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.

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

happened because of Aleric,

don’t want to admit it, but this was a fight between Apophis, Aleric, Bastet, Me, Helios and Royce, and

it would

victim of

happened because of evil, greed, and selfishness. If we blame people for something they have no hand in, we will always

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

of those who have

I wrap my arms around her again. This time

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

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 mind off

I ask, my

need me. I can’t abandon them.” She

“Guess Heaven could use the

very true. We do need to up it considering

the pack. What have you decided?” I

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 I don’t regret

she put Mama Red into a deep slumber before she

body… well, Delsanra burned it before anyone could see it. Whatever she did was dark, that much I know, but when Mama Mari had asked her, Dad

was thinking

kill my mate,” I

know the pain it brings when a bond is broken, although I know you two had not

shaking my head

just… it was 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

knowing he had to do that to

my upper arm a gentle squeeze. Things will

((

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

oversized shirt

punched in the neck when I

Chris’s. 5

she wraps her arms around

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

eyes meet Uncle Liam, who smiles gently

Princesses might also

out a

say, taking it

Heaven

N

and Liam offers

a warm smile.

“Thanks,” Raihana says.

He replies before excusing

the steps once more, and I take a seat next to

know I’m late… but I’m sorry

talked to Tatum earlier, but he’s become quieter and

never done this

losing someone so

before.

not afraid of death… but

leaves on

Raihana says as she walks inside,

She’s giving us space.

fine.” She says quietly, staring at

at their own fucking time, but when

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

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

voice breaks

her tears

chocolate. 16

the mug from her shaking hands, not knowing what

voice says from behind

to see Rayhan

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

arms around her,

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

promise you that,” he says quietly as she hugs

Thank God for that…

Uncle.” She whispers,

wrinkling her

rubble…” He replies with

wry smile.

I ask

to know how

All missing persons are

fall silent before Heaven tilts

she wipes her tears

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

“What is?” Rayhan asks.

not taking pictures of you

my

What pictures?” Rayhan asks, cocking a

Oh SHIT. 3