The Lycan's Forbidden Mate novel Chapter 48

48 Combat of fire and blood (2)

48 Combat of fire and blood (2)

Silence reigned in the Arena.

Ophelia wanted to facepalm herself so hard because she had not anticipated Nikolai to act in such a way. The tournament was proceeding just fine and as normal as it was supposed to go but he just had to ruin it.

She couldn’t help but sigh as she noticed that the family had fallen silent just like the crowd. Seating next to the Novikovs was an honor, but Nikolai had likely wrecked her chance to win their favor.

It was difficult to identify the mole because they were all so peculiar. She could see a tiny reason why they all despised Nikolai. He was a red flag. The reddest of them all and she felt certain that this was just the beginning.

She let out a heavy sigh, covering her face with her hands, bending her head to keep any eyes from meeting hers.

“You’re fortunate,” Sasha spoke abruptly in a strained, low voice.

Ophelia slowly took her hands away from her face and turned to face Sasha, who was smiling faintly at her. Her hazel eyes were dull which made Ophelia raise her brows as she pondered what was wrong with her.

“What?” Ophelia asked in utter bewilderment, but Sasha only intensified her smile and turned her head aside.

“Why did you do that?” In an effort to contain his growing wrath, Alexander queried Nikolai in a chillingly calm tone.

Nikolai regarded the ax’s crimson steel. It appeared so warm and quite fresh. “They were going to die either way Alexander, by the way, this is much more entertaining.”

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48 Combat of fire and blood (2)

Alexander clenched his fists and he closed his eyes. Spotting an

impending storm, Alina put her hand on his fist in an attempt to calm him down.

“Yakim, take any action you deem necessary to keep this event going.” Alexander murmured to everyone’s ears and Yakim grinned proudly.

He stood up. “Yes, brother,” he said before leaving the stage and entering the main area, accompanied by four guards.

As the guards removed the dead from the main ground, Yakim stood there with a commanding posture and a cheery expression.

“Ladies and gentlemen, please! Since it wasn’t a part of the event, I sincerely apologize for the disruption.” As he spoke, the Arena was filled

with murmurs.

Ophelia bit her lower lip as she averted her eyes from the chief warrior. Why did he seem so ecstatic?

“Kingdoms and empires of Celestia! As you are all aware, the moon festival is quickly approaching, and the combat tournament was created to serve as a reminder of our unity and strength as a continent. But today will be considerably different from the previous competitions we have held.”

Ophelia twisted her lips. For some reason, Yakim Novikov made her think of Esteban, but Yakim was attractive regardless of the eye patch, and that was something the Novikovs never lacked. They all had a divine, ethereal

appearance

“As you are all aware, dragons have been threatening us invading Celestia for a while, and they are nothing more than winged snakes. They are envious of our strength, unity, and other overpowering aspects of our flourishing life, and their only goal is to destroy us, but we will eliminate them first.” Yakim continued sending curiosity into Ophelia.

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48 Combat of fire and blood (2)

She alone was involved, not Nikolai! What a twist.

Nikolai’s face slumped as his hold on the ax tightened in response to Yakim’s words.

With a gasp, Sasha stood up. “Alpha! This, in my opinion, is a bad concept.”

Vladmir seized her arm. “Sit down!”

He raised his brows in perplexity as a fearful glance from Sasha struck him.

Yakim laughed as the Arena’s muttering got louder.

“We have a lucky dragon in our possession. The enemy who intruded into the imperial metropolis wanted to kill innocent civilians. But now he’s going to show us why he should stay alive!” Yakim shouted, energizing the audience, which cheered loudly.

“He?” Ophelia’s eyes widened.

All of the Novikovs, with the exception of Alexander, Devin, Albert, and Nikolai, appeared perplexed.

“Bring in the golden dragon.” Yakim commanded.

Ophelia’s hands shook. And shortly, ominous chain rattling and plodding footsteps could be heard. As the guards approached carrying her younger brother in shackles, her heart sank.

“Lev?” She jumped out of her chair but Sasha sprinted over and grabbed her arm, causing her to halt.

“Don’t even consider doing anything foolish.” Ophelia’s eyes twitched in uncontrollable hatred as Sasha hissed at her.

“What?” She exhaled furiously.

The audience let forth a joyful yell.

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48 Combat of fire and blood (2)

“Today, this young dragon will demonstrate his strength.” Yakim chuckled before turning to Lev and squeezing his jaw. “He ought to be grateful for the chance we are giving him.”

Lev’s eyes changed into their dangerously sharpened golden reptile–like shape. The scratches on his face and the slightly torn sixth of his shirt revealed that he had been held captive and beaten for some time.

Yakim smiled sinisterly and released Lev’s jaw before returning his focus to the crowd. “Now! Who ought to be our rival?”

The Arena was abuzz with loud, joyful murmurs. Names were being mentioned and Yakim did nothing but smile.

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