The Lycan Princess and the Temptation of Sin by Moonlight Muse

Chapter 160

76. The Sounds of the Night

SKYLA.

The moon has risen, but despite the silence of the night, everyone is awake in the Rossi mansion.

I can hear the quiet conversations, the deep discussions, the occasional shout.

Out here, I can also hear the sound of insects in the garden. The soft wind is blowing through the trees and the passing comments and commands of the guards and others around can be heard.

This feeling… it’s unexplainable…

I feel… content, sorrowful and…different.

I don’t even know how to explain it.

I’m sitting on the back steps, staring out into the night sky. I’ve done this so many times in my life, but today I feel like I’m no longer the Sky I once was…

My eyes sting and I tug at the sleeves of my long -sleeved top as I exhale slowly.

Some things just stay… changing you even.

I killed my given mate. It’s… an odd feeling…

I know I’m not a monster. I had to do what I had to and to break the hold Apophis had on him, and on this planet, I had to end him.

He didn’t care for me, and that was proven in those last moments. 2

He wasn’t bothered about me… but he was shocked that his brother helped kill him…

Royce is quieter, and I don’t blame him. I want to be there for him, and I will be, but he’s also being that rock for his family. Even Charlotte cried, despite refusing to let a sound escape her. 1

He’s with his mother right now, and she needs him.

She’s down on the firepower right now, and I know we will see that fiery warrior Luna again one day, but for now, she needs to heal… 2

I stare at the sky, resting my head against the door frame.

Life.

It’s painful, beautiful, terrifying, yet for those of us who get to live another day, it’s precious…

“Meow.”

I smile as Malevolent jumps into my lap, and I cuddle her tightly. 1

“Hey Mal…” I say, stroking her head as she purrs in approval.

At least on this journey of life, I’ll always have her and Royce.

I turn when I hear footsteps behind me, sensing Raihana before I see her.

She pauses when she spots me. She’s wearing an oversize cardigan over her tiny sports bra and shorts, her arms wrapped around herself.

“Sorry, I didn’t realise our lioness was out here.” She says with a small smile, about to leave when I stand up.

“You don’t need to leave.”

She turns back.

“Are you sure?”

She’s lost weight, and call me fucking crazy, but I feel her eyes have aged if that even makes sense.

I nod as I walk over to her, gently letting

Malevolent down.

“I’m sorry… about Chris,” I say, ok I’m not a hugger but… I step forward, awkwardly hugging her.

She relaxes and wraps her arms around me, giving me a squeeze.

in a good place.” She whispers,

all happened because of Aleric,

Me, Helios and Royce, and

victim of our

blame people for something they have no hand in, we will always be the losers. My prince was an Alpha, a warrior and a protector.

him well.” Her voice breaks and she looks away. “I talked to Uncle. I’m ready to bid

head away and I wrap my arms around her again. This time

queen, and I know it’s easier said than done… but you are a fighter,” I

my place as the head of the Coven of England. It’s time I do my

I ask, my

ease, just a simple spell. The children need me. I can’t abandon them.”

Heaven could use

very true. We do need

What have you decided?” I

her fingers through her hair as we step apart. “I’m proud of you Sky… I

into a deep slumber

could see it. Whatever she did was dark, that much I know,

was evil… I

pain it brings when a bond is broken, although I know you two

shaking my

but there was no gut-wrenching pain… Whatever was between us was already past the point of salvaging… It hurt seeing Royce like that though, hurt knowing he had to do that to

upper arm a gentle squeeze. Things will get

up to see Heaven. standing there holding a mug of hot chocolate, with Uncle Liam beside her holding two mugs of steaming

oversized shirt and I feel like I’ve been punched

says as she

trying to control my own pain. I

Liam, who

Rossi Princesses might also want some hot chocolate,” he says lightly, holding

I say, taking it from

and Liam offers her the other mug,

“Thanks,” Raihana says.

He replies

the steps once more, and I take a seat

but I’m sorry for your

to Tatum earlier, but he’s become

experienced losing someone

death… but I’m afraid of

she walks inside, leaving the

She’s giving us space.

fine… I’m fine.” She says quietly, staring at

at their own fucking time, but when you’re ready, let it out. Scream, shout, cry. Do whatever the fuck you want, but let it out.” I whisper.

head, looking into my eyes and I can see her pain, and for a moment I feel I’m

me… that no matter who hurts me, no matter if I’ve messed up, or if my heart is broken or hurting, that he’ll be there. That I’ll always have him, and I can come back to him. That he’ll always have my back…. He never told me what I should do if he

take the mug from her shaking hands,

fool.” A voice says from behind

turn to see Rayhan

still see the soot on him, meaning he just got back now. He’s in

her, kissing the top of

you that if he’s not here, then I will be. I’ll always be here for you,

says quietly as she hugs him

Thank God for that…

before moving back and wrinkling her

searching the rubble…” He replies

many?” I ask

know how

All missing persons are

Heaven tilts her head, glancing between

a first,” she says as she takes a tissue from her pocket and blows

“What is?” Rayhan asks.

to sell.”

What pictures?” Rayhan asks, cocking

Oh SHIT. 3

one go, letting the liquid burn my throat and

at the academy of you. She makes a lot

goodnight!” I exclaim as Rayhan