CLAIMED BY THE DEMON KING: DARK ROMANCE novel Chapter 1

~Elara~

The letter trembled in my hand, feeling heavier than any letter had the right to be.

I had practiced what I would say so many times, that I lost count on my way to his office.

This revelation was going to be difficult for both of us, but we still have each other.

But then I heard the voices.

Muffled and distant at first, until I heard the words that sliced through the still air, sharp as a blade.

“What do you mean you can’t tell her? I am not going to raise this baby in secret.”

It was Calistra’s voice.

My footsteps slowed, and my heart began pounding furiously.

This must be a misunderstanding. They are talking about something else, they had to be.

But then I heard Lucien's voice, low and unmistakable.

“Calistra, that child is as much mine as it is yours, but it’s too early. I just returned to this pack 2 days ago after being away for months… I can’t break the news to her yet. Give me some time.”

I froze.

His child?

I couldn’t breathe. My world suddenly blurred.

My hand on the doorknob trembled. Ney, my wolf stirred, as the feeling of fear and unease washed through us.

I pushed the door open. My stomach churned.

Calistra was sitting way too casually at Lucien's desk, and he was standing in front of her, his body half turned.

His eyes widened when he saw me. He quickly stepped away from her, as though she burned him.

“Elara—”

I looked between them, feeling the room spin under my feet.

“What baby?”

Oh Goddess, let this not be true.

“Luna Elara.” Calistra’s voice sounded deceptively gentle.

My eyes settled on the woman whose voice sounded too polished and controlled.

She was the healer that Lucien had brought home with him.

At least that’s what he said she was.

“Can someone tell me what the hell is going on here? Lucien?”

Lucien swallowed hard; his eyes narrowed. “It’s not what you think, I—?”

“Is it not? "What is it then?” My voice cracked.

I saw Calistra shift behind him. The soft expression that was once on her face was now replaced with a dark look.

“I’m sorry so Luna,” she murmured, “You must believe me, we didn’t plan for things to turn out this way. But I am pregnant now.” Her eyes were wailed up with tears, as perfectly as a rehearsed performance.

She’s admitting her pregnancy.

A tear rushed down my face before I could stop it, and more followed. I turned to him, and I felt my heart tighten.

“Is the baby yours?”

“I—" He trailed off, his shoulders falling slightly.

My wolf, Ney, howled inside me.

I took a step back, my hands flying to my lips, as my sobs cracked through the air like thunder.

“How—" My voice was barely a whisper. “How could you, Lucien? After everything….”

Here I was rejoicing that my husband was finally back after almost 4 months of being away, fighting a war at the Pack borders, and now this?

He moved fast, looking so desperate. “I didn’t mean to hurt you; it was a mistake...”

“A mistake? "It wasn’t a mistake when you were sleeping with me, or was it?” Calistra was very angry, and even though her voice was low, we heard her clearly.

Lucien gritted his teeth, “It shouldn’t have happened, Calistra; we were both drunk that night.” Lucien growled. His jaw was tightly clenched.

He turned back to me urgently, grabbing my face between his palms.

“Elara, I never wanted this. We got carried away after a major victory. I don’t remember it clearly. I swear by the moon. I love you Elara, please.”

But the damage is done. It’s too late.

She is pregnant.

I stared up at him, the man who was supposed to be mine alone.

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