shimmered under flickering golden light, chandelie

aving through the room. At the head, Alpha King Valrik Lycanthorin sat silent, golden eyes sweeping over them like a predator sizing up pre

ned by blood, a ruler feared for his fire, a man revered yet untouchable. Victory hadn't erased the cost. The northern border, marked in red on the ancient map before him, s

own before they hit the village, but it's the third this month." Elder Rovan, the council's oldest, leaned forward, w

ilver and obsidian, forged from his father's melted crown. "They're testing us," he said, voice low but cutting through the murmurs like a blade

c's glinted with something colder. "With the Blood Moon Ball nearing, we'll be exposed. Perhaps canceling it this year would be... prudent." Valrik's gaze snapped to him, golden eyes narrowing

a shadow he couldn't trust. "Double the border guards," Valrik ordered, voice firm as iron. "Increase city patrols. No one enters without vetting. The ball goes on." Agreements echoed-Darius's gruff nod, Rovan's murmure

is father's fire snuffed out the instant his mother's heart stopped, her blood pooling on the throne room floor. Aldric had been invincible until that snap. "I'll find her when the time's right," he sa

ed, reclining against silk sheets, raven hair spilling over his pillows like ink. Emerald eyes glinted with ambition-breathtaking, sharp, and dangerous. She propped up on an elbow as he shed his jacket, fingers loosening his tie with practiced ease. "Long day?" she purred, voice a velvet blade. "The usual," he smirked, stepping closer. The fire in his chambers crackled, casting her in gold. Her fingers trailed his chest, nails grazing skin through his shirt. "You work too much, Your Majesty." He chuckled low, catching her wrist. "Someone's got to hold this kingdom together." Celeste tilted her head, studying him with those piercing eyes. "Yet you refuse the one thing that'd save you." His amusement faded, grip tightening. "Not this again." She slid forward, straddling him in one fluid move, palms pressing his chest. "I could be your Queen, Valrik." His golden eyes locked onto hers, unyielding. "That's not how it works." Her lips parted, frustration flashing hot. "Why not? You don't need a fated mate to live. You need a strong Luna-someone to rule, to fight. I'm that." Valrik's hands slid up her back, firm as he pulled her closer, breath brushing her ea