Chapter 4 - Whispers in the Dark
That night, the tension inside Blackwood Keep was palpable. High above in the royal residential wing, Grace sat by the window of her chamber, watching the snow gently blanket the pine forest outside. The five pups were curled soundly asleep on a velvet cushion by the hearth, their breathing synchronized and peaceful.
A soft knock sounded at the door.
"Enter," Grace said quietly.
Alexander stepped inside, having shed his heavy battle armor. Dressed simply in a dark tunic, he looked less like an untouchable monarch and more like the man who had wrapped his own heavy coat around her freezing shoulders in the storm.
"You should be resting," Alexander said gently, walking over to stand beside her at the window. "Tomorrow's trial will test everything."
"I'm not afraid of Morgran," Grace murmured, looking up into his striking amber eyes. "I'm afraid of what happens after. If the bloodline proves true... what does that mean for us, Alexander? You are an Alpha King, and I... I spent my entire life believing I was nothing more than an unwanted omega."
Alexander reached out, his warm fingers brushing a stray lock of chestnut hair from her cheek. "From the moment I found you half-frozen beneath that pine tree, refusing to save yourself because those pups needed your cloak, I knew you possessed a strength greater than any alpha I have ever commanded."
His hand traced down to her wrist, lightly brushing the glowing silver crescent. A shiver of pure electricity raced up Grace’s spine, making her breath hitch.
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"You are no omega, Grace," Alexander whispered, his face drawing dangerously close to hers. "You are my equal. My fated mate. And no council on earth will ever take you from me."
Grace’s heart hammered against her ribs as Alexander’s lips brushed hers in a tender, soul-shattering kiss that promised absolute protection and undying devotion.
