CHAPTER 7: THE GRAND REVELATION

Leila stood before the full-length mirror in her chambers, her breath catching at her reflection. The gown was exquisite, a masterpiece of silver silk that flowed like liquid moonlight across her body. Diamonds were woven into the fabric, catching the light with every movement. Her hair had been styled in elegant waves, a delicate tiara resting on her head.

"You look like a true princess," the royal stylist said with tears in her eyes. "Just like your mother did."

Leila touched the tiara gently, her heart pounding. "I still can't believe this is real."

A knock sounded at the door, and Prince Darius entered, stopping short when he saw her. His eyes widened.

"Sister," he breathed. "You're breathtaking."

Leila smiled, though her hands trembled slightly. "I'm nervous."

"Don't be," Darius said, moving to take her hands. "This is your birthright. These people have waited eighteen years to meet you. They're going to love you."

"What if they don't accept me?" Leila whispered. "What if they think I'm not worthy because I was raised as a human?"

Darius's grip tightened. "Then they'll answer to me. And to Father. You are Princess Leila of the Lycan Kingdom, daughter of King William. That's all that matters."

King William appeared in the doorway, resplendent in his ceremonial robes. His eyes softened when he saw his daughter.

"My beautiful girl," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "Are you ready?"

Leila took a deep breath and nodded. "I'm ready."

The grand ballroom was already filled with guests when they arrived. Hundreds of Alphas, Lunas, and dignitaries from across the continent had gathered, all dressed in their finest. The room glittered with jewels and power, conversations humming like electricity in the air.

Servants moved through the crowd with trays of champagne and delicacies. At the far end of the room, a magnificent throne sat on a raised platform, waiting for its princess.

Near the entrance, gifts were piled high, each Alpha bringing tributes to honor the lost princess. Rare jewels, ancient artifacts, territories offered in alliance, each more extravagant than the last.

Leila waited in the antechamber with her father and brother, listening to the sounds of the gathering crowd. Her heart raced, her hand unconsciously moving to her stomach where her precious pup rested.

"It's time," King William said softly.

Just as they were about to make their entrance, the grand doors opened once more. Leila's breath caught in her throat as she saw who had just arrived.

Adrian.

And beside him, her hand clasped in his, was Lydia.

They entered together, looking every bit the perfect Alpha couple. Lydia's red dress clung to her curves, her hand possessively on Adrian's arm. Adrian looked devastating in his black suit, his powerful presence commanding attention from everyone in the room.

Leila's heart clenched painfully, but she forced herself to remain still, hidden in the shadows of the antechamber.

"Sister?" Darius noticed her tension. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing," Leila whispered, though her eyes never left Adrian. "Let's just get this over with."

But before they could move, Leila found herself walking into the main hall through a side entrance, needing a moment to compose herself. She had barely taken three steps when a familiar voice cut through the air.

"What the hell are you doing here?"

Leila turned to find Lydia staring at her with undisguised contempt.

"Humans aren't allowed at royal functions," Lydia continued, her lips curling into a cruel smile. "Can't you ever know your place?"

Before Leila could respond, Adrian appeared at Lydia's side. His eyes widened when he saw Leila, shock and something else, something desperate, flashing across his face.

"Leila," he breathed, immediately moving toward her. His hand reached out to grasp her arm. "I've been looking everywhere for you. What are you doing here? And why are you dressed like this?"

His eyes traveled over her elegant gown, confusion evident in his expression.

"Are you doing all this to get back at me?" Adrian's voice dropped lower, almost pleading. "Just stop this and come back home. We need to talk. I know about the baby. Leila, please."

Leila snatched her hand away from his grip, her eyes flashing with barely controlled anger.

"Don't you think you're crossing the line?" Her voice was cold, steady. "I have told you to stay away from me. Stay away, Adrian."

"Leila, wait," Adrian started, reaching for her again.

But before he could say another word, several high-ranking Alphas approached, recognizing the famous Adrian Blackwood.

"Alpha Adrian! We heard about your presidential campaign!"

"Alpha Blackwood, might we have a word about the alliance?"

Adrian's jaw clenched in frustration as the Alphas surrounded him, demanding his attention. His eyes desperately sought Leila's, but she was already moving away.

Leila walked quickly through the crowd, her heart pounding. She needed to get away from Adrian, from Lydia, from all of it. Her hand found her brother's as Darius appeared beside her.

"Are you alright?" Darius asked quietly, his eyes scanning her face.

"I'm fine," Leila said, squeezing his hand. "Let's do this."

Darius nodded and led her to the center of the ballroom. The orchestra fell silent. Conversations died down as people turned to see what was happening.

Prince Darius raised his hand, his powerful voice carrying across the entire hall.

"Distinguished guests, Alphas, Lunas, members of the realm," he announced. "Tonight, we gather to witness a miracle. Eighteen years ago, tragedy struck our kingdom when our beloved princess was taken from us as an infant. We searched. We never gave up hope. And now..."

He turned to Leila, his eyes shining with pride and love.

"I present to you, Princess Leila, daughter of King William, heir to the Lycan throne. The lost princess has finally come home."

Gasps echoed through the ballroom. Heads turned. Whispers erupted.

Darius led Leila toward the throne at the far end of the room. With each step, more eyes fixed on her. Some with wonder. Some with curiosity. And some, Leila noticed with a sinking feeling, with suspicion.

Adrian stood frozen among the crowd, his face pale with shock. Beside him, Lydia's mouth had fallen open in disbelief.

"That's impossible," Lydia whispered. "She's human. She's just a lowly human."

But Adrian couldn't speak. His eyes were locked on Leila, on the way she moved with grace and power he'd never seen before, on the tiara that marked her as royalty, on the transformed woman who was once his hidden wife.

As Leila approached the throne, a voice rang out from the crowd.

"This can't be true!"

Everyone turned to see an older Alpha stepping forward, his expression skeptical.

"She's human," the Alpha declared loudly. "I can smell it from here. She has no wolf. She's an imposter!"

Murmurs of agreement rippled through the crowd.

"He's right," another voice called out. "How can a human be the Lycan princess?"

"This is a trick," someone else shouted. "She's trying to deceive us all!"

The accusations grew louder, more Alphas voicing their doubts. Leila stood still, her hands clenched at her sides.

Prince Darius stepped forward, his aura flaring dangerously. "How dare you question my sister's identity!"

"Then let her prove it!" the first Alpha challenged. "If she's truly the princess, she should have the royal power. The ancient texts say the Lycan princess possesses the power of absolute command. She can make everyone in this room bow to her with a single word."

The crowd fell silent, all eyes turning to Leila.

King William rose from his own throne, anger blazing in his eyes. "You dare demand proof from my daughter?"

"Father," Leila said softly, placing a gentle hand on his arm. She turned to face the crowd, her chin lifted high. "It's alright. They have a right to be certain."

She stepped forward, standing alone before hundreds of powerful wolves, all watching her with varying degrees of doubt and suspicion.

Adrian pushed through the crowd, his heart pounding. "Leila, you don't have to do this."

But Leila's eyes found his across the room, and the look she gave him was one of such calm power that it made his wolf whimper in submission.

"Actually," Leila said clearly, her voice carrying to every corner of the ballroom, "I do."

She closed her eyes for a moment, and when they opened again, they were no longer brown.

They were pure, brilliant silver.

The same eyes that had glowed when she rejected Adrian. But now, they blazed with ancient power that made the very air tremble.

Leila's voice, when she spoke, resonated with command that went beyond Alpha authority, beyond even Lycan dominance. It was the voice of pure royal bloodline, unchanged for thousands of years.

"Kneel."

The single word crashed through the ballroom like a tidal wave.

Every person in the room, from the lowest servant to the highest ranking Alpha, felt their knees buckle. Their wolves submitted instantly, completely, unable to resist the absolute authority in that command.

One by one, hundreds of bodies dropped to their knees.

Alphas who had never bowed to anyone but their own pack leaders found themselves kneeling.

Lydia collapsed to the floor, her face pale with shock and fear.

And Adrian, the powerful Alpha Adrian Blackwood, felt his own knees hit the marble floor. His wolf howled in submission, recognizing the superior power, the royal blood that ran through Leila's veins.

He looked up at her, and for the first time, he truly saw her.

Not the hidden human wife he'd kept in the shadows.

Not the gold digger his mother had convinced him she was.

But Princess Leila. The Lycan princess. His mate.

And he had thrown her away.

remained in stunned silence as everyone slowly rose from their knees. Whispers erupted like wildfire, Alphas exchanging shocked glances, unable to believe what they had just experienced.

Leila's silver eyes faded back to brown as she released the command. She stood tall and composed, though inside her heart was racing.

King William stepped forward, his voice booming with pride and authority. "Does anyone else wish to question my daughter's identity?"

Silence. Complete and total silence.

"I thought not," the King said with satisfaction. He placed a protective hand on Leila's shoulder. "Now, let us celebrate properly. Come, my daughter, there are many who wish to meet you properly."

As the orchestra began playing again and conversations resumed, King William guided Leila through the crowd. Alphas and their mates approached with offerings and congratulations, bowing deeply before the lost princess.

Near the refreshment table, a tall, handsome Alpha with dark hair and striking green eyes caught King William's attention.

"Ah, Harry!" the King called warmly. "Come, let me introduce you to my daughter."

Alpha Harry turned, a warm smile spreading across his face. He was powerfully built, his movements graceful and confident. As he approached, Leila noticed the kindness in his eyes, so different from the cold calculations she'd grown used to.

"Princess Leila," King William said, "this is Alpha Harry Thornfield of the Northern Ridge pack. One of our strongest allies and a dear friend to the crown."

Harry bowed deeply, then took Leila's hand with gentle respect. His lips brushed across her knuckles in a traditional greeting. "Your Highness, it is an honor beyond measure to finally meet you. The realm has waited so long for your return."

"Thank you, Alpha Harry," Leila said softly. "That's very kind of you."

"Please, just Harry," he said with a charming smile. "I hope we'll have the chance to speak more this evening. I'd love to hear about your journey."

There was genuine interest in his voice, not the calculating politeness Leila had learned to recognize. Something warm flickered in her chest, though she quickly pushed it down.

"I'd like that," she replied.

Across the ballroom, Adrian stood frozen, his champagne glass gripped so tightly it was a miracle it didn't shatter. He watched as Harry kissed Leila's hand, watched as she smiled at him, that same soft smile she used to give Adrian in the early days of their marriage.

"Adrian, darling, are you listening?" Lydia tugged at his arm, but he barely registered her presence.

His wolf was going absolutely feral inside him, snarling and clawing to get out, to rip that Alpha's hand away from their mate.

"Adrian!" Lydia hissed more insistently. "People are staring. You need to calm down."

But Adrian couldn't look away. Couldn't breathe. The sight of another man touching Leila, of her accepting it so calmly, was like acid in his veins.

She's ours, his wolf howled. Our mate. Our princess. Ours!

King William raised his hand, calling for attention once more. The room quieted immediately.

"My friends," the King announced, his voice warm but commanding. "Tonight we celebrate the return of my daughter. But I have even more joyous news to share."

Leila looked at her father in surprise. This wasn't part of the plan they'd discussed.

"As you know, a princess must have a worthy mate. Someone strong enough to stand beside her, to protect her, to honor her as she deserves." King William's eyes swept across the room. "Therefore, I am pleased to announce that within the month, we will host another celebration. Princess Leila's engagement party."

The room erupted in excited chatter.

Adrian felt like the ground had disappeared beneath his feet. His heart stopped. Actually stopped.

"Engagement?" he whispered, his voice hoarse.

Lydia's grip on his arm tightened, her nails digging through his jacket. "Adrian, your face. You look like you've seen a ghost."

But Adrian couldn't speak. Couldn't move. All he could do was stare at Leila, who stood beside her father with a carefully neutral expression.

She's going to marry someone else. She's going to belong to someone else. She's carrying my pup and she's going to marry another Alpha.

The thought was unbearable. Impossible. His wolf thrashed violently, howling in anguish.

"Of course," King William continued with a knowing smile, "the identity of my daughter's future mate will be revealed at the engagement party itself. Let us keep some mystery, shall we?"

More laughter and excited whispers filled the room.

Harry stepped closer to Leila, speaking quietly so only she could hear. "Your Highness, if I may be so bold, I hope I might be considered among the candidates for your hand."

Leila looked up at him, surprised by his directness. "You barely know me, Alpha Harry."

"True," Harry admitted with a gentle smile. "But I know your spirit. Any woman who can command a room full of Alphas with a single word, who can stand tall after being lost for eighteen years, who carries herself with such grace despite everything she must have endured... that's a woman worth knowing. Worth loving."

There was sincerity in his voice that made Leila's chest tighten. "That's very kind of you."

"It's not kindness," Harry said softly. "It's truth. And I promise you, Princess, if you give me the chance, I'll prove myself worthy of you."

Before Leila could respond, the King called her away to meet more dignitaries. Harry bowed and stepped back, but his eyes followed her with clear interest.

The rest of the evening passed in a blur of introductions, congratulations, and carefully navigated conversations. Leila played her role perfectly, the gracious princess returned home at last.

But she was exhausted. Emotionally drained. And the weight of her father's announcement sat heavy on her shoulders.

As the party finally began to wind down, Leila excused herself, desperate for a moment alone. She slipped out of the ballroom and into the quiet hallway, her heels clicking against the marble floor.

She had barely made it halfway down the corridor when a hand shot out from a darkened alcove, gripping her arm and pulling her into the shadows.

Leila gasped as she was pressed against the wall, Adrian's body caging her in.

"Adrian, what are you—"

"Enough!" Adrian's voice was rough, desperate. His eyes blazed as he stared down at her. "Leila, you can't keep doing this. This is no longer a joke!"

"Let me go," Leila said coldly, trying to push him away.

But Adrian didn't budge. His hand moved to cup her face, his thumb brushing across her cheek with a gentleness that contradicted the intensity in his eyes.

"You're pregnant," he said, his voice breaking. "You're carrying my pup and you hid it from me. And now you're playing hide and seek, letting your father announce an engagement to goddess knows who."

Leila's jaw clenched. "You have no right to touch me. No right to question me."

"I have every right!" Adrian's voice rose slightly before he caught himself. "You're my wife. That's my pup you're carrying. Mine, Leila!"

"I was your wife," Leila corrected sharply. "A wife you kept hidden. A wife you left bleeding on the ground. A wife you accused of being a gold digger and a cheat." Her eyes flashed silver for just a moment. "That woman doesn't exist anymore."

"I know I made mistakes," Adrian said desperately. "I know I hurt you. But Leila, please, we can fix this. Just come back to me. Come home. We'll figure everything out."

Leila laughed, but there was no humor in it. "Home? You mean that empty house where I waited alone for three years? Where your mother slapped me and forced me to strip? Where you chose another woman over me every single day?"

"That's not fair…"

"Fair?" Leila's voice rose, her composure finally cracking. "You want to talk about fair? Was it fair that I loved you with everything I had while you gave your heart to someone else? Was it fair that I was in agony, begging you to take me to the hospital, and you left me alone because you had to protect Lydia?"

Adrian flinched as if she'd struck him. "I didn't know you were pregnant. If I had known…"

"If you had known, what?" Leila demanded. "Would you have actually cared? Or would you have accused me of trapping you?"

"I would have protected you! Protected our pup!"

"Like you protected me when your mother humiliated me? Like you protected me when Lydia pushed me and I broke my leg?" Leila's eyes filled with tears, but her voice remained strong. "You protected everyone but me, Adrian. Everyone but your own wife."

Adrian's hands trembled as he gripped her shoulders. "I know. I know I failed you. But Leila, please, it's not too late. We can start over. I'll do better. I'll be the mate you deserve. Just... just don't marry someone else. Don't take my pup away from me."

"Your pup?" Leila's laugh was bitter. "This pup is mine. I'm the one who suffered to keep them alive. I'm the one who nearly died protecting them while you were holding another woman's hand. This pup is mine, and I will decide what's best for us."

"I'm their father," Adrian said, his voice cracking with emotion. "You can't just cut me out."

"Watch me," Leila said coldly. She finally managed to push him away, putting distance between them. "I came to you with divorce papers. Sign them, Adrian. Let me go."

"Never," Adrian said fiercely. "I will never sign those papers. I will never let you go. You're mine, Leila. You'll always be mine."

"I belong to no one," Leila said, her eyes blazing silver again. "Especially not to you."

She turned to walk away, but Adrian's next words stopped her.

"I know about Alpha Harry," he said darkly. "I saw how he looked at you. How he touched you."

Leila glanced back over her shoulder, her expression unreadable. "And?"

"And if you think I'm going to stand by and watch another man claim you, claim my pup, you're wrong." Adrian's eyes flashed gold. "I'll burn down this entire palace before I let that happen."

"Then you'll be starting a war with the Lycan Kingdom," Leila said quietly. "Is that really what you want?"

Adrian stepped closer, his voice dropping to an intimate whisper. "What I want is you. What I want is our family. What I want is a chance to make this right."

For just a moment, Leila's expression softened. Adrian saw it, that flicker of the woman who had loved