Chapter 9 - Coronation of Starlight
Three weeks later, the snow cleared from the peaks of Silver Crest, replaced by the brilliant, warm sunlight of a new spring.
The grand courtyard was packed to the absolute edges—not with rioting mobs or terrified servants, but with thousands of cheering pack members, visiting Alpha delegations from across the continent, and council members who had sworn absolute loyalty to their true sovereign.
At the center of the raised dais stood the sacred white-stone throne, polished and gleaming as if it had just been carved that very morning.
Ara wore a gown spun from silver silk and embroidered with ancient wolf crests. The glowing mark on her collarbone pulsed softly against her skin, no longer a hidden secret, but a badge of honor and divine right.
Kieran stood beside her, dressed in ceremonial armor fit for the High Alpha of the United Packs. His arm rested securely around her waist, grounding her amidst the roaring applause of the multitude.
Priestess Mara stepped forward holding a crown crafted from pure platinum and embedded with moonstones that caught the sunlight like captured stars.
With trembling, reverent hands, Mara placed the crown upon Ara’s head.
"Long live Luna Ara," Mara proclaimed loudly.
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"LONG LIVE LUNA ARA! LONG LIVE ALPHA KIERAN!" the crowd thundered in unison, thousands of shifters dropping to one knee in a breathtaking display of unity and respect.
Ara looked out over the sea of faces—past the noble families who once mocked her, past the scullery doors where she used to scrub floors in the dark. She wasn't invisible anymore. She was the heart of Silver Crest.
