Ch. The Lucan Marked me 28 The Lucan Marked me 28

Chapter 28 

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Logan 

I could barely stifle the groan that threatened to escape my lips. 

Not many people could completely silence a throne room by simply walking into it, but the 

Elders had mastered that art decades ago. I mean, how could they not? Four of them entered 

together, Vaughn at the lead, flanked by Braem, Cecelia, and Rowan, draped in heavy gray 

cloaks that looked very uncomfortable. They looked like they belonged to the stones of the 

palace more than the living world. 

I didn’t rise to greet them. 

Not when their visits lately were highly unwanted. 

If they came all this way, they came knowing I wasn’t in the mood to perform. 

Vaughn’s eyes were sharp beneath his hood, silver dusted at his temples, his mouth drawn 

into a tight line. Braem, as always, was the first to speak. “The choosing ceremony ended two 

weeks ago.” His voice was cool, a coolness I knew was only a mask for irritation. The Elders 

had to be tired of the entire situation at this point. There was no way this was any fun for 

them, but I couldn’t for the life of me figure out why the wouldn’t just drop it. 

“The choosing ceremony ended two weeks ago,” Cecelia echoed, like I hadn’t heard Braem the 

first time. “And yet, there’s still no Queen.” I didn’t bother giving them a response. They had 

clearly made up their mind about this. Arguing with them now was pointless. The only chance 

I had at stalling was by ignoring them, and I couldn’t do even that for so long. It was fine. Let them talk. Let them pile on the weight like they always did, assuming I didn’t already carry 

enough of it. 

“You’re aware of what the pack is saying?” Rowan asked carefully. “They believe you refused 

them all because your heart is…elsewhere.” 

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Chapter 28 

My jaw clenched. “My heart has nothing to do with this.” 

Braem raised a brow. “Doesn’t it?” 

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I leaned forward slightly, resting my forearms on my knees. “If you came here to guilt me into 

mating someone I don’t want, you’re wasting your breath.” How they still thought they could 

get me to do their bidding was completely beyond me. Vaughn took a single step forward. That 

was all it took to shift the air. 

“We came to remind you,” he said, voice calm but weighted, “that your refusal to take a Queen 

does not just affect you, it also affects the pack as well, since it appears that you’ve forgotten.” 

My vision flashed red for a second. “The pack is vulnerable. The choosing ceremony was meant 

to secure our future. Not entertain your indecision.” That was finally what did it. That one 

word. 

“Indecision?” I echoed. 

I rose slowly to my feet, letting the silence stretch as I descended the stairs of the dais. “Do 

you think I don’t know what’s at stake? That I haven’t bled for this pack? Sacrificed for it?” I 

paused. “You made me invite those women to my pack, waste their time and mine, when all 

the while I had clearly let you know I wasn’t going to choose a Queen until I was completely 

ready, and still you had pushed and pushed!” I yelled, my house rising with each word. 

A calm silence settled in the throne room. 

I cursed beneath my breath, running a hand down my face. Cecelia’s voice was quieter. “You 

may not have the luxury of choice, Logan. Not when your future-and the kingdom’s-hangs 

in the balance.” I turned my back to them. Not out of disrespect, but because I couldn’t keep 

my expression in check anymore. I made my way back to the throne, turning back to face 

them as I sat back down. 

“Then I’ll find another way,” I finally replied. 

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“And if there isn’t one?” Braem asked. “What happens then?” 

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I didn’t answer. The Elders exchanged glances, and then, as if rehearsed, they turned and left 

without waiting to be dismissed. No bow. No farewell. Just cold footsteps echoing down the 

marble corridor like a threat. I stared at their retreating forms with confusion. We’re they 

finally letting it go? The moment the doors shut behind them, I exhaled harshly and sat back 

down, raking another hand through my hair. My wolf was pacing, restless beneath my skin. 

Needed something. 

Needing comfort. 

A few moments later, Cassian stepped out from the corner shadows where he’d clearly been 

listening the whole time. “Can’t say I miss the days they used to show up once a year,” he said 

dryly. 

I gave him a sideways look. “They’ll be back.” 

Cassian folded his arms. “You buying what they said about the kingdom falling apart?” 

“No,” I said quickly. Too quickly. Then I paused. “But I’m not blind to the cracks.” 

“Then maybe it’s time to stop stalling.” 

I looked at him sharply. He simply raised a brow. “Any word about the seer?” 

He shook his head. “No trail. No name. I’ve got warriors sniffing around the outer towns, but 

it’s like she vanished.” 

“She didn’t vanish,” I said. “She waited.” 

“For what?” 

I looked out the tall window across the throne room. “For me to be desperate enough to 

listen.” And I had listened. “Find her,” I said quietly. “I don’t care what it takes. Just find her.” 

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He nodded, disappearing without another word. I sat there for a long time after he left, letting 

my mind wander to the one thing-the one person-I shouldn’t be thinking about right now. I 

didn’t understand it. I’d almost managed just fine for five years. Almost. And now suddenly it 

seemed as though… 

Every. 

Fucking. 

Thing… 

Reminded me of her. 

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