Vanished Sisters: The Lycan King's Slave Island Chapter 166

Natasha's POV

The moonlight painted everything in shades of silver and shadow as I walked beside Lord Caelan through the festival grounds. We kept deliberately to the edges of the crowd, maintaining a careful distance from the main celebrations.

"You're being overly cautious," Caelan said gently, though there was amusement in his voice. "I promise you, no one will connect the beautiful Lady Natasha with that scrawny servant boy Nathan."

"Perhaps," I admitted, adjusting the silk shawl around my shoulders. "But I'd rather not take unnecessary risks."

The gown Caelan had provided was exquisite. My hair had been arranged in an elegant style, with small jeweled pins catching the light. I looked like a noblewoman, like someone who belonged in this world of privilege and power.

"Caelan!"

A woman's voice called out, and we both turned to see a figure approaching—a Lycan woman in her mid-thirties, with sharp, intelligent eyes and dark hair pulled back in a practical bun. She wore the simple but well-made clothes of a professional, not the elaborate gowns of the nobility around us.

"Tamsin," Caelan said warmly, "What a fortunate coincidence. I was planning to summon you tomorrow."

The woman—Tamsin—smiled as she reached us, her gaze flickering to me with open curiosity. "Lord Caelan. It's been too long. And who is this lovely companion?"

"May I present Lady Natasha," Caelan said, gesturing to me. "Natasha, this is Tamsin, the physician I mentioned. She's the best."

"You flatter me," Tamsin said, but she looked pleased. She extended her hand to me, and I took it, noting the strength in her grip. "A pleasure to meet you, Lady Natasha."

"And you," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady. This was the physician who might be able to help me. Who might have answers.

Caelan glanced around, then lowered his voice slightly. "Actually, Tamsin, I was going to summon you tomorrow. Since we've encountered each other, perhaps you could help me with a matter? I need you to assess when Natasha's next heat cycle will occur. We must know the specific timing so we can make proper preparations."

Tamsin's eyes widened with surprise, her gaze snapping back to me with renewed interest. "Lord Caelan, your companion is an Endurer?"

The way she said it—with fascination rather than disgust—made some of the tension in my shoulders ease slightly.

"Yes," Caelan confirmed. "And her situation is... complicated. We need to know when her next heat will begin, and if there's anything that can be done to manage it."

Tamsin studied me for a long moment, her expression thoughtful. "This is not a conversation for a public festival. Come to my residence. It's not far from here, and I can conduct a proper examination."

---

Tamsin's home was a modest but comfortable dwelling on the edge of the citadel grounds—close enough to be convenient for her noble patients, but far enough to maintain some privacy. The interior was neat and organized, with shelves lined with medical texts and jars of various substances I couldn't identify.

She led me to a private examination room while Caelan waited outside.

"Please remove your undergarments and lie on the table," Tamsin instructed, her manner professional and matter-of-fact. "I need to examine you internally to assess where you are in your cycle."

My face burned with embarrassment, but I did as she asked, lying back on the padded table.

Tamsin's hands were gentle but thorough as she conducted the examination. I felt her fingers probing inside me, felt the uncomfortable pressure as she examined my cervix and internal walls.

"Relax," she murmured. "I know it's uncomfortable, but I need to be thorough."

I tried to breathe steadily, staring at the ceiling and willing myself not to tense up.

After what felt like an eternity but was probably only a few minutes, Tamsin withdrew her hands and helped me sit up.

"You can dress," she said, moving to wash her hands in a basin. "I'll speak with Lord Caelan and then we'll discuss my findings together."

I dressed quickly, my hands shaking slightly, and waited while Tamsin left the room. I could hear the murmur of voices from the next room—Tamsin and Caelan speaking in low tones—but couldn't make out the words.

Finally, Tamsin returned and gestured for me to follow her into the main room where Caelan waited.

"Well?" Caelan asked, his expression concerned.

Tamsin settled into a chair, gesturing for us to do the same. "I cannot predict the exact day," she said carefully. "But based on my examination, I believe Lady Natasha's next heat is imminent. It could begin in a week, or it might hold off for a few more days. But it's coming soon."

My stomach dropped. So soon. I'd hoped for more time.

"However," Tamsin continued, "the good news is that your mate is right here with you. That should make managing the heat much simpler."

"Actually," Caelan said quietly, "I'm not her mate. You've misunderstood the situation, Tamsin."

Tamsin's eyebrows rose in surprise. "Oh. I see. Then... forgive me, but who will help her through the heat? An Endurer cannot survive a heat cycle without—"

"I know," Caelan interrupted gently. "We're still working on that particular problem."

Tamsin looked between us, her expression troubled. "Lord Caelan, you understand what will happen if she goes into heat without a partner? The scent alone will drive every male Lycan within miles into a frenzy. And if she's not mounted during the heat, the pain and fever could kill her."

"Is there nothing that can be done?" I asked desperately. "No way to delay it? To stop it from happening?"

Tamsin shook her head slowly. "Stopping an Endurer's heat cycle is not possible, I'm afraid. The only thing that might buy you some time would be to avoid all contact with your mate, and I mean complete isolation. That might delay the onset by a few days, but there's no guarantee."

The room fell silent. I felt Caelan's hand on my shoulder, offering what comfort he could, but it felt hollow.

"Thank you, Tamsin," Caelan said finally. "You've been very helpful. If you think of anything else that might assist us, please send word immediately."

Tamsin nodded, though she still looked troubled. "Of course, Lord Caelan. And Lady Natasha... I'm sorry I don't have better news."

---

We left Tamsin's residence in heavy silence. The festival continued around us—music and laughter and celebration—but it all felt distant, muted, like it was happening in another world.

"I'm sorry," Caelan said quietly as we walked. "I'd hoped she would have better answers for you."

"It's not your fault," I replied, though my voice sounded hollow even to my own ears.

The impending heat terrified me. Not just the physical aspects—though those were frightening enough—but the loss of control. The way my body would betray me, demanding satisfaction regardless of what my mind wanted.

"Come," Caelan said, gently steering me back toward the main festival grounds. "Let's try to enjoy what's left of the evening."

I nodded, letting him guide me back into the crowds, though I felt like I was moving through water—everything slow and distant and unreal.