All Chapters of The Fate of the Alpha's Orphaned Daughter: Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

"You knew?" I asked, surprised. "He asked for my blessing last night," Kenny confirmed with a slight smirk. "Very traditional. I appreciate that in the man who wants to marry my little sister." Maison shrugged, his arm still firmly around my waist. "Royal bloodline or not, some protocols are worth honouring." Kenny's expression softened. "Father would approve. Mother too." He straightened, his manner shifting subtly to the more formal bearing he'd adopted since his return. "But as much as I hate to interrupt this moment, there are matters that require our attention." I sighed, reluctantly disentangling myself from Maison's embrace. "What's happened?" 

Luna Mara nodded in agreement. "The old texts speak of the Center Garden as the heart of the territories. It's where the monarchs would gather quarterly to renew their commitments to balance." "We should plant it tomorrow," Matthias said decisively. "During the waxing moon. Eclipse says the timing is significant." I glanced at my youngest brother, still occasionally startled by the wisdom that flowed through him. "Will the factions agree to our presence on disputed land?" "They already have," Maison said, entering with Jackson. Both looked tired but satisfied. "Word of the cardinal gardens has spread. The faction leaders are requesting, not demanding, requesting, that we establish the Centre Garden as soon as possible." 

Maison's hand covered mine, his warmth reassuring. "She'll know. We'll make sure of it." Sleep came easier than I expected, my dreams filled with gardens and laughter, children running through moonlit paths without fear or constraint. The next two days passed in a whirlwind of preparation. The Center Garden expanded daily, new growth responding to the energy of the Tree of Unity. Secondary gardens throughout the territories reported similar flourishing, creating a network of balanced power that could be felt even by those without supernatural sensitivity. Representatives from distant factions arrived hourly, drawn by the spreading influence of the gardens and news of the upcoming ceremony. Vampires from European covens, were-creatures from Asian territories, fae from remote islands, all con

"Better than alright," I assured him. "Your brother might actually be growing up." Luna Mara smiled knowingly. "The Unity Tree affects everyone differently, but always toward their truest self. For some, like Jackson, it reveals feelings they've long denied." "And for others?" I asked curiously. "It strengthens what's already there," she replied, her gaze moving between Maison and me. "Bonds that were meant to be become unbreakable." Sebastian cleared his throat gently. "The council awaits, and there is much to discuss—particularly regarding these ancient vampires Tobias mentioned." As we walked toward the council chambers, I found myself reflecting on how quick

"The council has been preparing for your return," she continued, falling naturally into step beside Kenny as we walked toward the compound. "Representatives will reconvene tomorrow to hear your findings.""And the Academy-Sneakz project?" I asked."Preparations complete," she reported. "The groundbreaking ceremony awaits only your participation. Jackson has been... enthusiastically coordinating the details.""Enthusiastically?" Maison repeated skeptically.Millie's lips quirked. "He and Elara have developed quite the effective partnership. Their combined diplomatic skills have accelerated preparations considerably."As we entered the compound, I was struck by the increased activity, supernatural beings from all factions moving with purpose rather than the cautious formality that had characterised earlier interactions. Small mixed groups gathered around tables, reviewing plans; species that had been ancestral enemies now collaborated with evident ease."It feels different," I murmured