Chapter 77

Arielle

I sighed in frustration, turning from one side of the bed to another.

What mess have I gotten myself into? And Adrian, what does he really want?

I pulled the duvet off my body and sat upright on the bed, my gaze lingering on Duncan's innocent face as he slept peacefully.

Whatever Adrian has planned out, shouldn't concern Duncan, else I'll not let it slide.

My mind flashed back to years ago, when we were still best of friends, and had the perfect relationship, so what changed?.

I felt warm hands around me, pulling me closer. My gaze drifted back to Duncan, now awake, staring at me with a questioning gaze.

"Are you okay?" He asked with a quizzical expression. "You seem bothered."

"I'm fine." I murmured, avoiding his gaze. Somehow, it just felt as though he could see right through my eyes and the facade and pierce through my soul.

Seconds ticked, and the room went dead silent, with only the sound of our heartbeats and the night.

"I'm just worried." I added, attempting to ease the already brooding tension. "I can't even sleep."

Duncan pulled me closer, whispering soothing words in my ears, as I placed my head on his chest. "You mind sharing?" He finally asked and I nodded slowly.

Nothing goes…

"It's about Luciana" I started, totally drifting away from the main thoughts running through my mind. "She's been in way too much trouble for someone her age."

I chuckled bitterly, as memories flashed through my head; scary chuckles, a sword, lights fluctuating and finally fire.. "She's been through way too much, to still be considered a child."

Duncan's hand patted my head softly, but he didn't say anything, it was as though he was trying to articulate his words or something.

"You want to see her?" He asked and, shocked, I sat upright.

"What does that even mean? It's too late to visit her."

He shook his head negatively. "Is it? So what if I told you she was here...in the mansion?"

"How did she get here?" I whispered with a questioning gaze, obviously seeking answers. "Didn't she leave the party in haste?"

So, how come she's at the mansion? Was Duncan perhaps pulling my legs?

Let's see..

"I don't mind seeing her," I replied with a pout. "But how did she even get here? I watched her get into the cab, heading home."

"I didn't quite get the explanation Keira gave, but she was brought here by the fairy; Lincoln. He said something about a planned attack or something." He explained, and my right hand found its way to my forehead in frustration.

Just why is every attack channeled to her? Just like every other werewolf her age, can't she just have a normal life?

"Will she be alright?" I asked, concern etched on my face. "I don't feel good about checking on her right now, I'll just do that tomorrow morning."

"Whatever you say, my lady," he whispered, causing my cheeks to heat up, before pressing his tender lips against mine. "She'd certainly be fine... She works for your cupcake, you should know she's that strong."

"She is...but doesn't too much emotional baggage weaken even the strongest of them all?" I asked, trying to block the flashbacks from forcing their way back into my head. "I'm afraid she might just break down."

Expressing my deepest concerns for Luciana made the weight of my own worries about Adrian lessen. It was just as though he was the least important thing on my mind, and so were his plans.

"Luciana will be fine, she's always been." He replied with genuine concern in his eyes. 

"I hope so." I whispered, clinging tightly to him, as though he had some plan to run away.

"It's good to see you caring so much about her." Duncan teased, tracing the bridge of my nose. "Seems like the walls you built around insecurities, in the facade of boundaries, is finally breaking away."

Look who's talking?

"Coming from the Almighty Supreme Alpha of the Black wolves..." I grinned mockingly "your cold countenance isn't anything to write home about."

"You're getting into my skin, Cupcake." He groaned.

"Isn't that just the way you want it?" I giggled. "I'm the only one who has the right to."

"You're just a lot." He whispered, and the room fell dead silent. 

I was glad I finally got to express how I really felt about Luciana, although that wasn't the major thought on my mind, it was something.

Duncan always has a special way of brightening my countenance,  and you see his happiness is my top priority. I really don't care what has to be on the line...

After moments of comfortable silence, Duncan cleared his throat, breaking the silence.

He never does that, unless there's something really important he wants to talk about. 

I really hope I've got the nerves to face whatever he's going to ask.

"You're not just bothered about Luciana, right? There's something else clouding your mind." He started and I went mute.

Not like there was anything to say. Was I going to tell him; oh hey cupcake, my past is finally catching up with me? Or oh hey, Adrian wants to get rid of you, and me.

There's no way I can open up about it. I just hope he lets it slide.

"Why did you walk out on my guest and I at the party? Do you perhaps know him from somewhere?." He asked again, this time throwing me off guard,

Bursted...

**Lorenzo's POV**

My heart raced in anticipation as my gaze grew distant from Phoebe's face.

She was telling her story, but that was the least of my bothers. 

We're all in this mess because of her kindness. Harboring her here isn't ideal, but that seems to be what everyone else wants.

"Fine, you can stay." I muttered coldly. "But all our eyes are on you, one wrong move, and you're gone."

I could see fear reflected through her eyes. Did I sound that scary?

I felt Edgar and Phoebe's gazes at me. Were they perhaps expecting an explanation?

Well...they will not be getting any, definitely not from me.

"Prince Caspian, I..." She trailed off and one glare from me made her keep mute.

"Don't call me that, my little flower can't." I interrupted her. "It's Lorenzo… And I don't want to talk about anything, until Lincoln shows up."

As though he heard our conversation, Lincoln walked in, but with a sullen expression.

"What's wrong?" Phoebe asked, rushing to him, concern clearly written on her face. "She's fine, right?"

Lincoln sighed and collapsed onto the next couch he came across, placing his right hand on his forehead.

"What is it?" I mumbled, concealing the emotions in my voice, and when he couldn't speak, I was forced to ask what lingered in my mind.

 "There wasn't any repetition, right?"

"It was exactly the same as it has always been." He replied, frustration evident in his voice. "When will all of these be over?."

My face fell , as I let out a heavy and rather disappointed sigh. What was I even expecting? That something different will happen this time?

Not all dreams come through.

"When the curse is finally over," I replied, my gaze growing distant. "Which is totally impossible..."