Morning sunlight spilled across the Lycan Kingdom, but the castle buzzed with unease.
Servants hurried through the halls.
Royal guards doubled their patrols.
The words written in blood inside the library had shaken everyone.
Even so, life inside the castle could not stop.
Kael stood before the throne as Rowan approached.
“The preparations are complete, Your Majesty.” Kael nodded.
“Good.” Rowan hesitated.
“Are you sure about this?” “I am.” “It has been five hundred years since the last Moon Ceremony.” Kael’s expression remained calm.
“Which is exactly why it must happen.” — Aria stood in her room, struggling to understand why the maids insisted on helping her dress.
“I can do it myself.” One of the older women smiled kindly.
“We know, My Lady.” “But today is special.” She unfolded a breathtaking silver gown embroidered with tiny moonstones that shimmered in the sunlight.
Aria stared at it.
“It’s beautiful.” “It belonged to the last Moon Queen.” The words made her stomach tighten.
“I can’t wear that.” “You can.” A familiar deep voice came from the doorway.
Kael.
He looked impossibly handsome in a black ceremonial coat trimmed with silver embroidery.
For a brief moment…
Neither of them spoke.
“You look…” Aria began.
Kael smiled.
“I know.” She laughed.
“I was going to say intimidating.” His smile widened.
“That’s better.” For the first time in years…
Aria laughed without forcing it.
— Thousands of Lycans filled the castle courtyard.
Warriors.
Nobles.
Children.
Even the elders stood in complete silence.
As Kael and Aria walked onto the marble platform together, whispers spread through the crowd.
“She’s the human-born girl.” “The Moonborn.” “The King’s mate.” Aria’s hands trembled.
Kael noticed immediately.
Without saying a word…
He held out his hand.
“You don’t have to face them alone.” She looked at him.
Then slowly placed her hand in his.
A wave of calm washed over her.
The crowd watched in stunned silence.
— The High Priestess stepped forward carrying an ancient silver staff.
“Today…” She announced.
“We ask the Moon Goddess for guidance.” “If this woman truly carries the blood of the First Queen…” “The moon itself shall answer.” The courtyard fell completely silent.
The Priestess raised her staff.
A beam of silver light shot toward the heavens.
Dark clouds rolled across the sky.
Thunder echoed.
The wind howled.
Then…
The full moon appeared.
Even though it was still daylight.
Gasps spread through the crowd.
The impossible had happened.
The moon answered.
Aria suddenly cried out.
Pain shot through her wrist.
The crescent mark returned…
Brighter than ever before.
Silver light surrounded her body.
Her dark hair lifted into the air.
Her grey eyes slowly changed…
Until they shone like liquid silver.
Everyone fell to their knees.
Even Kael.
Not because he wanted to.
Because an ancient force compelled every wolf in the kingdom to bow.
The High Priestess dropped her staff.
Tears streamed down her face.
“The prophecy…” “It’s real.” But before anyone could celebrate…
A deafening explosion tore through the castle gates.
BOOM!
Stone shattered.
Smoke filled the courtyard.
A chilling laugh echoed across the kingdom.
“How touching.” From the smoke emerged a man dressed in black armor.
His crimson eyes glowed with terrifying power.
Behind him marched hundreds of masked warriors.
He looked directly at Aria.
Then smiled.
“I’ve finally found you…” He slowly drew a black sword.
“…Princess.” Silence swallowed the entire kingdom.
Aria’s heart stopped.
Princess?
Kael stepped in front of her, his wolf roaring inside him.
The stranger laughed again.
“Oh, Kael…” “You’ve been protecting the future Queen…” “…without ever asking who her father really is.” The smile faded from Kael’s face.
For the very first time…
The Lycan King looked shaken.