The Lycan King’s Mark (Nevara) by Tiffanie L. Campbell novel Chapter 125

The courtyard looked smaller from this height.

Not physically.

Emotionally.

Two boys ran across the training yard below, wooden swords clacking with reckless enthusiasm. Noah lunged dramatically. Jonas dodged late, tripped over his own feet, and burst into laughter instead of tears.

That sound.

It did something to my ribs.

I rested my palms against the cool stone of the window frame and let myself breathe for what felt like the first time all day.

Bethany was gone.

The guards had taken her through the east exit–quiet, contained, no spectacle. No shouting crowds. No public humiliation.

Just consequence.

Behind me, footsteps closed in softly.

I didn’t have to turn to know it was him.

Thoren’s footsteps were slow, measured. He didn’t speak right away. He just came up behind me and wrapped his arms around my waist, drawing me back against his chest.

Solid. Warm. Steady.

“Well,” he murmured against my temple. “I’m glad that ordeal is finally over.”

I leaned into him without thinking.

“Me too.”

Thoren’s chin rested lightly on my head.

“I really hate that we had to strip the boy’s mother away from him,” he said quietly.

“I know,” I said.

He exhaled slowly.

“I meant what I said in there,” he continued. “I’m not my father. If she had just come to me after he died… I would’ve made sure she and Jonas were taken care of. Properly. Respectfully.”

<Chapter 125–The Boys in the Courtyard

His arms tightened slightly around me.

“It’s sad,” he added, voice rougher now, “that she thought this was the route she had to take.”

+25 Points

I watched Jonas pause mid–run and glance up toward the castle, like he felt eyes on him. I lifted a hand instinctively and gave a small wave.

He waved back.

My throat tightened.

“I just hope this doesn’t traumatize him,” I said softly. “I hope one day he understands.”

Thoren was quiet.

“All we can do now,” I continued, “is try to do right by him. Make sure he’s raised properly. With a good

mind. A good heart. And as much honesty as his age allows.”

He nodded faintly against my hair.

“As he gets older,” I said, “he’ll understand more. We’ll tell him more. We’ll let him ask questions.”

“And if he resents us?” Thoren asked quietly.

The question hung heavy.

“Then we let him,” I replied. “He’s allowed to feel however he feels. We just have to be strong enough not

to take it personally.”

Thoren huffed a faint breath that almost resembled a laugh.

Below, Noah tackled Jonas in an exaggerated display of triumph. Jonas shrieked and rolled them both

into the grass.

They looked so small. So normal.

“We’ll just have to hope,” I finished quietly, “that if he goes through a resentment stage, it doesn’t last long.”

Thoren turned me gently in his arms so I faced him.

“It won’t,” he said. “Because he’ll grow up knowing he was chosen. Not claimed.”

Before I could respond, the chamber door swung open without knocking.

“Okay,” Michelle announced brightly. “So I did a thing.”

Thoren and I both closed our eyes briefly.

“Oh no,” I muttered.

Thoren sighed. “What is it this time?”

Michelle placed a hand over her heart. “Wow. With reactions like that, you’d think I’m always doing

something insane.”

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Chapter 125 – The Boys in the Courtyard

Thoren and I exchanged a look.

“Are you not?” he asked mildly.

She blinked. “Wow.”

I raised a brow. “That’s pretty on par.”

+25 Points

Michelle crossed her arms dramatically. “You know what? I am choosing to take that as a compliment.”

“You should,” I said. “Because it absolutely is.”

She straightened, clearly pleased with herself.

“I got the boys‘ room ready.”

Thoren frowned slightly. “What do you mean?”

“I mean,” she said slowly, like she was explaining basic arithmetic, “that I prepared a proper room for them.

”

My brows lifted. “Michelle… how did you even know Jonas was staying?”

She gave me a look that said I had deeply underestimated her.

“Oh, please,” she scoffed. “I’ve known Thoren my entire life. And I feel like I’ve gotten to know you pretty

well, Nevara.”

She gestured vaguely toward the courtyard.

“When I heard Bethany was going to be arrested, I knew without a doubt you two would take the boy in.

There wasn’t even a question.”

Thoren folded his arms. “You’re very sure of us.”

“I am,” she replied simply. “You’re predictable when it comes to children and injustice.”

I tried not to smile.

“So,” she continued, clasping her hands together, “while you were dealing with the dramatic unraveling of

treason and generational trauma, I got busy.”

“You reorganized a wing of the castle, didn’t you?” Thoren guessed flatly.

Michelle grinned.

“I figured the boys would probably enjoy sharing a room at this age,” she said. “So it’s all set up.”

I blinked. “Sharing?”

“Yes,” she said enthusiastically. “Bunk beds. Dark wood. Custom carved wolves on the posts. One side

navy, one side forest green so they can claim territory like tiny warlords.”

Thoren stared at her.

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* Chapter 175 – The Boys in the Courtyard

“And you did all this in… what, three hours?”

Michelle tilted her head. “Four. I had to supervise delivery.”

I stared at her in open awe.

$25 Points

“There are cars,” she continued, ticking items off on her fingers. “Legos. A reading corner with oversized

floor cushions. Educational tablets–age appropriate, of course. I had them synced and locked down so they can’t accidentally purchase a warship.”

Thoren looked impressed despite himself.

“And,” Michelle added triumphantly, “their room is right next to your parents‘ room.”

I blinked. “You moved my parents?”

“Temporarily adjusted,” she corrected. “They were more than happy to be closer to the boys.”

My heart did something soft and unexpected.

“You are,” I said slowly, “without a doubt the most efficient person I have ever met in my life.”

Michelle preened.

“And there’s no one better than me,” she declared.

She stepped closer to the window, peering down at the boys.

Jonas had apparently decided that wooden swords were boring and had now commandeered a training shield twice his size. Noah was attempting to climb onto it like a war chariot.

Michelle’s expression softened just a fraction.

“He laughed,” she said quietly. “After she left.”

“I know,” I replied.

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