Page 30 of Lycan King's Claim
“No!” I snap, anger bubbling inside me. “I won't back down just because it's convenient for you. I won't continue living like this. What part of you is struggling to comprehend that?”
“Being married to her changes nothing. You're still my mate,” he says softly, his hand caressing my cheek. “Nothing can change that.”
“Except death,” I retort, feeling bitterness taint my words. “Death can release me from this bond, and that's the only peace I see in my future because I will never find peace with you and this bond.”
“Don't say that,” Xandros pleads, his eyes filled with pain. “I can't bear the thought of losing you, Sienna.” I almost laugh, losing me, does he not see he already has? You can't treat someone like a doormat, stomp all over them, staining their soul, and expect they'll remain submissive to that life forever.
“And I can't bear the thought of being trapped in this bond with you,” I reply, my voice breaking. “This mate bond you see as some great force, some blessing, but I see it for what it is, Xandros, and blessing is the last word I would call it. I see that it's all just an illusion. You never truly saw me, did you? All you saw was a means to an end, a way to secure your kingdom."
"That's not true," he insists, his grip on me tightening. "If I weren't your mate you wouldn't have come after me; you wouldn't have looked twice in my direction," I tell him. He opens his mouth to argue but then closes it, he knows I am right.
"Sienna, I'm so sorry," he whispers, tears shimmering in his eyes. "I made a mistake, a terrible mistake, and I regret it. But please — don't go through with the challenge. We can work through this."
My heart wavers, torn between the love I once thought I felt for him and the pain he caused me. "Love is not enough," I say, my voice barely above a whisper. "Love cannot erase everything you've done."
He drops his hand from my cheek, his shoulders slumping in defeat. "I don't know what else to say," he admits, his voice heavy with sorrow.
“That's because there's nothing left to say," I reply, my voice growing stronger as I push back against the pain threatening to consume me.
"No, Sienna, please," he pleads, reaching out to me once more.
But I step back, the water from the shower soaking my skin, cleansing away the dirt and grime. I watch him, his beautiful face contorted with emotion. My heart lodges in my throat, the pain too much to bear. "Please leave, Xandros, I would rather not be near you right now,” I tell him while hoping he leaves.
As I turn away from him, I hear him leave, and I feel a mixture of sadness and relief. Stepping under the stream, I wet my face. My vision blurs as I stare at the wall, trying to collect my thoughts. The warm water against my skin pulls me back for a moment. If I die tomorrow, it will be on my terms, not his.
16
I awoke to the first rays of the morning sun peeking through my window and bathing my bedroom in a golden hue. My heart was heavy with uncertainty and dread—what would the day bring? After I asked him to leave, I glanced at the empty spot in my bed and realized that Xandros had not returned last night. Some part of me is relieved because I won’t have to see his face or feel his bond before the fight.
My mind raced with possibilities, and I tried to shake off the unease in my heart that is making it palpitate. I force myself to start my morning routine, pulling on a pair of leggings and a tank top. Then I quickly grab my brush and run it through my hair when the door opens and in steps Javier. Xandros is nowhere to be seen, and a sense of restlessness gnaws at me and disappointment.
However, Adina has also come to escort me down, and I can’t help but ask, “Where is Xandros?” Javier glances away, but Adina answers.
“He’s trying to stop the challenge from going ahead, but it won’t work. I’m guessing he’s gone to argue with King Vin or Carina to see if Carina will forfeit,” Adina explains with a knowing look. The weight of the upcoming challenge hangs heavily in the air, and I feel a strand of anxiety tightening in my stomach, twisting like a knot. Today I could die, yet was I really living in a way for my life to warrant fighting for?
“Are you ready?” she asks softly, her voice full of concern.
I nod silently, not trusting myself to speak, and Javier motions for us to follow him. “Does Xandros know you’re with us?” I ask Javier, and he hastily shakes his head. I nod once, following them downstairs and stepping into the foyer.
As we step through the door, I suddenly become aware of how many people are here. Cars line up along the driveway leading all the way to the front gate, and a small crowd gathers around the enormous fountain. I can feel their eyes on me as we walk down the path toward the side gardens.
We follow Javier to the side of the stables, and I stop in my tracks, stunned at what is waiting for us. A makeshift arena had been set up sometime during the night—an octagonal ring with waist-high walls of wood had been thrown together just for this occasion. The sight sent a chill through my body. This is where I will have to fight Carina, the girl who is my mate’s wife—and who may very well rip me to pieces before I even have a chance to swing at her.
The crowd of onlookers grows larger as more people come to watch. My heart races faster—it seems like the entire city is here, eagerly awaiting the bloodshed they know will come from this match.
Behind us are two rows of chairs that had been set up for the Council members, all dressed in their shining robes. Most of the Council Elders were already here except a few stragglers that pulled up as we stepped outside the castle.
They take their seats with the others, sitting in their elevated chairs with piercing gazes that make me feel like a mere pawn in a game I don’t fully understand. But I steel myself, determined to show they don’t scare me, even if I’m not sure what I’m fighting for anymore.
It feels like all eyes are on me as I take my seat between Javier and Adina in the front row — without a doubt, I look quite small compared to them all.
Once everyone had seated themselves and prepared for what was about to begin. One of the Council Elders stood up. “That’s Elder Ridion,” Adina leans into me to whisper, and a second later, his booming voice echoes throughout the huge empty space as he announces: “Today we gather here for a challenge between Sienna Draven and Carina Dresden for King Xandros Zeppelin’s hand.” He continues speaking about how this would be a fair fight with each combatant having an equal chance of winning before calling forward both of us to stand within the octagon ring of wood walls—it was time.
Glancing around, I don’t see Xandros anywhere, and before I know it, some Council guards force me into the arena.
As Carina and I step into the arena, a hush falls over the crowd. My heart beats like a drum in my chest, and bile burns the back of my throat. Yet, looking at Carina, I am shocked to see her face resembling the fear I feel inside. A few times, she casts nervous glances at the side of the arena, and I steal a glance to see her father and mother watching eagerly.
Shoving my thoughts aside, I pay attention to Carina. We circle each other like predators stalking their prey, our eyes locked in fiercely, trying to gauge what the other will do. The tension in the air is palpable, and I can feel the weight of everyone’s judging gaze bearing down on me.
