Shadow Empress Crown の小説・ストーリー

It gleamed in the red light, and its unique shape left me wondering how I’d carry it all the time. I tightened my grip, unwilling to let go, and looked back at Sam. The Wrath demons closed in further, their presence shielding me from the rest of the realm. An elegant crown sat in Sam's hands. Gold swirls intricately intertwined, adorned with small rubies, and at the center sat a large ruby, similar to my necklace. It was a smaller, but far more beautiful version of Sam’s crown. “I hereby crown you Queen of Wrath,” Sam announced, his voice resonating with power. His eyes turned red, and I could sense his inner demon stirring. “Our Queen, our ruler, our ruby.”

The two of them lift the veil and then pick up a golden velvet box that is on a small podium. As soon as they open it I see a delicate tiara, it's set with diamonds and some emeralds, rubies, and sapphires, and the surrounding magic is soft and gentle. I know I have my crown as Empress, but I can't wear it now and this one is the replacement. "Ayla Smaragdus, you have always been My Green Moonlight." Soren began to speak. "You've always been the Light I didn't know I needed," Victor added.

"The old elders. They will not accept your reign. They've taken the Nightshade Hill and claim Vladimir's return is near." The pack fell silent. Gaze was turned upon Emereah. She took a slow step forward, lifting her chin, the flame flickering on her blade. "They want war? Then they'll see what an Alpha is made of." Her voice increased, no longer timid, no longer wavering. "I did not take this crown. I paid for it in blood. I rose from a grave meant for me. I carry the blood of the fallen and the fire of those they were afraid of. I am not the darkness of Vladimir. I am the tempest they did not anticipate."

I went outside to the back garden and met with the shadowmen. One of them stepped forward and handed me an amulet. “We have recovered this from the messenger who brought the letter to his highness, Prince Shiro. This is the amulet of the Empress, only handed to servants who need the authority to handle the private business of those in the Royal family.” He said. I examined the amulet. It was made of pure gold and there was a flower carefully etched in the middle.

“No, regina. I made a prophecy.” She rises, spreading her arms. “This crown was never meant for the living. You both built an empire from corpses. Now it demands its due.” Her followers bow as she pulls a dagger from the altar — a blade forged from obsidian, its hilt engraved with our insignia. The Moretti crest. My crest. “How did you—?” I start, but Amara interrupts with a shot. The bullet tears through Leandra’s veil — but she doesn’t fall. The sound that follows isn’t pain. It’s laughter.

1. The Shadow Crown Burns The Shadow Crown sat heavy on Ava’s head, colder than steel, yet thrumming with heat that pulsed beneath her skin. It wasn’t a crown forged by goldsmiths or royal decrees. It was made of blood. Of betrayal. Of truths too old to be remembered. As the altar burned with fireless flame, the world tilted. The five heirs knelt before her—but Rowan’s bow was slower, his movements hollow. His gaze never left hers.

My gaze flickered to the side of the hall where the household staff usually gathered. She was nowhere to be found. I forced myself to focus as my mother picked up the crown. It was a heavy thing, crafted from dark iron and embedded with emeralds that matched my eyes. It wasn't delicate; it was a weapon in the form of jewelry. “Rowan Howard,” she whispered, her eyes meeting mine. “Do you swear to protect the weak, to punish the traitor, and to lead this pack into the light, even at the cost of your own life?”

But it was not made of jewels—it was forged from an inactive metal derived from the Blue Dragon Virus. “Wear it,” she said. “It will stabilize your blood pressure and connect your child directly to the palace’s defense system.” I placed the crown on my head. A powerful surge ran through my body. My vision sharpened. I could now see through the palace walls. And far in the forest— Hundreds of black vehicles were approaching. Rohing Singh struck the floor with his staff. “Soldiers of the Moreno Empire—awaken! Your queen has returned!” A deep rumble rose from beneath the palace.

"We keep it from the king. If he finds it, he can use it to undo the binding. He can take the shadow from you without killing you. He can wear it himself. He can become what the first wolf feared." The room went silent. The gold light pulsed. The crown pressed against my temples. "Then we destroy it," Theron said. Lysander shook his head. "It cannot be destroyed. It is made of the same stuff as the crown. As the shadow. As the bloodline. It can only be hidden. Or wielded." Cassian stepped forward. He reached for the sword, his hand steady, his grey eyes fixed on the dark blade. "What are you doing?" I asked.