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Alpha Alexander's POV

Returning to the palace after our week in South Africa felt surreal. That time had been a sanctuary, a retreat where Vanessa and I could rebuild our bond away from the pressures of our roles. But now, the weight of the throne and the reality of court politics bore down on us as we approached the palace's grand entrance. Vanessa stayed close to my side, her hand gripping mine tightly. The palace, once a place of familiarity and routine, now seemed cold and oppressive after our brief escape.

My thoughts were consumed by the upcoming coronation and the disturbing news Maximillian, my newly discovered twin brother, had brought to light. Maximillian had appeared out of nowhere, a living reminder of the family secrets and past deceptions that seemed to plague our lineage. His resemblance to me was uncanny, but his demeanor held a hardness that set him apart. Despite the shock of discovering a twin, it was his revelation about Cyrus's treachery that had driven us back to the palace sooner than planned.

As we entered the main hall, the atmosphere was charged with tension. Advisors and elders whispered amongst themselves, their expressions grave. Maximillian stood apart, his presence commanding attention. He caught my eye and nodded, beckoning us into a private chamber away from prying eyes.

The situation grew more complicated when Vanessa , upon seeing Maximillian, uttered a word that shocked everyone present: "Mate." Maximillian, in response, asserted possessively, "Mine." Instinctively, I stepped in front of Vanessa, protecting her and asserting my own claim. Vanessa intervened, touching my face and calming our inner wolves, acknowledging the complex truth that we were identical twins with the same mate. It was a realization that left us all stunned.

Maximillian's POV

I entered the main hall and walked toward my twin brother, Alexander, signaling for us to meet in the private chambers. As I turned away, my eyes caught sight of the stunning woman beside him, and my wolf growled possessively, declaring her as "MINE" the moment I heard her call me "MATE."

But Alexander stepped forward, positioning himself protectively in front of her, laying claim to her as his own. Rage surged within me. How dare he keep my mate behind him and assert dominance over her?

Then, she moved to my side, placing her hands on both of us, soothing our agitated wolves. I stepped closer, wrapping my hands around her, inhaling deeply to scent her, and pronounced firmly, "Mine."

Vanessa's POV

Stepping into the main hall beside Alexander, my gaze fixed ahead where I saw an exact replica of the man beside me. Shock coursed through me as Evie growled "Mate," and the man ahead echoed with a possessive "Mine."

Confusion gripped me. How could I have two mates? I asked Evie silently, trying to make sense of it all. Despite my inner turmoil, Alexander stepped in front of me, asserting his claim.

Realization dawned-they were twins, both alphas. A fight seemed inevitable if I didn't intervene.

Stepping forward, I placed both hands on my mate, soothing the tension. Alexander's twin pulled me into a hug, sniffing and scenting me while declaring, "Mine."

I glimpsed a moment of relaxation in Alexander, mingled with confusion. Damn, I had two mates-a situation that defied all expectations.