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.

be… I’m sure he’s in a good place.” She whispers,

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

it, but this was a fight between Apophis, Aleric, Bastet, Me, Helios and Royce,

it would be

became a victim of our

for something they have no hand in, we will always be the losers. My prince was an Alpha, a warrior and a protector. He died for being a good

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

those who

head away and I wrap my arms around her

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

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

the Coven?” I ask, my heart skipping

The children need me. I can’t abandon them.” She says, “Plus, I don’t think I can survive. around

“Guess Heaven could use the

that’s very true. We do need to up it considering her powers

have you decided?”

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

heard that she put Mama Red into a deep slumber before she ended

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 had told her to drop it, saying it doesn’t

I was thinking

I did kill my mate,” I

a bond is broken, although I know you two had not completed the bond

frown, shaking

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

he had to do that to not only his brother

upper arm a gentle squeeze. Things

((

hear footsteps and look up to see Heaven. standing there holding a mug of hot chocolate, with Uncle Liam beside her holding two mugs of steaming hot

an oversized shirt

in the neck when I realise

Chris’s. 5

Raihana says as she wraps

control my own pain. I can’t

Liam, who smiles

also want some hot chocolate,” he

a

say, taking it

as Heaven

N

hot chocolate and Liam

her a

“Thanks,” Raihana says.

replies before

once more, and I take

I’m sorry for

earlier, but

done this before.

someone so close to

before.

not afraid of death… but I’m afraid

leaves on

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

She’s giving us space.

She says quietly, staring

those words a lot, mostly from me… I’m not going to 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

my eyes and I can see her pain,

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

voice breaks before she

her tears splashing into her

chocolate. 16

the mug from her shaking hands, not

A voice says

turn to see

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

his arms around her, kissing

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

you that,” he says quietly as she hugs him back

Thank God for that…

Uncle.” She whispers,

her nose. “You smell of

the rubble…” He replies

wry smile.

many?” I

know how many

persons are accounted

before Heaven

she wipes her

takes

“What is?” Rayhan asks.

not taking pictures of you to

making my

What pictures?” Rayhan

Oh SHIT. 3