Crowned by the moon goddess

an'

word. The sun was barely rising, casting a pale glow over the frost-covered earth. Warriors moved around

a distraction from the suffocating pressure building inside him. Every sword swing,

cil is w

thers ar

e is comi

swung

n barked from

ne of the few Ronan trusted implicitly. A seasoned warrior, older than Ronan b

sparring opponent. The warrior stumbled back, barely catching

n's voice cut t

the warrior's throat. He exhaled, stepping back.

u're swinging like a man who wants to

the back of his hand. "May

A king doesn't fight for bl

ing around the sword. Lucien studied

about the co

didn't

Garrick, isn't it

e model warrior-disciplined, loyal, and cold. Garrick, the second-born, was charismatic, we

me on the throne,

wanted it for themselves. But

sword tightened. "I

emained firm. "None of us choose our fa

ing their limits. They would follow whoever took the throne-be it him or his

ak again, a soft voice

ce Ro

e edge of the training grounds. Her auburn hair was braided o

r

weak

the Silverfang pack, a lineage known for strength, yet Aria barely held any powe

n's tone was sharp

. "The council... they

onan a look.

ed forward, pausing as he passed Aria. She kept her head low, avoiding

hem I'm

turned, nearly stumbl

then glanced at Ronan. "Sh

body wen

ed, growling l

n continued, his voice quiet

yes darke

row. "You can't r

steel. "She's weak. She'll bre

but the disapproval i

away, his sho

pt a mate who could

a's

hrough the palace corridors. Ronan's cold gaze haunted he

n't bel

erever she went. The wea

ld feel it, like a thread pulling he

ressing a han

t physical, but it lingered in

sn't e

small voice refu

him

an'

cle, their aged faces solemn, watching him with unblinking ey

voice raspy. "Your father's condition grows

s the room. Darius wore his usual mask of indiffe

" Maelis continued. "But cho

ned. "Are you ques

't reach his eyes. "We q

. The message was cl

ced with condescension. "Perhaps Ronan needs more time to

ened. "I need no o

, smirking. Garric

"I will take the throne when the time is right. Until the

l into an un

hamber, Darius and Garrick

onan

ait for the thr

ould t

tanding, staring at the ancient wolf crest carved into t

without another word, but

tly, closing the he

o fail," Lucien

e didn't li

ndition is worse than they let on. The council is

" Ronan

. They don't care who rule

d into fists. "Then I

. "Now you sou

't feel like a

nger. If they want to see str

e sword, Ronan. It's about the mind. Your brothers won't ch

yes hard. "Then I'll b

a's

Tall shelves towered over her, filled with ancient texts and scrolls. The sc

the books absently, but her mind

na

im from her thoughts. The bond was suffocating, p

hate

dess bind me to some

ention. She turned to see a figu

Eve

daughters. Beautiful, poised

et hers, a sly smile c

le wolf?" Evelina's tone was sweet

ned. "I'm n

t. You're just waiting. Waiting for Ronan

rt squeeze

, her heels clicking s

not... weakness." Evelina's eyes

hard, refusin

na wasn't

o someone else. Someone who

breath

elina wh

ruck harder

nd glided out of the library, leaving

t her chest, but for once,

made his cho

an'

ky, casting pale light over

ard. His muscles screamed in protest, sweat s

Parry.

ai

ai

ai

the voices in his head-the council's doubts, hi

nd wit

g the sword through

y

't survive the weight of a crown,

ow in his mind, re

's

d under his breat

bond did

im, tightening

mn

ttering against the ground. Ronan

when his own insti

ck – Ro

en when he f

during the spring festival. The other pups ran wi

to attend, standing st

r-quiet, eyes

s father had

idn't join

he approa

ched as

n't you running arou

t him, then qui

f is...

blinke

d. "They say I'll n

They're stupid. You don't

, eyes flicki

all

all

ime, she smiled

in Ronan's c

resent –

ropped forward

mn

for years, yet it res

t always

e had neve

idn't ma

as crushing him, and he n

frag

Ar

enched again

rejec

it kil

ick'

eeline, Garrick watched his

e crept ont

ady, dear brother?"

y and disappeared

ldn't need to r

ke it from his c