CHAPTER 292: WANT

The little hall was unlike the grand palace rooms filled with chandeliers and gold trims. It carried a different kind of weight, one that pressed down on me the moment I stepped inside.

The air here was still, reverent, like it belonged to centuries of whispered confessions and stern judgments. Benches were arranged in neat rows on both sides, polished by the constant brushing of anxious hands and restless shifting.

At the far end sat a raised dais, a long carved table perched upon it, where I imagined men in robes had sat in judgment over disputes that could tear families apart.

The high ceiling made the room feel vast despite its modest width, its beams etched with curling sigils that seemed to breathe faintly in the low lamplight.

The walls, bare except for two torches flickering on either side, seemed to absorb sound, muting even the shuffle of my own shoes. It was a place that demanded silence, demanded truth, even when truth was inconvenient.

"You spoke like you didn’t know what went on in this hall," I started, turning to Adam who was just... staring at me.

Just that. Not the hall. Not the dais. Not the benches. Just me.

"And you say I am the one that stares," I muttered, heat rushing to my cheeks as I turned away, pretending interest in the carvings along the ceiling.

"You come here often, right?" I asked, making for the nearest bench and lowering myself onto it. My fingers ran absently across the smooth wood.

Adam moved to sit beside me, close enough that I could feel the heat radiating from his body. "Yeah, I do. Part of our training... know how to resolve cases."

"And how has that been?" I tilted my head, watching him. "Do you think your father is a fair judge?"

Silence followed. Not tense, but thoughtful. Comfortable enough to tell me he wasn’t dodging the question. He was actually considering it.

"I think he can do better sometimes," Adam said finally, his tone measured. "I know he looks at the general picture, the future consequences or whatnots, but..." He exhaled, shaking his head slightly. "I just think some cases aren’t black and white. You understand?"

I nodded slowly. "Sometimes there are grey areas—areas that need more understanding, empathy..."

"Yes." His voice deepened with conviction. "And he doesn’t get it. Claims it weakens the throne."

"Typical of a Lycan king," I murmured, crossing one leg over the other. "So, you’ll make changes when you become king? Be a better ruler?"

He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Well, I’m hoping that my brothers and I will be that—that power doesn’t corrupt us, like it usually does to people who claim thrones."

I chuckled, nudging him lightly with my elbow. "You’ll be fine. I’m not sure about your brothers, but I think you’ll be fine."

Adam smiled at that, his eyes softening. Then, with a playful tilt of his head, he winked. "Thanks for the vote of confidence. However, I know I’ll do better with an empathetic Luna beside me."

My breath caught as his gaze flickered between my eyes and my lips.

"To do better, I will need you."

"I am not empathetic," I breathed, my tongue darting to wet my lips. A mistake.

His eyes darkened instantly, hunger sparking there. My stomach fluttered.

Curse this unconscious habit of mine—why did I always touch my lips around him?

"You don’t need to convince me of what you are or not," he murmured, leaning closer, his voice rough velvet. "I have eyes. And I know you are. That you’re strong, steady, loyal... tender in heart, just as I know your lips are—"

My teeth caught my lower lip before I could stop myself, a nervous defense. It faltered when he shifted closer, his knee brushing mine, his hand reaching to take mine gently but firmly.

His warmth seeped through my skin, sending little sparks up my arm.

"I know I have unresolved cases with Maya," Adam said, his thumb brushing across my knuckles, "but will you promise to wait? Wait till I sort it out, till I search for her?"

"That’s a selfish request, Adam," I whispered, pulling in a shaky breath. "I should just choose one of your brothers."

"No!" His voice was low but firm, unyielding. His eyes blazed with something primal.

"I choose you, then," he continued, softer now, almost pleading. "You are in the present. You’re the one I can see now. Maya..." He shook his head, dropping my hand at last.

"I’m confused. And you’re right. I shouldn’t be selfish. But I need to confirm the status of Maya before I can move forward. My trip is only a few months away. If you—"

I shook my head sharply. "I’m not making any promises."

"Look at me, Dora."

That would be tantamount to begging to be kissed. "I don’t need to. I—"

His hand lifted, brushing against my jaw with a tenderness that nearly made the choice for me.

He tilted my face toward him, and my eyes betrayed me by locking on his. I couldn’t hold steady.

El, help me.

El snorted. With your emotions? That’s not part of my functions. You can just get up and walk out of the hall. There’s no force holding you there.

I would have laughed if the situation weren’t so serious.

"Don’t you feel this between us?" Adam whispered, his voice husky, each word sinking into me like molten fire. His eyes arrested mine, his presence clouding my senses until the room itself seemed to vanish.

He leaned forward, and all sane thoughts fled my mind. I wanted to kiss him. I realized I wanted to kiss him. So badly.

Fortunately—or unfortunately—a knock shattered the spell, sharp and jarring. I flinched back, heart racing.

"Wait here. Let me check," Adam said quickly as the knock came again, more insistent.

I watched him cross the hall, every step measured. He opened the door and slipped out, speaking in low tones with whoever was outside.

The familiarity of his posture told me it was someone he knew well. But how had they known we were here? I hadn’t seen anyone on the way in.

Barely two minutes later, Adam returned. His expression was carefully neutral, but urgency lingered in his movements.

"Can you give me a few minutes? My father wants to see me."

I frowned, pushing to my feet. "I’d rather be going. I’m sure Diana is already looking for me."

"Just five minutes, Dora. If I’m not back, you can leave."

I should have left. But a small, treacherous part of me wanted to know what it would feel like to be kissed by Adam Brekan again, to taste that reckless want simmering in his eyes.

So I shrugged, feigning indifference. "Okay. I’ll wait. But only for five minutes."