CHAPTER 3: THE KING'S CITADEL

"We're entering the valley," Cassian said softly, pointing out the dark car window.

I looked out as the dense pine forests gave way to a massive stone valley. Embedded directly into the mountain face was the Lycan Citadel, a towering fortress of black stone, iron flagpoles, and glowing glass windows that spanned as far as the eye could see.

The main iron gates swung open and hundreds of heavily armored Lycan soldiers stood in perfect formation, bowing their heads as our motorcade passed through.

The car came to a stop at the base of a massive marble staircase. A stern, older woman in a sharp navy dress stepped down to meet us.

"Your Majesty," she said, bowing briefly to Cassian before turning her sharp gray eyes on me. "So this is the girl you've been monitoring for five years."

"Sienna, this is Vanya," Cassian introduced, keeping a warm hand on the small of my back. "She manages the inner keep. Her word here is law, second only to mine."

Vanya stepped closer, her expression softening as she took in my posture. "She doesn't carry herself like a low-pack wolf, sire. She has royal posture."

"She is far more than a simple wolf, Vanya," Cassian said with a quiet smirk. "Prepare the East Tower suite for her."

Vanya blinked in surprise, the East Tower was reserved exclusively for rulers, but bowed instantly. "Right away, sire. Welcome to the Citadel, Lady Sienna."

"Thank you, Vanya," I replied, keeping my head high.

Cassian led me through the colossal front doors. High vaulted ceilings, red velvet carpets, and massive oil paintings of ancient kings lined the halls. It made my old room at the Silver Moon packhouse look like a pigsty.

He brought me to a set of heavy double doors guarded by two massive Lycans carrying broadaxes. 

They bowed as Cassian pushed the doors open, revealing a breathtaking suite. A massive carved bed sat near a roaring stone fireplace, while wall-to-ceiling windows offered a view of the entire lit city below.

"This is your sanctuary, Sienna," Cassian said, standing by the doorway. "No one enters without your permission. Not even me."

I walked over to the glass, placing my hand against the cool window. "Why are you doing all this, Cassian? You're the Lycan King. You could have any high-born female in the realm. Why fuss over a rejected pack girl?"

Cassian walked up behind me, his heavy boots silent on the rug. "Because you were never a low-born wolf, Sienna," he murmured, his hands gently resting on my shoulders. "Your father wasn't a simple commander. He was Prince Roy of the Northern Lycan Royal Line, he went into hiding after the Great War."

My breath caught. "What?"

"The strength inside you... the reason your soul didn't shatter when you broke that bond... is because royal blood flows through your veins," Cassian revealed, his voice steady. "Jaxon thought he was throwing away a nobody. He had no idea he was dealing with a high princess."

I stared at my reflection in the glass, the pieces finally coming together. My father's incredible speed, his secret combat lessons, the silver glow that used to spark in his eyes when he was angry...

"Your father saved my life when I was a boy," Cassian added softly, turning me around to face him. "I swore to protect his legacy. But when I saw how Jaxon's bond bound your mind, I had to wait until you broke free on your own. You had to reclaim your own strength."

"I have it back now," I whispered, my gaze locking onto his silver eyes. "And I want back everything they stole from my father."

Cassian’s eyes flared crimson, a sharp, deadly smile spreading across his face. "Then tomorrow, your real training begins. And when you're ready..." He leaned down, pressing a soft, burning kiss to my cheek. "...we will go back and take Silver Moon together."

A soft knock came at the door. Vanya entered, carrying a silver tray loaded with hot roasted meats, fresh bread, and dark wine.

"I brought dinner, My Lady," Vanya said respectfully, setting it on the oak table. "And the warm lavender bath is prepared in the adjoining room."

"Thank you, Vanya," I smiled.

Cassian stepped back into the hallway. "Get some rest, Sienna. Tomorrow, you reclaim your legacy."

That night, after a hot bath and a rich meal, I lay on the massive bed, listening to the crackle of the fireplace. Deep inside my spirit, my wolf, dormant for years under Jaxon's thumb, stretched her massive silver limbs and let out a satisfied purr.

We were home. And revenge was finally within reach.