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Chapter 3

Lyra's POV

The grand hall felt like a blur around me. People congratulated me, their voices blending into a distant hum as I stood near the throne. My heart wasn’t in the celebrations, though. It raced for a different reason. I couldn’t stop thinking about him—Kaelen. His face, his piercing gaze, had burned itself into my mind.

Why had he come? And why now, in the middle of my coronation?

“Queen Lyra,” a soft voice called, pulling me back. It was the priestess, her warm, kind eyes steady on me. “Your people are waiting for you to speak.”

I nodded, taking a shaky breath. My palms were clammy, and the weight of the crown felt heavier than ever. Could they see how unsure I was? I couldn’t let that happen. I had to be strong—for them.

I rose to my feet, gripping the throne for support, and looked out over the crowd. Their faces were filled with hope, trust, and expectation. They believed in me, and I needed to believe in myself too.

“My people,” I began, my voice steady, though inside I was anything but. “Today marks the beginning of a new chapter for our kingdom. I promise to lead with courage and wisdom, to protect and serve every one of you.”

The hall erupted into cheers, their faith in me shining through. I forced a smile, even though my thoughts were somewhere else. Somewhere in the shadows, I felt Kaelen’s presence like a weight pressing on me.

As the cheers died down, my father stepped forward. His hand rested gently on my shoulder. “You did well, Lyra,” he said, pride clear in his voice. “They believe in you, just as I do. Trust yourself, and you’ll be a great queen.”

I nodded, but I couldn’t bring myself to tell him about Kaelen. What would I even say? That I’d seen a vampire—the enemy of our kind—watching me in the shadows? That I felt…something when he looked at me? No, I kept it to myself.

The celebrations carried on, music and laughter filling the hall. But I couldn’t enjoy it. My eyes kept darting to the edges of the room, to the shadows, searching for him. He didn’t appear again.

When the festivities began winding down, I finally slipped away. I needed air, a moment to think. The weight of everything—the crown, my responsibilities, and Kaelen—was too much. I stepped onto the balcony, letting the cool breeze wash over me.

The crown on my head felt heavier with every passing second, not because of its weight but because of what it symbolized. Queen. I was the queen now. My father believed in me, my people trusted me, but deep inside, doubt clawed at my chest.

The stars sparkled above, and for a moment, I felt a small sense of peace. I closed my eyes, letting the night calm me. But then a voice broke through the stillness.

“You look every bit the queen tonight.”

My eyes flew open, and I spun around. Kaelen stood there, leaning casually against the shadows as if he belonged there. The moonlight lit up his pale features, his silver eyes fixed on me.

“Kaelen,” I whispered, my voice shaky. “What are you doing here? How did you even get past the guards?”

My heart stopped for a second as I saw him there, leaning against the wall like he belonged in the palace. Kaelen. The moonlight lit up his face, making his sharp features look even more striking.

He smirked, stepping closer. “Do you think your guards could stop me if I didn’t want to be stopped?”

I bristled at his arrogance but couldn’t deny the truth in his words. His every move screamed power, grace, and danger.

“You shouldn’t be here,” I said, trying to sound firm. “This is my coronation. You have no place here.”

He tilted his head, his eyes narrowing slightly. “Oh, but I do. You just don’t realize it yet.”

“And yet, here I am,” he replied, his smirk softening into something almost serious. “Tell me, Lyra, did you mean what you said in the forest? That you couldn’t do this alone?”

His words hit me like a bolt. How did he always see right through me? I turned away, gripping the edge of the balcony so tightly my knuckles turned white. “That’s none of your concern,” I said, my voice quiet.

Kaelen moved closer, so close I could feel his presence behind me. “I think it is my concern,” he said, his voice low and smooth. “You’re not just a queen, Lyra. You’re something much more.”

I shook my head, refusing to look at him. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I muttered, though my heart pounded harder with every word he spoke.

His hand touched my chin, gently forcing me to meet his gaze. His silver eyes seemed to see straight into my soul. “You do,” he said simply.

I swallowed hard, my breath catching. His touch was cold but oddly comforting, like a fire that didn’t burn. I wanted to pull away, but I couldn’t.

“You’re wrong,” I whispered, barely able to speak. “I’m just a queen. Nothing more.”

“You’re not just a queen,” he said again, his voice steady. “You’re something much more. And one day, you’ll see it too.”

Kaelen’s lips curved into a faint, knowing smile. “If that’s what you believe, I won’t argue. But even queens need allies.”

With that, he stepped back, his presence still lingering even as he disappeared into the shadows.

I stood frozen, my chest heaving as I tried to steady myself. What was he doing to me? He was dangerous, a vampire. I couldn’t trust him. And yet, part of me wanted to.

The night air seemed colder now, and I turned back to the horizon. Far in the distance, a howl rose into the air, its mournful cry sending a shiver down my spine.

“Kaelen,” I whispered again, hoping he’d reappear. But he was gone.

My heart ached with a strange mix of fear and longing. Whatever was coming, I wasn’t ready for it. But I couldn’t shake the feeling that Kaelen was right. I was a queen, but I couldn’t do this alone.

And somewhere in the darkness, I knew he was still watching, waiting for the moment I’d realize it too.

I gripped the railing tightly, my eyes scanning the horizon. At first, I saw nothing but darkness. But then, far in the distance, shadows began to move. My breath hitched as I realized it wasn’t just one wolf. It was a pack. And they were heading this way.

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