Unwanted Mate Of The Lycan Kings
Chapter 72

~Zirah~

I'm dragged from the dungeons and through the castle, the air chilling me as I struggle against the men holding me. King Theron follows behind us, a twisted sense of satisfaction in his eyes. As we make our way into the dark depths of the castle, I can't help but wonder what he has planned for me.

I'm marched outside while Malachi and James continue to argue with the king, who follows. My heart beats like a drum in my chest, pounding in my ears as I'm dragged down the beaten track that leads to the nearby town. By the time we reach the town square, my feet are bloody from being dragged, my arms bruised by their grip, and the chains tight as they wrap around my body from my struggling.

Upon entering the town square, I see it lit up by torches. The night sky is filled with stars, and the town square bustles with people. The torches cast shadows on the cobblestone streets and buildings, creating a haunting atmosphere.

The smell of burning wood and the sound of voices fill the air. Guards stand at attention, creating a perimeter. Curious townspeople stand around watching the commotion, talking in hushed murmurs when I am dragged into view. Their gasps ring out loud when they all turn their gazes in the opposite direction. I follow their gaze to see the pillar erected. Stacked at the bottom is wood and kindling. I struggle against my captives, trying to get free, but it's no use as I am dragged up onto the podium and chained to the pole.

My breath comes in harsh, uneven pants as I take in the faces of those standing around to bear witness. Scanning my surroundings, my eyes fall on Kelly, the boutique store owner. She lifts her gaze to the moon and then looks at me before turning on her heel and walking off when I am drawn to the sound of arguing.

Malachi’s eyes fill with panic as he looks back at me, chained helplessly to the pillar. “Don’t you think this is too easy?” he screams at the king, desperation making his voice hoarse. “What? You find the Oracle, and then what? Think about this, Theron! Something doesn't add up! What if you're wrong?”

King Theron ignores Malachi's pleas. His eyes locked on me as the guards approach with torches in hand.

"I'm not." Malachi shakes his head, backing away. "No... I'm sorry, my king, but I won't watch you do this. I won't stand by your side. It feels wrong." Malachi then runs back toward the castle. Only to be stopped by Shelley. I watch as she tries to stop him when he shoves her away. "This is your fault... all this time, and you played me!" he snarls, and King Theron growls at him.

King Theron then turns back to face me, his eyes locked on mine, and he snatches a torch off guard. He approaches with the flaming torch in his hand. The flames flicker hungrily, their heat growing more intense as he draws closer. I can feel the sweat beading on my forehead, the terror rising in my chest as I struggle against my chains, but it's no use.

But just as he nears the podium with the flaming torch in his hand, a sudden commotion erupts from behind King Theron. The crowd parts, and Kelly emerges, only she is not alone. Five more women step out behind her, and they walk along the perimeter of the crowd stopping at certain points when I notice one of them is Leila, the sixteen-year-old girl from the night King Theron tried to get me to sacrifice a woman to his sons.

My eyes settle on the girl, and she smiles sadly and bows her head to me.

At the same second, a furious scream rings through the night, and I turn my head to look at Shelley to see it come from her. Her eyes blazing and face twisted with her fury, she lifts her hands and storms toward Kelly. My heart beats in my chest as I try to figure out what the hell is going on, and even King Theron stops at the commotion. "Shelley?" he gasps in shock.

"You dare to bring that spiteful bitch back!" Shelley snarls. Her hands glow, but Kelly does not even acknowledge her, instead lifts her hand, flicking her wrist. Shelley is blasted back, and thrown into the brick wall behind me, where I can't see her. King Theron looks at me, then at the women standing on the perimeter.

"Stop them!" he yells at his guards, who look at the women who dare them to step closer. In a furious rage, Theron points at Kelly. "Kill her!" Kelly, however, removes her cloak, revealing her naked body, and lifts her hands to the sky. The other women follow her direction when I gasp. Branded into their skin are the same runes that cover my arms, and I feel the energy in the air suddenly change. It ripples with anticipation, and storm clouds roll across the sky when they suddenly start chanting.

"By shadows" veil and moonlight's gleam, seek the Oracle, hidden and unseen. In whispers soft and visions clear, unlock the secrets that you fear. Reveal the path that has been sealed.

Bound by fate, through time's embrace, lead us now to that sacred space. With heart and mind, we now implore. Find the Oracle; let all be restored.”

"No!" Theron gasps, racing toward Kelly, yet when he does, her eyes open, and he staggers back. Flames dance in her gaze as she stares him down and continues her chant without skipping a beat, eyes locked on the king.

"A testament to her strength and will, a witness to her fight. She rises from the embers. Her truth becomes the light.

Elements of air and fire, earth and water, heed my call.

By the wisdom of the sages, and the witches of old, grant us one last wish.” King Theron regains his senses, snarls, and shakes his head. He snatches his fallen torch where he dropped it, then stomps toward me. I watch in horror as he brings his arm back and then tosses it. My heart sputters, watching the wood catch fire when thunder rumbles loudly with a frightening crack and lightning fills the sky with light.

"In the name of Litha's magic, I invoke this sacred rite. Reveal to me the secrets held within the depths of this night.”

As soon as the last words left the coven’s lips, I am struck. Lightning pierces me through the chest, and my body jolts while the flames lick at my feet. Unbearable pain follows as my consciousness wanes, and suddenly I find myself trapped in a chilling memory I know is not mine. Taking me back to the dreadful day when Litha was burned at the stake.

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