73: Emma

I stood in Theo's arms, my back pressed against his chest as we gazed out over the Royal City spread beneath us. The balcony off the hotel's dining room offered a private sanctuary above the bustle below, the evening air carrying whispers of spring. Theo's warmth seeped through my clothes, his heartbeat a steady rhythm against my spine. Only a week had passed since we'd met, yet here I was, wrapped in the Lycan King's embrace, my mind spinning with the impossibility of it all.

The Golden Compass Hotel's balcony provided a breathtaking view. The Royal City unfurled beneath us like an elaborate dream, white marble buildings catching the moon's glow, transforming ordinary stone into something ethereal. Moonstone-infused architecture created rivers of soft light flowing through the streets. In the distance, the palace's distinctive silhouette dominated the skyline, a reminder of Theo's responsibilities—responsibilities that now, somehow, included me.

Theo's arms tightened around my waist, his chin resting on the top of my head. His scent—cedar and something wild, something distinctly Lycan—enveloped me. My wolf, Artemis, stirred within, drawn to the surface by his proximity. I felt her consciousness brushing against mine, a warm, familiar pressure behind my eyes.

"What are you thinking?" he murmured, his breath stirring my hair.

I traced my fingers along his forearms, feeling the strength coiled beneath his skin. "That this all feels like it's happening so fast." The words came out soft, almost lost in the night air. "A week ago, I was just Emma Maxwell, sister to Alpha Elijah, Gamma of the Blood Moon Pack." I closed my eyes, letting memories of the past seven days wash over me—the Summit, the kidnapping attempt, the revelations, and the unmistakable pull between us. "Now I'm... what? A queen? Your mate? I barely understand what's happening to me."

"Do you regret it?" His voice carried no judgment, just a genuine desire to understand.

I turned in his arms, needing to see his face. Stepping back just enough to meet his gaze, I found his amber eyes watching me with an intensity that made my breath catch. The moonlight cast half his face in shadow, the other half illuminated in silver, highlighting the sharp angles of his aristocratic features.

"No," I said, the word carrying more certainty than I expected. "That's what's most surprising. Despite everything—the danger, the politics, the centuries of history between our kinds—I don't regret any of it."

Something shifted behind his eyes—a vulnerability that the powerful Lycan King rarely showed to others. His hands settled on my waist, his touch gentle yet grounding.

"I..." I began, but the words caught in my throat. Artemis surged forward suddenly, her presence growing stronger until I could feel her consciousness overlapping with mine. My vision sharpened, colours intensifying as she shared my eyes. I knew from Theo's quick intake of breath that he could see her there, the yellow-green of my wolf's gaze bleeding into my human one.

"We love you, Theodore Lykoudis." The words came from both of us, my voice layered with the deeper resonance of my wolf. It wasn't planned—Artemis had simply pushed the truth to the surface, refusing to let me hide from what we both felt.

Theo's eyes widened, and I watched as they changed, amber giving way to striking purple-blue. Aeson, his Lycan, peered out at me. A smile spread across Theo's face as his Lycan practically vibrated with joy. I could almost visualize Aeson bouncing around in Theo's mind, celebrating our declaration.

"And we love you, Emeline Maxwell." Theo's voice carried the same dual quality as mine had, his words resonating with ancient power.

Time suspended between us, the city below fading away until there was nothing but this moment, this truth finally spoken aloud. Then Theo leaned down, one hand rising to cup my cheek with exquisite tenderness, and pressed his lips to mine.

The kiss began soft, almost reverent—an affirmation of the words we'd just shared. But it quickly deepened, hunger replacing gentleness as days of tension and restraint fell away. His lips moved against mine with growing urgency, and I responded in kind, my hands sliding up his chest to his shoulders, fingers tangling in the hair at the nape of his neck.

Artemis growled with satisfaction within me, her pleasure at our proximity bleeding into my own. The sensation was intoxicating—my human desire amplified by my wolf's instinctive recognition of our mate.

Breaking the kiss, I stepped backward until I felt the balcony wall behind me. Without hesitation, I hopped up to sit on the wide marble ledge, my legs dangling over the edge. Theo watched me with darkened eyes, hunger evident in his gaze as I reached for him, hooking my fingers into the front of his shirt.

"Come here," I whispered, pulling him toward me.