Curves And Claws: The Lycan King's Relentless Claim novel Chapter 88

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

**Chapter 88**

The morning air was crisp and biting as I stepped into the Training Ground, a place that usually thrummed with energy and purpose. Instead, a sense of unease hung in the atmosphere, thick as fog.

“Did you hear? It’s his Majesty’s rut. He’s bound to be in a foul mood today,” one warrior murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.

“Fifty vouchers say he’ll snap at anyone who crosses him,” another replied, their tone laced with dread.

I had always dreaded this kind of talk. “Even Beta Lorenzo won’t be able to handle him today,” someone lamented, their voice quaking with anxiety. “I wish I could just take a day off and escape!”

As I approached, their idle chatter buzzed around me like a swarm of annoying insects, gnawing at my patience. The usual sounds of clashing swords and the scent of sweat filled the air, but their fearful whispers felt out of place, like a cloud hanging over a sunny day. I fought to suppress my irritation, reminding myself that I had never intended to bully them.

“What are you all whispering about instead of warming up for training?” I asked, my voice quiet but firm as I picked up my sword.

The reaction was instantaneous and almost comical. Every warrior in line jumped as if struck by lightning, their eyes wide with shock and shoulders rigid. A wave of silent panic rolled through them, and for a moment, I swore the temperature dropped with their collective fear.

“What’s with that expression? If you’re tired, take a break and grab some food!” I called out, striding toward the arena.

“Did you hear that?” one commander exclaimed, elbowing his companion. “His Majesty said we can get food!”

Idiots.

“Are you all mad? What’s wrong with you? Do I starve you?” I snapped, my voice rising with frustration. My aura surged around me, heavy and suffocating, making the weaker warriors instinctively lower their heads. Their knees buckled slightly under the weight of my presence, but I deliberately relaxed the pressure and flashed them a grin, dismissing their fears.

Inside the training hall, the air was warmer, thicker with the scent of exertion. Lorenzo was already hard at work, his muscles rippling as he moved through his drills. When he spotted me, he paused, wiping the sweat from his neck with a towel.

“Good morning, Your Majesty,” he greeted, his tone respectful yet tinged with an underlying tension.

“Mornin’,” I replied, my mind still swirling with the strange atmosphere outside.

I grabbed a towel and surveyed the arena. It was eerily empty, far too quiet for this hour. A strange stillness hung in the corners like a thick fog, pressing down on me.

“What’s going on? Where is everyone? Are all the commanders outside? Did they finish their training?” I asked, trying to pierce through the silence.

“No, Your Majesty. I ordered them to train outside today,” he replied, his voice steady.

“Why?” I felt a sharp breath leave my lips. “Are you letting them slack off?”

“No, Your Majesty. Given the circumstances of the past month, they’re quite scared. As always,” he explained, his eyes darting away, avoiding my gaze.

Scared. In my own training hall. My jaw tightened at the thought.

“I don’t quite understand. What exactly are they afraid of in this training arena?” I pressed, irritation bubbling beneath the surface.

Lorenzo hesitated, studying me with an intensity that made my skin prickle. His heartbeat quickened, a subtle indication that he was choosing his words carefully. That alone irritated me further.

“You’re acting different today,” he finally remarked, his tone cautious. “You seem… well, like something good has happened.”

His comment struck a nerve, igniting a spark of annoyance within me. “What do you mean? You all are acting oddly today.”

“No, Your Majesty. After your rut, you tend to be a bit impulsive and aggressive. I hope you’ll excuse my honesty, but it’s true,” he said, his expression earnest.

“What?” My brow furrowed as confusion mingled with my irritation. “That’s outrageous.”

“It’s not. But you seem different. The usual fatigue that clouds your presence is gone,” he explained, his voice steady.

Something tightened in my chest at his words. I pushed the feeling aside. They were overreacting, as they always did.

“I want you to stop being infatuated with the bond. Nobody wants a woman like her as their Luna. And you certainly won’t. Elle or Carolyn would be perfect for you. Not some pig with—”

The moment the insult left his mouth, something inside me snapped, a quiet yet profound break.

My claws shot forward before he could finish his sentence. In a blur of motion, I slammed him against the wall, the impact sending dust and debris spiraling into the air. His breath hitched in surprise, a pained gasp escaping his lips.

I was already on him, my best friend and right-hand man, but this was unforgivable.

“Did you just insult my Luna?” The snarl erupted from my chest, deep and primal, vibrating through the very ground beneath us.

Lorenzo whimpered, but I didn’t relent. My hand tightened around his throat, lifting him until his feet dangled helplessly. His pulse throbbed against my palm, and my aura surged outward in a violent wave, rattling the weapons hanging on the racks.

“I understand you don’t like my mate. But if you dare to utter another disrespectful word, Lorenzo, you will witness real hell on this earth,” I warned, my voice low and menacing.

Blood trickled from the corner of his mouth, dripping down his jaw. Yet, even in such a vulnerable position, he glared at me with stubborn defiance in his eyes.

“Have you fallen in love with her?” he rasped, the question hitting me harder than any physical blow.

My grip loosened, my breath faltering. For a fleeting moment, the world around me blurred.

“What?” The word escaped before I could restrain it.

“I asked, are you in love with her?” he repeated, his voice shaky yet insistent. His eyes bore into mine, steady and accusing.

A heavy thump echoed in my chest, unwelcome and unsettling. The question lingered in my mind, a ghost I couldn’t shake off.

Did I fall in love with her?