บททั้งหมดของ THE COLD WOLF'S MATE : บทที่ 171 - บทที่ 177

Elara’s POV The first dawn after the council’s decree didn’t feel like a beginning.It felt like standing on the edge of something vast and unknowable, like watching a storm roll in and knowing there was no running from it this time.From my balcony, the valley stretched below like a living map of change. Wolves moved in coordinated patterns, carrying timber, stone, and steel. The faint clang of metal echoed through the air as the foundation of a new capital, our capital took shape where ashes once lay. Midnight Fang was being reborn, and with it, the weight of destiny pressed heavier on my chest.Kael had gone down early to meet the builders and oversee the security lines. He was restless in ways only war-born alphas were unable to stand still when the world demanded motion. I, on the other hand, had learned that power sometimes came in stillness, watching and waiting for the right moment to strike.When the council left yesterday, I thought I could handle the responsibility. “Que

Elara’s POVThe palace gates hadn’t been that loud in years.By sunrise, the sound of hooves and wheels echoed across the marble courtyard. Carriages painted in the colors of every pack in Astrid rolled through the gates, each one grander and more intimidating than the last. Banners snapped in the wind, warriors lined the entrance in full ceremonial armor, and everywhere I looked, there was motion.I stood by the balcony, watching it all unfold. “They’re really coming,” I murmured.Kael, standing beside me, adjusted the cuffs of his jacket. “Of course they are. No one misses a coronation, especially when it’s ours.”He said it casually, but I could hear the tension under his tone. We both knew the truth: not all who came were here to celebrate. Some came to measure our strength, to see if the rumors of unity were real or just another fragile illusion.“Do you think they’ll try anything?” I asked, glancing at the growing line of carriages.His lips curved slightly. “If they do, they’ll

Kael’s POV Dawn broke like the first breath of a new world.The palace bells rang low and solemn across Astrid, echoing off the marble spires and through the valley beyond. Every sound, every flutter of a banner, every footstep in the corridor carried weight. It was coronation day.For the first time in years, I felt the pulse of something close to fear. Not the kind that came before battle or bloodshed. The kind that came when you realized how much you stood to lose.I stood before the mirror in my chambers, the morning light spilling across the obsidian tiles. The black and gold uniform of Astrid’s first King fit like armor, each clasp bearing the crest of the united packs which is a silver moon encircled by flame. A symbol of balance of everything Elara and I had fought for.A knock came at the door.“Come in,” I said.Jack stepped inside, his usual grin replaced by something steadier, proud. “You clean up well, your Majesty.”I raised an eyebrow. “Bit early for that title, don’t

Elara’s POV The feast had carried on longer than I expected.Laughter spilled through the grand hall like the sound of breaking waves, rising and falling with every toast, every melody that drifted from the orchestra. Kael’s hand never left mine, even as nobles and Alphas came to bow, offer blessings, or make their carefully veiled promises of loyalty.But after hours of smiling, thanking, and pretending to enjoy the endless attention, I caught his eye, that silent, wordless look we had perfected through countless battles and sleepless nights.Enough.“Let’s slip away,” he murmured against my ear, his voice low enough that only I could hear.I tried to hide my smile, dipping my head slightly as another noble approached. “The King abandoning his own coronation feast? How scandalous.”Kael’s lips curved, the faintest smirk. “Let them talk. I’d rather have you to myself for a while.”That was all the convincing I needed.We moved quietly, unnoticed amid the music and laughter, slipping