Unwanted Mate Of The Lycan Kings (by jessica hall) novel Chapter 72

~Zirah~

I’m dragged from the dungeons and through the castle, the air chilling me as I struggle against the men holding me. King Theron follows behind us, a twisted sense of satisfaction in his eyes. As we make our way into the dark depths of the castle, I can’t help but wonder what he has planned for me.

I’m marched outside while Malachi and James continue to argue with the king, who follows. My heart beats like a drum in my chest, pounding in my ears as I’m dragged down the beaten track that leads to the nearby town. By the time we reach the town square, my feet are bloody from being dragged, my arms bruised by their grip, and the chains tight as they wrap around my body from my struggling.

Upon entering the town square, I see it lit up by torches. The night sky is filled with stars, and the town square bustles with people. The torches cast shadows on the cobblestone streets and buildings, creating a haunting atmosphere.

The smell of burning wood and the sound of voices fill the air. Guards stand at attention, creating a perimeter. Curious townspeople stand around watching the commotion, talking in hushed murmurs when I am dragged into view. Their gasps ring out loud when they all turn their gazes in the opposite direction. I follow their gaze to see the pillar erected. Stacked at the bottom is wood and kindling. I struggle against my captives, trying to get free, but it's no use as I am dragged up onto the podium and chained to the pole.

My breath comes in harsh, uneven pants as I take in the faces of those standing around to bear witness. Scanning my surroundings, my eyes fall on Kelly, the boutique store owner. She lifts her gaze to the moon and then looks at me before turning on her heel and walking off when I am drawn to the sound of arguing.

Malachi’s eyes fill with panic as he looks back at me, chained helplessly to the pillar. “Don’t you think this is too easy?” he screams at the king, desperation making his voice hoarse. “What? You find the Oracle, and then what? Think about this, Theron! Something doesn’t add up! What if you're wrong?”

King Theron ignores Malachi’s pleas. His eyes locked on me as the guards approach with torches in hand.

"I'm not." Malachi shakes his head, backing away. "No... I'm sorry, my king, but I won't watch you do this. I won't stand by your side. It feels wrong." Malachi then runs back toward the castle. Only to be stopped by Shelley. I watch as she tries to stop him when he shoves her away. "This is your fault... all this time, and you played me!" he snarls, and King Theron growls at him.

King Theron then turns back to face me, his eyes locked on mine, and he snatches a torch off guard. He approaches with the flaming torch in his hand. The flames flicker hungrily, their heat growing more intense as he draws closer. I can feel the sweat beading on my forehead, the terror rising in my chest as I struggle against my chains, but it's no use.

But just as he nears the podium with the flaming torch in his hand, a sudden commotion erupts from behind King Theron. The crowd parts, and Kelly emerges, only she is not alone. Five more women step out behind her, and they walk along the perimeter of the crowd stopping at certain points when I notice one of them is Leila, the sixteen-year-old girl from the night King Theron tried to get me to sacrifice a woman to his sons.

My eyes settle on the girl, and she smiles sadly and bows her head to me.