Chapter 7

Evelyn’s POV

The black SUV wound through the ancient silver pine forests that marked the border of the Lycan Kingdom, the Voss Empire. As we crossed the invisible line, the air itself seemed to change; everywhere screamed power, buzzing with the presence of true Lycans. 

My eldest brother, Cassian Voss, sat beside me in the back seat. He was the spitting image of our father: tall, broad-shouldered, with sharp silver eyes and dark hair tied back in a warrior’s knot. My father had sent him to pick me up. He hadn’t said much on the drive, just rested a reassuring hand on my shoulder when the tears threatened to spill again. 

The gates of the Royal Palace rose ahead. Guards in silver armor snapped to attention as we passed, their fists over their hearts in salute. 

The moment the car stopped, I was out the door. 

He was waiting for me on the grand marble steps. 

King Alaric Voss—my father, ruler of the Voss Empire, sovereign of the entire Lycan race. His silver-streaked black hair crowned with the simple circlet of his office, his presence alone was dominating. His eyes, the same piercing silver-blue as mine, softened the instant they landed on me. 

I ran with huge excitement in my veins. 

Straight into his open arms. 

He caught me, strong and steady, folding me against his chest like I was still the little girl who used to ride on his shoulders. 

The scent of him— as I placed my head on his chest—brought it all rushing back. 

I remembered being five, laughing as he hoisted me high above his head, pretending I was flying over the palace gardens. He would shift just enough to let silver fur ripple along his arms, growling playfully while I tugged at his ears and called him my “big wolf pony.”

I remembered the quiet evenings after Mother died, when the palace felt too large and too empty. He would carry me to the highest tower, wrap me in his cloak, and point out the stars, telling me stories of our ancestors until I fell asleep against his heartbeat. 

He had been my entire world then—protector, playmate, king, and father all at once. 

And now, after seven years of pretending I didn’t need him, I let myself sink into that same heartbeat again. 

His hand stroked my hair, voice deep with emotion.  

“My Evelyn,” he murmured. “My brave girl. You’re home.” 

I buried my face in his shoulder, breathing in the familiar scent of home, and for the first time in years, I felt truly safe. 

Cassian joined us, clapping a hand on my back. “Welcome home, little sister.” 

Inside the throne hall, my other two brothers were waiting. 

Ronan, the middle one—charming, roguish, with a wicked smile and a reputation for breaking hearts across the continent—pulled me into a crushing hug and spun me around until I laughed. 

Kai, the youngest but fiercest, hung back at first, arms crossed, but his eyes softened when I reached for him. He hugged me tightly, muttering, “Never again. You’re never leaving us again.” 

My father guided us to the council chamber, his arm around my shoulders the entire way. 

“We will hold a grand banquet,” he announced, voice sounding like a royal decree. “The entire werewolf continent will be invited. It is time they learned that Princess Evelyn Voss has returned.” 

Cassian nodded. “Invitation letters will go out tomorrow. Every major pack, every Alpha. Including Shadowfang.” 

He’d specifically mentioned Shadowfang because he thought it’d make me uncomfortable to see my ex-husband again, especially since Alexander didn’t know I was the Lycan princess, but honestly, I didn’t care if they invited him or not, I didn’t care if he showed up or not. 

I shrugged indifferently. “Do what you must.” 

Cassian’s lips curved in approval. “Good. Let them see what they lost.” 

Surrounded by their fierce, unwavering love, I felt the chill of the past seven years finally melt away. This—this was family. This was home. 

My father’s gaze lingered on my face. “Your eyes, child.”

I blinked, then laughed softly. Of course. 

I reached up and carefully removed the brown contact lenses I’d worn every single day for seven years. Everything in sight sharpened, colors deepening as my natural silver-blue irises—unique to the direct Voss royal line—returned. Then I took off the moonstone necklace, my Lycan aura showed. 

My father expressed pure adoration. “There she is. My little princess.” 

He cupped my cheek. “You, Evelyn, will be Queen after me. Your brothers will serve as your council and your sword. But first, you must train. You must learn to rule. The crown will be yours—and you will wear it better than any before you.” 

I stared it him, stunned. Me, as queen? I hadn’t expected him to say that. What happened to my three brothers? Why skip them and hand it to me? 

“Father… I—”

Cassian chuckled, ruffling my hair. “Don’t look so terrified, Evie. We’ve all discussed it before your return and decided that you would be the best fit. We are ready to support you all the way. Besides, you’ve already survived seven years with a werewolf Alpha. Ruling a kingdom will be easy.” 

Before I could respond, he pulled my phone from his pocket and tossed it to me. “This thing hasn’t stopped buzzing the whole drive. Deal with it yourself.”

I caught it. 

The screen lit up with missed calls—dozens of them—all from Alexander. 

Messages poured in: 

*Where are you?*

*Answer the phone.*  

*This isn’t funny, Evelyn.*  

*Come home. Now.*

Another call came through at that moment. His name flashed.

I pressed decline.

Then I walked to the open window overlooking the moonlit kingdom stretching out below. I slipped the ring from my finger and hurled both it and phone as far as I could into the night.

It vanished into the darkness without a sound.

Good riddance.

“I’m done with him,” I said quietly. “With all of it.”

My father and brothers exchanged proud glances.

“I’ll become Queen,” I told them. “But the banquet… the announcements… we can discuss all of that later. First, teach me how to be the heir you need. I have seven years of weakness to burn away. Make me strong enough that no one—*no one*—ever dares to look down on a Voss again.”

My father’s eyes gleamed with approval.

“That’s  my girl.”

And for the first time in years, I smiled—truly smiled.

Let the continent prepare.

The lost princess had returned.