The Forbidden Entity (BWWM)

18

"Today is a fine day, a splendid day; no, a glorious day," Karina beamed, returning from her visit with Kane. She slammed her body against the bed, prompting me to giggle as my back parted from its surface. Axel tried to scoot over to make room for her, but she halted his movements and slithered onto his lap, straddling him as he lay beside me.

"I am well overdue for a celebration, especially one as sacred and meaningful as the pre-ceremonial festivities for The Whipping."

"What is it like?" I asked, turning on my side to face them.

"Wonderful."

"Yes, but is it similar to the gatherings?"

"No, today is not about coupling. It is about immersing ourselves in entertainment and unwinding in leisure. We will dance, laugh, enjoy music, and bask in the moonlight. I need every distraction possible before I endure days of agonizing pain."

"But what is The Whipping, and why is pain necessary?"

"The Whipping is the last step of my initiation into the royal army. After many gruesome months of training, it will test my ability to overcome a feat so challenging that my body will teeter along the cusp of its limits. If victorious, I will acquire the title of Warrior and join the greatest and most fearsome army of all the realms. I have maintained a tough exterior, often feigning mental stability, but I am undoubtedly anxious to obtain my scars, which is why I need today to go smoothly."

"But, I've been wondering, how does scarring work? How is it possible for a lycan to scar when they can heal from almost anything?" I questioned, still confused. I don't remember reading anything about scars.

"Sayora, have you ever heard of silver?"

"Yes, vaguely," I nodded.

"The whip used for the ceremony is crafted from silver: a Lycan's greatest weakness aside from their mate. Silver acts as a toxin and wounds significantly; it burns and penetrates the skin, dulling our abilities and weakening our bodies. It cannot directly kill a lycan, but in extreme cases, when silver remains in the blood for too long, it can become deadly."

"So when you said that you will endure days of agonizing pain, you meant—"

"Silver will remain in my blood for days following the ceremony. Once my body eliminates the toxin, the torn flesh upon my back will heal, resulting in permanent scars."

I gasped. "How is that safe? How will you recover? What if you succumb to your..." I stopped myself from speaking too rawly.

"I will recover with much patience and time, Sayora. A lycan who exceeds this far is almost guaranteed to prevail."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, little human. I would never push my body beyond its limits if I believed otherwise."

"Okay," I pouted.

Karina nodded and lowered her chest to Axel, getting comfortable atop his body. "Let me rest before we get ready."

"Yes, Princess."

Axel wrapped his arms around her, and we all closed our eyes.

*＊✿❀○❀✿＊*

Much later, Axel, Rune, and I left the castle and ventured towards the music. I couldn't resist admiring the furs that hung from my breasts and hips, constantly running my fingers along the soft material. It resembled Karina's training attire and evoked similarities to the padded fur adorning Rune's shoulders. My leather accessories also corresponded with his brown leather breastplate and matching boots, but our similarities ceased with his dark-hued trousers.