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 the pain in

all happened because of Aleric, Apophis and

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

it

a victim of

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

and she looks away. “I talked to Uncle. I’m

those who have

I wrap my

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

at me. “I am. I will take my place as the head of the Coven of

move to the Coven?” I ask, my heart

teleport with ease, just a simple spell. The children need me. I

Heaven could use the

very true. We do need to

the pack. What have you

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

put Mama Red into a deep slumber before

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

thinking earlier that although

I did kill my

is

frown, shaking

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

do that to not only

my upper arm a gentle squeeze. Things will get

((

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

oversized shirt and

in the neck when

Chris’s. 5

she wraps her arms

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

Liam, who

I thought the Rossi Princesses might also want

out a mug

I say, taking it from

smiles as Heaven moves

N

and Liam offers her the

giving her a

“Thanks,” Raihana says.

He replies before

as Heaven sits down on the steps once more, and I take a seat next to her, slinging my arm around

know I’m late… but I’m sorry for

had talked to Tatum earlier, but

never done this

so close

before.

of death… but I’m afraid

it leaves on those left

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

She’s giving us space.

says quietly, staring at the grass in front

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

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

said 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

breaks before

head, her tears

chocolate. 16

mug from her shaking

fool.” A voice says from

to see Rayhan standing

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

her, kissing the top of her

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

that,” he says quietly as she

Thank God for that…

Uncle.” She

her nose. “You smell

the rubble…” He

wry smile.

many?” I

know how many

missing persons are accounted

fall silent before Heaven

as she wipes her

as she takes a tissue from her pocket and blows

“What is?” Rayhan asks.

not taking pictures of you to sell.”

my

pictures?” Rayhan asks,

Oh SHIT. 3