Chapter 85 The Lycan King Is Dead

Micah’s POV.

I stand at the edge of the bed, my heart pounding, watching Fiona's body convulse. It's a painful yet fascinating sight. Her bones contort, and I clench my fists to my sides, fighting the urge to reach out and ease her pain. This is something she must endure alone, her transition, her victory.

As the transformation continues, I can feel the tension in the air. I know exactly what is about to happen. She's going to shift into her wolf, and I can barely contain my excitement. The anticipation builds, and then, in an explosion of fur and magic, she stands before me as a beautiful white wolf. The light of the room dances off her pristine coat, and I'm momentarily breathless.

White wolves are the rarest and most powerful creatures, and the fact that Fiona has become one fills me with pride and wonder. She cocks her head to the side, meeting my gaze with intelligent eyes. The mate bond springs to life and her voice echoes in my mind, full of emotions.

"Oh my God, Micah! I have finally shifted."

A smile plays on my lips as I gently caress her fur. She responds by enthusiastically nuzzling her head against my hand.

But then, in the blink of an eye, she starts shifting again. I watch as her wolf form transforms back into her naked human self, and I catch her in my arms.

"Did you see? Did you see?" she asks in childlike wonder.

"Yes, I did," I tell her proudly, though a hint of worry laces my words. A gorgeous smile lights up her face as she reads my mind, teasingly guessing my thoughts.

"Don't tell me you're thinking of my ancestor who was a white wolf and how she sacrificed herself for her people."

I give her a strained smile, unable to deny the words, even though I know I am being overprotective.

“Relax, it’s just a story. I am not going to be doing that anytime soon,” she laughs as she lightly kisses my cheek.

Before I can say anything more, a sudden intrusion disrupts the moment. A mind link pierces through my consciousness, and Colin’s panicked voice echoes in my mind, shattering the tranquility. He only says five words:

"The Lycan king is dead."

____________________

Jeremy’s POV.

The opulent palace of Alastair Kingdom buzzes with urgency as preparations for the New Lycan King's enthronement ceremony are in full swing. Servants scurry about, guards stand at attention, and the air is thick with the tension of imminent change.

Within his lavishly decorated bedroom, Jeremy stands before a full-length mirror, his fingers tracing the intricate patterns of his customized ceremonial costume.

The luxurious fabric whispers under his touch as he admires the intricate embroidery and the subtle play of colors. This is his moment, the culmination of years of ambition and meticulous planning.

But as he gazes at himself in the reflection, a flicker of doubt crosses his eyes.

Turning away from the mirror, Jeremy approaches a table where an official document lies and picks it up. The weight of the parchment in his hands carries the gravity of the decision made by his late father, the previous Lycan King.

Or so Jeremy would have everyone believe.

The seal, a symbol of authority, is imprinted on the document, endorsing Jeremy's ascension to the throne.

He smiles as he traces his name on the paper.

Soon, I will be king and the ruler of all of Alastair.

However, his thoughts are cut short by the bitter memory of another document. A document that had turned his world upside down, its words giving him a revelation that left him unsettled.

A few days ago, his mother, Alara, had revealed a parchment containing the true will of the late king. It stated that he intended to pass the throne to Micah. Jeremy’s hands clench with anger as he remembers the words.

Just like that, his father had discarded him and left the kingdom to his favored son.

But, he should have known that Jeremy wouldn’t have let that happen.

"Don't blame me, father," Jeremy mutters, caressing the now-forged will. "It's you who was unfair to me first. Don't blame me for being unrighteous."

Years of careful obedience and submission to his father's will, and yet, the ultimate betrayal had been served to him cold.

Jeremy's thoughts race as he contemplates the tumultuous path ahead. He and his mother had expertly navigated the web of politics, and now, with the throne seemingly within reach, he couldn’t make the tiniest of mistakes.

As the hour approaches, Jeremy dons his ceremonial attire, each piece a sign of his impending reign and then goes out into The Great Coronation Hall.

All the court officials have gathered there and as Jeremy comes into view, donned in attire fit for a king, whispers spread like wildfire.

"This is highly inappropriate!" protests an elder, his voice echoing through the hall. "The last Lycan King hasn't even been laid to rest, Prince Micah hasn't returned and yet, you are here wearing the king’s robes!”

Jeremy gives him a cunning smile and produces the new will. With great pleasure, he unveils it for the officials and with seemingly innocent voice says, “Oh but this is what father wished and I am only adhering to what he wanted.”

Once again, some officials burst into indignant murmurs, "How can we be sure this is legitimate?" a minister demands, his skepticism palpable.

Jeremy’s eyes narrow at the accusing minister and they turn dark. A ruthless chuckle escapes him as he emanates the regal power of a Lycan. With a flick of his wrist, the minister goes flying back.

The action silences the dissent and his aura overwhelms the doubters, forcing them back with the sheer display of authority. The hall falls into silence as only Jeremy’s supporters clap and watch with overjoyed eyes as he walks towards the throne.

There is no doubt in anyone’s mind now that the next Lycan King would be Jeremy.

Satisfied with his display of power, Jeremy increases his pace to the throne. He eagerly counts his steps.

Seven steps left.

Six.

Five.

Just a little more now.

Four.

He has trouble maintaining the new king’s dignity as all he wants is to rush to the throne.

Three.

Two.

The moment he has waited all his life is here.

One.

One more step and the throne is his.

Just as he is about to take his place, the doors of the hall burst apart.

A strong gust of vengeful wind rushes inside and pushes Jeremy back. Away from the throne. As everyone gets their bearing, they squint at the figure standing at the entrance.

His eyes are liquid gold, his face is full of anger even as his mouth is contorted into a ruthless smirk. His hands are transformed into deadly claws and he gives out the aura of more power than anybody in the room has ever seen.

It puts Jeremy’s little display to shame.

For, it’s the power of a pure-blooded Lycan, fully unleashed.

And then, Micah steps in and looks at Jeremy with that same infuriatingly confident smirk on his lips and says:

“Not so fast, brother.”