Lycan's Prey by Jessica Hall

Chapter 26

“Fine,” I murmur, my lips pressing into a tight line. It’s a reluctant surrender to Max’s hopeful gaze, one that might buy his father a moment’s peace. The boy’s energy is electric, his tiny feet barely touching the floor as he hops toward the door, a whirlwind of youthful exuberance and I rise giving in to the child.

“Thank you, I know he can sometimes be a handful.” King Soren’s words carry a weight, an acknowledgment that seems to see right through me.

I shake my head, brushing off his gratitude with a flicker of a smile that doesn’t quite reach my eyes. “I find him sweet, he’s a breath of fresh air,” I tell him, and it’s true. Max reminds me of the innocence I once had before life got its hands on me.

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~King Soren~

Throughout the entire drive to Brielle’s house, I can’t stop thinking about my son’s bizarre behavior and how taken he is with her. I find myself questioning her about her grandma, her time in town, and her plans for the future. The road is ribbon- like in the darkness, and the only sound is the soft purr of the car’s engine.

“So, your grandma is sick?” I ask, trying to sound casual.

“Yes, she’s been unwell for some time now,” Brielle replies, her voice heavy with concern.

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etched into her forehead and shadows under her eyes. I wonder how much of it is due to her grandmother’s illness.

have you been in

long, Your Highness.”

to stay here for a while?”

before answering, “Yes, for as long

with a sense of unease, as if she knows something I don’t.

did you do before moving here?”

at various places, mostly in the service

originally from

hesitates before answering, “Not exactly. I’ve lived in different

her discomfort and decide to change the subject. “How did you find

“Yes, everyone has

And what about your work

“I love it! The people are great, and

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continues, I can’t help but notice how nervous she gets when I press her

something from me. Her vague answers about her past make me wonder if there’s more to her than meets the eye. But for now,

by its dilapidated state. The peeling paint, broken window panes, and sagging porch speak volumes about the hardships the grandmother must have faced over the years. “You live here?” I couldn’t help but ask, my eyes scanning the crumbling building with a mix of confusion and

answer, I spot an elderly woman on the porch, her skin as wrinkled as the house itself, her eyes gazing vacantly into the distance.

bathroom,” Brielle offers, quickly hopping out of the car. Before I can say anything, Max is already out of the car and running towards the house, his energetic stride in stark contrast to the somber

the sight of the house and the frail

Brielle reassures her grandma.

old woman insists, trying to rise from her chair. Brielle rushes to her side and attempts to

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Chapter 26