The Temptation of Sin And The Lycan Princess

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 whispers, but I can sense

back slowly, “This all happened because of Aleric, Apophis and

fight between Apophis, Aleric, Bastet, Me, Helios and Royce, and although I don’t want her to,

it would

victim

greed, and selfishness. If we blame people for something they have no hand in, we will always be

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 funeral tomorrow

those who have

turns her head away and I wrap my arms around

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

as she looks at me. “I am. I will take my place as the head of the Coven of England. It’s

move to the Coven?” I ask, my heart skipping a

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

“Guess Heaven could use the witchy

do need to up it

have you

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 killing someone is… I don’t know. I killed Sephora and

that she put Mama Red into a deep slumber before

could see it. Whatever she did was dark, that much I know, but when Mama Mari had asked her, Dad had told her to drop it,

was thinking

did kill my mate,”

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

shaking my head

like I felt something weak or brittle break inside of me. It’s weird but there was no gut-wrenching pain… Whatever was between us was already past the point of salvaging… It hurt seeing Royce

hurt knowing he had to do that to

a

((

to see Heaven. standing there holding a mug of hot

an oversized shirt and

in the neck

Chris’s. 5

says as she wraps

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

meet Uncle Liam,

I thought the Rossi Princesses might also

a mug to

I say, taking it from

Heaven moves

N

chocolate and Liam offers

a

“Thanks,” Raihana says.

He replies before

the steps once more, and I

late… but I’m sorry for

but he’s become

done this

someone so close to

before.

afraid of death…

it leaves on

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

She’s giving us space.

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

force you as these things happen 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

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

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

voice breaks

her tears splashing into

chocolate. 16

shaking hands,

voice says from

to see

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

her,

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

he says quietly as she hugs

Thank God for that…

Uncle.” She whispers,

wrinkling her nose. “You

searching the rubble…” He replies

wry smile.

many?” I ask

to know how

persons are

fall silent before Heaven

us as she wipes her

first,” she says as she takes a tissue

“What is?” Rayhan asks.

of you to sell.”

my eyes open.

Rayhan asks, cocking

Oh SHIT. 3