“But that is not why we are here today. I am standing before you to declare that I am no longer hiding. I have come here, not just to reclaim my name, but to reveal the truth I have carried for far too long.”I looked to Kingston for strength, and he gave it to me without speaking.“I am the mate an
CoraI stood behind the velvet curtain, clutching the notecards in my hands, though I already knew every word by heart. My palms were damp, my heart pounding with a rhythm that rivaled a war drum.On the other side of the curtain, I could hear the murmuring crowd of reporters, council members, ambas
“If I’m going to lead—if I’m going to unite three entire species—I can’t do it from the shadows. I have to own my truth. Even if people hate me for it. I’ve hidden for too long.”Kingston reached for my hand and laced his fingers with mine. “Then we go public. Together.”The announcement was schedul
CoraThe prophecy had felt like a distant, mythical thing since I had first heard of it. But according to Kingston, I wasn’t the only one who had a vague understanding of its importance and purpose.Kingston had told me that for so long, it had been something buried in the dusty pages of old werewol
Liana stood beside me, her arms crossed.“I get the impression you didn’t want to like me,” she said without preamble.I glanced at her. “I’m not going to lie. No, I didn’t.”She smirked. “Fair. I wouldn’t have liked myself either in your shoes. You thought I was here to take your place.”“You are,”
CoraI hadn’t expected to be this nervous.Dinner had always felt like a mundane task, a way to keep myself and Riley fed, something to do while the evening passed. It was rare that a special occasion put an emphasis on the meal.But tonight, the table was set with care, Kingston had cooked, and the