Page 78 of A Crown of Fates

The rest of them enter the room, and I remain behind by myself, waiting for the sound of the trumpets. It comes only seconds later, giving me no time to spiral. Though, I don’t think I would have.

The doors part, and everyone stands, staring at me as I walk toward Theo where he waits at the end of the maroon runner.

Sunlight streams through the towering stained-glass windows, casting vibrant hues of blue, green, and deep purpleacross the polished marble floor. The air hums with energy, a mix of anticipation and hope from the hundreds of shifters gathered to witness this moment.

My heart pounds in my chest as I put one foot in front of the other, but not with nerves. Only eagerness.

Theo’s gaze locks on me, and I easily lose myself in his stare. His essence brushes against mine, a quiet reassurance that keeps me steady. He looks every inch the king, dressed in a tailored charcoal suit, his crown gleaming atop his dark hair. The pride and love in his eyes nearly threaten to undo my composure.

The dais he waits for me on is flanked by two statues of wolves, carved from gleaming obsidian stone, as though they’re watching over the ceremony with stoic poise. At the center is a stone pillar with a velvet cushion holding my new crown.

The gold points catch the light, casting off a soft, ethereal glow that highlights the garnet stones set within them. It feels ancient and sacred, a symbol of a legacy I’m now part of.

As I ascend the steps, the hall remains silent except for the faint rustle of my gown. Theo reaches for me, his hand warm and steady around mine. His lips curve into a small smile once I’m standing in front of him, and he murmurs, “You are the most stunning being to ever grace these lands, my queen.”

My cheeks heat. “Thank you.”

Asher joins us, taking the lead in the ceremony as the next-most powerful Alpha King present. Though Sloane is here somewhere, I’m glad it’s my brother-in-law up here with us.

“Estee,” he begins, his voice clear and strong, carrying easily through the hall. “You have proven yourself in ways that go beyond what’s required of a queen. You’ve fought for this pack, not only with strength but with wisdom and compassion. You’ve brought hope to Selaris in its darkest hour, and it is my honor to bestow upon you the title of queen.”

Asher gestures for me to kneel, and I lower myself onto the velvet cushion provided, folding my hands in front of me, bowing my head as he continues.

“Do you vow to protect Selaris and its people, to lead with courage and fairness, and to uphold the honor of this kingdom above all else?”

“I do,” I say, my voice steady despite the lump in my throat.

“Do you vow to stand as a symbol of strength, unity, and hope for your pack, to guide them through light and darkness alike?”

“I do,” I repeat, feeling the certainty of each word settle into my soul.

I sense Theo reach for the crown, and this is it. There’s no going back. Not that I’d want to, but the power of finality seeps through me, my energy and the bond I share with Theo pulsing wildly throughout my body.

As if the entire room holds their breath, the only thing I hear is the rapid beat of my heart and Asher’s next words. “Then by the will of the gods and the trust of your people, I declare you Queen Estee of Selaris. King Theo, crown your queen.”

Theo’s behind me and he lowers the crown onto my head, its weight surprisingly comforting, as if it’s always belonged there. He steps around to face me, kisses both my cheeks, then offers me a hand. “Absolutely perfect,” he murmurs with a dazzling grin.

As I rise, the room erupts into cheers, the sound a deafening roar that shakes the very walls of the hall. My vision blurs with unshed tears as I turn to face my people, who are clapping and cheering with an energy I can feel in my bones.

Theo stands beside me, my hand still firmly in his. “Your Majesty,” he says softly, his voice filled with pride.

“My king,” I reply, the words feeling right as I look into his eyes.

We step forward together, facing the pack as one. I see familiar faces among them—Drea and Orion standing near the front, their smiles wide; Jerome and Cecil looking proud and relieved; even Elyn, who nods at me with what almost looks like approval. My parents and Isla remain close as well, their support meaning the world to me.

But it’s the rest of the pack, the ones who don’t know me, yet would fight alongside me just the same. Their essence begins to unfurl within me, my bond as their queen coming to life. I sense their resilience, hope, and acceptance, reminding me that I’m exactly where I was always meant to be.

Theo raises his free hand, signaling for quiet. The cheers gradually die down, and the room falls into a reverent hush. “Selaris,” he begins, his voice resonant and steady, “today marks the beginning of a new era. A stronger present and future. We’ve faced trials that could’ve broken us, but instead, they’ve united us. And with Queen Estee by my side, I have no doubt that our lands will thrive.”

The crowd erupts again, their cheers filling the room with a palpable sense of duty and hope. I squeeze Theo’s hand, my heart full, and as I look out over our pack, I know we can face anything that comes our way.

Even the gods.

EPILOGUE

SLOANE

Amonth has passed since my return to Alcaris, the land I’ve ruled for over two centuries. Once, its rolling hills were lush and vibrant, its forests teeming with life. Now, cracks crawl across the earth like veins on a withered leaf, and the forests are becoming little more than skeletal reminders of what they used to be. Alcaris is dying, and I’ve exhausted every option to save it.

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