Curves And Claws: The Lycan King's Relentless Claim novel Chapter 77

**Title: Fireflies in Winter Rain — Neil A. Varma**
**Chapter 77**

The grand throne room was a sea of Alphas, each one standing in a state of unease, their eyes darting around as if searching for answers in the faces of their peers. The air hummed with a palpable tension, a blend of confusion and apprehension that thickened with every passing moment. I had deliberately withheld the full details of this meeting, leaving them to stew in uncertainty. The ornate ceiling echoed with the low murmur of overlapping whispers, a symphony of speculation that filled the vast space.

—

From my vantage point on the second floor, I gripped the polished railing, my fingers curling around the cool wood as I wrestled with the implications of Roana’s recent revelations. A deep furrow formed between my brows, and my heart pounded in my chest, a relentless drumbeat that matched the chaos swirling in my mind. The concept of teleportation felt like a distant fantasy, yet I couldn’t shake the thought that there were indeed beings capable of moving with a speed that defied belief.

The abandoned Packs in the northern territories were infamous for their extraordinary swiftness, a skill honed through generations of survival against the fierce sandstorms that battered their lands. Just the mere thought of them sent a shiver down my spine, tightening my jaw as I considered the possibilities.

Could it be that Roana had encountered one of these extraordinary individuals? The image of her wandering through a valley of Black Moon Flowers, their petals shimmering under the moonlight, sent a wave of unease washing over me. That vision felt too surreal, too far removed from reality. A metallic taste settled on my tongue, an unwelcome reminder of the doubts gnawing at me.

Caught in this whirlwind of uncertainty, I released a slow, measured breath, feeling the weight of my doubts pressing down on my shoulders. Trusting Roana was becoming increasingly difficult, despite my best efforts. And then there was the bouquet of flowers she had left in her room—my mind raced with implications. Had she met someone entwined with those flowers, yet chose to remain silent about it?

Could she truly be orchestrating something sinister? But what could she possibly gain from such a scheme? A pulse throbbed at my temple as I reflected on everything that had transpired. I had brought her into my world; she hadn’t come here of her own accord.

“Your Majesty!” Lorenzo’s voice sliced through my turbulent thoughts, laced with urgency. I could hear the slight tremor in his breath. “Can we speak before the meeting?”

I turned to face him, noting his hesitant stance, his body language almost caving in on itself. “What’s troubling you? Did something happen?” I asked, my tone sharper than I intended, a cool calmness settling over my features.

“I want to apologize in advance; I might come off as offensive or rude,” he said, bowing slightly, his movements stiff with apprehension. I caught a glimpse of genuine regret in the tremor of his fingers.

I narrowed my gaze at him, allowing him to continue.

He straightened, meeting my eyes with a flicker of concern. “Carolyn spoke to me about something. She mentioned that she asked you to choose her over Roana!”

Instantly, my expression hardened, a faint crackle of my Aura leaking into the space around us. The muscles in my jaw tightened as I understood the direction this conversation was taking.

“I know your intentions are rooted in the best interests of the Region and Miss Elle,” he continued, his voice steady yet gentle. “However, in the process, aren’t you inadvertently hurting your only family?”

His words hung in the air like a heavy fog, and I remained silent, my thoughts racing. “What do you want me to do? Play her games?” I retorted, my voice dropping slightly, tinged with frustration.

“No, I’m not suggesting that. But I urge you to consider her feelings,” he implored, his eyes earnest. “Carolyn has never made such an unreasonable demand before. But she did because you’ve been prioritizing other matters over the life you two have been building together. Roana will leave the pack soon after Miss Elle returns. But if you pursue someone temporary, you risk neglecting your family. Carolyn has sacrificed so much for you—her mate, her own life—to see you happy. Please think about it. Carolyn is your true family, not Roana. Give her a chance, even if it’s just as family!”

With a sudden burst of resolve, Lorenzo reached into his pocket, revealing something with a strained smile that broke through his anxiety. “The annual Mermaid Performance is happening this evening. After the meeting, why not take her to the aquarium? Clear the air like you used to?”

My gaze fell on the tickets in his hand, and a dull pressure began to build behind my eyes. My heartbeat slowed to a heavy thud. The thought of taking Roana there tightened the air in my chest like a vise.

*Please, take her there. For the sake of temporary encounters, don’t abandon your family. Remember your family!*

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