Chapter 8 - The Queen’s Mark
With the rogue threat neutralized, the High Council of the Northern Alliance gathered in the royal solar to formalize Grace's coronation and bloodline lineage. Ancient scrolls were unrolled, and the full history of the White Wolf bloodline was read aloud to the gathered lords and ladies.
It was revealed that Grace’s mother had fled Pine Hollow twenty years ago to protect her newborn child from assassination plots orchestrated by corrupt councilmen who wanted absolute control over the northern resources. They had hidden Grace among the lowest omegas, erasing her identity—until a fierce blizzard and five orphaned wolf pups brought her destiny back to light.
"Your Majesty," the high priestess addressed Grace, stepping forward with a magnificent crown forged of platinum and white sapphires, shaped like interlocking wolf jaws cradling a crescent moon. "Do you accept the crown of the White Wolf Queen, protector of the northern realms?"
Grace stood tall before the assembly. Gone was the timid, shivering girl found in the snow. In her place stood a sovereign whose grace, resilience, and compassion had won the loyalty of both beasts and men.
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"I accept," Grace spoke clearly, her voice echoing through the chamber. "Not to rule with fear, but to ensure that no innocent soul—man, woman, or child—is ever abandoned to the frost again."
She knelt briefly as the heavy crown was placed upon her chestnut curls. When she rose, the entire assembly of alphas, lords, and warriors bowed deeply in unison.
