with the scent of roses and the low hum of murmured conversations. Every Lycan of importance was in attendance, their elegant attire and sharp

an it should, it was a constant reminder of the weight of the crown I was about to wear. Alejandro stood beside me, his presence commanding and his gaze sharp as it swept acros

mates, but as equals. But as the officiant declared us bonded, I could feel the eyes of the court on me, th

een? What is th

'll never surviv

. She'll bring rui

omposure. Alejandro's hand tightened around mine, his touch grounding me. Bu

all, my chin lifted and my gaze steady. "Thank you all for being here today," I said, my voice clear and strong. "I know there are many who doubt me, who

flicker of respect from some, and the anger from others. Clarice stood at the front of the crowd, her crimson glistening

er tone sharp. "But words are

sence commanding and his voice cold. "Careful, Clarice," h

r eyes narrowing. "Of course, my king," she said, her v

l heavier. "Let me make one thing clear," he said, his voice low and dangerous. "Yolanda is my mate,

the silence. A Lycan man, tall and broad-shouldered, stepped forward, his expression mocking. "An omega as q

rowd gasped, but no one dared to intervene. The man's eyes widened in shock, his hands clawing at Alejandro's g

rowled, his voice low and filled with

as Alejandro's grip tightened. "I-I meant no of

te," he said, his voice icy. "You've made your opi

spilled all over the place, the sound of his screams echoing through the silent room. The man's body crumpled to the floo

ugh the room. "Yolanda is your queen. She is my mate, and she is to be

n. I could see the fear in their eyes, the respect that had been absent before. Ev

he small part of my back. "You are my queen," he said, his voice

ent, my chance to prove myself not just to them, but to myself. I stepped forward, my gaze sweeping across

ut with Alejandro by my side, I knew I could face anything as the celebration continued, I felt a sense of peace I hadn't known before. The whispers had stopped, the judgment replaced by resp