Curves And Claws: The Lycan King's Relentless Claim novel Chapter 81

**Fireflies in Winter Rain — Neil A. Varma**
**Chapter 81**

In the midst of a vibrant performance, Cassian felt as though he were trapped in a tempest of emotions, his mind swirling in chaos. The lively colors danced in front of him, the laughter and music filled the air with a joyous melody, yet everything felt muted and distant. His focus remained stubbornly fixed on the empty chair beside him—the chair that should have been filled by Roana. But she was nowhere to be found, and a gnawing sense of dread settled heavily in his stomach.

As his gaze drifted, he caught sight of Keane, casually holding Roana’s shawl, that familiar fabric now transformed into a painful symbol of betrayal. An icy knot formed in Cassian’s chest. Had Keane been meeting her without his knowledge? Did he feel something more for her? The very thought sent a wave of jealousy crashing over him. What if Roana harbored feelings for Keane? The idea twisted like a knife in his gut, stirring a tempest of insecurity within him. Would she choose him over me? The image of her laughter, the way her eyes sparkled with joy as she interacted with Keane, sent a fresh wave of anguish rippling through him.

Keane was undoubtedly a good man, and Cassian couldn’t deny that. But could Roana truly love him? Would she find the happiness he so desperately yearned to provide? And what of his own heart? Would she still want to connect with him, to share her life with him?

“Why hasn’t her Highness returned yet?” Keane’s voice sliced through Cassian’s turbulent thoughts, laced with genuine concern. He turned slightly, his expression neutral, but Cassian caught the flicker of something deeper in his eyes—a hint of possessiveness, perhaps?

No. Roana was still his mate, his Queen. She belonged to him, and he would not let anyone take her away.

“Cass, are you okay? You look a bit on edge since we arrived,” Carolyn’s voice broke through the storm in his mind, her brow furrowed in worry.

Her concern only intensified his agitation. Cassian clenched the armrests of his chair, his knuckles whitening as tension surged through him. He could feel the restlessness building inside him, an energy he couldn’t contain.

All he wanted was to pull Roana close, to shield her from Keane, Sean, and anyone else who dared to come near her.

What was this feeling that churned within him? Why was anger and restlessness boiling in his chest? She had merely come to the event with another man. It should have been a simple matter, nothing to provoke such a tempest of emotion.

His attention snapped back to Keane, who was now rising to his feet.

“I’ll go check on her. It’s unusual for her to be gone this long. What if she’s hurt again?” Keane’s voice was steady, but Cassian could see the tension in his posture, the way his jaw clenched as if he were battling an internal conflict.

Before Keane could take another step, Cassian leapt from his chair, the sound of it crashing to the floor echoed loudly, drawing the attention of everyone around them.

“Cass!” Carolyn’s hand grasped his wrist, but he instinctively yanked his arm away, flinching as if she had burned him.

“It’s His Majesty!”

“And Commander Keane too.”

“Holy moly! And Lady Carolyn!”

Whispers erupted around them like a tidal wave, but Cassian paid them no mind.

He stormed out of the auditorium, his vision narrowing to a single point. He had to find her—either he would see her face, or he would unleash his fury on the world. Roana, what have you done to me?

Why were you so close to Keane yet so distant from me? Why didn’t you reach out to me? You could have called me here!

Why him? Why Sean? Why did you seem to feel at home with them?

He slammed the door behind him, the sound reverberating through the corridor, and his mind spun in frantic circles.

The hallway stretched out before him like a long road under the relentless heat of a summer sun. Sweat slicked his palms, and he gasped for breath as confusion and jealousy twisted his insides. Was this what jealousy felt like? He couldn’t quite label it.

But the pressure building in his chest was undeniable, ready to explode. Cyrus, his inner wolf, howled in frustration, yet he too remained silent about the chaos unfolding between them.

He scanned the area for her, desperation clawing at him.

His steps faltered as he caught a whiff of her faint scent wafting through the air from the café. Why had she left so suddenly? Why was she in the café instead of enjoying the show?

Each step toward the café felt like a battle against an unsettled heartbeat that pulled at his ribs.

Suddenly, a sharp, piercing voice echoed in his mind.

“Please save me, Cassian!” Roana’s voice sliced through his thoughts like a knife. His heart raced, and he felt a surge of urgency as he darted toward the café, her scent growing stronger with each step.

“Where is Roana?” he demanded of the waiter, who was busy wiping down a table, his hands trembling at the sight of Cassian.

“Your Majesty?” The waiter flinched, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. Cassian hadn’t realized he was radiating his aura, but in that moment, he didn’t care. He just needed to find her.

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