Claimed By The Lycan Lord

Deadly Visit

MARCELLA

I tried to piece together the meaning behind his tone as confusion clouded my thoughts. I was about to voice my questions when everything shifted in an instant. Without warning, he lunged forwards and tried to strike me with his sword. Instincts took over, and I ducked just in time, feeling the rush of air as the sword whizzed by my face.

If I hadn’t reacted quickly, he would have sliced me in half right there in front of everyone. My heart skipped a beat and panic surged through me.

The gasps from the onlookers pierced through my shock, their eyes wide with disbelief. I could feel their stares and I tried to steady myself. I tried to comprehend what had just happened. I would have thought it was a mistake but the moment he wielded his sword and tried to slice me again, I knew he meant his words.

I glanced at him, confusion rushing through my mind.

“Are you trying to kill me? Why are you doing this? Is it as a result of what had happened....” My statement was cut short as he came at me again, relentless in his attacks. I took a deep breath and picked up the sword. If he wanted to fight, then I had to stand my ground.

Something held me back from counterattacking. I didn’t want to hurt him. I didn’t want this fight to escalate beyond what it already was. With every clash of our swords, my frustration grew. He was pushing me hard, trying to provoke a reaction that just wouldn’t come.

“Fight me! Fight me and harm....”

I didn’t know how it happened but the next minute, he was on the floor and my sword was on his neck.

“Slit my throat.” He ordered.

“Why are you doing this? Why are you doing this to me? I know you do not want to have anything to do with me but....”

“When you have the opportunity to slit your enemy's throat.....” He pushed me hard. The impact sent me stumbling backwards and I lost my balance. In that split second, everything took a swift turn as I felt the rough surface of the ground rise up to meet me. A sharp pain shot through my face as my nose graved the pavement.

He rose from the floor, brushing off his clothes quickly. I felt the warm trickle of blood seeping out of my nostrils.

“Since you know it all, your time here is over. You may leave.” He spoke. I arched my brows in confusion. “I brought you here to train you so you could be very strong and be able to fight like your parents. Fix your sentiments and do not take pity on your enemies. You are good to go, so you may leave.”

I stood up, my legs trembling slightly beneath me as I ran after me.

“Why are you doing this to me?! I didn’t ask the moon goddess to make me your mate!”

Everyone gasped in shock, perhaps, surprised by that sudden revelation, but I could not keep it anymore. At that point, i didn’t care what anyone could think. People began to murmur and a lot of people stared at me wide-eyed, but it did not matter to me at that point.

Master Talon halted and let out a sigh before turning to look at me. I rubbed my palms together nervously, a habit I had developed when I was quite nervous or unsure.

“I do not know what is running through your mind.” He held my arm. “The only reason I brought you here is to train you to be a strong warrior like your parents. It’s been nine years and I can see that you are now very strong. It is only best if you leave to start your life. Your time here is over.”

“Where do you want me to go?! I have nowhere. I have no one and…..”

A guard suddenly approached us, moving swiftly though the crowd and leaned in closer to whisper some words into Lord Talon’s ears. Lord Talon arched his brows, taking a second look at the guard. The guard nodded as though to confirm what he had said.

All I could focus on was how upset Lord Talon seemed, as if whatever was being said was hurting him. I wanted to speak to him but the sternness in his expression held me back.

“We would be having a feast starting tomorrow night, and it would last for three days. Afterward, you have to leave.” He spoke with his back turned towards me. Before I could respond, he walked away. The murmurs grew louder, and I was filled with so much shame and embarrassment. My life was falling apart right in front of me. Was it my fault for telling him the truth?

“Master Talon is your mate?” Romani questioned in shock as she helped me up.

“How is that even possible? How did you know that?” Alex probed.

I lowered my head before letting out a sigh.

“And you didn’t think to tell us? When did we start keeping secrets from one another? We tell each other every….”

“I just found out yesterday. I was still trying to process it. Now, where do I go? Where do I go from here?” I shook my head.

“You cannot possibly want the bond, can you?” Alex started again. “Master Talon is your trainer and….”

“We cannot judge the matters of the heart, can we? I never imagined it too but….” I shook my head. “I have to do something. I have to convince Master Talon. I know he feels the same way about me. He is simply masking it under that frown. I have to do something.”

“You know Master Talon would never accept you, right?” Romani placed her hands on my shoulder. Gently, I took it off. Deep within, I knew it was true, but I had to make it possible. I had to try.

Everyone began to disperse with a couple of them looking frantically worried.

“What is going on? Do you have an idea of the feast we are going to be having? For what purpose?” I probed, searching their eyes for answers.

“Well...” Romani shrugged. “ I got to hear that we would be having a guest. A dangerous one.”