The Lycan King's Fate Calling

Crystal's POV:

Rufus and I didn't return until nightfall, just after the sun had dipped below the horizon. Ian was bouncing up and down with wild abandon, enjoying himself with Rin and his brothers. As the night crept in, I asked Rufus to help me take lan home.

Rin accompanied us to the edge of the forest, though she appeared hesitant to part ways, digging the balls of her feet into the thick mud.

With a heavy heart, I crouched and embraced her. "I live in the imperial palace now. If you ever wish to see me, seek me there."

Rin whimpered, a mournful cry escaping her mouth. She relayed her understanding with a gentle swipe of her claw.

"Let's go," I declared. Rufus clasped my hand firmly and bid farewell to Rin, a warm smile on his face.

Beryl and Arron had now taken up residence in Laura's palace, while Rufus escorted me back to his own palace, adamant that I should not return to my own dwelling. He made it clear that from now on, I was to stay solely within his domain.

Resistance was futile; I knew I couldn't win the argument. I chose to compromise. Besides, Rufus would remain a constant presence in my life no matter where I lived.

A small, secret smile played at the corners of my lips.

Yana sensed my thoughts and snorted in my mind, the sound pulling me out of my muddle. "You're

in love," she said. "Gee,

"Oh, stop it. You are

could not win this argument. She chose

the first time, and Rufus' behavior surprised me. He was not known for his patience with anyone other than me, yet he took it upon himself to attend

the entire, arduous process. I was merely a bystander, talking with lan and keeping

presentable,

with excitement, wagging his tail and barking at every

endearing, to

alarming the others. "Don't frighten people, lan," I cautioned. "It's

the

comprehended my message, yet he chose to feign ignorance. Frustrated, I decided to make myself clear.

a couple of gentle howls

out a chuckle. "He's quite clever, isn't he?" I fondly patted lan's head and explained to Rufus, "He takes after his mother, mischievous whenever he can. But thankfully, he's obedient to

was that taking lan to see Beryl was a good way

of

Arron engrossed in building blocks at the