful woman stood, draped in a delicate, sensual veil and tunic, representing the Goddess. Her hands were open, her head tilted toward the sky, and behind her, wings extended from her back as if she were about to take flight toward the stars.

A large, round disk, also filled with exquisite carvings, completed the stonework behind her.

For a moment, we were all struck with awe. Even Aldric and the Alpha smiled proudly at their pack’s Lubar Altar.

I wondered if he knew it was fake, like many things in this strange pack. The only one who seemed completely oblivious was Quinn. He quickly dragged his sister along to examine the inscriptions, clearly enthusiastic.

I stole a glance at Aldric, who was speaking with the Alpha about something related to the small temple, then at Quinn, who had just discreetly looked at me as well.

It was obvious he was silently asking for my help, but I couldn’t explain the details of the symbols in front of everyone—especially not with the King watching.

Still, I approached, pretending to be amazed by the altar while making my way over to where he was scribbling in his notebook.

“Celine, keep watch,” I heard him murmur, and that was when I realized my tightly guarded secret had already reached other ears.

I frowned.

“Don’t worry. She won’t say anything,” he whispered, noticing my expression. “Alright, no time to waste…”

“This altar—”

“His Majesty is coming,” Celine warned urgently, making me tense up. But I quickly masked my reaction as best I could.

“This one is more beautiful than the one in the last village,” I commented, brushing my fingers along the smooth stone surface. It was far too polished, completely lacking the roughness of the other altar.

I glanced up at the towering statue, its size impressive.

“Valeria, leave Quinn and Celine to their studies. Come, we need to attend to other matters,” Aldric’s cold voice sounded close behind us.

It was obvious he didn’t like seeing me near the Guardian. So, once again, I followed his orders, being pulled into more problems—nothing new in my chaotic life beside the Lycan King.

—

ALDRIC

“Your Majesty, my servant has confirmed it. His grandfather knows how to break that spell you inquired about. There’s no need to use the old method of searching for the male everywhere. There’s a more practical way,” the Alpha explained.

I nodded in gratitude while my eyes drifted toward Valeria, who was standing at a distance, pretending to admire the scenery. But eventually, as always, she wandered toward that jackal.

It was obvious Quinn was constantly watching her. My blood boiled as I sensed an invisible connection between them, as if they shared a secret I wasn’t privy to. I hoped it was all in my head.

Whatever secrets Valeria had—good or bad—I was the only one who deserved to know them.

“Good. We’ll leave immediately. We’ll stop by the mansion to pick up your servant and then head directly to the cure,” I replied to the Alpha before adding coldly, “Remember, this is a personal favor I requested, and I expect your discretion. Or I’ll rip out your tongue.”

He immediately nodded, swearing his loyalty without hesitation.

I walked back toward the altar. I hadn’t revealed who was cursed. Not because it was taboo, but because I didn’t want this matter spreading beyond my control.

Valeria’s issues were hers and mine alone.

But there was another, far more selfish reason.

I didn’t want Valeria knowing she could soon be cured. The moment she found out, she’d likely run away from me. Anyone else would probably call me a fool for wanting to break the one thing that kept her close.

But I wanted her in a way that was… more complicated.

I didn’t want her to suffer through those painful heat attacks every month just because of my lust. And I didn’t want her in my bed out of pure necessity.

The day Valeria surrenders to me, it will be her choice—because she wants me to be the one to claim her. Not because some sexual hunger forces her into the arms of the first man she meets.

“Valeria, leave Quinn and Celine to their studies. Come, we need to attend to other matters,” I told her, watching her tense up as I spoke.

Valeria was terrible at hiding her emotions.

My eyes shifted toward Quinn’s back, the urge to sink my claws into him almost unbearable.

He better focus on those Dark Realm symbols and stay away from my woma—my maid.

—

VALERIA

We returned to the mansion by carriage, following a steep, winding road that led down the mountain and through the forest. I made sure to memorize the path—something told me I might need to return here.

“Miss Valeria, my youngest son has woken up and wishes to thank you for helping him. As I mentioned earlier, he’s recovered quickly with my blood, aside from his legs. Edward is a strong boy,” the Alpha said as we approached the mansion.

“That’s good. I’d like to visit him, if you’ll allow it.”

“Of course, of course! You’re welcome to do anything you wish,” he replied, his voice overly polite as he threw a sideways glance at Aldric like a dog begging for its master’s approval.

This was supposed to be the great Alpha of the pack—the most feared and respected leader. Yet, in the presence of the Lycan King’s absolute authority, they all seemed like mere Omegas.

“Valeria, we’ll be leaving shortly,” His Majesty warned as I nodded, climbing the stairs to visit young Edward’s room.

A maid guided me, opening the wooden door to a dimly lit chamber.

“Young Master Edward, the King’s maid who helped you at the park has come to visit you,” the woman announced, stepping aside as I entered.

The moment I crossed the threshold and saw the small figure resting on the large bed, a chill gripped me.

My eyes immediately scanned the dark corners of the poorly lit room.

Something… was lurking in the shadows.