The Lycan Princess and the Temptation of Sin

SKYLA.

It's a few hours later and Dad, Ri, Liam, and I are in the human city, in a small coffee shop that is nestled away in the corner of the town on a quiet street.

Country music is playing softly in the background and although it isn't my type of music, I can't deny that it makes me want to tap my foot along to it.

Raihana has put a spell around us, so no one can hear what we are saying as we discuss the goings ons over hot drinks and a variety of desserts including cream cakes, donuts, and biscuits. A conversation which is completely the opposite of the warm ambience of the café.

“The body was in a bad state.” Liam says, pulling a face from where he’s sitting beside me. Dad is opposite me where he is sitting next to Ri.

Malevolent is under the table, rubbing against my legs as Ri stirs her coffee, her head resting on Dad's shoulder.

Neither Ri nor I had seen Zayn's body as she had said she didn't want to. I had wanted to, but both Dad and Liam agreed I didn't need to see it.

“So uncle, was it that bad?” I ask Liam.

"Yeah, it was... but I still feel the piece of fabric in his hand was not torn in a struggle. It could have just been put there...” He says and the other two nod their agreement.

“What colour was it?" I ask as I take a donut from the centre of the table.

“It was too grimy to see, but I've got pictures and the body will be viewed again.” Dad says as two men walk past and shamelessly glance over at Raihana’s boobs as they walk past, but one cold glare from Dad makes them pick up speed and move along.

Idiots, but got to give them points for bravery considering that even with our auras reigned in, humans can still sense our abilities, and everyone has been casting glances our way.

“He's been dead for far too long to be fucking overlooked. Didn't his parents bother to check up on him? That's shady-as-fuck,” Dad says.

“I've already contacted Rayhan, the investigation team. They'll look into it.” Liam says.

"And Leo's requested for the body to be sent to him to run some of his own tests.” Dad says.

“Oh? Was the council ok with that?" Raihana asks.

Dad smirks. “They've taken an excellent liking to him, to the point I'm hearing; what does Alpha Leo think or suggest? The fucker's smart, I'll give him that.”

Liam smiles slightly. “Yeah, he is, once you get past his anger.” He says.

I glance up at him as he smiles down at me, knowing he was the one who had found Azura after her rejection.

In fact, after he had felt the pack link break, the first person he had tried to make sure was safe was her... Mama Red had calmed him down, saying Azura was fine... yet... Azura told me that when Liam had found her in that state, she'd never forget the look in his eyes..

Leo fucked up and although he’s perfect for her, for Liam, that memory will stick, but then again, he's always hard on himself.

I know from a convo I had overheard between Aunty Raven and Mama that he still feels guilty and regretful for the way he had marked Aunty Raven.

The only difference is, Leo was angry and held resentment towards our packs, but Uncle Liam? He was fucking cursed by a god, heck how do you fight that?

His actions were because of darkness through a curse. Yet even though he was cursed by a god, he managed to break it.

Ironically that God was Helios, and he cursed him for something his ancestor did.

Helios... isn't it interesting? Helios cursed my uncle, yet blessed Royce. It's interesting how gods worked.

Another thing that worries me is what the witches said regarding Apophis. What if somehow, I'm cursed, or end up cursed and... I don't even want to think about it.

"Skyla?” I look up when Dad calls me. “You ok?"

“Yeah, I was thinking...”

I nod, clearing my thoughts as I try to think back to what colour I was wearing the day I lost control, but I can't fucking remember.

“I shifted on school grounds one of the days before Royce got to me. What if they used my clothes from that day. I mean, we leave our clothes lying around everywhere, it could have been any time.” I say, taking a cream cake.

"Ok Royce, hold that thought. I'm coming back to it.” Raihana says, pointing one of her long acrylics at me. “But also, that is a very valid point regarding your clothes.”

“I do agree, especially since it doesn't make sense. The reports show he was in a lot of pain before he died. His nails contained bits of his own flesh and blood. So, for him to hold on to a scrap of fabric is more than a little strange.” Liam says as I look into his vibrant eyes.

"So, then someone is trying to fucking frame Skyla.” Dad states.

"So, you think someone framed Sky?" Raihana asks.

"Well, we already know that.” Liam says.

“Can be an assumption, but if someone is setting her up... there's more to it.” Raihana muses, stirring her already frothy coffee.

Dad and I exchange looks and I nod. We can trust them both without a doubt.

“Well... about that...” Dad begins, and both look at him as he begins filling them in. I gave my input and told them about Royce, and I had pulled down the high neck top I had put on before leaving Leo's pack earlier to show them my mark.

When Dad's done, they are both beyond fucking shocked and I don't really blame them. It is a lot to take in and Raihana definitely looks a little shocked, and by that, I mean really shook.

“But what it comes down to, is - is Kenneth in on it? And if mores at play, what does Dante think?” Liam asks, picking up his mug.

"He can't say much, and he told me he'll be gone for a few days.” Dad sighs. “It's not easy being him.” He adds quietly.

I frown, feeling as if there's more on Dad's mind, but he doesn't go into it.

“You said Kenneth had a plan for luring Skyla into his family with one of his sons. I wonder if he knows his son's shenanigans.” Raihana says, running her fingers through her long hair. “The Solaris King...” She shakes her head as if trying to clear her mind.

“By the look of it, it's hard to fucking say, but we'll wait on Royce, and when he returns, we'll be able to take it a step further.” Dad says as he drinks his hot chocolate.

"Only there's someone else dead too, and I wonder...” Liam trails off.

"What is it?" I ask, slipping some little bites of the treats on the table to Malevolent.

“If Aleric is behind it, then maybe tomorrow he plans to speak in her favour or maybe play the hero? I mean, why kill someone who already had a clash with Skyla? If he, of course, killed him, that is.” He says, tilting his head. “It doesn't make sense, especially if they wanted Skyla. Would they really try to tarnish her reputation?

“Well, he fucking killed his own beta and brother, or he thought he did anyway. I wouldn't put anything past that fucker.” Dad says coldly.

We fall silent, pondering over the thought.

“Let's see what tomorrow brings.” Raihana says, sighing. “And Sky... when they probe your mind ... although they will target the time of events, Janaina will be the one to do so, and she is trustworthy but try to focus on that night on the last time you saw the boy, it'll help nothing else seep out of the cracks. Especially since everyone will get to see those images.”

“Understood. But I guess this means they'll figure out I'm a Lycan?”

"Well, if they haven't already checked the girl's mind, then yes, they'll know.” She says. “Perhaps it's good, I mean, maybe it's your Lycan that scared the girl. Her mind will be probed too.”

“I do agree. Maybe it's not a bad thing.” Liam adds.

“If Royce stood witness, it would have made things fucking easier. His proof was pivotal.” Dad growls.

“True, but a Lycan is supposed to be born every few centuries to rule. This will show people her importance, and wouldn't this put Skyla as the next heir?” Liam asks, looking at Dad.

“No, I don’t want to be a ruler.” I say grimly.

Dad is quiet for a moment.

“Inevitably, Royce is the Solaris King, so that makes you a ruler anyway, and I feel like I can see you moving to America later in life. I'm assuming Dante will be our next king?” Raihana points out now, turning to Dad, who looks deep in thought.

I never thought of that... move all the way there?

That's... intense.

Silence falls over the table until Dad sits back. “The pack is Dante's as firstborn, and an Alpha God or whatever shit he is, but as for the title of the next ruler... A Lycan is born every few centuries, since I'm still fucking here, it's not necessary that Skyla takes that role. And well... I think I already have my heir chosen.”

Those words shock us all, making us stare at him.

"And he'll make an excellent fucking leader, because he was born a fucking king.”