Curves And Claws: The Lycan King's Relentless Claim novel Chapter 85

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

**Chapter 85**

**Roana,**

Three long days had slipped by since that unforgettable encounter, and here I found myself, ensnared in the tumult of my emotions.

“Your Highness! How are you feeling today?” Sierra chirped, her voice brightening the dim atmosphere as she carefully set the towel aside. I sank into the warm embrace of the bathwater, the heat wrapping around me like a comforting blanket, easing the bruises that seemed to throb beneath my skin.

“How am I feeling?” I scoffed, a wave of frustration boiling within me. “If I had known he was nothing but a monster, I would have never let myself get so close! Honestly! I should have brought a pack of she-wolves instead of getting caught in that room with him!” I winced as I dabbed face wash onto my skin, the foam stinging my already tender lips.

“This is the first time His Majesty has spent his rut in his room, Your Highness,” Sierra replied, her eyes sparkling with a mix of surprise and intrigue. “In the last five years, he hardly allowed anyone to step foot inside his private penthouse!”

My eyebrows shot up in disbelief. “What? Are you serious?”

“That’s right! From what I understand, he occasionally shared private moments with a select few she-wolves, but this is the first time he’s devoted his entire rut to someone!”

I couldn’t help but scoff, sarcasm dripping from my words. “Should I be grateful for that? I can barely walk, Sierra! I never imagined a person could be so—!”

A soft chuckle escaped Sierra as she busied herself with my clothes, and I closed my eyes, feeling as if I had just emerged from a feverish dream, disoriented and overwhelmed.

The past three days had been an emotional rollercoaster, twisting and turning in ways I had never expected. Just three days ago, I had naively thought that once I sent him to his private chamber, perhaps some designated she-wolves would keep him company—or that he would manage on his own, as he always had.

But the moment we stepped into that bedroom, everything changed. His scent enveloped me like a thick, intoxicating fog, warm and alluring, pulling me under its spell. His fevered gaze was an unbreakable chain, binding me in place. And my body, oh, it reacted as if it had been waiting for its mate to claim it all along.

I never imagined that confronting a Lycan’s rut would be so overwhelming. Alexander’s rut had barely left a mark on me.

But then again, it often depended on one’s strength and stamina. Just the thought sent shivers down my spine.

I rubbed the back of my neck, flinching as my fingers brushed over the spot where he had tried to mark me—Cyrus, lost in the moment, desperate to claim me as his own.

But how could I allow that? No matter how deeply we lost ourselves in the heat of passion, a part of me always remained guarded, ever cautious.

“Sierra, please tell the chef to whip up something delicious. I’m so hungry I could devour an entire village!”

“Of course, Your Highness!” Sierra laughed lightly before disappearing to fulfill my request. She was the only one permitted upstairs to bring me food and supplies.

I had heard that Carolyn had thrown quite the tantrum after we left her with Keane. She had demanded to see Cassian but was stopped by the guards. It was clear she harbored feelings for him, though her stubbornness kept her from admitting it.

But honestly, all I could think about was food. I wished my stomach was made of rubber; I would have devoured the entire world if I could.

“Are you really that hungry?” Rye teased, her voice a playful whisper in my mind.

“Yes! Super hungry!” I replied, grinning at the thought.

She chuckled softly before retreating back into her slumber. It had been a rough few days for her as well.

After finally managing to shower, I made my way downstairs, my legs shaky but determined. Thankfully, Sierra was already setting the table with an array of delicious meals.

“Smells divine!” I sighed in delight as I sank into the chair, reaching for a slice of cucumber.

“Eat as much as you want. I’ll just—”

“Sit down!” I interrupted, gesturing towards the chair across from me.

“What?” She blinked, taken aback.

“I don’t want to eat alone. Sit with me.”

“My apologies, Your Highness. I’ve already had my lunch, but I’ll remain close, don’t worry!”

I nodded, too fatigued to argue further. My thoughts were consumed by the tantalizing food before me.

“You heard me. Don’t forget she is the Luna Queen of this entire region. She’s your family now. Show her the respect she deserves!” His words were icy, carrying an undeniable weight.

Carolyn’s lips trembled, rage igniting in her eyes. “She isn’t my family!” She pointed at me, her voice breaking. “Elle is my family—and Elle is supposed to be your Luna Queen! Don’t you dare call this ugly pig my family! It’s disrespectful to me—and to Elle, who’s been living in hell because of you!”

Before anyone could respond, she swept her arm across the table in a fit of rage. Plates shattered, food splattered across the floor, and tears glistened in her eyes as she stormed out, her sobs echoing as she ascended the stairs.

I stared at the ruined meal in stunned silence. The aroma of chicken and gravy lingered heavily in the air. Sierra rushed to my side, concern etched on her face, but I couldn’t muster the words to respond.

“I couldn’t even eat the chicken,” I murmured, slumping back into the chair, disappointment tightening my chest like a vise.

“Sorry about that,” Cassian said as he sat beside me, his expression grim, shoulders tense with unspoken thoughts.

“Who asked you to get involved with her right now, Your Majesty? Did I request you to defend me? Why bother fighting your family because of me? I’m just a temporary existence here,” I said, my voice wavering between exhaustion and frustration.

“Even if it’s just for a moment, you deserve respect,” he replied, rubbing his forehead as if the weight of the world rested upon his shoulders. His tone softened, but his eyes remained sharp, fierce. “Carolyn is an adult, not a child. She should know better.”

He paused, studying me, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. “Temporary existence? We’ll discuss that later.”

With that, he stood, leaving me enveloped in silence and confusion. My heart thudded unevenly in my chest as I watched him walk away.

What did he mean by “we’ll discuss that later”?

As the echoes of Carolyn’s outburst faded into the silence of the dining room, I found myself grappling with the whirlwind of emotions that had surged through me. The chaos of the moment left me feeling vulnerable, yet Cassian’s unwavering support served as a balm to my bruised spirit. He had stood up for me, declaring my worth in a world that often sought to diminish it. His presence, though a source of confusion, ignited a flicker of hope within me—a hope that perhaps I was more than just a fleeting moment in his life. The weight of his words lingered in the air, a promise of deeper conversations yet to come, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was on the precipice of something transformative.

Yet, beneath the surface of that hope lay the shadows of uncertainty. Carolyn’s venomous words echoed in my mind, a reminder that acceptance within this tumultuous family was far from guaranteed. I felt the sting of her rejection, a reminder of the precariousness of my position. But as I sat in the remnants of our shattered meal, I realized that I was no longer willing to cower in the face of adversity. Cassian’s fierce declaration of my place by his side ignited a spark of defiance within me. I was not just a temporary existence; I was his Luna, and I would fight for my place in this world, not only for myself but for the love that was beginning to blossom amidst the chaos. The road ahead was uncertain, but I was ready to embrace it, one step at a time, like fireflies illuminating the winter rain.

In the next chapter of *Fireflies in Winter Rain*, readers can expect the tension between Roana and Carolyn to escalate dramatically. With Carolyn’s explosive outburst still fresh in the air, the aftermath will force Roana to confront not only her position within the royal family but also the precarious dynamics that come with being Cassian’s wife. The remnants of Carolyn’s rage will linger, and Roana will have to navigate the complex web of relationships and expectations that threaten to engulf her. How will she assert her place as Luna Queen amidst the chaos?

Moreover, the chapter promises to delve deeper into Roana’s evolving relationship with Cassian. His cryptic remark about discussing her “temporary existence” hints at a pivotal conversation that could redefine their bond. Will Cassian reveal his true feelings and intentions, or will the shadows of their pasts continue to loom over them? As Roana grapples with her insecurities and the looming threat of Carolyn’s jealousy, readers will be left on the edge of their seats, eager to uncover the next twist in this captivating tale of love, power, and the struggle for identity amidst the storm of emotions.