<i>Zephyrine </i>


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    Sitting before the mirror, I realized how nervous I was. No, not because the massive gates of Ash Pack would be open for the first time in five years. Not because hundreds of guests were already arriving. Not even because Nyroth would be in my presence again.


    It was because Lycannar Blood, King of the Lycan Kingdom, would be here.


    Days had passed since Ist saw him. We parted on good terms, but I couldn’t help wondering if we would meet again with the same grace.


    Through the window, I could already see the guests arriving. Alpha Orod of Horn Pack had waved at me as he rode in. He had been an Ashmere ally; his father once helped mine, and in return my father had gone to war for him. Alpha Auedric had arrived as well, with his beta and Nathan, Dessyn’s father. I had grinned from where I stood and waved, grateful for their presence.


    More Alphas from other packs hade, and Dessyn, as host, received them well. Until now. The party was about to begin, and I had to dress.


    After bathing for the second time that day, I was robed in a graceful gown. Sitting before the mirror, I stared at my reflection. Not to boast, but beauty seemed too small a word and all of it, I felt, belonged to him. To Lycannar.


    My eyes dropped to the ring around my finger, and I swallowed hard. What should I expect from him today? Would he evene?


    No sooner had I asked myself that question than a maid stepped forward.


    “Mydy, Alpha Nyroth of Hue Pack has arrived.”


    I gave no response. I only turned to the window, then back to the mirror. Of course he woulde, but we were done. I had invited him only out of courtesy to his pack, nothing more.<fnd407> The rightful source is find?novel</fnd407>


    “How about the ne?” Isolde asked quietly, breaking into my thoughts.


    My eyes fell on the amulet ne, but I shook my head.


    “I’ll leave my neck bare. It’s


    fine.”


    She nodded, obedient, and focused on my hair. She wanted to pin it up and slide in ornaments, but I had decided otherwise.


    Lycannar loved my hair down. And I loved it more when he took a strand just to caress.


    Isolde was finishing when footsteps echoed, and without knocking, the door opened. I didn’t need to look. I already knew it was Dessyn, bold enough to do that.


    “Zephyr?” she called.


    “Hmm?<b>” </b>


    “It’s starting. The guests have arrived with that witch.”


    I raised an eyebrow, turning to her fully.


    “I don’t think we invited any witch.”


    “Oh, please. That dubious Ka. She arrived with her robber of a father.”


    At her words, I went still. But then I shrugged. I had invited them, so of course they woulde..


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    Finished


    “Everything is in ce, Dessyn. After the ceremony, they’ll leave for their packs. It’s just an overnight event,” I said, and she nodded.


    Her eyes drifted from my face to my cleavage, then back up again, a knowing smile curling on her lips. I red instead. She had started.


    “Alright, alright. Don’t take long. Your beta is already seated, and Princess Mearez too.” She smirked before leaving.


    Once she was gone, I turned back to the mirror but my eyes lingered on the neckline of my gown. Slowly, a smile curved my lips. Oh, yes. Dessyn knew me too well. I had chosen this particr gown for a reason.


    I was a sinner who had sinned against a king. If I couldn’t earn his forgiveness with words, I was willing to pay through seduction.


    “Mydy?” The door cracked open, and Blue entered with a smile. “The Lycan Kingdom’s carriage has been spotted. I think they’re here.”


    At once, I rose, hurrying to the window. There it was. The powerful sacred crest showing a creature on two legs, not four like us werewolves.


    The beautiful, expensive carriage rolled to a stop in the courtyard, and I craned my neck to see them alight. My breath stilled when Aunt Eiryn, Lycannar’s aunt stepped out first. Elegantly. Followed by Baron, Lycannar’s beta. Then I waited. Beauty, Baron’s sister and Lycannar’s cousin, followed.


    Andstly, Princess Serena.


    My eyes fixed on them, and I swore I forgot to breathe. Different, radiant, undeniably beautiful.


    I watched as Dessyn rushed out to usher them in, but Serena paused, her gaze catching mine at the window.


    “Wow! Sister–inw!” she called out, loud enough to turn heads. I giggled softly. That was her, outspoken as ever. I was used to it.


    She waved, and I waved back before watching them go inside. Slowly, my smile faded into a sigh.


    Wait. Did that mean Lycannar wouldn’te?


    “Maybe he’ll be represented by his beta?” Isolde murmured behind me, as though she had felt my emotions. I lowered my gaze.


    I was about to step away from the window when another carriage rolled in. I turned quickly, heart skipping, only to see the Imperium Council members.


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    My breath caught as Three of them alighted. Two men and a woman While Alphas owned and controlled their packs, there werews we all abided by. Lawsid down by the council. Without them, peace between packs could neverst.


    Dessyn greeted them warmly, ushering them in with her brightest smile. They disappeared into the hall without fuss<b>. </b>


    I turned back to the mirror, sinking onto the seat. Maybe Isolde was right. Maybe Lycannar wouldn’te.


    What had I even thought. That he would ride all the way here just for me? That he would…


    “Mydy?” Blue’s voice cut through again, hesitant this time. “I… I think he’s here.”


    My heart sank to the very bottom, my muscles freezing tight. Because I felt it too. The movement, the warmth of his presence.


    Slowly, carefully, I made my way back to the window, my heart pounding.


    And there he was. A rider on his horse.


    Cold chills raced down my skin. Just when everyone, including the Imperium Council had arrived, he appeared. A king.


    He reined his great ck horse to a halt before the gate, and I went utterly still. Would hee in? Would he turn away?


    My answer came secondster.


    He entered. And when he dismounted, standing there in the open, I finally understood the very definition of power and beauty.


    Lycannar.


    Dressed in all ck as always, but this time with a fur cloak. His eyebrow rings glittered beneath the evening sky, and thick leather braced his forearms. He had always tied his hair in a knot when he left the Lycan Kingdom but tonight, he hadn’t.


    Maids and errand boys froze where they stood, each one stealing nces at him.


    Nobles outside turn their gazes to him.


    “My… my gods,” I heard Isolde breathe behind me. “How… how can a man be so…”


    Send Gifts


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