h4Chapter 320: The King and Queen/h4

    strongZane~/strong

    It had been five days since our wedding—the day Natalie and I were bound not just as mates, but as something far greater. Those days felt like they belonged to another world, tucked away in our cabin where time didn’t matter. We hardly left each other’s side, wrapped up in the kind of closeness that left usughing, breathless, and aching when it ended.

    But reality has a way of knocking, no matter how much you want to ignore it. Today was Natalie’s coronation. She was about to stand before the world as the Celestial Princess—a title whispered about in prophecies long before either of us were born. I expected the ceremony to be enormous, a stage for every pack across the globe to witness. What I didn’t expect was that the crown waiting in the wings wasn’t meant for her alone.

    The great hall of the Lycan pce was alive with energy. Silver and gold banners draped the old stone walls, catching the sunlight that poured through the tall arched windows. The air carried the sharp scent of pine from the forests outside, mixed with the musk of hundreds of wolves gathered together. Alphas, betas, and envoys from far-off packs filled the benches, their quiet conversations rolling through the hall like distant thunder. Lanterns glowed overhead, even in daylight, as if the moon herself had decided to watch.

    I stood near the dais, trying to steady the pride swelling in my chest while Natalie prepared in the chamber beside us. She was breathtaking—dressed in a gown embroidered with silver and golden threads that shimmered as though alive. Her red hair spilled freely down her back, a simple circlet resting on her head for now, soon to be reced with something far heavier in meaning. I could feel Jasmine stirring inside her, a force that made Natalie seem even more untouchable, her eyes lit with the same fiery spark that had captured me from the start.

    "Dad, do I look okay?" Alexander tugged at my sleeve, his cute face a mix of excitement and nerves. He was dressed in a miniature version of my formal attire—ck trousers and a silver-embroidered vest that matched the royal colors.

    I crouched down so we were eye to eye and messed up his hair with a smile. "You look like a prince, Alex—strong and ready. Your moms are going to be so proud of you."

    He beamed, his eyes lighting up. "Mummy Natalie is not just my mom now—she’s everyone’s princess. But she’s still mine first, right?"

    "Always," I whispered, pulling him into a quick hug. The boy had been my anchor through the darkest years, and now, with Natalie, our family felt whole again.

    Sebastian sidled up beside me, his jet-ck hair perfectly styled, his tailored suit screaming effortless elegance. He pped a hand on my shoulder, his vampire fangs glinting in a mischievous smile. "Well, well, Faceless Prince. Or should I say, soon-to-be-king? Oh, wait—you don’t know yet, do you?"

    I shot him a warning re. "Know what? And keep your voice down. This is Natalie’s day."

    He chuckled, leaning in conspiratorially. "Oh, Zane, my dear friend. The surprises life’s got in store for you today... But fine, I’ll y along. Just remember, I told you so."

    Cassandra elbowed him from the other side, her rogue werewolf grace making her movements fluid and deadly even in a flowing gown. "Sebastian, stop teasing. Zane, ignore him. He’s just excited because he gets to stand up here looking pretty while the rest of us do the heavy lifting."

    Sebastian feigned offense, cing a hand over his heart. "Pretty? Darling, I’m devastatingly handsome. And you know it."

    She rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide her smile, leaning into him. "Yeah, yeah. Just don’t embarrass us during the ceremony."

    The ethereal brothers—Natalie’s siblings, spirits in human guise—gathered nearby, their presence aforting aura of power. Tiger stood like a sentinel, arms crossed, his muscr frame radiating quiet strength. He nodded at me, saying little as always, but his protective stance over Natalie, Alex, and me always spoke volumes.

    Eagle’s silver eyes swept over the crowd, sharp and unblinking, as if daring someone to step out of line.

    "The winds are stirring with change today, brother Zane," he said quietly, his voice carrying that strange, otherworldly echo. "Keep your eyes open. The skies miss nothing." I had no idea what he was talking about but I was happy to see him.

    Bubble on the other hand, bounced on his toes, ever the jovial one. He adjusted a vase of flowers on the dais, fussing over the decor. "This ce looks fabulous! I added some water lilies for that extra sparkle. Natalie will love it. Zane, you nervous? You look like you could use a ssh of calm."

    Iughed despite myself. "Nervous? For her? Nah. She’s born for this."

    Fox grinned wickedly, his fire-red hair catching the light like mes, golden eyes twinkling with mischief. "Born for it? More like destined to set the world on fire. Speaking of, I whipped up some post-ceremony feasts back at my crib that’ll knock your socks off. Spicy ribs for you, Zane—keep that possessive fire burning."

    Jacob—Natalie’s brother in more ways than one—stood beside Easter, calm and steady, almost glowing with that quiet aura of renewal he always carried. His ancient, knowing eyes met mine. "Zane, this isn’t just her coronation. It’s the beginning of a new era. The spirits are in harmony."

    I held back a sigh. Damn these brothers and their parables.

    Before I could press him for more, the hall fell silent as King Anderson Moor—my father—entered, his regal bearing undiminished by age. He wore the crown of the Lycan kings, a heavy band of silver and obsidian that had sat on his head for decades. His eyes, so like mine, softened as theynded on me.

    "Son," he said, his voice booming yet warm as he approached. "You’ve made me prouder than words can express. Today, we honor the Celestial Princess—and more."

    I frowned slightly. "Dad? What do you mean by ’more’?"

    He just smiled mysteriously, pping my shoulder. "All in due time."

    The ceremony began with the tolling of ancient bells, their deep resonance vibrating through my bones. Drums joined in, a primal rhythm that echoed the heartbeat of the packs. Representatives from packs across the world— from the icy tundras of the North, the dense jungles of the South, the mountain ns of the East, and the coastal wolves of the West—rose in unison, their howls blending into a harmonious chorus that raised the hairs on my arms.

    Natalie stepped forward atst, framed by Jacob, Tiger, Bubble, Eagle, and Fox at her sides. Together they looked less like escorts and more like something pulled out of myth—guardians carved from the oldest stories, alive and walking with her. The air in the hall seemed to shift with their presence, heavy with reverence. People forgot to breathe, their mouths parting in astonishment. Some clutched at each other and whispered, as though they were afraid speaking too loudly would shatter the moment.

    And then there was her. Natalie’s stride was steady, unshaken, her chin tilted high in quiet defiance of every eye watching her. She looked untouchable, radiant—yet when her gaze found mine across the aisle, the fa?ade cracked just enough to reveal that familiar spark. yful, daring, meant only for me.

    It hit me like fireworks to the chest. My pulse roared, my lungs burned, and the world fell away until it was only her and that fire in her eyes. Gods, I loved her. Loved her so fiercely it bordered on madness—possessive, consuming, a hunger that had no end.

    She reached the dais, and I took her hand, squeezing it gently. "You look like the stars came down to earth just for you," I murmured.

    She winked, her voice a husky whisper. "And you look like the king ready to im his queen. Careful, Zane—keep staring like that, and we might skip the ceremony altogether."

    Sebastian snorted behind us, earning a re from Cassandra. "What? It’s romantic!"

    My father raised his hands, silencing the hall. "Wolves of the world, we gather under the moon’s eternal gaze to crown the Celestial Princess, Natalie Cross Moor. She who has known so much pain, yet rose with the power of the heavens. Her wolf, Jasmine, pure white and mighty, stands as testament to her strength."

    The crowd erupted in cheers, stomps shaking the floor. Natalie blushed, but her eyes shone with emotion. "Zane," she whispered, gripping my hand tighter. "This is surreal. All these people... for me?"

    "For us," I corrected, my voice thick. "You’ve earned this, love. Every scar, every fight—it’s led here."

    The high priestess stepped forward, her silver-streaked hair catching the light like threads of moonlight. Time seemed to pause as she lifted the crown—pure gold, its surface alive with gems that glimmered and pulsed as though they held pieces of the night sky itself. Her voice carried the weight of generations, steady and reverent.

    "My grandfather used to tell me stories," she began, eyes sweeping over the crowd before settling on Natalie. "Stories of the prophecy of the Celestial Princess. He would say that when her time came, the spirits would no longer hide in shadows—they would walk among us, free and open, sharing their grace with all who were worthy. And today..." Her tone faltered with awe. "...today I see those stories alive before me."

    The priestess’s gaze softened, reverence shaping her every word as she lowered the crown slightly, like an offering. "Natalie, do you ept the mantle of Celestial Princess? To guide us, protect us, and unite our kind beneath the light of the prophecy?"

    "I do," Natalie whispered, her voice steady though her eyes glistened with tears. "With all my heart."

    The crown touched her head, and in that instant the hall erupted with life. Power surged outward like a shockwave, Jasmine’s energy zing white-hot, filling every corner of the chamber until the very air seemed to tremble and shimmer. Gasps turned into wild howls, the sound of the kingdom giving its approval, their voices rising as one in celebration.

    I didn’t care about the noise. All I saw was her—radiant, trembling, impossibly mine. I pulled her against me, pressed a kiss to her forehead, and let the words slip out in a rough whisper only she could hear.

    "My queen."

    The hall still vibrated, the air alive as if struck by lightning, the aftershocks of Natalie’s coronation rolling through every heart. I couldn’t put into words the storm inside me—pride, awe, something close to terror. But it wasn’t over. My father had other ns as he stepped forward, his eyes bright with something that wasn’t just joy—it was finality.

    "And now," he said, voice carrying like thunder, "my son, Zane Anderson Moor—will be your Prince no more."

    The crowd hushed instantly, hanging on his every word. He went on, steady, certain. "For years I have carried the throne. But today, I step down. You’ve proven yourself worthy—not just as an heir, but as a leader, a mate, a father. This kingdom needs your fire."

    My lungs seized, breath caught in my throat. I stared at him, stunned. "Dad... what are you doing? This was supposed to be Natalie’s day."

    Heughed, deep and booming, the sound rolling through the hall. "Surprise, son. The Moon Goddess willed it. ept your crown."

    Gasps rippled through the crowd, quickly giving way to cheers. Sebastian’s voice cut above the noise: "Told you!" Cassandra swatted his arm, but tears streaked her cheeks as she smiled. Alex was practically bouncing out of his skin. "Dad’s the king! Dad’s the king!" he shouted, pride lighting his whole face.

    Natalie turned to me, her grin mischievous even through the emotion in her eyes. "You didn’t know? Oh, Zane... you big, clueless alpha. Say yes. Rule with me."

    The words hit me harder than the crown itself could. My chest burned with emotion—pride, humility, love so deep it nearly broke me. Red surged inside me, howling in triumph, demanding we im what was ours.

    "I... I ept," I managed, my voice raw. "For our family. For our people."

    The high priestess stepped forward, lifting the crown of kings from my father’s head. It was heavier than I’d imagined, etched with centuries of history, it pressed onto my head. Power red instantly, a force that didn’t just settle on me—it bound me. Bound me to Natalie. Our energies collided and fused, spilling into the hall like a sunrise, brilliant and unstoppable.

    My father pulled me into a fierce embrace, whispering low, his voice trembling with pride. "I’m so proud of you, Zane. Lead them well."

    Tears blurred my vision as I turned back to the crowd, Natalie’s hand warm in mine. "Together," I dered, "we will build a future of strength and unity."

    The kingdom erupted, their howls shaking the rafters. Friends surged forward to the dais, each bringing their own kind of blessing. Bubble threw his arms around us both,ughter spilling from him as water lilies bloomed wildly across the floor. "Oh, this calls for a throne room makeover!"

    Fox pped my back so hard I staggered. "King Zane! I’ll cook a feast fit for legends. Spicy enough to match your reign."

    Eagle’s silver eyes gleamed as he inclined his head. "The winds carry your rule far. We are with you."

    Tiger gave only a grunt, but his green eyes spoke volumes—solid, unyielding approval.

    Sebastian grabbed me in a bone-crushing hug. "About damn time. Just don’t let that crown make you insufferable."

    Cassandra kissed Natalie’s cheek, her voice thick with feeling. "Happiness suits you both. Hold onto it."

    Jacob and Easter were thest to approach, their calm presence softening the riot of voices around us. Jacob’s tone was solemn, but kind. "The spirits bless this day. Brother, sister—your paths entwine forever now."

    Natalie leaned against me, her smile tugging yful even through her tears. "King Zane... has a nice ring to it. Sexy, even. Think we can slip awayter?"

    A growl rumbled in my chest, possessive heat surging through me. "Count on it, my queen."

    The hall thundered with celebration—howls,ughter, cheers crashing together like a storm. And in the middle of it all, I held her close, my crown heavy, my heart even heavier with love. This was no ending. This was our beginning—a throne shared, a bond unbreakable, a future burning bright before us.

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