The palace held its breath on the eve of the full moon.Caelan stood on the balcony of the royal chambers, looking out over the Silverpine Forest. The trees stretched dark and endless under the rising moon. In the distance, faint campfires dotted the southern horizon — the Shadow Crown army waiting, patient and growing bolder with every passing hour.Lucien stepped behind him, wrapping strong arms around Caelan’s waist and pulling him back against his chest. The king’s scent — leather, smoke, and storm — wrapped around Caelan like a shield.“They have not moved closer,” Lucien said quietly. “But they will not wait forever. Tomorrow night, during the ceremony, they may strike.”Caelan leaned into the embrace, drawing comfort from the steady bond between them. “Then we make the ceremony a statement. Not just of our bond, but of our strength. Let every pack watching see that the king and his consort stand united.”Lucien pressed a slow kiss to the mating bite on Caelan’s neck. “You speak
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