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.

sure he’s in a good place.” She

happened because of Aleric, Apophis

but this was a fight between Apophis, Aleric, Bastet, Me, Helios and Royce, and although I don’t want her to, if she

a victim of our

hand in, we will always be the losers. My prince was an Alpha, a

away. “I talked to Uncle. I’m ready to bid him farewell. We are having his funeral tomorrow with the rest of

my arms around her again.

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

“I am. I will take my place as the head of the Coven of England.

to the Coven?” I ask,

The children need me. I can’t abandon them.”

could use the

that’s very true. We do need to up it

the pack. What have you decided?” I

step apart. “I’m proud of you Sky… I know killing someone

Red into a deep slumber

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

although he was

it hurt?” she asks quietly. “I know the pain it brings when a bond is broken, although I know you two had not completed the bond nor did you want

frown, shaking

no gut-wrenching pain… Whatever was between us was already past the

my upper arm a gentle squeeze. Things will

mug of hot chocolate, with Uncle Liam beside her holding two mugs of

and I feel like I’ve been punched in the

as she wraps her arms around her

pain. I can’t begin to imagine a world without Dad.

eyes meet Uncle Liam,

some hot chocolate,” he

say, taking it from

chocolate and Liam offers her the other mug, giving her

“Thanks,” Raihana says.

replies

once more, and

late… but I’m sorry for your loss…”

Tatum earlier, but he’s

experienced losing someone so

afraid of the impact it leaves

as she walks inside, leaving the two of

She’s giving us space.

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

at their own fucking time, but when you’re ready,

my eyes and I can see her pain, and for a moment I feel I’m suffocating in it before she

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 is no longer around…” Her voice breaks before she lowers her head, her tears splashing into her hot.

shaking hands,

fool.” A voice says from behind

to see Rayhan standing

soot on him, meaning he just got back now. He’s in a pair

his arms around her,

be. I’ll always be here for you, Heaven. Just like I’ll be there for Sienna… I’ll be there for

you that,” he says quietly as

Thank God for that…

back and

the rubble…” He

many?” I

know

All missing persons are accounted

glancing between us as she wipes her tears

she takes a tissue from her

“What is?” Rayhan asks.

pictures of you to sell.” She states, making my eyes

me? What pictures?” Rayhan

Oh SHIT. 3

chocolate in one go, letting the liquid burn my

sells at the academy of you. She makes a lot of money.”

I exclaim as Rayhan narrows his