Chapter 139
139
Third Person’s POV
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After the door closed, Clarissa rested her hands on her knees, still somewhat uneasy. “What did you hope to achieve by probing Adelaide just now?”
Lycan Erasmus smiled. “I merely wanted to see if she would defend Lance and to tease her a bit.”
“And now that you’ve seen she will defend him, how does that make you feel? ”
Erasmus’s smile turned somewhat wistful. “I’m happy for him, of course. At least I know Adelaide’s feelings for him are genuine.”
Clarissa gazed at him for a long moment before saying, “The former Lycan King also had feelings for another she–wolf. But regarding Alpha Bentley as a brother, he would always avoid any occasion where Airelle was present or when she visited the palace. It was his greatest respect for his brother.”
“Indeed, Airelle never knew of the former Lycan King’s feelings.”
Erasmus’s face momentarily froze, his smile fading and replaced with gravity. “Thank you for the reminder. I understand.”
After a moment of silence, he asked, “Does it not bother you? The way you still treat Adelaide so kindly.”
Clarissa smiled gently, her expression serene. “What is there to be bothered about? Are there not enough priestesses in this palace? Moreover, I became his mate to serve as Lycan Luna. As the partner of the royal Lycan, I have my duties and cannot indulge in petty jealousy.”
“As for your father, he is well aware of his identity. As Lycan King, his role is to govern the entire werewolf kingdom, protect the land, and reclaim lost territories.”
“He never forgets his responsibilities. While some of his actions may not be perfect, he does his best. The power of the Lycan King is supreme, yet he has but one pair of eyes and hands. Many tasks must be delegated to subordinates.”
“Subordinates have their own agendas; some harbor selfishness and deceive those above. Your father cannot control all of this, which has led to the challenges you face after ascending to the position of Lycan King.”
Clarissa spoke earnestly, “You have a daunting path ahead. You need assistance, ideally from your brother. Now that the army command has been revoked, if there is any task for Lance, assign it to him.”
“I’ve watched Lance grow up and know his character better than anyone. Among all your brothers, he is the most capable and loyal to you.”
“As Lycan King, one must accept both losses and gains.”
Clarissa’s earnest words left Erasmus in deep contemplation for a long while.
Finally, he looked up, his gaze resolute. “Rest assured, I know what I must do.”
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Clarissa gazed at the scenery outside the palace and said, “The heat today is truly oppressive. You should attend to your matters.”
“Yes, I have a few things to handle,” Erasmus replied as he stood and turned to leave.
As Adelaide left the palace, dusk had begun to paint the walls.
Lance’s car was parked under a sycamore tree, its body adorned with the frost wolf totem.
He wore a dark cloak, his shoulders as straight as a silver spear on the battlefield, no trace of the Southern Border’s weariness.
“Alpha Lance, I need to speak with you,” she said, striding forward. Her boot heels crushed the cicada molt on the cobblestones, the silver moon sigil at her nape glowing faintly in the twilight.
Lance opened the car door, his wolf eyes reflecting her sunset–gilded temples. “Get in.”
She hesitated for a moment, then turned to Beata and said, “Return to the Frostfang Pack first. Alpha
Lance will see me home.”
Omega Beata wanted to say more but held her tongue, her gaze lingering on the frost wolf totem of Lance’s car–it oddly harmonized with the Frostfang battle standard.
She nodded and left.
Lance’s car was a spacious super–saloon, luxurious enough for two without crowding.
Adelaide recounted Lycan Erasmus’s earlier questions. Expecting Lance to look grave, she was surprised to see a smile playing on his lips. “Oh? That’s how you responded?”
“Yes, is there an issue with my reply?” Adelaide didn’t understand his amusement.
His pheromones carried the warmth of sun–kissed pine needles. “No, there’s nothing wrong with it. Lycan Erasmus has been to war; he should understand-”
He suddenly leaned closer, cedar and white musk intertwining in the confined space. “There are no foolproof strategies on the battlefield. Those who go to war are werewolves, not wood. Werewolves think, fear, and seek glory.”
His wolf eyes, with their aurora–like patterns, shimmered. “It’s impossible to fully grasp everyone’s thoughts to ensure all decisions are executed.”
“You’re right,” Adelaide agreed.
Lance propped his elbow on the window, the twilight outlining his profile in gold. “Hmm… you shouldn’t call me Alpha Lance anymore. We’ll soon be bonded; you can call me…”
“Yes, I should address you as Alpha,” her smile as bright as the reflection of a silver spear on the battlefield, yet it froze when she caught the faint shadow in his eyes .
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He fell silent for a moment, his voice deep as melting glaciers . “What’s the difference between Alpha Lance and Alpha? ”
“Why are you waiting here?” Adelaide asked.
Lance’s reverie snapped. He looked at her. “Oh, I came to check if Priscilla gave you a hard time.”
“She is hard to get along with, isn’t she? But don’t worry. Once you’re in the Blackthorn Pack, she won’t act so outrageously.” 2