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Stefano's POV

“Fucking Fates!” Antonio’s laughter filled my mind through the link. “Are you seeing this?”

I definitely was. I stepped back, falling into place beside my Luna—my future Queen. To me, she was already a Queen, even to those who knelt before her.

Gianna smiled, a touch nervous, signaling them to stand. They looked as if they’d woken from a long, dreamless slumber, only now realizing where they were and who they were. How tragic that the oath once meant to be their highest honor had become a prison of sorts.

Emiliano huffed, his sound almost a chuckle, as he surveyed the battlefield. What had just happened could only be called a miracle. Gianna had stopped the bloodshed within minutes of stepping onto the field. With the enemy either dead or joining our side, there was only one task left.

I nodded toward the hill. “Get her,” I commanded, watching as several wolves bounded off to where Ornella stood, likely still grasping at the reality of what had happened.

Worry prickled through me as I looked at my incredible mate. She was pale, her hands trembling. The spell had drained her. In an instant, I shifted back to human form, catching her as she staggered. “I got you,” I murmured, steadying her. “The fight is over. We won… you won.”

A faint smile touched her lips, though it quickly faded. “Ornella?” she whispered.

I looked toward the hill, where our warriors had already surrounded Ornella. “We got her,” I assured her.

A tired smile returned. “Good.”

Her eyes fluttered closed, and I tightened my arms around her, letting her rest her head against my chest. She mumbled something, then drifted to sleep in my arms. I chuckled softly, turning back toward the gates of Ferville, carrying my brave mate. She deserved rest. Emiliano owed her a bed fit for royalty for saving his land and his people.

\---

“Alpha Matteo and some of his men ran off like cowards,” Antonio announced, striding into the meeting room. Emiliano and his commanders were already seated, along with a few of my men.

I laughed coldly. “Doesn’t matter. We know where they’re headed.”

Davide nodded. “He thinks he’s safe in Daeville, but he’s wrong. We can use the secret tunnels to lead an army right into his castle before he even realizes what’s happening.”

Emiliano clasped his hands. “Then what are we waiting for?”

I frowned. “We all need rest and time to recover. We’ll move in the morning. In the meantime, I’ve sent word to every Alpha who was cast out of their territory. We’ll need them as witnesses.”

Emiliano raised his brows. “Witnesses for what, exactly?”

A smirk crept onto my face. “The only way to reunite the continent is for me to officially challenge Alpha Matteo.”

Emiliano rubbed his chin. “You’re sure about that? I mean… I know you’re strong, but the poison in his claws—”

“Only my Luna and I survived his venom. That must mean something. He defeated me once, but that was before I had the bond to strengthen me. With her by my side, I know I can win.”

Emiliano nodded, his lips thinning. “Then I look forward to witnessing your victory.”

I rose and placed a hand on Emiliano’s shoulder. “You probably don’t care what I think, but I’m glad you’re nothing like the man whose blood you share.”

A wry smile touched his face. “I like to think all the blood in my veins came from my mother.”

I laughed. “Smart thinking.”

Antonio broke in. “Speaking of relatives, what about Ornella?”

“Her fate lies in Gianna’s hands,” I said, my gaze sweeping the room to ensure no one questioned my mate’s decision. Letting that sink in, I turned and headed for the door.

“We aren’t done with the meeting! Where are you going?” Emiliano called out.

I gave him a pointed look. “This meeting is over. I’ve spent too much time away from my mate to waste another second here. Stop me if you dare.” A hush fell over the room as I smirked, then opened the door and left.

\---

It took time to wash away the blood and grime. I was ready to lose patience, but I held myself back—I wouldn’t lie beside her with the scent of battle still clinging to me.

Finally, I slipped into bed, sliding one arm under her neck and wrapping the other around her waist. She nestled against me instantly. Only with her scent filling my lungs did I feel truly at peace. She was my peace.

I pressed a kiss to the mark on her neck, drawing a soft moan from her lips. Her hips shifted back, pressing against me in a way that tested my restraint. I muttered a curse under my breath—this woman would be the death of me.

“We need sleep,” she murmured.

I brushed my lips along her neck. “I know.”

A soft yawn escaped her. “I’ll… make it up to you.”

A low growl escaped me. “When?”

“After you win tomorrow,” she whispered.

I grinned smugly. “Good night, my Queen.”

She chuckled. “Good night, my King.”

Her promise lingered in my mind, stealing more of my sleep than I’d expected. Yet I woke feeling stronger, more alive than ever. Today would be the day Alpha Matteo fell.

\---

Two hours past dawn, we departed Ferville. Gianna and I rode separately; she deserved to approach Daeville as the Queen she was becoming. Emiliano had given her a white mare named Daisy, a gift that made her smile, though I resented it hadn’t come from me.

Fourteen other Alphas joined us on our way to Daeville. Some still mistrusted me, but they knew I was the one capable of ending the blight that had plagued us—Alpha Matteo.

Our plan unfolded in two stages. First, our forces would secure Daeville through the tunnels. Then, Gianna, myself, the Alphas, and the rest of my men would enter through the main gate. A show was hardly necessary, but after all we’d endured, Gianna and I deserved our victory parade.

As Daeville’s gates drew near, I mind-linked Antonio. “Report.”

He chuckled. “It’s done. You should’ve seen their faces.”

I grinned. “A sight to remember, I bet.”

“That it was. The stage is yours, Alpha. Claim your crown.”

One Alpha, a man named Tiziano, sneered beside us. “You think Matteo will just open the gates for you?” He scoffed. “He’s a king, after all.”

I was about to answer when Gianna spoke first. “He’s no king. He’s a tyrant who took what was never his. And this isn’t his land—it’s my mate’s. He’s taking it back.”

I squeezed her hand and kissed her knuckles before facing Tiziano. “And yes, we’re entering through the main gate.”

Tiziano’s laughter faltered as the gates swung open. The first phase was complete. All that remained was to bring down the false king.

\---

Fifteen minutes later, we stood outside the castle. I helped Gianna dismount, then took her hand as we climbed the steps to the throne room. She tensed as the doors swung open, so I gave her hand a reassuring squeeze.

“No one will harm you,” I whispered. “Not anymore.”

She offered a shaky smile. “I know.”

Inside, over thirty of my warriors surrounded Matteo’s Supreme squad, now chained and subdued. Matteo himself stood free, though Antonio and Davide held their swords at his throat. He roared as Gianna and I entered.

I halted before him. “Alpha Matteo, I challenge you.”

A deranged laugh escaped him. “Challenge me? Fine! I’ll tear you apart, and then I’ll do worse to your mate!”

My claws extended, but I kept my rage in check. I knew better than to lose control.

“Be careful,” Gianna murmured.

“Always,” I replied, brushing a kiss on her head.

The Alphas formed a circle, creating an arena. Matteo snarled, his eyes blazing as he prepared to attack. I shifted, and in a split second, his wolf lunged. I dodged, though his claws left a venomous scratch down my back.

“Stefano!” Gianna’s cry echoed as the poison spread. I glanced at her and saw her flinch—she could feel the pain, too.

“We can beat this,” I assured her. “We will.”

“We will,” she replied, steadying her breath.

The pain began to fade. Matteo’s wolf glared at me, his eyes flashing as he saw his venom’s effects wearing off. He lunged again, but I was ready, dodging and slashing my claws down his back. He stumbled, regrouped, but I closed in. With a growl, I sank my teeth into his neck, my jaws crushing his windpipe. He struggled, but his fight faded with a sickening snap, his body collapsing to the floor.

The room erupted in cheers, but my gaze went only to Gianna. In a heartbeat, her arms were around me, her lips on mine. Pulling back, she looked at me with tears in her blue eyes.

“I love you, my King.”