Chapter 8: Heir to the Lycan Throne

**Thelma Zane’s POV** "What? Who could be so foolish as to reject my daughter?" my father exclaimed, his voice laced with indignation. Before I could respond, my mother pulled me into a gentle embrace, her warmth and love wrapping around me like a cocoon. The steady rhythm of her heartbeat calmed my racing thoughts, and for the first time in what felt like ages, I felt truly safe. “It’s alright, sweetheart,” she whispered soothingly. “You’re free now. You can choose someone who truly deserves you.” Her words brought a measure of comfort, and I found myself wiping away the tears that had stubbornly streaked my cheeks. Trying to steer the conversation away from my pain, I asked, “Are you busy today?” My father, who had been standing close by, smiled faintly. “We had some pressing matters to handle earlier, but everything has been taken care of. You’ll have to learn about these responsibilities in the future.” I sank deeper into my mother’s embrace, her scent calming me