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.

a good place.” She

all happened because of Aleric, Apophis

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

blame us, it

victim of

evil, greed, and selfishness. If we blame people for something they have no hand in, we will always be the losers. My prince was

she looks away. “I talked to Uncle. I’m ready to bid

of those who have fallen.”

away and I wrap my arms around her

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

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

you’ll move to the Coven?” I ask, my heart

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

Heaven could use the witchy training

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

have you decided?” I

place,” she says, running her fingers through her hair as we step apart. “I’m proud of you

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

was thinking earlier that

evil… I did kill my

it hurt?” she asks quietly. “I know the pain it brings when a bond is broken, although I know you two had not completed the bond nor

shaking my head

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…

to do that to not only

upper arm a gentle squeeze. Things will

((

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

in an oversized shirt and

neck when I realise

Chris’s. 5

baby,” Raihana says as she wraps her arms

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

meet Uncle Liam, who smiles gently

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

a mug to

I say, taking it

smiles as Heaven

N

Liam

a

“Thanks,” Raihana says.

He replies before excusing himself.

sip our drinks silently as Heaven sits down on the steps once more, and

know I’m late… but I’m sorry for your loss…” I say

talked to Tatum earlier, but

never done this before. I’ve

someone so close to

before.

death…

it leaves on those left

as she walks inside, leaving the

She’s giving us space.

quietly, staring at the grass in front

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

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

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

Her voice breaks before she

her tears splashing into her

chocolate. 16

from her shaking hands, not knowing what to

fool.” A voice

turn to see Rayhan standing

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

arms around her, kissing the top of her

be here for you, Heaven. Just like I’ll be there for Sienna… I’ll be there for

you that,” he says quietly as she

Thank God for that…

you, Uncle.” She whispers,

and wrinkling her nose. “You smell of

was searching the rubble…”

wry smile.

many?” I

to know

missing persons are

silent before Heaven

us as she wipes her

says as she takes a tissue from her pocket

“What is?” Rayhan asks.

of

my eyes open.

What pictures?” Rayhan asks,

Oh SHIT. 3