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, why do I have

retorting, "Oh, stop it. You

tongue in defeat, aware that she could not win this argument. She chose to remain silent, pressing her

me. He was not known for his patience with anyone other than me, yet

I was merely a bystander, talking with

following morning, with lan looking revitalized and presentable, Rufus and I took him

way, lan was brimming with excitement, wagging his tail and barking

lan's behavior endearing, to

did my best to prevent lan from alarming the others. "Don't frighten people, lan," I cautioned. "It's their first encounter with you, and they

to the side, bewildered at

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

behavior instantly transformed. He emitted a couple of gentle howls and then affectionately rubbed himself against my trousers,

"He takes after his mother, mischievous whenever he can. But thankfully, he's obedient to Beryl. He

taking lan to see Beryl was

pinched the skin of my palm, jolting me out of my

found Beryl and Arron engrossed