جميع فصول : الفصل -الفصل 20

Chapter 11: The Queen's LegacySilence consumed the council chamber.No one moved.No one breathed.The scout remained on one knee, his blood staining the polished marble floor."They're demanding the last descendant of Queen Lyra be surrendered..." he repeated weakly."...or they'll declare war against the Crown."A chill crawled down my spine.Every pair of eyes in the room shifted toward me.I suddenly felt exposed.Like prey surrounded by hunters.Ryder was the first to break the silence."What nonsense is this?" he scoffed."The First Queen's bloodline died centuries ago."The scout shook his head."They carried the Crescent Moon banner.""They knew Lady Ayla's name.""They demanded her specifically."My pulse quickened.How?How could strangers I've never met know who I was?Kael's expression remained unreadable, but I noticed the slight tightening of his jaw.He knew this day might come.One of the elderly council members stood."Your Majesty, we must act immediately."Another

Chapter 13: The Man Who Would Not Kneel"I am General Cassian.""I have come to bring the First Queen's heir home."His voice rolled across the palace grounds like distant thunder.The battle stopped.Not completely.But enough for every wolf—royal guard and invader alike—to hear his declaration.I couldn't tear my eyes away from him.There was something unsettling about the way he looked at me.Not with hatred.Not with greed.But with unwavering devotion.As though he had been searching for me his entire life."My Lady!"Lady Miriam gently pulled me away from the balcony."You mustn't stand in the open.""But—""Please."There was genuine fear in her eyes.I reluctantly stepped back.Almost immediately, an arrow whizzed through the space where I had been standing.It shattered against the stone pillar.My breath caught.Someone had been aiming at me.Lady Miriam quickly drew the heavy curtains shut."The guards!" she cried.Within seconds, four royal guards rushed into my chambers.

Chapter 15: The Weight of the Crown The silver crown settled gently upon my head. With it came a warm sensation.. It wasn't fast or slow. Just enough to make my feets tingle.. The world felt silent for a bit.. A silence so deep that every person in the sanctuary seemed afraid to breathe. I stood frozen. My fingers slowly rose to touch the delicate moonstones resting against my hair. It felt surprisingly light. Almost as though it had been made for me. "This..." I swallowed. "What is happening?" The oldest guardian lowered his gaze. "For five centuries..." "We waited for this day." His voice trembled with emotion. "The Crown has chosen." I quickly shook my head. "No." "There

Chapter 17: A Promise Across TimeMy heart lurched.General Cassian.The guards outside my chamber immediately drew their swords."Step away from the door!" one of them barked.Silence answered him.I climbed out of bed before either guard could stop me."My Lady," one of them protested. "Please stay back."I ignored him.Instead, I slowly approached the door."General Cassian?" I called cautiously."Yes."His voice remained calm.Not demanding.Not threatening.Simply... patient."You shouldn't be here.""I know.""Then why come?"There was a brief pause."Because I gave my word."The answer only deepened my confusion.I exchanged a glance with the guards.One of them shook his head almost imperceptibly, silently begging me not to continue.But curiosity had already taken hold."What promise?"Again, a pause."A promise to someone who loved you long before you were born."A chill spread through me.Queen Lyra.It had to be.The guards looked at one another."My Lady," the older one s

chapter 19: unfinished words The peaceful morning seemed to vanish the moment Ryder appeared.His boots crunched softly against the gravel path as he walked toward us.The warmth that had filled the garden only moments ago was replaced by an uncomfortable silence.Kael rose from the bench first.His expression remained calm, but I noticed how he subtly shifted his position.Not aggressively.Simply enough to stand between Ryder and me.It was such a small gesture that I doubted anyone else would have noticed.I did.Ryder noticed it too.His jaw tightened."I'd like a moment alone with Ayla."Kael didn't answer immediately.Instead, he looked at me.His silver eyes silently asked the question.Do you want this?It still amazed me that he always asked without saying the words.I thought for a moment before nodding."I'll talk to him."Kael held my gaze for another second."If you need me...""I know."A small smile touched my lips."I'll send for you."He inclined his head.Then, befo