Chapter 186

Chapter 186
Mason's POV

I stood at the side of the hospital bed, watching with worry and amazement as Madilyn's body shook. Her breathing was heavy, her skin burning with heat, and I could see her muscles stretching unnaturally. Her bones popped and cracked. It looked painful, but I knew I couldn't help her. This was something she had to go through by herself. It was her shift. Her moment.

The power in the room felt like it was rising, thick in the air. I could sense it building. My eyes stayed on her, waiting. Then, in a sudden burst of light and energy, her human form was gone.

Standing in front of me was a white wolf.

A rare, perfect white wolf. Her fur glowed like moonlight, and her golden eyes sparkled as she looked at me. I froze. White wolves were the rarest and most powerful of all. And now, Madilyn had become one.

Then her voice echoed in my head. It wasn’t spoken aloud, but I heard it clear as day.

"Oh my God, Mason! I finally shifted!"

I couldn't stop the smile on my face. I reached out and gently ran my fingers through her soft fur. She leaned into my touch, nuzzling her face into my hand.

But before I could say anything, her body started changing again. Her fur melted away, her limbs twisted back, and she collapsed into my arms as a human.

Her voice was full of joy as she looked up at me. "Did you see? Did you see me?"

"Yes," I said, holding her tightly. "I saw everything."

She smiled at me, reading the worry behind my smile. "Don’t tell me you’re thinking about my ancestor. The white wolf who gave her life to protect others."

I gave a weak smile, not denying it.

Madilyn laughed and kissed my cheek. "Relax. That’s just an old story. I’m not planning on going anywhere."

I opened my mouth to reply, but a sudden voice shouted in my head. It was Caleb, using the mind link. The words he spoke were quick and filled with fear.

"The Lycan King is dead."

\---

Jayden's POV

At the palace in Bloodmoon Kingdom, everything was busy. Servants rushed through the halls, guards stood in their armor, and every room was full of activity. It was the day of the new king’s crowning.

Inside his room, Jayden stood in front of a mirror. He fixed the collar of his royal robe, admiring the way it shimmered. Gold and silver threads lined the dark blue fabric. Today, he would finally sit on the throne.

He turned away from the mirror and looked at the scroll lying on a table nearby. The royal seal of the kingdom was stamped on the front. The scroll named Jayden as the new Lycan King.

Or so everyone thought.

Jayden picked it up and smiled. He had worked hard to reach this day. No one knew the truth except him and his mother, Alaska. Days ago, she had shown him the real will—the one written by the former king. It didn’t name Jayden as heir.

It named Mason.

His hand shook a little as he remembered the words. His father had ignored all of Jayden's loyalty, his years of effort. Instead, he gave the throne to someone else.

Jayden clenched his jaw. "You chose wrong, Father."

He had forged a new will with Alaska. Now, the whole kingdom believed Jayden was the rightful heir.

He dressed slowly in his ceremonial robe and stepped out into the Grand Coronation Hall. The wide chamber was filled with nobles and council members. Everyone turned to look as Jayden walked in.

Whispers filled the air.

"This isn’t right," an elder said. "The former king hasn’t even been buried. And Prince Mason is still missing."

Jayden walked calmly forward and held up the will.

"This is what my father wanted," he said. "It’s all here."

Some of the council members looked at each other, unsure.

"How can we be sure that document is real?" one minister asked.

Jayden's eyes darkened. He raised one hand, and with a sharp wave, sent the minister flying backwards. Gasps echoed around the room.

The hall fell silent.

Jayden’s power as a Lycan was strong, and no one dared to speak again. Only his loyal followers clapped.

Jayden walked slowly toward the throne, counting the steps.

Seven.

Six.

Five.

Almost there.

Four.

Three.

Two.

One.

Just as his foot touched the step of the throne, a huge bang echoed through the room. The doors of the hall flew open.

A powerful wind blasted through, pushing Jayden back.

Everyone turned.

Standing in the doorway was a man. His eyes glowed gold. His hands were claws. His power rolled off him like a wave, stronger than anyone had ever seen.

Mason had returned.

He stepped forward with a calm, dangerous smirk.

"Not so fast, brother."