Curves And Claws: The Lycan King's Relentless Claim novel Chapter 115

**Fireflies in Winter Rain — Neil A. Varma**
**Chapter 115**

Roana,

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“I’ve contacted Commander Keane! He’s in charge of this place! So please, don’t worry!” The guard, who had been stationed outside, burst into the room the moment I screamed, nearly tripping over his own feet in his haste.

By the time Alexander managed to warn me, his face was marred with blood—his nose, ears, and eyes bleeding profusely. The blood was a dark, viscous substance, sliding down his skin like something rotten and foul. His body convulsed violently, each spasm appearing as though it could tear him apart at the seams. The scent emanating from him grew increasingly pungent, a swampy odor rising like decay and filling the air around us.

The atmosphere turned unnaturally frigid, squeezing my lungs as if an invisible hand were tightening its grip. My hands trembled uncontrollably, fingers curling into fists as sheer terror clawed its way into my very bones. Inside me, Rye was a restless beast, pacing and clawing at my insides, screaming for freedom, urging me to flee. Move, Roana! Get out!

Escape. They know your secret.

Yet, I found myself rooted to the spot. My body betrayed me, refusing to obey my frantic mind. My legs felt like lead, limbs rendered numb, every nerve in my body shutting down as if it were trying to shield me from the horror unfolding before my eyes. Alexander struggled to breathe, his chest rising and falling in shallow, agonizing gasps, his wide, bulging eyes locked onto mine, filled with pure, unadulterated terror.

Run, Roana.

His voice echoed in my mind, a haunting refrain that looped endlessly, each repetition warping like a broken record.

My knees buckled beneath me, threatening to give way.

“Your Highness! Are you alright? Your Highness!” the guard shouted, his voice sounding distant and muffled. My throat constricted, choking me. No air. No sound. A tremor raced up my spine as my vision flickered in and out of focus. Before I could regain my balance, the world tilted—walls, floor, ceiling all spinning chaotically around me.

“What’s happening here?”

Just as I was about to collapse, strong arms wrapped around my waist, preventing me from falling. A broken breath escaped my lips, my lungs fighting desperately for air, pulling in rapid, shallow gasps. I was acutely aware of my weakness. Even with the strength of a formidable wolf, I was powerless against this secret—my secret. A truth I had never wanted anyone to uncover. Not my parents. Not Alexander.

But someone knew.

That realization shredded the last remnants of my strength, leaving me feeling utterly hollow.

“Did you call the healer? What’s going on?” Keane’s sharp voice cut through the chaos, but I couldn’t open my eyes. Hot tears streamed down my cheeks, and my chest felt like it was being crushed under an immense weight, as if something were squeezing the very life from me.

Nothing ever goes right for me. It always felt like a cycle of pain, fear, and heartbreak—like I was perpetually clawing my way toward the surface, only to be dragged back down into the depths again.

“I’ll take Her Highness to the hospital. You handle the situation!”

Keane lifted me effortlessly, his heartbeat thundering against my cheek. His scent—warm, sweet, and tinged with fear—wrapped around me like a comforting blanket. I buried my face in the crook of his neck, desperate to inhale his warmth. But my throat constricted once more, and my chest tightened painfully until I instinctively unsheathed my claw, digging it into my own skin in a desperate bid for relief.

Then, suddenly, Keane froze.

The air shifted, sharp and heavy, and a dark, mocking chuckle followed.

“I heard Carolyn is pregnant, Commander Keane. With Cassian’s child! What do you know about that?”

My heart lurched painfully in my chest. What? What did he just say?

“Can we not discuss this right now? I’m in a hurry!” Keane snapped, his tone sharp and urgent.

“Ah-huh! Lover boy! But since Carolyn is pregnant, won’t this woman be discarded just like she was from the start?”

Keane stiffened, his grip on me tightening.

“Enough! Don’t spew nonsense,” he snapped, attempting to cover my ears.

He sat beside me, pouring tea into a delicate cup. His fingers trembled slightly, the cup clinking softly against the saucer. He was dressed casually, indicating that he seemed to be staying here as well.

“How are you feeling?” he asked quietly, his eyes scrutinizing me with an intensity that made me uncomfortable.

I took the cup carefully, cradling it in my hands. “Thank you. I’m fine now.”

He didn’t believe me; I could see it in the tension that coiled in his shoulders. But I was too numb to care.

He exhaled slowly, his gaze fixed on me. “I didn’t mean for you to find out about the situation in that way. It’s between His Majesty and Your Highness. I am truly sorry.”

“So, it’s true,” I replied, sipping the tea, my eyes lost in the depths of the ocean beyond the balcony.

“That’s what Lorenzo informed the elders. I’m sorry,” he reiterated, his voice barely above a whisper.

I nodded, accepting the bitter truth. Cassian could do whatever he wanted. Our arrangement was merely contractual. Even the moments we shared had violated that agreement. Yet, I had allowed myself to care. I had let myself fall for him. I had dared to hope.

“Your Highness,” Keane said softly, breaking through my thoughts.

I turned to look at him, my heart racing as I noticed his throat bobbing, his fingers curling into tight fists.

“I might be a terrible person,” he murmured, hesitating as he drew in a deep breath. “I was happy to hear it.”

My eyes widened in shock. My breath hitched in my throat. Happy? Happy that my mate had betrayed me?

He panicked, leaning forward as if to explain himself. “No—I didn’t mean—” He stopped, exhaling shakily. A flicker of resolution sparked in those beautiful eyes, determination glimmering behind the fear. “I have been in love with you since the day you saved me, Your Highness.” His head lowered, guilt tightening his voice. “I am sorry. But I can’t lie anymore. I am in love with you, Your Highness.”

I froze, utterly stunned. A sharp breath escaped me, and I whispered in disbelief, “What?”