The Lycan King's Fate Calling

Lucy's POV:

No sunshine ever reached the remote palace all year round. I tossed the wet clothes into the basket as I gazed out at Firman through the ivy covered banister of the porch. He had been fine this morning before he went to school, but he had been avoiding me since his return.

"Firman, come here," I couldn't help but wave him over.

He glanced at me briefly before ducking his head. He then trudged toward me as though his shoes were made of lead.

I reached out and touched his forehead. His temperature was normal, and there seemed to be nothing wrong with his face.

"What's the problem, Mom?" Firman muttered under his breath.

Noticing the way he was dodging my eyes, I grabbed his wrist and pulled up his sleeve.

He tried to struggle against me, but in the end, he simply turned away.

Just as I had expected, there were two large bruises marring his skin. I could tell from the color that whoever had done this had used a lot of force.

I was immediately upset, but my distress soon gave way to rage.

what happened?" I

and a familiar stubborn edge

that I must have frightened him with my harsh tone, I took a calming breath before speaking

just worried." I got down on my haunches and gathered him in

into my embrace. He buried his face in the crook of my neck

on his behalf, I also

what happened now? Come on, don't be afraid. If you say nothing, no one will know that you

kept his silence. After a long while, he mumbled,

you give me their names?" I pulled back and raised his head so

tearful eyes were so clear and innocent, without

but to repeat the mantra I'd been drilling into him since he was little. "Remember the people who have wronged you and take revenge on them in the future, okay?" Firman nodded again. "I understand," he declared, wiping the tears from his eyes. "I will get stronger and

make them

in Firman's eyes, and knew that he did not understand

"It's all right," I comforted him. "Just endure it for now. One day, you will become the greatest, most revered man in the whole kingdom." Sᴇaʀ*ᴄh the

Firman asked with a

they want. Will they ever respect me?" smiled. "You will understand as you

the hall and headed to a rusty door nestled alongside a