Curves And Claws: The Lycan King's Relentless Claim novel Chapter 100

**Fireflies in Winter Rain — Neil A. Varma**
**Chapter 100**

Roana,

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As I celebrated my twenty-sixth birthday, I was pleasantly taken aback by the joy that enveloped me. To be honest, I had anticipated a day of solitude, where I would simply ignore the passing of another year. Yet, thanks to the unwavering efforts of Sean, Sarah, and Keane, who transformed our home into a festive haven, I found myself reveling in the spirit of celebration. For the first time in years, I felt a genuine desire to welcome another birthday next year.

Cassian, on the other hand, was a constant presence by my side, never straying far from me. Despite the unspoken tension that hung in the air between us, he remained like a vigilant protector, keenly attuned to my every reaction—my moments of ease, my flickers of discomfort, and even the faintest changes in my expression. How could my heart remain so cold when he had been so attentive? I realized that my own overthinking had clouded my judgment, and I was determined to make amends for that.

At that moment, our group had congregated around a charming little lake that Sean often used for fishing. It was a source of pride for the royal family, providing most of their freshwater catch. They had concocted a surprise BBQ party, all while keeping me blissfully unaware of their plans. I assumed Sean would be the one reeling in the fish, but instead,

“Your Highness, this is for you,” Sean said, presenting me with a fishing rod, a playful glint dancing in his eyes. “Let’s see who emerges victorious—you or His Majesty.”

“What?” I exclaimed, taking the rod from him and glancing back at Cassian, who stood directly behind me, meticulously adjusting his lure. The closeness sent an unexpected flutter through me. “Are we really competing now?”

“Indeed. The winner gets to demand anything from the loser. So, good luck!” he shot back, a smirk playing on his lips, his eyes shimmering softly in the moonlight.

“You can’t be serious!” I protested, my heart racing.

“Are you afraid of losing?” he teased, his voice low and warm, sending a delightful shiver through my ears.

“No, not at all! You never know—I’ve spent half my life honing various skills, fishing included.” I flashed a confident smile as I rummaged through the tackle box for the perfect lure.

“What about you two?” I inquired, turning my attention to Sean and Keane.

“We’re in! Although Sarah will be busy preparing the grill,” Sean replied, his enthusiasm infectious.

“Are we actually going to eat what we catch right here?” I asked, my mouth watering at the thought.

“Absolutely!” Sarah chimed in with a laugh. “We’ll feast on our fresh catch right away. You won’t want to miss out on that, Your Highness.”

A smile crept across my face, and I nodded, feeling the magic of the night settle around us. The stars twinkled above, and a cool breeze carried the fragrant scents of herbs and blossoms, creating a serene atmosphere that felt like a slice of the peaceful life I longed to embrace forever.

Yet, I felt a slight tension in the air as Cassian moved closer. His gaze was fixed on the lake, but his presence was as palpable as gravity, drawing me in. I couldn’t help but admire the chiseled line of his jaw, the neatly trimmed beard, and the subtle tension that danced around his striking red irises—eyes that seemed capable of piercing through to one’s very soul. Everything about him was dangerously alluring.

“I’m going to win, no matter what,” he murmured, his voice smooth and confident.

I nearly jumped when he suddenly turned to face me, his smirk sending a delightful shiver down my spine. The moment our eyes locked, his expression softened, and the shift in his demeanor struck my heart like a thunderbolt.

My cheeks flushed with warmth, and I quickly looked away, my voice quaking despite my best efforts to sound composed. “I won’t lose either.”

He chuckled softly, leaning back against a nearby tree with his arms casually folded. “Do you want to discuss what happened this afternoon?”

My heart skipped a beat at the mention of it. “Well, I encountered some individuals this afternoon. People I had never met before.”

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