Page 69 of A Crown of Fates

My skin pebbles from his intensity, and I reach for him, needing to feel the heat that radiates from his bare chest. “We’re going to be okay.”

His jaw tightens, but he nods. “There’s no other choice. I won’t lose you.”

“You never will.” My fingers splay over his abs, my touch inching to settle over his heart. “Not in this life or any that come next.”

“My Starlight.” The rumble that echoes from his chest has me pulling on him, and he doesn’t hesitate to press the lower half of his body over mine.

He pushes the silk fabric of my robe to the sides, leaving me exposed to his powerful gaze.

Theo kisses me, his tongue sweeping through my mouth and the hum of his alpha power rippling through the room in waves. His strength surrounds me, a cocoon of safety and love that drowns out every fear.

No matter what happens tomorrow, win or lose, Orix can never take this away from us. Not this moment, not our bond, and not the future we’ve fought so hard to claim.

I’ll fight to the death for this man and this pack, whether it’s the end of Orix or me. This stops for all of us within the next twenty-four hours.

But for this moment, as Theo touches me, loving me with every ounce of his being, I know this is only the beginning for us. Tonight will come soon enough, and when it does, we’ll be ready.

CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX

ESTEE

The murmurs and music of the ball spill through the heavy oak doors of the great hall, muffled but pulsing with energy. My hand tightens on Theo’s arm as the doors swing open, revealing a scene so breathtaking it makes me momentarily forget what tonight represents.

The steward steps forward, his voice clear and commanding as he announces, “His Majesty, King Theo Northcroft, and Her Highness, Princess Estee Blackwood.”

Every eye turns toward us, and the air shifts as the whispers die, replaced by hushed awe. My heartbeat quickens, the attention heavy on my shoulders, but Theo’s reassuring presence grounds me. He presses my lower back gently, a silent reminder that I’m not alone.

I step forward, my gown trailing behind me in a cascade of maroon silk and intricate embroidery. A plunging neckline dips just enough to be daring but remain elegant, while the fitted bodice flares into a full skirt that sweeps the polished marble floors. Tiny crystals are stitched throughout the fabric, catching the light with every step and creating the illusion that I’m wrapped in the stars.

Theo walks beside me, regal and composed, in his black tuxedo. A maroon sash lays across his chest, bearing the crest of Selaris, and his gold crown glints under the glow of the chandeliers. He’s magnetic, his strong jawline and commanding presence drawing every gaze. My wolf hums in appreciation, and I can’t help but steal a glance at him.

He catches me looking and smirks, leaning down just enough to whisper, “You’re stealing the show, my Starlight.”

“You’re not so bad yourself,” I murmur back, my cheeks warming under the intensity of his gaze.

The great hall is a masterpiece of architecture, its vaulted ceilings stretching high above us and adorned with intricate carvings of wolves, the forest, and an enchanting night sky. Massive arched windows line the walls, their stained-glass panels reflecting the flickering light of hundreds of candles. Garlands of greenery and dark red ribbons drape the balconies, while crystal lights hang like constellations, their glow casting a warm, ethereal presence over the crowd.

The floors gleam, polished to a mirror-like finish, and the air is rich with the scent of fresh flowers and aged wood. On one side of the room, musicians play a lively melody as couples dance in sweeping circles. On the other side, performers entertain with feats of acrobatics and fire, their movements captivating the crowd.

The pack is dressed in their finest, the women in flowing gowns and the men in sharp suits, their excitement tempered by an undercurrent of tension. Even with the joy and unity on display, there’s a shared awareness of what tonight could bring. The knowledge of Orix’s likely arrival lingers in the air, unspoken but felt by all.

As we make our way through the room, the pack parts for us, offering smiles and bows. Theo nods graciously, his expressioncalm and collected, but power radiates from him. His presence is captivating, and I know the pack feels it too.

Drea and Orion approach us, their expressions a mix of pride and caution. Drea’s dark green gown hugs her frame, her brunette hair pinned up with tiny pearls woven throughout. Orion stands beside her, his broad shoulders and stoic expression making him look every bit the warrior he is.

“Quite the entrance,” Drea teases, her eyes sparkling as she looks between me and Theo. “I think you’ve set a new standard for royal appearances.”

“Just trying to make an impression,” I reply with a grin, though I know she can sense the underlying nerves I’m trying to suppress.

Orion nods respectfully to Theo. “The pack is ready, Your Majesty. They’re alert but calm. Everyone’s taking their cues from you.”

Theo claps Orion on the shoulder. “Good. Let’s keep it that way. Thank you for your diligence tonight.”

“And those not present?” I ask, hating that we’re separated but also knowing it’s for the best.

Orion glances left and right then lowers his voice. “Queen Sloane has secured the doors and stands guard with two of our best.”

I asked earlier if that was enough and the look of indignation Sloane gave me seemed to be answer enough. While I trust her intentions, I hope she’s right. At least the pack feels better having an alpha present.

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