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

she said. "Gee, why do I have

retorting, "Oh, stop it. You are

win this argument. She chose to remain silent, pressing her thin

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

presentable, Rufus

brimming with excitement, wagging his tail and barking at every

lan's behavior endearing, to

from alarming the others. "Don't frighten people, lan," I cautioned. "It's their first encounter with you, and they may not appreciate

the side, bewildered

knew he comprehended my message, yet he chose to feign ignorance. Frustrated, I decided to

behavior instantly transformed. He emitted a couple of gentle

"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

meant was that taking lan to see Beryl was a good way

jolting me out of my thoughts. He

Beryl and Arron engrossed