Curves And Claws: The Lycan King's Relentless Claim novel Chapter 107

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

**Chapter 107**

Roana,

“I never imagined there could actually be a witch!” I exclaimed, my voice barely above a whisper, my knees trembling slightly beneath me.

“You mean you accept the existence of witchcraft but not of an actual witch?” Rye coughed, raising an eyebrow at my reaction.

“Come on! In this day and age, people dabble in black magic, but an actual witch with those… Woah. I can feel goosebumps creeping up my arms!”

As the witch finally emerged from the shadows, the door closed softly behind her, leaving an oppressive silence in her wake. For a brief moment, I stood frozen, my hand resting awkwardly at my side, as if the remnants of her presence lingered in the room like the last wisps of smoke from a dying fire.

My heartbeat remained steady, my expression carefully neutral. If she had come to test me, she would find no reaction from me once she departed.

Yet, as I turned and made my way down the corridor, an unsettling sensation crawled up my spine. It felt as if unseen eyes were trailing the length of my back. This gaze wasn’t hostile, merely curious—too curious. I pressed on, refusing to glance over my shoulder, my eyebrows remaining fixed, my lips unyielding. A slow breath escaped my lips, the only acknowledgment I allowed myself of the prickling sensation.

If someone wished to observe me, so be it. But a question gnawed at the edges of my mind—who had sent her? Mortias?

Outside, the biting cold air hit me like a slap, raising goosebumps across my skin. Thankfully, during my conversation with that witch, whose long black hair and slightly red eyes made her all the more unsettling, I had instructed Sierra to stay out of my room.

Goodness. That woman had thrown me off so much that I couldn’t even bring myself to open those gift boxes.

The palace stables were a picture of tranquility, the only sounds breaking the stillness being the soft shifting of hooves and the occasional snort. The moment Candy caught sight of me, she lifted her head, ears perking up, and emitted a soft huff, as if chastising me for my tardiness.

Finally, someone who didn’t want anything from me…

I approached her, sliding my hand down her neck, feeling the warmth of her coat and the gentle shifting of muscles beneath. Candy leaned into my touch, a low rumble escaping her throat, and a genuine smile broke across my face before I could suppress it.

“My sweet baby! Mama missed you!” I murmured, rubbing my cheek against her soft fur.

Minutes later, I was riding into the forest, letting the wind sweep away the lingering tension in my shoulders. The trees whispered secrets overhead, their shadows stretching across the path in long ribbons of gold and green. With every steady beat of Candy’s hooves beneath me, my breathing began to find its rhythm again. Each inhalation was infused with the scent of pine and the promise of freedom.

Perhaps in this vast world, I was the only Luna Queen unburdened by responsibilities or duties. So wonderfully free…

It wasn’t until I spotted a familiar figure ahead that I slowed my pace. Sean leaned casually against a fallen log, arms crossed, a playful smirk dancing on his lips. An axe rested beside him, with a pile of firewood stacked neatly behind.

“Restocking for winter?” I quipped, stopping Candy in front of him.

He pushed off the log, stretching his back with a lazy smile. “You look alive,” he teased. “I thought for sure you’d sleep through the morning after last night.”

I swung my leg over and dismounted gracefully. Candy nudged me impatiently, as if urging me to hurry. “I’m fine,” I replied, trying to sound casual. “And… thank you. The party was lovely. Please tell Sarah I truly appreciate her efforts.”

His grin widened, infectious and bright. “She’ll be thrilled to hear that. She practically chased me out of the kitchen all day. Apparently, I was a distraction while she was frosting.”

I couldn’t help but let out a soft snort of amusement. “That sounds just like her.”

“So,” he said, sliding his hands into his pockets, “what brings you out here all alone?”

“Boredom,” I replied straightforwardly. Then I added, “The forest seems like better company today.”

He nodded, as if he understood the deeper implications of my words more than I intended. “Speaking of company… Sarah has her bakery downtown. It’s small but charming. She’d be over the moon if you visited.”

My heart swelled with warmth at the thought. A bakery meant laughter, chatter, and a slice of normalcy—something I hadn’t truly experienced since my arrival here. Before I could second-guess myself, I nodded decisively.

“I’ll go now.”

Sean blinked in surprise. “Now? You just got here.”

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