Vanished Sisters: The Lycan King's Slave Island Chapter 107

Natasha's POV

"Why won't you talk to me then?" I asked. "Why won't you answer when I reach out?"

The beast made that strange sound again. Not quite a growl, not quite a purr.

It returned to its meal, and I went back to mine.

We ate in companionable silence. A girl and a monster, sharing food in a dark chamber.

*This is the most surreal thing that's ever happened to me. And considering everything else I've experienced recently, that's saying something.*

When we'd both finished eating, the beast carried the empty tray back to the doorway. Set it outside for someone to collect later.

Then it returned to its position. Settled down with a heavy sigh that ruffled its fur.

I thought of Davelina. Of Lucy. They must be terrified, not knowing if I was alive or dead.

"I need to let them know I'm okay," I said to the beast. "My sister—she'll be worried sick. Can I just—"

A growl cut me off. The beast's eyes narrowed.

*No. You stay here. With me.*

The message was clear even without words.

I sighed and leaned back against the wall. "I'm your prisoner then. Your captive."

The beast made a sound—not quite a growl, not quite a purr. It settled back into its watching position.

And despite everything—despite the insanity of my situation—I felt my eyelids growing heavy.

*I'm actually going to sleep. Here. With a feral beast watching over me.*

*And I feel safe doing it.*

*I really am going mad.*

---

Fergus's POV

The next day.

"It's been a full day!" Selene's voice was shrill with barely contained rage. "A full day, and we've done nothing! That boy is still in there with the King!"

I looked up from the reports I'd been reviewing in my study. Selene stood in my doorway, her pregnant belly prominent beneath her gown, her beautiful face twisted with fury.

"Good morning to you as well, Lady Selene," I said dryly.

"Don't patronize me, Fergus!" She stormed into the room without invitation. "Why haven't we taken action? Why are we allowing this situation to continue?"

"What action would you suggest?" I asked calmly. "Storming the King's Den? Attempting to forcibly remove the boy from the beast's protection?"

"Yes! Exactly that!"

I set down my quill carefully. "And who, precisely, would you like to volunteer for this suicide mission? You, perhaps? Given your current condition?"

Her face flushed. "Don't be absurd. The guards can—"

"The guards would be slaughtered," I interrupted flatly. "And you know it. The King's beast claimed that boy. Anyone who tries to take him will be seen as a threat. The beast will kill them without hesitation."

"So we do nothing?" Selene's hands clenched into fists. "We just leave some random slave boy alone with our King? Let him influence Mordred? Potentially manipulate him?"

"The King brought the boy there of his own volition," I pointed out. "He wasn't manipulated. He made a choice."

"The beast doesn't make choices! It's feral! Mindless!"

"Is it?" I leaned back in my chair, studying her. "Because what I witnessed last night didn't look mindless. It looked purposeful. Calculated. The beast broke free at the exact moment the boy was in danger. Came straight to the Great Hall. Subdued anyone who might pose a threat. And then took the boy to safety."

I paused. "That's not the behavior of a mindless creature, Selene. That's the behavior of someone protecting what's theirs."

"That boy is nothing!" Selene spat. "A human slave! Why would the King—"

"I don't know why," I admitted. "But I've observed something interesting. The boy's presence seems to trigger the King's more rational side. Not his feral, mindless beast. And given that we've been struggling to manage the King's madness for years..." I took a deep breath. "I choose not to interfere. If the boy helps stabilize the King's condition, then I hope he stays close."

Selene stared at me like I'd grown a second head. "You cannot be serious."

"I'm entirely serious."

"That boy could be a witch! A spy! He could be using dark magic to—"

"To what?" I challenged. "To cure the King's madness? To restore his sanity? Would that really be such a terrible thing?"

"It would be terrible for you," Selene hissed. "If Mordred recovers, he'll remember everything. Including how you and the other Grand Lords have been preparing to remove him from power."

Ah. So that was her real concern.

"Lady Selene," I said quietly. "If the King recovers his sanity, I will face whatever consequences come. But I won't sabotage a potential cure just to protect my own position."

Unlike Sebastian, I had enough honor left for that.

Selene's face contorted with rage. She spun toward the door.

"Where are you going?" I demanded.

"To do what should have been done yesterday," she snarled. "To remove that boy from the King's presence before he does any more damage."

I stood quickly. "Selene. Don't."

She ignored me, storming down the corridor.

I followed, my voice sharp with command. "Do not go to the King's Den. Do not approach that boy. I'm giving you a direct order as Lord of the North. Do not disobey."

She whirled to face me, her eyes blazing. "You don't command me, Fergus. I'm not your slave. I'm the King's chosen companion. His wet nurse. I have more right to access his chambers than you do."

"You *were* his companion," I corrected coldly. "Before the madness. Before the curse. Now you have no authority here."

"We'll see about that," Selene hissed.

She turned and continued walked away.