Chapter 25

The light of dawn filtered through the castle’s windows, bathing the halls in a golden hue. There was a dense air, a blend of tension and anticipation that coursed through the corridors. That night, the Northern Kingdom would celebrate one of the most important events in its history: the official proclamation of the empire’s new luna.

Abigaíl, since early morning, had been overseeing the preparations. She couldn’t afford a single mistake.

—Are you sure you want to supervise this yourself? —Ian asked in a friendly tone, walking beside her as they descended toward the strategy hall.

—I am the luna of this empire, Ian. And if this ceremony represents my rise, I want it to also represent the beginning of a new era —she replied without hesitation—. One where the queen is not just a decoration beside the throne.

Upon arriving in the hall, she found Gabriel, Ross, the four guardian alphas, and a dozen squad captains. The castle map was already spread out over the great stone table.

—Thank you for coming on such short notice —Abigaíl began, her eyes scanning each face with firmness—. Today, within our walls, we’ll host the most powerful clans of the continent. Half of them are allies… the other half, opportunists waiting for us to slip.

—What do you propose, my luna? —Gabriel asked with sincere respect.

Abigaíl pointed to the zones on the map one by one.

—I want archers in the east and west towers, and two discreet defense lines around the ceremonial courtyard. Ross, your warriors will take positions among the public, dressed as common attendants. If anyone moves without authorization, act.

—And the clans? —one of the alphas inquired.

—Each delegation will be escorted by a member of the king’s guardians —Ian intervened—. No one walks alone. No one.

—I don’t want fear, I want control —Abigaíl added—. Let everything flow as if it were a peaceful ceremony. But let every glance, every step, be watched. We’re not crowning a porcelain doll. We’re solidifying the North’s power.

Ross smiled at her with pride, and Gabriel nodded, clearly impressed.

—At your command, my queen.

\---

Twilight fell like a purple veil over the castle. The torches were lit one by one, illuminating the stone walls. In the grand throne hall, the clans began taking their assigned seats.

Alphas, betas, gammas… all wearing their finest garments. Tongues moved fast, rumors even faster. No one had yet seen the new luna. Some expected a weak human, others, a beauty without claws. None were prepared for what was coming.

Meanwhile, in the private chambers, Ross finished adjusting the cape over Abigaíl’s shoulders. The white and silver dress made her look like a frozen breath. Her hair fell in soft waves, like threads of moonlight.

—Ready to rule? —Ross asked, holding the tiara.

Abigaíl took a deep breath.

—Luciana was. And Abigaíl will be, too.

Ross raised an eyebrow, as if suspecting something behind that phrase… but said nothing. She placed the tiara on her head with solemnity.

—Then go. Make history.

\---

The doors of the hall opened with a resounding boom. Two rows of soldiers struck their spears against the ground as the new queen passed. Abigaíl walked in silence, eyes forward, shoulders squared, heart steady.

On either side, the clans watched her. Some with respect, others with disdain. But none could deny the aura that surrounded her: powerful, wild, untamed. She was an alpha wolf dressed as a queen.

Kilian awaited her, standing beside the throne. His bearing was majestic. In a ceremonial black armor with silver details, his long cape billowed with the subtle movement of the air. When she reached his side, he gently took her hand.

—Walk with me, my luna —he whispered.

He led her to the two thrones. But when she hesitated, he released her hand and stepped forward. To everyone’s surprise, Kilian knelt before her, bowed his head, and with a voice filled with strength and reverence, said:

—I, Kilian Thorne, Supreme Alpha and King of the Northern Kingdom, kneel before you, Abigaíl. I recognize you as my luna, my queen, my guide, and my equal. I swear, before the clans present and the legacy of my ancestors, that your voice shall be law, your safety my duty, and your will, my path. Today, and always, I honor you with my loyalty, my power, and my life.

The hall fell into absolute silence. No one breathed.

Ian was the first to follow. He stepped forward, knelt, and said solemnly:

—I, Ian Callen, Beta of the Northern Kingdom, swear loyalty to the king’s luna. My weapons, my loyalty, and my life are in service to Abigaíl, queen of the North.

Gabriel followed, his voice steady:

—I, Gabriel Areste, Gamma of the kingdom, kneel before my queen and luna. I vow to protect you with my soul.

One by one, the four guardian alphas repeated the vow. Then the captains. Then the clan leaders. A sea of bent knees, exposed necks in a gesture of absolute respect.

In that instant, power shifted. It no longer belonged solely to Kilian. Now, it belonged to her as well.

Kilian stood and approached. He took her hand and, without breaking eye contact, kissed the back of it tenderly.

—My entire kingdom is yours, my beloved mate.

Abigaíl swallowed hard. She knew what that gesture meant. It was more than a vow. It was an offering. A complete surrender.

—And I accept it —she said finally—. For myself, and for all those I will protect. To you, Kilian, and to this kingdom, I offer the best and worst of me.

The applause didn’t come immediately. But when it did, it was like a storm no one could contain. The Northern Kingdom had just met its queen.

And the world… would never be the same again.