CURSED LYCAN
Fifteen years after the blood bond.
Sera stood in front of a mirror, studying her reflection. Gray strands threaded through her dark hair now. Lines creased the corners of her eyes. Scars mapped her body like a history of wars fought and survived.
She was forty-three years old. And she was tired.
Through the bond, Kael felt her melancholy. He appeared in the doorway, looking exactly the same as he had fifteen years ago. Lycans aged slower than humans. Much slower.
"You're beautiful," he said.
"I'm old."
"You're experienced. There's a difference."
Sera turned to face him. "How long do lycans live? On average?"
Kael's expression shuttered. He knew where this was going. "Two hundred years. Sometimes more."
"And humans?"
"Sera—"
"How long, Kael?"
"Eighty. Maybe ninety with good health." His silver eyes were pained. "But the bond. It might extend—"
