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.

She whispers, but I

“This all happened because of Aleric,

Helios and Royce, and although I don’t want her to,

victim of

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

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

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

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

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

I

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

“Guess Heaven could

We do need to up it

the pack. What have

running her fingers through her hair as we step apart. “I’m proud of you Sky… I know killing someone is…

she put Mama Red into a

she did was dark, that much I know, but when Mama Mari had

although he was evil… I did kill my

“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

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 his brother but his

gives my upper arm a

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 in the neck

says as she wraps her

trying to control my own pain. I can’t begin

meet Uncle Liam, who smiles gently

want some hot chocolate,” he says lightly, holding

taking it

chocolate and Liam offers her the other mug, giving her a warm

“Thanks,” Raihana says.

replies before excusing

steps once more, and I take a seat next to her, slinging

I’m late… but I’m sorry for

earlier, but he’s become quieter

never experienced losing someone so close

afraid of the impact

right back,” Raihana says as she walks inside, leaving the two

She’s giving us space.

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

happen at their own fucking time, but when you’re ready, let it out.

her pain, and for a

to 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

from her shaking hands, not knowing what to

voice says from behind

turn to see Rayhan

and I can 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

his arms around her, kissing the top

then I will be. I’ll always be here for you, Heaven. Just like I’ll

quietly as she hugs him back tight.

Thank God for that…

whispers, before moving back and

was searching the rubble…” He replies with a

many?” I

know how many

missing persons

tilts her head, glancing between us

she says as she takes a tissue

“What is?” Rayhan asks.

of you to sell.” She states,

What pictures?” Rayhan

Oh SHIT. 3

go, letting the liquid burn my throat

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

goodnight!” I exclaim as Rayhan narrows