Chapter

258

Elyra drifted into sleep reluctantly, her mind heavy with the weight of the day. Yet, as the darkness of unconsciousness took her, she found herself standing in a surreal landscape-an endless expanse of moonlit silver grass, the air thick with the scent of jasmine.

A figure emerged from the mist, his presence both commanding and strangely comforting. He was tall, his features sharp yet alluring, his eyes glowing like embers against his dark skin. Elyra instinctively knew who he was: the Lycan King.noveldrama

"You came," he said, his voice smooth as velvet, filled with dark promise. He stepped closer, the faint scent of cedar and something primal reaching her.

"I didn't..." Elyra stammered, taking a step back.

"You belong here, Elyra," he murmured, his gaze locking with hers. "You've always belonged to me. To us. Why deny it?"

"I don't belong to anyone," she replied, her voice shaking.

The Lycan King chuckled softly, the sound wrapping around her like a caress. "Ah, but your power, your very essence, calls to me. You can feel it, can't you? That pull? It's destiny, Elyra."

He stepped closer, closing the space between them. Elyra felt her resolve waver as his hand brushed against her cheek, his touch cool and electric. "I can give you what you crave. Answers, strength... freedom from all the chaos. Come to me, and you'll never have to fear again."

For a fleeting moment, Elyra's body betrayed her, leaning into his touch. But then she saw a flicker of something in his eyes-malice hidden beneath his charm.

"No," she whispered, stepping back. "You can't manipulate me."

The Lycan King's expression darkened, his voice lowering to a dangerous whisper. "You'll see the truth soon enough. And when you do, you'll come willingly."

The dream dissolved abruptly, plunging Elyra into cold darkness. She gasped awake, her heart hammering in her chest.

"Elyra?" Dain's voice broke through the haze. He was at her side instantly, his hands warm on her arms as she trembled. "What happened?"

"It... it was him," she whispered, her voice breaking. "The Lycan King. He was in my dream. He he was trying to..."

She trailed off, tears welling in her eyes as she fought to find the words. Dain's jaw clenched, his orange eyes blazing with protective fury.

"He'll never touch you," Dain said firmly, his voice steady despite the rage simmering beneath it. "Not while I'm here."

Elyra looked up at him, the intensity of his gaze grounding her. Without thinking, she leaned into him, her hands gripping his shirt as if he were the only thing keeping her from falling apart.

"Dain, I-"

Her words were cut off as he kissed her. It was desperate and unguarded, a clash of emotions they could no longer deny. Elyra felt herself melt into him, the world around them fading as their connection ignited.

But as quickly as it began, Dain pulled away, his breathing ragged. "I'm sorry," he muttered, his voice thick with emotion. "I shouldn't have "

Elyra grabbed his hand, her own trembling. "Don't apologize," she said softly.

They stared at each other in the dim firelight, the air between them heavy with unspoken truths. But before they could say anything more, a distant howl pierced the night.