REJECTED FOR MY CURVES, CROWNED BY THE MOON
Elder Miren spoke the old words, the same ceremonial language that had once measured the First Moon Queen's own ascension centuries before, and when the moment came for the crown itself, a delicate circlet of silver worked with a single crescent stone that seemed to hold moonlight trapped permanently within its depths, Kael placed it upon her head himself rather than allowing the honor to any elder or attendant.
"Selena of the southern territories," he said, his voice carrying clear and steady through the hall, "once cast out, now chosen. Queen of the Lycan Kingdom, bearer of the First Moon Queen's blessing, and, before any of those titles matter to me at all, my wife, and my equal in every