Lucius’ POV

The grand halls of the palace felt suffocating as I stood at the edge of the throne room, my heart racing in sync with the distant howls echoing through the night. Moonlight poured in through the tall arched windows, illuminating the ornate marble floors, but all I could focus on was the weight of my decision pressing down on me. Tonight was not just about leaving; it was about reclaiming my life, about correcting some mistakes I didn’t even know I committed.

I turned to face Lucian, who stood before the throne with uncertainty etched across his face. In his hands, he held the golden crown—a symbol of...