The Temptation of Sin And The Lycan Princess

74. Final Moments
CATHERINE.
“Mother...” He stands there with a manic glint
in his eyes.
Where did I go wrong?
I cannot accept that this is my Aleric.
I step forward, although I know neither Alpha Marcel nor Alpha Liam wanted to bring me here, but I needed to try. 2
I needed to see him. I needed to see this for myself.
“I failed you, but if there is even an inch of remorse or regret within you, please stand down,” I say softly, moving towards him
when Marcel raises his hand.
“Please be careful. Remember, he tried to kill Royce and many others. Winona needs you.” He says quietly, a frown on his face.
I look at him and nod. He’s right.
Even if I want to do everything I can for Aleric, I
need to be there for her too...
I walk towards him.
“Please stand down, Aleric.” I whisper. His eyes
blaze as he staggers back.
“Don’t come near me!” He shouts.
I refuse to listen to him as I close the gap between us and cup his face. 3
“Please,” I whisper. “You are not this person.”

He laughs, throwing his head back before he pushes me violently. I almost hit my head on the ground, but someone catches me,
placing their hand beneath my head before it touches the ground. 1
His warmth and his scent make my heart squeeze and I look
and I look up at my other son...
Royce... 2
There’s regret in his eyes as he looks at me.
“We’ve lost him.” He says softly.
“I will never stand down!!” He
is as he
1
darts at Skyla, darkness surging around him.
“Aleric! Enough!” I shout.
Please!
I stagger to my feet, wanting to protect Skyla,
but she deflects with ease, and I realise she doesn’t need my help.
Her entire appearance is different now that she
is in human form and is covered by black
armour, which reminds me of Bastet herself.
Her face armour consists of a cat-like half-face mask in black with gold accents. 1
Her body, which should have been naked, is wrapped with full black and gold armour, exuding majestic elegance and power.
I’m pulled from my thoughts as Royce steps forward, ready to assist in the battle against Aleric.

Suddenly the ground beneath us erupts, a blue blinding shield spreads around us and I see Alpha Liam standing there. 3
“Please Luna Catherine, come.” He says gently.
“Mom, you need to go... He’s lost.” Royce
shouts as he throws Aleric to the ground.
Brother against brother...
Why did it come to this? 1
“Come Luna.” Alpha Liam says softly before he
lifts me up bridal style and jumps back. Taking me away from the chaos.
I look over his shoulder, and my vision blurs. I know this is the last time I’ll see my son alive... 5
Trying to kill his brother and the woman they were both entwined with... mated and chosen...
My heart clenches and I wish I could take away every pain my children feel...
All I ever wanted was for them to live their life
to the fullest, to become good men, good mates, good alphas. 3
I failed. 7
SKYLA.
“Enough!” I snarl, my voice resonating in the air, as I block his path, slicing through the
smoke.
He’s in front of me, and I slam my head into his. My armour protects me, but he’s thrown to the ground.
‘Kill her!’ Apophis’ voice hisses from the shadows that now wrap around us and suddenly
I can’t see Royce anymore.

“Sky!” Royce shouts, but I can’t see where he is.
I look around and that’s when I realise that
there’s darkness all around. I can’t see anything in all directions..., nor can I smell anything.
‘Royce!’ I shout.
“I’m fine.” His voice comes, but I’m not sure what direction...
A snake-like smile slithers across Aleric’s face
as he tilts his head.
“Oh, you’re mine now...
now.
I smirk at his confidence as I place the sword down.
“You will never win this,” I say as I dart at him. This time I show no mercy, slashing at his chest.
“I will!” He hisses, as he flings me to the side, a
surge of darkness spreads over the ice on the floor and Aleric’s gaze falls to the sword.
He runs for it, but I’m faster. I almost grab it when I pause.
Could he really wield the sword given to the Solaris King by Helios himself? Especially since Helios has turned his back on him...
The moment he touches it, a roar of agony leaves Aleric and he staggers back, the smell of burned skin filling the air.
“Seems like even the sword of the Solaris King can’t be touched by a worm like you!” I say, closing the gap between us and
punching him across the face.
He’s thrown to the ground as I deliver a second blow. This time I let my long black claws rip through his face.
“This is for Malevolent!” I say, kicking him with all my might, the long black boots I wear are tipped with a gold metal front that I
know will hurt. 3

He grunts as he is thrown back before he lets out a manic laugh.
“He will succeed, look.” Aleric laughs as he stares up at the sky.
Despite his ruined state, he holds hope in his eyes. Knowing that if the barrier breaks, he will
be victorious.
I look up to see the darkness is growing, and it’s pushing at the barrier...
We are out of time and there’s only one way to
end this...
‘Dante...’ I whisper through the bond.
‘Hey...’
He knows what I’m about to ask but he’s waiting... ‘Do need to...to end this..
‘I’m afraid so.’
Kill my mate...
I hate him with everything I have, but I know that this will hurt others, even if Royce is ready... is he ready to see his brother die?
As if feeling my conflict, he steps forward, closing the gap between us.
“You look beautiful...” He whispers, cupping my face and caressing my cheek with his thumb.
My heart skips a beat and despite the conflict within my heart, I smile softly up at him as I grip his wrist, kissing the side of his
hand.
“We have to... I have to...” I look down, only for him to force my face upward.
“We will do what we need to... no matter how hard it is.” He says softly.
There’s a determination and strength in his eyes and it makes De feel better.
“Together.” He says.

I nod as he lets go of me and takes up his sword and it to me.
It needs to be done by me...