Curves And Claws: The Lycan King's Relentless Claim novel Chapter 76

**Chapter 76**

Roana,

Taking a moment to steady my breath, I resolved to confront the truth regarding the kidnapping, fully aware that I was stepping onto precarious ground. The very nature of being an outsider in this unfamiliar territory cast a long shadow of skepticism over my every word. However, I understood that my sole weapon in this turbulent situation was honesty; I had to lay everything bare to defend my position and perhaps find some semblance of trust.

He ran his fingers through his tousled hair, releasing a slow exhale, as if he were trying to ground himself amidst a tempest of conflicting thoughts. When our eyes met, I felt the intensity of his gaze—sharp and devoid of any warmth. “You realize there is no valley in the northern woods. The Black Moon Flower is nothing more than a myth,” he asserted, his voice steady but laced with disbelief. His eyes flicked toward the bouquet that lay innocently on the table, a tension radiating from him as he clenched his jaw, holding back a torrent of unspoken words that hung heavily in the air.

The minimal trust he had in me was palpable, yet the slight twitch at the corner of his mouth and the tight line of his brows betrayed his struggle to accept my claims. It was a painful sight, and a dull ache settled deep within my chest, gnawing at my resolve.

“Moreover, it’s troubling that they seemed to have knowledge of your schedule. Your swift journey from the Ocean Region to the northern woods raises many questions,” I pressed on, desperate to make sense of the chaos that surrounded us.

“I understand,” he replied tersely, frustration simmering just below the surface. “But those individuals are capable of—”

“Let’s table this discussion for now!” he snapped, rising abruptly from his chair. The screech of the chair against the floor reverberated in the silence, amplifying the weight of his agitation. A dark cloud of uncertainty enveloped him, his shoulders tense, and for a fleeting moment, his gaze fell to the ground before he turned away, leaving me adrift in a storm of confusion.

A wave of nausea crashed over me, twisting my stomach into knots. The realization that he didn’t fully trust me stung like a sharp blade, and I couldn’t blame him. The tales we had heard about witchcraft spoke of its insidious ability to manipulate and ensnare, but the notion of vanishing into thin air had never been part of the folklore I knew.

My gaze returned to the bouquet, and a chill coursed through my veins. Its presence only deepened the suspicion that surrounded me like a shroud. Why would they leave it for me? Was it an attempt to frame me? The thought sent shivers down my spine, and I felt the weight of dread settle heavily upon my shoulders. They could easily use me as a scapegoat!

Despair threatened to engulf me. The morning sun, typically a source of warmth and comfort, felt like a cruel joke against my skin—too bright, too cheerful for the turmoil that churned within my mind. I was lost, adrift in a sea of uncertainty, unsure of how I had landed in this precarious situation.

The distant memories of running through the woods, the sound of the ocean crashing against the shore, and then—

“Your Highness!”

My reverie shattered as Keane appeared in the doorway, a small smile illuminating his features. His eyes scanned my face, searching for signs of distress before he stepped inside, casting a quick glance down the corridor as if to ensure we were alone. “His Majesty seemed to be in a foul mood. Did something happen?” he asked, placing a box on the table. Concern etched itself across his features, his brows knitting together slightly.

“It’s nothing significant. What brings you here? I thought you had work to attend to!” I inquired, watching him as he opened the box, revealing a vibrant array of fruits. The sweet aroma wafted toward me, teasing my senses, even though my appetite had all but vanished.

“I asked Gamma Harvey for a favor. He granted me a day off,” he replied, a grin spreading across his face as he set the box before me, his shoulders relaxing with a sense of pride.

“Please, help yourself,” he encouraged, gesturing toward the fruits with an inviting smile.

“Thank you, but I really don’t feel like eating—!”

“And!” He interrupted, nearly bouncing with enthusiasm as he produced two tickets from his pocket and placed them on the bedside. “Would you like to accompany me to the aquarium? I heard there are mermaid shows scheduled for this evening!” His excitement was infectious, his eyes sparkling with childlike wonder.

“Mermaid shows? Do mermaids actually exist?” I asked, my gaze flicking back to the tickets. But my attention quickly shifted to Keane, who tilted his head, chuckling softly.

“Nah, Your Highness. They’re performers, but with a twist!”

“A twist?” I raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the prospect.

“They have wolf ears! They belong to a clan that can’t hide their wolf ears, but they’re exceptional at diving and swimming!”

“Oh, I’ve heard of them! They lack human ears because of their wolf features!” I glanced at the clock; it was around six. My fingers brushed the edge of the blanket, a strange sense of calm washing over me.

“Exactly! So, are you coming? It could be a great way to shake off the boredom. Plus… it might help distract you from everything that has happened.” His expression softened, a hint of sadness flickering in his eyes.

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