Curves And Claws: The Lycan King's Relentless Claim novel Chapter 103

**Fireflies in Winter Rain — Neil A. Varma**
**Chapter 103**

**65 vouchers**

**Cassian**

I allowed her to rest on the bed, taking a seat at the edge while she lay there in silence. The pain from earlier in the day remained etched on her features, a stark reminder of the turmoil that had unfolded. She had caught the flicker of uncertainty I had fought so hard to conceal. Deep down, she was right—if there was even a hint of hesitation, it meant love was absent. The weight of this realization twisted like a dagger in my chest, leaving me breathless.

Gently, I pulled the blanket over her, letting my fingers linger for just a heartbeat longer than necessary before I stood up. A heaviness settled on my shoulders, a burden that felt all too familiar. My thoughts began to stack up like bricks, pressing down on my skull until a dull ache took hold.

As I made my way toward my private chamber, I caught sight of Lorenzo standing in the hallway, his arms laden with a disarray of papers. The moment our eyes met, he straightened, an instinctual reaction to my presence.

“What brings you here, Lorenzo?” I asked, my voice emerging softer than I had intended, yet still sharp and controlled.

“Oh, Your Majesty. You have returned,” he replied, stepping forward and bowing slightly, adjusting the papers in his grasp with a nervous flick. “I was just finalizing the list of supplies needed for the annual hunting festival. The central forest patrol has reported an increase in deer, rabbits, and wild chickens. This year’s hunt before winter promises to be exceptional.”

I rubbed my thumb along my jaw, lost in thought. “And what about our domestic stock? Winter can be unforgiving.”

“They’re stable,” he assured me. “Winter may linger longer this year, but our food reserves are significantly better than in previous years. Plus, the ocean region has agreed to send additional tons of frozen seafood as gratitude for the railway project.”

A faint smile crept onto my lips, a small flicker of optimism in the midst of my turmoil. “So allowing her to handle the case was indeed the right decision, wasn’t it, Lorenzo?”

He hesitated, his response delayed as he gave a stiff nod. His gaze fell momentarily before he redirected it back to me, a flicker of unease in his expression.

When I had first learned of her actions, disappointment had hit me like a cold wave. I had believed she had acted impulsively, without grasping the complexities of the situation. But when Alpha Davis called and echoed her words about my father, reality settled in like a heavy fog.

An Alpha who had abandoned his people held no right to impose laws upon them.

Lorenzo cleared his throat, breaking the silence that hung between us. “I sent all the items you requested to our room. Is there anything else you require?” His eyes scanned my face, searching for signs of my inner turmoil.

I clenched my jaw, feeling the tension coil tightly in my shoulders. “Let’s grab a beer.”

His posture shifted, understanding dawning in his eyes. “Of course. Just a moment, Your Majesty.”

We made our way to our usual bar, seeking refuge in the private room, far from prying eyes. Finally, I sank into the familiar comfort of the couch, allowing my body to relax. Lorenzo poured a glass of beer and handed it to me, the cool glass feeling like a lifeline in my hand.

“Is it about Roana?” he asked quietly, his voice barely above a whisper.

My eyes snapped to him, irritation and relief battling within me at his ability to read my emotions so easily.

He leaned back, releasing the tension from his shoulders. “I’ve known you since we were children, Your Majesty. I know you better than you realize.”

“Do you?” I let out a short, dark chuckle, the sound tinged with bitterness. “Because right now… I don’t even know myself. I’m lost in what I want, what I truly desire.” My fingers tightened around the glass, the coolness grounding me.

“No.” My answer was immediate, firm. “The reason I asked her to be my contractual Luna was that I recognized she was different from the others.”

Lorenzo exhaled sharply, shaking his head at himself. “Your Majesty has never made a wrong decision. I should have recognized that earlier.”

“So, is that why you disliked her? Based on intuition? Assumptions?” My voice hardened, disappointment creeping in. “That isn’t like you, Lorenzo. Only the weak act on such baseless judgments.”

He chuckled, nodding in agreement. “You’re right. I think it stemmed from fear.”

I paused, taken aback. “Fear?”

He laughed softly. “Not of her, Your Majesty. I wanted you to choose Carolyn. She has been with you for years. She knows you, understands you. Even though she rejected you twice, I still hoped for her to be the one. I couldn’t trust anyone else to stand beside you without ulterior motives.”

“Oh.” Understanding settled within me like a warm embrace.

Of course. Lorenzo had always been my shield, steadfast and cautious, guarding me from the world. His doubts came from loyalty, not malice. He had once told me he considered us family—my best friend and Carolyn’s. Naturally, everything he did was for our collective good.

“I’m sorry, Your Majesty,” he said softly, sincerity lacing his tone. “I’ll apologize to Roana as well. Whatever path you choose… I will support you, as always.”

“You don’t need to apologize, Lorenzo.” I finished my beer and leaned back into the couch, feeling the weight of the world pressing down on me. “I need you by my side, just as you’ve always been. Carolyn is also family to me. But loving her…? I drew that line long ago. Now, I see her as my best friend, my family whom I will protect. But—!”

I shook the glass, the ice inside shimmering under the soft light, “I have made my decision!” My eyes darkened with resolve, “I will never let Roana go.”