Chapter 31
Chapter 31
The throne room had fallen into a thick silence after Kara’s furious outburst. Her father, Alpha Eldrik, stood like a stone statue, fists clenched and jaw tight. He had begged for an audience to find his daughter, completely unaware she had been locked in the castle dungeons, guarded by the two most loyal alphas to the king.
Kilian remained seated on his throne, imposing. At his side, Luciana —the Luna Queen— held her place with the same firmness as her mate. Her presence did not fade in the face of tension; instead, it shone with an aura so ancient and wild that even the eldest of the clans lowered their heads at the feel of her power.
—Now that all words have been spoken —the king announced in a deep voice—, this council must act.
Gabriel and Ian escorted Kara out of the hall, dragging her as she roared and spat. The she-wolf struggled, but the silver chain binding her neutralized her transformations. Eldrik stepped forward, his eyes shining with pain.
—King Kilian… —his voice trembled—. My daughter...
—I’m sorry, Eldrik —Kilian interrupted, not harsh but firm—. What she’s done has no justification. She tried to betray her queen, disrupt the kingdom’s balance, and provoke a war. Out of respect for you, she’ll be granted a fair trial, but her actions are already stained with innocent blood.
Eldrik nodded with sorrow. In his gaze, there was no resentment—only deep grief and shame.
—I understand, my king… I’ll accept your decision.
Luciana then rose, her steps echoing across the marble like the beat of a war drum. Her figure radiated a unique blend of serenity and restrained fire. When she spoke, her voice was clear, powerful, but never shouted.
—This kingdom cannot afford any more internal divisions. Today it’s clear: I’m not a human princess, nor a weak wolf... I am the Luna Queen, and I will not allow anyone in this court to doubt the bond that ties me to the king or my ability to protect these lands.
The room remained in complete silence. Even the alphas from the most remote regions—men and women who once questioned Kilian’s choice—lowered their heads in respect.
—My soul belongs to this kingdom —she continued—, and my loyalty stands with every man, woman, and child who depend on our decisions. The time of scheming has ended. From this day forward, a new era begins for the Northern Kingdom. A war council will be formed with representatives from each clan. And to anyone who dares to sow discord upon this throne... we will face them as we did with the Grays.
Her words were etched into the air like an unbreakable sentence. Kilian then stood, walked to Luciana, and took her hand before all.
—Our union is not just personal —he added—. It is a pact between strength and light, between instinct and wisdom. If anyone dares challenge it, they will be declared an enemy of the Northern Kingdom.
A unanimous roar erupted from the alphas. Some beat their chests. Others raised their arms toward the stone ceiling. The improvised ceremony had turned into a declaration of power.
But not all was celebration.
From the castle’s corridors, one of the royal guards' messengers came running, out of breath and pale-faced.
—My king… my queen! —he cried—. There are reports of a group of mercenaries approaching the southern border. The watchtowers spotted movement. They’re fast, well-armed… and bearing the emblem of the Cold Blood Pack.
Kilian gently let go of Luciana’s hand. His expression shifted into that of a born strategist. The Cold Blood Pack was known for its cruelty and selling their services to the highest bidder. If they were near, it was no coincidence. Someone had sent them.
—How many? —Luciana asked without hesitation.
—Around a hundred. Wolves trained to kill without question.
—Have they breached our borders? —Kilian inquired.
—Not yet… but they’re close. Watching.
Luciana narrowed her eyes. Her gaze turned to the gathered alphas.
—This is the moment to prove the Northern Kingdom kneels to no one. I’ll summon the defensive squads. Kilian, prepare the elite sentinels. Ian, Gabriel, I want you at the southern tower before nightfall.
—Yes, my queen —the two alphas responded in unison.
Kilian allowed himself a faint smile. There were no more doubts about Luciana’s place. Her voice was heard, her presence respected… and her spirit feared by their enemies.
That night, the castle became a war camp. Kitchens prepared rations, the forges burned to repair weapons, and soldiers sharpened their claws. The priestesses wove ancient enchantments, and the moon witches—loyal allies—blessed the warriors with the energy of the protective goddess.
In the war room, Kilian and Luciana met with the commanders. A giant map of the territory covered the wall. There, they marked potential invasion routes, strategic points, and defense lines.
—They’re testing our defenses —Kilian murmured, pointing to the southern border—. But they don’t know we’re not the same anymore. They’ve underestimated my queen… and that will be their mistake.
Luciana crossed her arms, eyes glowing with resolve.
—Let them come closer. When they feel confident enough… we strike.
—Without waiting for reinforcements?
—We don’t need them —she replied—. We are the North. And the North never kneels. Not ever.
Kilian let out a low, proud laugh. The bond between them felt stronger than ever. They weren’t just mates and allies… they were two halves of an unstoppable whole.
At dawn, the messenger ravens flew in all directions, carrying the new proclamation: the Northern Kingdom was united, ready, and would not forgive another betrayal.
And in the forests, where the enemies lurked thinking they were safe, the trees began to whisper of the return of Nyra, the great alpha wolf, and of her immortal king, the son of war.
The roar of the North had only just begun.