Cursed Lycan's Scarred Mate
Chapter 109: No turning back

Chapter 109: No turning back

"I didn’t say that." Vivian flushed, looking away. "You...are always comfortable to sleep with."

Ronan enjoyed teasing her.

"Is that right? But I suppose I’m responsible for those creaky joints, aren’t I?" His hands perched on her hips as she straddled his midsection.

"We did it against the door." Vivian murmured shyly, tucking a lock of her hair behind her ear. "Of course, I would wake up with aches."

"You’re right," Ronan agreed, smiling softly. "Shall I give you a massage, hmm? We still have about three hours before we have to meet Morgana in the ritual chambers to declare your decision."

Vivian would never pass up the opportunity to be pampered, especially since Ronan’s fingers were always so skilled. She nodded and like usual, he started by massaging her hips and waist, his fingers applying slight pressure in all the stressed spots.

Vivian braced her hands on his chest, her head rolling back in bliss. Soon, he gently flipped her to lay on her belly, pushing her shirt higher up for better access to her back.

He began again, his fingers moving firmly along Vivian’s back, his touch warm and steady as he worked out the tension in her muscles, drawing soft moans from her lips. His rough hands felt surprisingly soothing, and each press of his fingertips seemed to ease the ache Vivian didn’t realise she was carrying.

"Does that feel good, sweetheart?" Ronan asked, enjoying the feel of her warm and soft skin under his rough palms.

Vivian was whisked away by the soothing relief, her mind in a world of its own and Ronan took that as an indication that his fingers were indeed working their magic.

Vivian closed her eyes, her breathing slowing as she felt her body calm down and relax under the massages of Ronan’s hands. His movements were careful, almost thoughtful, as if he was pouring his unspoken care into every stroke.

And finally, he ended by pressing a kiss to her back, rolling onto his side and gathering her into his arms again.

"Sleep," Ronan said, tucking her head under his chin. "I will wake you up again when it is time."

Vivian dozed off, her eyelids heavy with sleep now that her body was unknotted from all the stress and aches.

But unfortunately, the hour of her decision arrived faster than she expected. While it may have been three hours that passed, it seemed that she was only allowed a few minutes of peace and slumber before Ronan awakened her again.

She’d had plenty of time to think her decision through and when she opened her eyes, Ronan could see the determination brimming in them.

He knew she had made her decision and as much as he was sceptical, he would follow through with it and remain her support pillar in the way she needed.

"Are you certain this is what you want?" Ronan asked pensively, exhaling a deep breath. "If you wish it, I can request Morgana to give you more time to consider."

Vivian shook her head.

"This is what I have decided. I won’t keep doubting and avoiding my situation anymore," Vivian affirmed, reaching her hand up to touch Ronan’s cheek. "I don’t want to keep living in fear of the unknown possibilities."

"Then I will be with you," Ronan reassured her, waking up from the bed with her in his arms. "We’ll wash up in the bath pools and then head to the ritual chambers."

Vivian nodded, carried away by him. She’d gotten accustomed to such princess treatment and the way Ronan spoilt her at every opportunity he got. It was all she ever wanted from an Alpha mate and all that she never got from her previous Alpha mates.

He truly was a gentleman, even if he did possess a beastly side.

Vivian was curious to experience what it was like when Ronan conducted himself as the Duke of Frosthowl Frontier.

Was he different?

Was he like other noblemen and fit in among the elites?

Vivian set the thoughts aside for another time. She focused on freshening up in the bath pools and then selecting a more casual and simple outfit to wear so that it’d be less of a hindrance during the ritual.

A simple fit of an ankle-length black skirt and a white blouse finished off with an underbust corset. Ronan helped her braid her hair to the side, his hairstylist skills far more surprising than she expected them to be.

"Where did you learn to braid hair like that?" Vivian questioned, glancing at her appearance in the mirror and assessing how thorough and meticulous he was when he braided each section of her hair. "You’re really good at this, my Lord."

My Lord.

She was still addressing him that way.

Ronan didn’t want her to stop.

"Traditionally, the majority of Wolfsbane men are in the habit of growing out their hair much like I do," he explained, his knuckles brushing over her cheek as he stood behind her. "Our mothers teach us to braid our hair from a young age."

Vivian’s expression warmed into a smile listening to the sweet history of Wolfsbane men. It made her wonder if women were valued in the Wolfsbane clan and she didn’t doubt that they were, considering how respectful Ronan was towards her.

She wanted to learn more about the Wolfsbane clan and how they lived their lives at Frosthowl Frontier.

If anything, she was quite excited to leave with Ronan to the north.

"I can’t wait to arrive at Frosthowl Frontier," Vivian admitted, leaning her head back against him. "I want to see what your life is like, my Lord. All of it."

"I will show you everything, my lady," Ronan answered with a pleased smile. "Come, we must go now."

Guiding her with his arm around her waist, walking side by side, they arrived at the ritual chambers not long after. There was no time to delay or prolong the hour of the ritual.

They needed to go through with this as soon as possible.

As soon as they entered, Vivian could feel the air in the ritual chamber crackle with potent energy. The Triune Circle, intricately carved on the stone floor, glows faintly with violet and gold colours.

Awaiting them in readiness, Lady Morgana stood at the northern point of the circle, her magenta eyes pensive and focused as she fixed her gaze onto Vivian.

"I thought you said that the ritual would be more effective during the full moon," Ronan said, brushing aside the formalities of greetings. "Why rush it this early in the morning?"

Lady Morgana sighed deeply, bringing her hand to her forehead. Even though they were old companions, Ronan tested her patience time and time again.

"The Lunar energies are strong and stable during this hour," Lady Morgana explained, setting her hands on her hips. "During nightfall, the lunar energy we need from the full moon will be far too unstable and chaotic. It will have the same effect that the full moon has on wolves and certain other shifters and I don’t want to bear the risk. This hour is the safest."

Ronan wasn’t entirely convinced but her answer was plausible enough.

"Are you ready, Vivian?" Lady Morgana asked thoughtfully, offering her a comforting smile. "We will be as careful as possible. I promise."

Vivian thanked her with a nod, returning her smile as the Coven Master lead her to stand in the centre of the Triune Circle.

Vivian’s face paled a bit, understanding what a highly dangerous fate she was resigning herself to without certainty of what the outcome would be.

But she had made her choice.

And she must follow through.

To the east side of the Triune Circle, Eldric stood with his arms crossed over his broad chest. His iron-grey hair seemed to glint under the magically imbued jewel lanterns levitating in the air above, surrounding the perimeter of the ritual chambers.

And to the western point of the circle, Orion stood with his hands on his hips. His gaze seemed hawk-like, unusually sharp since he knew the severity of the situation and the risks that came with it.

Ronan hovered just outside the circle, his arms crossed tightly over his chest, his jaw clenched. His amber eyes flashed with worry as they flicked between Vivian and the coven leaders. "Are you sure this will work?" he asked in a firm tone.

"It must," Morgana replied, her tone resolute. "We’ve prepared every precaution."