Chapter 4: The Summit of Kings

The towering wrought-iron gates of the Royal Citadel loomed like black iron giants against the blizzard. Banners bearing the double-headed dragon crest snapped violently in the arctic wind as dozens of luxury motorcades and armored transports filed into the grand courtyard.

Julian adjusted his dress uniform, his breath fogging in the freezing air. Beside him, Seraphina wrapped her fox-fur coat tightly around her shoulders, her chin tilted up with smug pride.

"Ensure your posture is impeccable, Julian," Seraphina chimed, applying another layer of dark red lipstick. "When my father and I present you to the Royal Queen, she must see that you are worthy of leading the northern coalition alongside my family."

Julian didn't answer. His gaze swept across the courtyard, taking in the sheer scale of the citadel's defenses. Elite royal guards clad in obsidian plate armor lined every balcony, their silver eyes piercing the snowstorm with uncanny focus. The pressure hanging in the air wasn't just physical—it was a dense, suffocating blanket of ancient royal magic that made even the most arrogant Alphas walk with cautious, humble steps.

Inside the Great Hall, vaulted ceilings stretched high into the shadow of stone arches. Over fifty territorial Alphas from across the continent were gathered around the central marble aisle, speaking in low, anxious whispers.

Without Audrey's secret financial safety net, Julian’s pack had suffered three devastating economic collapses in less than forty-eight hours. Supply chains were frozen, his warriors were demanding back-pay, and his rivals were already smelling blood in the water. He needed the Queen's backing today, or Vance Pack would be dismantled by the end of the month.

"Look at these desperate regional lords," Seraphina sneered under her breath, gesturing toward the anxious crowd. "They have no idea how to navigate court politics. It’s a good thing you discarded that useless, low-born girl before coming here. She would have embarrassed you instantly in a place like this."

A sharp, electric pain shot directly through Julian’s heart at the mention of Audrey's name. He flinched, his hand dropping to his chest. Why does her name still hurt like this? he thought bitterly. She was just a nameless stray.

Before he could dwell on the thought, a resounding BOOM echoed through the hall as the massive brass doors at the top of the dais swung open.

The entire room fell dead silent.

Commander Eric stepped into the light, his polished broadsword resting against his hip. His voice boomed across the expanse, reverberating off the stone pillars with crushing authority:

"Presenting Her Imperial Majesty! Sovereign of the High North, Absolute Ruler of the Lycan Bloodlines, and True Crown of the Realm!"

"All kneel!" Eric commanded.

Instantly, fifty hardened, battle-tested Alphas dropped to their knees, bowing their heads toward the marble floor. Beside Julian, Seraphina quickly sank into a deep, graceful curtsy, pulling Julian down by his elbow.

Julian lowered his knee to the icy stone, his heart pounding like a war drum against his ribs.

Slowly, the heavy, rhythmic rustle of an imperial silk train glided down the marble stairs. A scent suddenly washed over the throne room—an intoxicating, majestic fragrance of frozen ice, rare silver lilies, and pure, radiant gold.

Julian froze. His blood ran instantly cold.

That scent.

It was the exact same intoxicating fragrance that had filled his executive suite right before the elevator doors closed. The same scent that had lingered on the torn rejection contract on his desk.

In sheer disbelief, Julian broke court protocol and raised his eyes.

Walking gracefully down the dais was a woman of breathtaking, lethal beauty. She wore a sweeping, velvet mantle of midnight blue, an intricate platinum crown set with brilliant diamonds resting upon her silver-tinged dark hair. Her aura radiated with a power so immense that the ambient temperature in the grand hall plummeted by ten degrees.

Julian’s breath caught in his throat. His jaw dropped, his eyes widening in pure terror as he stared at the face of the supreme ruler looking down from the throne.

It wasn't a stranger.

It was Audrey.