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.

place.” She whispers, but I can sense the pain in

move back slowly, “This all happened

a fight between Apophis, Aleric, Bastet, Me, Helios and Royce, and although I don’t want her to, if she did blame us, it would

became a victim of our

have no hand in, we will always be the losers. My prince was an

Selene will welcome him and treat him well.” Her voice breaks and she looks away. “I talked to Uncle. I’m ready to bid him farewell. We are having his

wrap my arms around her again.

a queen, and I know it’s easier said

me. “I am. I will take my place as the head of the Coven of England. It’s time I do my part and I know the workload will keep me busy and my

Coven?” I ask, my heart skipping

spell. The children need me. I can’t

nod. “Guess Heaven could use the witchy training

do need to

the pack. What have

Tatum is ready to take his place,” she says, running her fingers through her hair as we step apart. “I’m proud of you Sky… I know

she put Mama Red into a deep slumber before she ended

was dark, that much I know, but when Mama Mari

earlier that although he was evil… I

is broken, although I know you two had

frown, shaking my head

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 not only

my upper arm a gentle squeeze. Things will get

and look up to see Heaven. standing there holding a mug of hot chocolate, with

been punched in the neck when I

she wraps her arms around her

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

Liam, who smiles

I thought the Rossi Princesses might also want some hot chocolate,” he says lightly, holding out

taking it from

Liam offers her

“Thanks,” Raihana says.

replies before excusing himself.

Heaven sits down on the steps once more,

but I’m sorry

earlier, but

this before. I’ve never experienced

not afraid of death… but I’m afraid of the impact

back,” Raihana says as she walks inside,

She’s giving us space.

staring at the grass in

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

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

I can come back to him. That he’ll always have my back…. He never told me

the mug from her shaking

A voice says from

turn to see Rayhan standing

still see the soot on him, meaning he just got back now. He’s in a pair of black jeans as he walks over and sits down on

arms around her, kissing the top of her

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

quietly as she hugs

Thank God for that…

back and wrinkling her nose.

He replies with a wry

many?” I ask

know

missing persons are

head, glancing between us as she wipes

as she takes a tissue from her pocket

“What is?” Rayhan asks.

of you to sell.” She states, making

pictures?” Rayhan asks, cocking

Oh SHIT. 3

chocolate in one go, letting the

of you. She makes a lot of

late goodnight!” I exclaim