The morning sun filters through the high windows of Lycan’s Haven, painting golden streaks across the polished floors and banners hung for the coronation. My hands are trembling slightly as I stand in front of the mirror, adjusting the intricate silver embroidery on my gown.

It feels heavier than I imagined it would, a weight both literal and symbolic. Queen. The word tastes strange on my tongue, almost unreal. Weeks have passed since Kelvin’s sacrifice, yet I still feel the echo of that choice beneath my ribs, a quiet gratitude for the life it allowed me to step into now.

Darian is already awake, seated near the edge of the...