Fated To The Cursed Lycan Prince

(Crystal’s POV)

The monster gradually emerged from the darkness, unveiling itself at a torturously measured pace. At first, I perceived a sullied tail and then the sight of its corpulent body followed.

Overwhelmed with joy, I cried out once more, “Ian!”

As the colossal tail, paired with a metallic prosthetic hind limb, swayed vivaciously, I became more convinced of its identity. This time, I was certain that it was Ian.

The mighty tail wagged with a cheerful rhythm and a wolf’s howl reverberated in the air.

Suddenly, there was Ian, stepping out from the shadows.

He immediately noticed my presence and charged toward me.

But as he drew near, I heard someone exclaim, “It’s a wild wolf! Watch out!” As the soldiers on either side of the corridor brandished their weapons, poised to strike at Ian, my heart raced with apprehension.

But I knew that Rufus, the commanding officer, would heed my plea for mercy. “I know that wolf,” I told Rufus, my voice trembling with emotion. “I’ve raised him from a pup. He’s not a threat to anyone. Please, don’t hurt him! He’s friendly and won’t harm anyone.”

Rufus gave me a small nod and issued a stern directive to the soldiers. “Under no circumstances are you to harm this wild wolf,” he bellowed. “Any disobedience will result in capital punishment.”

The soldiers lowered their weapons and shuffled back.

Ian raced towards me with a speed that belied his artificial limb, rivaling the momentum of a normal wolf’s run.

He sprinted faster than any wild wolf and, in a blur of fur and muscle, leaped into my arms.

My heart buzzed with happiness. I hadn’t expected to find him here.

His mouth gaped slightly and his eyes, narrow and elongated, glimmered with happiness as he enthusiastically wagged his tail.

I playfully pinched his face in feigned anger and put on a stern facade. “Why did you run away from home? Do you know everyone’s been searching high and low for you?”

Ian let out a whimper and affectionately patted my arm, seeking my forgiveness.

I let out a dismissive snort and playfully tugged at his ears. “Promise me you won’t do it again. What if you get lost and can’t find your way back?”

Ian let out a mournful whine, his misty eyes brimming with tears, making him look heartbreakingly forlorn. I couldn’t bear to scold him any further.

Shortly after, Ian began sniffing around me. He seemed uneasy and was possibly searching for something.

I could tell that he was looking for Beryl. When we were in the border and he couldn’t find Beryl, he would sniff around me like this.

My heart softened at the sight of him. I reached out and patted his colossal head, offering him some much-needed comfort. “Don’t worry, Ian,” I reassured him. “I’ll bring you to Beryl soon. But first, we need to get you cleaned up.”

I couldn’t help but wonder what kind of ordeal Ian had endured. His body was caked with grime, and his fur was matted and tangled.

As I examined him more closely, I noticed a bald patch on his forelimb, which appeared to be the result of a nasty bruise.

Ian let out a mournful howl and tilted his head, fixing me with a pitiful gaze that seemed to plead, “Is it really not okay for me to see Beryl like this?”

I couldn’t help but feel both amused and remorseful at the same time. Tenderly stroking the fur on his head, I said, “Don’t you want to present yourself in the best possible way when you see Beryl again, Ian? Aren’t you afraid that Beryl might dislike your stinky smell?”

When Ian heard this, his bravado dissipated as he took a step back and flicked his tail, gesturing for me to take him for a shower immediately.

My lips quirked up. I was amused by his sudden change in demeanor. “There’s no rush, Ian. I first need to have a doctor examine your wounds. Only then can you take a shower.”

Ian calmed and crouched beside me, nestling against the warmth of my legs.

Rufus, who had remained quiet until now, suddenly spoke up. “What’s wrong with this wild wolf’s leg?” he asked.

“He was born with a congenital disease and had to have an artificial limb surgically implanted,” I explained.

Rufus’s expression grew contemplative as he gazed at Ian. Suddenly, he seemed to have a realization and spoke in an unusual tone. “I think I’ve encountered a wild wolf that looked very much like him before, in the forbidden forest. Could it be his kin?”