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LyraI stayed beside Raguel until the healers assured me that his life was no longer in immediate danger. Even then, I struggled to relax, watching his chest rise and fall as the fear of losing him lingered. When the last healer left, I pulled my chair closer to his bed, determined to address everything we had left unsaid.Raguel watched me quietly. “You haven't said much since we got back…”“I'm trying to decide what to say first,” I sighed.“That doesn't sound promising.”“It isn't supposed to.” I glared at him. “You knew your condition was getting worse. You knew another serious exertion could kill you. Instead, you decided to prepare me for a future without you, as if I have no right to know what was happening.”His expression tightened as he looked down at the blanket. “I thought I was protecting you.”“From what, Raguel? The truth? The possibility that you might die? I was already afraid of losing you. Do you honestly think not knowing made any of that easier?”I struggled to co

239

CharlotteThe council chamber was quieter than I expected, but the silence did nothing to ease the knot in my stomach. Every seat was occupied, and the faces turned toward me held a mixture of anger, disappointment, and distrust. I stood before them as they presented the evidence against me, each document exposing another part of my involvement with the faction. The worst part was that none of it was false.One council member rose. “Charlotte knowingly supported a faction that wanted to weaken the Alpha King's authority and destabilize his reign. She used her relationship with Miguel to gain influence, encouraged his resentment, and allowed him to believe that helping her secure the Luna title would give their ambitions meaning.”I lowered my eyes, knowing there was no excuse that could undo what I had done. I had allowed my ambitions to blind me to the consequences and used Miguel's feelings to get closer to the future I wanted.Another council member leaned forward. “You were aware

240

LyraMonths had passed since the rebellion, but as I stood before the mirror while the attendants prepared me for my coronation, I could still remember how close we had come to losing everything. The kingdom was recovering, though some wounds would take longer to heal. Yet, for the first time since the ancient chamber collapsed, I could look toward the future without expecting another disaster.My coronation gown was embroidered with the symbols of the different packs, representing their unity without placing one territory above another. As an attendant secured the final piece of jewelry around my neck, I stared at my reflection, thinking about how much my understanding of power had changed.“Your Majesty, we are ready,” one of the attendants said.I nodded. “Thank you. Could I have a moment alone before we leave?”After they left, I took a deep breath. I had once believed that being chosen, loved, and respected would finally make me feel worthy, but I now understood how dangerous it

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