The Lycan King and His Dark Temptation by Luna Nova

Chapter 66 THE REHEM VALERIA I immediately moved to the side, watching the ground creak open like an old, rusty machine.

In the depths of the earth, a dark passage revealed itself, descending through ancient stairs to what seemed like a basement beneath the greenhouse.

What was that noise, Miss Valeria ? Are you alright? Edwards voice reached me, and I leaned out to see him right where I had left him, sitting in his wheelchair with a worried expression.

Yes, Im fine.

It was a stuck window I tried to open, and it made that sound.

Stay there, dont worry, I lied, as 1 no longer fully trusted anyone.

He couldnt climb the stairs alone, let alone descend into this narrow space.

Celine, I think Ive found the right place for the Altar to the Goddess.

Im going down to read it, watch my back.

up here.

I left Edward inside the greenhouse keep an eye on him.

Valeria, I dont like this at all.

Im calling my brother to cover.

I think its better to wait ... Your brother will cwith Aldric.

How will we explain all this? The King isnt stupid.

I dont know how much longer I can keep up the act.

Fine, hurry.

Do it, but Valeria, at the slightest danger, get out.

Letknow right away Im close.

Edward, wait there for a moment.

Im just looking at sbeautiful statues I found, I said casually, and he replied that he was fine and would play with his friends.

I descended then, clenching my fists and summoning my courage, trying to plant my feet firmly so I wouldnt slip and break my neck on the stone stairs.

I glanced around, feeling the damp walls with mild disgust at their sliminess from the moss as I advanced through a narrow corridor.

There was a faint light at the end, so I headed towards it.

My feet occasionally stumbled on the uneven stone floor, but that tugging sensation in my chest only grew stronger.

I wasnt doing this out of curiosity or recklessness alone dared this far because something deep in my soul was pullingtowards those altars.

I wanted to uncover their secrets, to understand how the story continued and where it would lead next. The corridor opened into a gallery.

The low, ribbed ceiling was supported by several sturdy columns, and at the far end, under a skylight, I saw it the true Altar to the Moon Goddess.

I approached immediately, running trembling fingers over the inscriptions carved into the square stone base. Celine, I found it ! Ill read it to you quickly, and then you can tell Quinn ! I began translating everything I found for her the continuation of the story and clues about the next pack My fingers trembled as I uncovered one by one the secrets no one else seemed able to decipher.

Quickly, Valeria ! Get out of there now my brother just spoke to me.

Hes returning to the mansion with the THE SCHEM King ! She warned me, and my heart pounded wildly.

Still, it had been worth the risk we now had the advantage.

I was just about to leave when a detail caught my attention There was a narrow slot in the rock at the base of the statue I leaned closer to examine the mechanism, tracing it with my fingers.

A powerful, dark energy emanated from it, but I couldnt quite figure out how to unlock it.

It was as as simple as inserting my fingers and pulling gently causing a small drawer to open.

My eyes gleamed at the sight of the silver ornament hidden inside the Altar.

It was an ancient relic, a small star with sharp, dangerous points.

I didnt have tto analyze it further.

A creaking sound behindseton alert, and in a quick impulse, I took the small relic and tucked it into the neckline of my dress.

I hissed softly in pain as one of the sharp points pricked my skin, but I endured it, turning to face the presence behind me, thinking it might be Celine.

Celine? I asked cautiously, tense.

Something toldthe shadow watchingfrom the dark corridor wasnt the Alpha.

It took a step forward then another in a strange, twisting motion, as if its feet contorted with each step.

My voice froze in my throat as the silhouette emerged into the light.

E... Edward? I stammered in disbelief, seeing the boy walking towards me, though awkwardly, his head bowed his eyes hidden beneath his brown hair.

Tsk, tsk... little Edward has gone to sleep.

Now you and I will talk, little lying maiden .

He suddenly lifted his head, and in those once innocent eyes, a sinister blood red glow now shone.

That voice I had heard that chilling voice before coming from his lips.

It was that vampire searching for the woman who could read the Altar.

He was looking for me.

What did you do to the boy?! Leave him alone! Hes just an innocent child! I shouted, worried for the boy, calling for Celine in my mind.

III leave him alone... but first, tellwhat the Altar says Read it completely for me, or this cripple will die.

And dont try any tricks like before.

You cant imagine what dark energy can do to such a fragile body.

His threat madefreeze in horror as Edwards features twisted in pain .

The veins in his pale neck darkened as though tainted blood was rising towards his face.

From his lips cagonizing, pain filled whimpers .

Miss AAAAHHH! It hurts ! Help me, Valeria, help me! he suddenly screamed, his tear filled eyes m meeting mine for a second Leave him alone! Dont hurt him! Ill tell you Ill tell you everything! Just stop! 1 take a step forward, hands stretched out, begging him. THE REHEM I have no other choice.

I turn around and start reading the formation to the enemy, Skip the story, I dont care about it.

Telldirectly where the next Altar is located ! I try to deceive him with a few words to avoid giving him all the clues, but he keeps threatening Edwards life. He seems to know a lot about the Altar, making it difficult to lie to him.

I told you everything! Let him go, please! Hes just a little boy.

If you want me, I wont resist.

Come, you can take me, but leave him alone, I plead desperately, trying every way possible to save the pup.

Im also stalling for time.

Ive seen the silhouette in the corridor behind him.

Hes so caught up in threateningthat he hasnt noticed Celine yet.

I think theres something else.

Givewhat youre hiding, he says, and I tense, remembering the star relic.

Dont play tricks on me.

I was already walking this earth before you were even born! Givethe damn relid from the Altar every Altar has one! mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLliIofifl0&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1