Curves And Claws: The Lycan King's Relentless Claim novel Chapter 102

**Title: Fireflies in Winter Rain — Neil A. Varma**
**Chapter 102**

Fifty-five vouchers.

Cassian.

As I cradled her in my arms, Roana felt so small and delicate, reminiscent of a puppy nestled against me. I made my way toward the house, my thoughts briefly drifting to the purse I needed to retrieve for her. In my other hand, I clutched her heels. It struck me then that I should have noticed the angry red bruises marring her ankles, marks she had been wearing since last night’s revelries.

She wasn’t asleep, but a serene quietness enveloped her. Perhaps drowsiness had finally caught up with her.

“Your Majesty, are you leaving?” Sarah’s voice floated towards me from behind, breaking the stillness. I had assumed she was resting peacefully.

“Yes, she needs to change. She drank a lot!” I replied, adjusting her weight as I held her in a bridal carry. Roana nestled closer, her warm breath whispering against my neck, her words barely audible.

“I understand. Sean mentioned she has a fondness for our wine,” Sarah remarked, a smile gracing her lips. Then, with a sudden glint in her eye, she added, “When Sean said you’ve been looking different lately, I didn’t truly believe him. Until I saw you just now!”

At her words, my brows knitted together, a wave of confusion washing over me. Roana lifted her head slightly, her gaze meeting mine for a fleeting moment before she buried her face back into the crook of my neck, seeking comfort in my scent. I could feel her breath, a gentle tremor against my skin.

I tightened my hold on her, well aware that alcohol transformed her into an extrovert, revealing a side of her that was both charming and vulnerable.

“What do you mean by that?” I inquired as we approached the house.

“Well, Your Majesty, since our childhood, we’ve observed you, noticing how you navigated your life. Even with Lady Elle, there were times when you seemed lost!” She spoke as if she had been a silent witness to my journey. “But now, you seem different. It’s as if you’ve rediscovered your spark!”

As she opened the door for us, I contemplated her words. “Her Highness is truly remarkable, isn’t she?”

I met her gaze, trying to grasp the meaning behind her statement. Had I really changed? I felt as though I was still the same person I had always been.

Sarah cast a quick glance at Roana before making her way into the kitchen, while I retrieved Roana’s purse and phone from the table.

The chill in the air was intensifying. I was anxious for her not to catch a cold. I needed to get her home quickly.

Just as I turned to leave, Sarah called out to me from behind, “Your Majesty! Here, I saved this pie for Her Highness. Please tell her to visit my bakery sometime!”

I glanced at the basket she held out, filled with cookies, pie, cheese, some kiwis, and a bottle of wine. Nestled among them was a bouquet of flowers, artfully arranged. Everything was tailored to Roana’s tastes.

A smile broke across my face involuntarily. It amazed me how easily she made friends wherever she went. Despite her insecurities about her weight, she was cherished by those who truly knew her.

It wasn’t her fault that those wretched individuals had been so cruel and selfish.

“Thank you. She will be thrilled!” I said, accepting the basket from her.

“You don’t need to thank us. Just continue being as happy as you are right now, Your Majesty! Everyone is delighted to see you this way!”

“Everyone?” I echoed, curiosity piquing.

“Indeed! All those who know you well. Your people, who have trusted you for the past decade. They’re overjoyed to see you happy these days!” She smiled, a polite acknowledgment shining in her eyes.

“If he hadn’t betrayed me, I would have continued doing the same old things, trying to be the perfect Luna, always seeking his approval, gazing at him as if he was my entire world. But he would never have looked at me the way you do.”

I held my breath, feeling a pang in my chest. Her voice cracked slightly, a subtle hint of vulnerability that twisted something deep within me.

Even if I was deluding myself into thinking there was something more than just a contractual bond between us, she had ignited a belief in me that there existed someone who could understand me as profoundly as she did, someone who would value me for who I truly was, not for my appearance or my strength.

Words escaped me. I could sense she was still intoxicated and half-asleep, her thoughts spilling out with reckless abandon.

“I know you don’t like me. People don’t hesitate to express their feelings when they have them,” she murmured, her fingers trembling as they traced my cheek absentmindedly. “But I know you see me as someone you can trust.”

“What? What are you saying, Roana?” A dull ache settled in the depths of my heart.

She cupped my cheek gently, her touch feather-light, her thumb quivering. “I really hope Elle returns soon. Once she does, I’ll feel so much better.”

“Are you still drunk?” I asked, gritting my teeth against the turmoil within me. “What nonsense are you spouting?”

“Your Majesty!” she exhaled sharply, her shoulders tensing against me. “I wish there was another person like you. I would have chosen you in a heartbeat. So it wouldn’t hurt so much!”

“Roana!” My fingers trembled as I struggled to maintain my composure. Why was she speaking like this? As if she feared being left alone?

“I wonder how wonderful Elle is. She’s so lucky. She has your heart!”