Lycan's Prey by Jessica Hall

Chapter 34

As the afternoon sunlight slowly fades, the castle’s stone walls take on a warm, reflected glow. Max slows his swinging, eventually stopping, and hops off to chase a red and gold leaf spinning in the light wind. His laughter echoes through the courtyard, bringing life to the silent stone surroundings.

Suddenly, I feel the sharp chill of being watched and turn to find King Soren entering the courtyard.

“My King,” I acknowledge before turning my attention back to Max. I follow Max who has chased the leaf taken by the breeze into the rear of the castle where a massive tree sits as

the centerpiece.

“Did you finish your meeting, my king?” I ask as Soren as he catches up with me.

He nods. “It wasn’t a meeting, just my parents checking in on me,” he says with a faint smile on his lips when I notice one of his maids coming out of the doors behind us.

“Afternoon tea is ready, my king,” a servant announces, approaching us with a respectful bow.

Max dashes toward us hearing his father addressed, his energy seemingly endless.

“Can we have a picnic with Brielle?” he asks his father, his eyes shining with hope.

I start to excuse myself. “Max, I should get home…”

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Chapter 34

“Or you could join us?” King Soren interrupts, his voice unexpectedly gentle.

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Max begs, tugging at my hand with those big, pleading

on Granny,” I relent, feeling a mix of

in the rear yard. We settle down on a patch of grass under the large tree, with a picnic spread out in front

but mostly

eat, Max bombards me with questions about my life outside the castle walls, his curiosity never–ending. I try to answer as best as I can,

listens intently, occasionally offering his own stories from his childhood. I am surprised by how natural and easy our conversation

around the courtyard, laughter filling the air

it and then

“Come on, Bree!”

Chapter 34

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not a cat, Max.

“C’mon! It’s easy!”

“He thinks we

I felt a

okay,” I agreed, glancing hesitantly at his outstretched hand. After a moment’s hesitation, I placed my hand in his larger one and allowed him

tender for such a large and powerful man. His hands were gentle as he helped me find footholds and clamber up after Max.

couldn’t help but laugh as I carefully climbed higher, Max cheering from above when I realize King Soren

on my own?” I tell him. He laughs, taking a seat back on the picnic rug and watching. I shake my

this

where he is perched on a branch high