Page 68 of A Crown of Fates

“How did he get away with being so despicable for so long without any of the other alphas knowing?” I ask, more to myself and not really expecting an answer, but she gives me one anyway.

“Just as Orix has been siphoning Theo’s god energy, Airik was doing that to his wolves,” Elyn explains. “He kept everyone in place in exchange for their sanity. The ones who questioned him too many times usually ended up losing their minds. Some of them disappeared, some died, often without anyone willing to openly wonder why.”

“And you, a wolf who has the means to interfere, just allowed all of this to happen?” The bitterness within me grows. How could someone of her strength, even before Aurora boosted her energy, stand by, knowing all that and doing nothing?

“I was waiting.” Her voice is devoid of regret as her gaze falls on Theo. “I had my fun, and I protected all I could, but I knew something better was coming. Selaris didn’t need a war, and we certainly didn’t want to be overtaken by Polaris, which is what would’ve happened. We might’ve appeared to be a weak pack, but it took strength to keep our faith. There’s a reason the people haven’t revolted against you, King Theo. You were everything we were hoping for, even when you were hiding.”

That makes my heart clench, and emotions burn behind my eyes. There was a dire need here when I arrived, but I had no clue these people had been surviving on their beliefs alone for this many years.

Our kingdom is much stronger than anyone’s given it credit for, and I won’t forget that.

A tear falls down Theo’s cheek, and he reaches for Elyn’s hands, holding them between his. “Thank you for that.”

“You needed to know.” She briefly closes her eyes then slowly pulls away from Theo. When she looks back up at us, the moment is gone. “Just don’t screw this up, because if Orix wins but doesn’t kill you, I will.”

There’s the Elyn I’ve come to know.

I chuckle as she slinks into the shadows, off to go do who knows what. “Are we even sure she’s a wolf?”

He shrugs, shaking his head. “The alpha part of me says yes, but I honestly don’t know. Aurora called her ‘my child’ when she was here. There could be something to uncover there, but I doubt it’s worth our time as long as she remains on our side.”

“Maybe Elyn is like you will be,” I say with a smile. “More god than wolf. Let’s just be thankful she doesn’t also carry the alpha gene.”

“The entire world should be thankful for that.” Theo shudders and wraps an arm around me. “Let’s go discuss our plans to kill a god and keep the pack safe.”

“About that… I have a slight change we should consider.”

His charcoal eyes brighten, and he takes my hand, his grip solid and unwavering. “Tell me more.”

As dawn beginsto stretch her colorful rays across Selaris, we finally make our way back to the royal suite. The night unfolded better than I could’ve hoped. The moment we found Queen Sloane, the plan to defeat Orix spilled out of me, to be refined by Sloane and Theo’s sharp minds. Together, we built a strategy that feels as unbreakable as the bond I share with Theo.

We discussed not only the final touches for the ball but how to ensure it would be a night etched in the pack’s mind—not justbecause Orix will show but because of the hope and magic we aim to infuse back into the hearts of the shifters.

There will be delicious delicacies, live entertainment, and dancing for however many hours we have, but most importantly, we’ll be telling the pack what to expect.

Hiding the impending battle from the pack never sat well with me. I understand the argument—that if they don’t know, Orix won’t see them as a threat—but I disagree. Theyarea threat. This pack is fierce, resilient, and brimming with untapped strength. They’ve endured horrors and come out stronger. They’ve earned the right to know what’s at stake and decide how they wish to face it.

While a team selected by Jerome and Cecil meticulously designs the evening’s grandeur, the two advisors work with Orion and the guards to quietly inform the pack of the truth. They’re given three choices: take shelter in the underground bunker with Queen Sloane as their guardian, join the celebration—but be prepared to escape when Orix arrives—or stay and fight alongside us.

Theo’s hands find my temples as I rinse my toothbrush, and his deep voice cuts through the haze of my thoughts, making me jump. “Your mind needs an off button.”

I tilt my head, having no clue what he means, and he laughs. “You just spent ten minutes barely moving that toothbrush or hearing me when I called your name.”

“Oh.” I reach for a towel to wipe my mouth, but he grabs it first, turning me to face him.

He pats the cotton over my mouth, grinning at me. “You did good tonight. You acted like the queen you’re soon to be, you put the good of the people first, and you thought as the warrior I already know you are. We have a plan. One that includes dozens of guards, an informed pack, and our secret weapon. Didn’twe already agree that anything else that might happen can’t be predicted and getting rest is more important?”

I nod, but the gears in my mind keep turning as if racing toward the world’s most vital finish line.

His brow arches knowingly. “Then why isn’t my mate in bed yet?”

“Because as you just said, she doesn’t have that off button.” I grin, trying to be cute, but he doesn’t seem to agree.

In one swift motion, he scoops me up and throws me over his shoulder as if I weigh nothing. “I’m going to find one.” His hand lands on my backside with a resounding smack, the vibrations sparking heat low in my belly.

I tighten my grip on him as he strides into the bedroom, the raw strength in his movements igniting a fire within me. He tosses me onto the mattress, his shadow falling over me like a protective shield. For a moment, he doesn’t move—just watches me, his gaze piercing and unyielding.

Which is when I see what I should’ve already known: the worry he’s been hiding beneath his confident exterior. This isn’t just about the pack or the battle tomorrow. It’s about us. About what we stand to lose. And in that instant, every doubt, every second-guessing thought slips away.

---