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.

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

move back slowly, “This all happened because of

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

us, it would be

became a victim of

something they have no hand in, we will always be the losers. My prince was

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

those who have fallen.”

turns her head away and I wrap my arms around her again. This time it

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

place as the head of the Coven of England. It’s time I do my part and I know

I ask,

ease, just a simple spell. The children need me. I can’t

Heaven could use

that’s very true. We do need to up

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

into a deep slumber

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

thinking earlier that although

kill my mate,”

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

frown, 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…

do that to not only his brother

upper arm a

((

hear footsteps and look up to see Heaven. standing there holding a mug of hot chocolate,

in an oversized shirt

neck when I realise

Chris’s. 5

baby,” Raihana says as she wraps her arms

I

Liam, who

thought the Rossi Princesses might also want some

out a

say, taking

smiles as Heaven moves back,

N

and Liam offers her the

her a warm

“Thanks,” Raihana says.

He replies before excusing himself.

as Heaven sits down on the steps once more, and I take a seat next to

sorry for your loss…”

earlier, but he’s become quieter and closed off.

done this before. I’ve

someone so close

before.

afraid of death… but I’m afraid of

leaves on those left

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

She’s giving us space.

fine… I’m fine.” She says quietly, staring

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 fuck you want, but

her head, looking into my eyes and I can see her pain, and for a moment I

he’ll be there. That I’ll always have him, and I can come back to him. That he’ll always have my

breaks before she

head, her tears splashing into her

chocolate. 16

the mug from her shaking hands, not

fool.” A voice says from behind

see

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

arms around her, kissing the top

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

you that,” he says quietly

Thank God for that…

Uncle.”

back and wrinkling her nose. “You smell

rubble…” He

wry smile.

many?” I

know how many

All missing persons are accounted

before Heaven tilts her

us as she wipes her tears

she says as she takes a

“What is?” Rayhan asks.

of you to sell.”

my

pictures?” Rayhan asks, cocking

Oh SHIT. 3