The ruins of Silver More still smoldered when Jayden stood at the foot of the Moonlight Throne.Ash covered the marble steps like fresh snow, and fragments of the once magnificent palace were spread out like shattered bones throughout the courtyard. The flags that used to display the royal family's emblem were turned to ashes in the last fight. The blood of both traitors and heroes still marked the broken stones under his feet.But it was over.Caelum was dead. Elias’s treachery had been avenged. The wolves who remained had knelt. The realm had chosen its king.Jayden took a breath, his chest heavy not with weariness, but with everything that had been lost to reach this day. His father. His brothers. Cassian.Cassian.A sharp ache pierced him as he thought of the last glance his once-rival gave him before the fire consumed him and the assassin’s blade meant for Aelin. The man had died saving the very child Jayden had once accused him of hiding.He would never forget that sacrifice.“J
The sun began to rise, filling the sky with shades of red and orange as if the heavens were sad.Silver More was quiet that morning. No warriors sparred. No children played in the courtyards. No elders gossiped in the shaded gardens. All the wolves, shapeshifters, and loyal followers wore black as they came together at the special place under the Spirit Tree.Cassian's body rested in the middle of a raised platform made of white ash wood. His armor was shiny and well-cleaned, and his sword was placed on his chest. He wore a crown made of wolf’s wolfsbane flowers on his head, representing both bravery and sacrifice.Ivy stood at the circle's edge holding Aelin in her arms. Her daughter was strangely calm as if she understood how important this moment was. Ivy’s eyes were hollow with grief but dry. She had cried all night. She had whispered Cassian’s name over and over, begging the Moon Goddess to return him, even for a moment.But the dead do not return.Jayden stood next to her, weari
The ground was covered with blood and ashes from the battle.The moon sat low in the sky, covered by dark clouds that seemed to be grieving for the lost. Cassian’s body was gone, and his last sacrifice left a deep ache in Ivy’s heart that felt stronger with each step she took. But now, all eyes were on the ancient Lycan arena, encircled by crumbling stones and burning torches that flickered against the wind.Jayden stood in the center, shirtless and marked with blood—some his, most not. His eyes were no longer the calm silver of a wise alpha. They burned now, golden and wild, reflecting the beast that demanded justice.Across from him stood Caelum, his cousin turned traitor, his amber gaze cold and calculating. Caelum’s body was leaner but fast, honed by years in exile and fueled by ambition. Behind him, members of the council—those who had defected—watched with bated breath, some already questioning their loyalty.The ritual duel for the throne was not taken lightly. This was not jus
The morning was cold in Silver More, but the icy air felt minor compared to the anxiety that filled the kingdom. Smoke continued to rise from the remains of destroyed houses, and the once-bright fields were damaged and burned. Even in the midst of destruction, a strong energy flowed—something important was about to happen.Jayden stood at the front of his small army made up of rebels, loyalists, and fighters who had promised to help take back their home. His dark eyes shone with determination, and he wore his heavy crown more like a burden than a reward. Next to him, Ivy held her bow tightly, her jaw clenched. The fire in her silver eyes showed the strong determination she had in common with Jayden.This was no ordinary battle. It was a fight not just for territory or power but for the soul of Silver More itself.At the back, Cassian moved quietly like a shadow blending in with the darkness. His body had scars from previous battles, but his spirit stayed strong. Today, Cassian felt mo
The first morning light appeared on the horizon, coloring the sky with bright gold and dark red. In the center of the Hidden Grove, signs of last night’s ceremony remained. A soft glow of magic filled the air, ashes were spread around the sacred circle, and the smell of smoke still hung around.Jayden stood by himself at the grove's edge looking east as the first sunlight peeked through the trees. The burden of the crown, which he had never actually worn, felt heavy on his shoulders. He could sense a change within himself as if the promise he made had awakened something old and powerful in his veins. His wolf was more powerful and his senses were keener. Even the wind whispered in new tones.He was no longer just Alpha.He was something more.Behind him, the makeshift camp stirred with renewed energy. Packs that had been rivals were now sharing fire and food. Wolves who had once bowed to Caelum were now reconsidering their loyalty after witnessing Aelin’s display under the Burning Moo
Jayden stood at the border of the Hidden Grove, his shape outlined by the firelight while witches, wolves, and their allies came together around him. Word had spread like wildfire across the divided territories—Alpha Jayden had returned. The true Alpha, the one the Moon Goddess had once chosen.And now, his daughter was with him.Ivy stood in the shadows holding Aelin close as the child slept peacefully in her arms. Even while she slept, the girl shone like a light—her magical energy filled the space around her. The witches had surrounded her with symbols and spells for safety, but Ivy still felt unprotected. Elias and Caelum would not sit quietly.“Are you ready?” Cassian asked, stepping up beside Jayden, his expression sharp and wary.Jayden nodded once, his gaze fixed on the burning moon. “This is our call to arms. We rise tonight.”A horn blew in the distance. Not a war horn—but a cry of allegiance. From the east, the Black Ridge Pack approached, flanked by scouts and warriors. Be