Curves And Claws: The Lycan King's Relentless Claim novel Chapter 79

**Chapter 79**

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Roana,

“Aren’t you meant to be resting in the hospital?” The words slipped from Cassian’s lips with a facade of nonchalance, yet the bitterness lurking beneath his tone was unmistakable. It was as if my very presence here irked him, a notion that twisted in my mind like a thorny vine.

Maybe I was simply overanalyzing everything.

My eyes remained glued to the box of chicken cradled in my hands, my fingers clutching it as if it were a lifeline in a tempest. The jellyfish in the aquarium danced gracefully, their movements fluid and mesmerizing, drawing me into their tranquil world. I felt a lump forming in my throat, but I swallowed it down, pretending it didn’t exist, forcing myself to focus on anything but the tension swirling around me.

Before I could gather my thoughts enough to reply, Keane, seated beside me, leaned in with a voice that was both gentle and reassuring.

“I invited her Highness to this event. It’s her first time seeing the mermaid show, and the healer mentioned she needs to relax after everything she’s been through!”

His words were carefully chosen, as if he were trying to diffuse a bomb just waiting to explode. It was a wise move; everyone knew that crossing Cassian was akin to walking on eggshells. Even Keane’s posture had shifted, becoming slightly more guarded, as if he were bracing for Cassian’s inevitable storm.

I didn’t need to turn around to sense the tension radiating from him. I could almost picture his jaw tightening, the palpable weight of his presence pressing down on me from behind. His scent, rich and intoxicating, enveloped me, making my heart race against my will.

“I thought you were too injured to move, Luna Queen! Seems I was worried for nothing!” Carolyn’s voice chimed in, dripping with feigned sweetness. She shot a glance at Cassian, likely hoping to showcase her false concern, if one could even dignify it with that term.

Silently, I opted to focus on my meal, dismissing their opinions as irrelevant. Yet, a sharp pang of something—fear, perhaps—gnawed at me, something I was too hesitant to confront.

I sought to ignore Cassian’s looming presence behind me, his long legs stretching out, nearly brushing against my seat. Each subtle movement sent jolts of awareness through me, causing my shoulders to tense involuntarily.

Suddenly, all I could feel was the weight of my self-consciousness, wrapping around me like a suffocating cocoon in the confined space he occupied.

“She’s almost healed, Lady Carolyn!” Keane reiterated, his gaze darting to me momentarily, checking for my well-being, his concern palpable.

Carolyn let out a dismissive snort. “Commander Keane! Aren’t you too preoccupied with her to attend to your own duties? And have you considered how it looks to be seen with the Luna Queen? Are you her bodyguard now?” Her voice sliced through the air, sharp and taunting, revealing the delight she took in our discomfort.

But it was Cassian who responded, his voice low and icy. “Enough. Just enjoy the show.” The chill in his tone sent shivers down everyone’s spine, including mine.

I felt that icy sensation wash over me too, my breath hitching in my throat before I could regain my composure.

“I’m sorry, Cass. I didn’t mean to say that!” Carolyn’s eyes glistened, and she leaned her head against his shoulder, a calculated move that twisted my insides unexpectedly.

I couldn’t help but notice every single gesture, like a foolish woman who hadn’t learned her lesson. My heart constricted painfully, a visceral response I couldn’t ignore.

“Oh! It’s starting!” Keane’s voice broke through my spiral of thoughts, pulling my attention forward. I turned my gaze, spotting three mermaids gracefully descending into the water.

My eyes widened in awe. They were breathtakingly beautiful, gliding effortlessly through the water. Their shimmering tails sparkled like jewels, enhancing their ethereal beauty, and I found myself momentarily transfixed, forgetting to blink.

“I know one of them!” Keane leaned in closer, his voice a conspiratorial whisper, excitement dancing in his eyes.

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