Chapter 18
The Crown and the Mate
Varek returned during the royal coronation ceremony.
The palace gates were attacked without warning.
Chaos spread through the capital.
Kael immediately ordered the royal guards to protect the people.
Varek entered the throne room and confronted him.
"You could have ruled beside me," Varek said to Elara.
"I would rather stand beside those who want peace."
Varek's expression hardened.
He revealed that he had gathered the last remaining enemies of the royal family.
But Kael was no longer fighting alone.
Northern wolves arrived.
Eastern warriors followed.
Then representatives from the Moonborn descendants entered the palace.
For the first time in generations, the packs stood together.
Varek realized his greatest mistake.
He had united them by giving them a common enemy.
The final confrontation ended with Varek's defeat.
The king stepped down from the throne.
He looked at Kael.
"The kingdom is yours."
Kael shook his head.
"Not mine."
He looked at Elara.
"Ours."
The crowd erupted in approval.
The Wolf Heir had chosen his mate.
And the kingdom had chosen its future.