SINS OF THE FATHER

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them with cheers and celebrations. The streets were lined with banners, and the smell of roasted meats and spiced wines filled the air

e. His expression remained cold, emotionless, even as they shouted his name in reverence. Behind him followed his generals, Kael and Lorne, their

aces pale and haunted, their hands bound in chains. They were trophies of Aldric's victory, symbols o

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when Aldric received a message from his queen. The note, penned in elegant script, was

ou at once. I have imp

age was one of strategic necessity more than affection, Lysandra had proven herself time and again to be a wise and shrewd partner. Her counsel was invaluable, and her bea

rridors of the palace to the royal wing. His soldiers were likely still basking in the aftermath of the fe

pull deep within his bones, the primal urge that accompanied the lunar cycle for all werewolves. It was a sensation he had learn

and beasts alike. The packs followed him, their loyalty absolute because they respected his strength as an alpha. He commanded them, as he did his armies, with ruth

e not of war or politics but of th

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figure, casting a silvery glow over her pale skin and dark hair. She turned when she heard him approach, her eyes a striking silver-the telltale sig

reeted him, her voice

rent about her tonight. Beneath her calm exterior was a spark of excitement, a rare emot

ing to her stomach. That simple gesture made Aldric's

, her voice trembling with something bet

His child. His wolf stirred within him, recognizing the significance of the news as something

bloodline w

filled with both wonder and possessiv

more tender than usual. "It could be a

d the land. A son who would inherit his throne and his power, who would shift into a beast even greater than he. He could already imagine the boy's transformati

would be

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elebrations throughout the kingdom that rivaled those of the recent victory over Eldrenor. Messengers were sent out t

main celebrated the news with howls that echoed through the forests and mountains surrounding Vordane. The moon

, meats roasted to perfection, and the finest wines from across the conquered territories. Bards were summoned to play songs of victor

adiated a quiet power, her silver eyes reflecting the light of the torches that lined the walls. Her h

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ose after so many hours of restraint. He glanced around the hall, noticing that several of his pack leaders were fe

rom his seat, addressing the crowd. His voic

ce rich with pride. "An heir to my throne. A

ery walls of the palace. Aldric raised his goblet, and those in attend

re alpha!" t

berated through the hall. The werewolves present had given in to the

Dancers moved between tables, and the bards played songs of glory and conquest. Aldric remained at the head o

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The festivities no longer required her presence, and she craved a moment of solitude. Her hand rested protectivel

moments like this. Yet, the presence of her child stirred something deep within her-a primal instinct she had never felt

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e future. His wolf still simmered beneath the surface, eager for release, but tonight was not

d by the knowledge that his legacy was secure. His son-or daughter-would one day inhe

e more battles, more conquests, and more kingdoms to subdue. But tonight, he could rest

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