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 just

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

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

hadn't needed my assistance throughout the entire, arduous process. I was merely a bystander,

lan looking revitalized and presentable, Rufus and I took him to Laura's

wagging his tail and barking at every soldier and servant

lan's behavior endearing, to an outsider, he appeared

to prevent lan from alarming the others. "Don't frighten people, lan," I cautioned. "It's their first

head to the side, bewildered at

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

my warning, lan's behavior instantly transformed. He emitted a couple of gentle howls and then affectionately rubbed himself against my trousers, exhibiting an

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 Beryl. He does whatever she

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

pinched the skin of my palm, jolting me out of my thoughts. He then motioned for

we reached Laura's palace, we found Beryl and Arron engrossed in building blocks at the round table in the