The Crowning Novels & Stories

We looked like the perfect couple, deeply in love, as if my pain had never existed. However, deep down, I was the only one who knew about the raging inferno of revenge that was burning inside me. After a brief exchange of pleasantries with the Brown family's elder Donna, Nolan moved on to mingle with the other mafia leaders. Meanwhile, I seized the moment when no one was paying attention to stride up to the banquet hall's central stage. "Ladies and gentlemen," I began, clearing my throat and switching on the microphone, "I'm grateful to the Browns for inviting me to this evening's gathering. I'd like to take this opportunity to make three announcements..."

Not here. He removed his hands from the bowl and stepped back. The high priestess placed the bowl on the floor where she poured water initially, and she started chanting in old tongue. The whole room was tense, and after what felt like eternity, the bowl lit up in a soft white, unmistakable glow. I didn’t know what it meant, but the look of horror on Jeremy’s face told me everything I needed to know.

Two years after the war, the realm gathered again, but this time, not for bloodshed or mourning. This time, it was for a crown. The coronation was held at the High Citadel, a place carved from white stone and moonsteel, its towers rising like prayers into the sky. Banners of every supernatural race lined the grand avenue, wolves, lycans, good witches, fae, and those who had once stood apart, now standing together. Gold and silver draped the balconies, crystals floating gently in the air, humming with ancient magic. The scent of incense and wildflowers filled the hall, and light poured in from the open dome above, bathing everything in a soft, celestial glow.

He fucked her like she was the last thing he’d ever hold, hands bruising, mouth worshipping and wrecking her in the same breath. When they were done, they didn’t separate. The alarms screamed, the Tower shook, but there was only the two of them—tangled, marked, indivisible. Domenik pressed his forehead to hers. “There’s only ever been one crown in this city.” Eirwen smiled, savage and true. “And it’s ours.” Footsteps hammered down the corridor. Wolves, survivors, or worse. Domenik picked up his gun, handed her the drive. “We finish this together.”

I reached the altar, where the Crown of Lycanthra rested on a velvet cushion. The high elder stepped forward, his voice resonating through the hall. “Today, we witness the coronation of Aiden, who will lead us into a new era. With the Crown of Lycanthra, he will guide our people with strength and wisdom.” He lifted the Crown, placing it gently on my head. I felt a surge of power, of destiny fulfilled. The hall erupted in applause, the sound filling my ears and making my heart race. As the noise died down, the high elder spoke again. “Now, we shall witness the union of Aiden and Lady Chloe, a bond that will strengthen our kingdom.”

Betty’s hands trembled slightly as she fastened the clasps at Emilia’s back, and Emilia couldn’t help but notice her nervousness. “Relax, Betty,” she said gently. “You’re doing well.” Betty blushed, nodding quickly. “Thank you, Your Highness.” Once she was dressed, Matron Isla gestured to a silver circlet resting on a velvet pillow. “Shall I place your coronet, Your Highness?” Emilia hesitated, the sight of the intricate piece making her stomach twist. It was beautiful, but it felt like another layer of distance between herself and her old life. “No,” she said softly. “Not today.”

His voice carries through the square as he begins the ancient rites. “On this day, before the eyes of our people, under the sky that has watched our kingdom rise and fall for generations, we crown a ruler to guide us.” The words feel distant. My gaze flicks back to the crowd. Scanning. Searching. No Althea. My skin itches under the collar. Something’s wrong. I can feel it. The chancellor turns to me, holding the crown in both hands. It’s gold. Pure. Heavy with history. He lifts it, stepping forward—

Gripping it, I tried to pull it away, but to my horror, it was almost like it was glued to my chest. Alessandro glanced at me, his brows furrowing as if to say, ‘Behave.’ But I ignored it. Why wouldn't I? The elder’s voice came again, “Now we will begin the crowning.” I could see two persons step up. Laying on their hands were red pillows with two crowns—a big one and a smaller one. The elder walked towards us. The closer they got, the more the necklace in my grip heated up until it was almost searing.

The palace was a sight to behold, gleaming with its most prized possessions displayed in every corner. The air was filled with a sense of anticipation and excitement as the grand coronation of the new emperor approached. Addison, the soon-to-be emperor, found himself in his private chambers, diligently preparing for the momentous event. Focusing on the task at hand, Addison adjusted his gloves, ensuring that every detail of his appearance was immaculate. Eager for confirmation, he turned to his aide and asked if their anticipated visitors were en route.

“I, Alpha Oizys, welcome you all to Blood Moon Pack because tonight marks the beginning of something we all have been waiting for the past 70 years; The Dance of the Moon Ritual,” Roxie didn't know what the fuck he meant but a heavy silence befell the room at the last part of his words; it was like everyone was afraid to breathe. “Tonight, we have different Alphas from various packs with their champions, and at the end of the ritual, there will be only one winner and she will be crowned our Luna Queen,” Roxie suddenly felt like she was amid hungry predators as a weird and uncanny atmosphere befell the room; the men had wicked glints in their eyes and the girls looked like they were ever read