Kash:
"I now announce Kash as the Alpha King of the South. I hand him my power, my crown, and my responsibilities. As I step down from the throne, I remind you all that you are in the best hands. May our pack prosper, and may Kash continue to thrive."
Lord Ronald declared this as I stepped forward, my hands clasped in front of .
When I reached him, I lowered myself and bowed my head so he could place the crown on .
As the weight of the crown settled on my head, the sound of applause filled the air.
Lara stood close to , clapping with a wide smile. She kept looking between and the crowd, her eyes shining with pride.
Around us, pack mbers watched with hopeful expressions, their faces lifted toward the stage. Several alphas stepped forward one after another, offering handshakes and polite nods.
So spoke about their expectations for their packs, while others ntioned charities and alliances. I listened to each of them carefully.
Lord Ronald remained beside the entire ti, guiding people toward and repeating my na as if they did not already know who I was.
He spoke with confidence, always introducing as his son-in-law and the new Alpha King, making sure everyone knew his daughter was now the Luna Queen.
He presented like a prize he had carefully prepared.
Lara slipped closer and wrapped her arm around mine.
"Congratulations," she whispered, lifting her head and leaning into .
I gave her a mild smile and a nod.
"We should sit," she added.
Before I could respond, she gently pulled away from the crowd and back toward the stage where the royal seats were arranged. She sat down quickly and guided to sit beside her, still holding my arm.
"I’m so happy for you today," she whispered, leaning into , her fingers tightening slightly around my sleeve.
I kept my posture straight, my shoulders firm while my gaze drifted past the crowd.
She was close, but my attention shifted elsewhere. Only one woman filled my thoughts. I wondered how Iris was feeling at that mont.
"When are we leaving for the honeymoon?" Lara asked softly, pulling back to the present. "I saw the tickets, so you don’t have to hide it."
"In a few days," I replied. "But we will go ho first."
Her smile faltered for a mont. I saw her shoulders drop before she quickly straightened again.
"I thought we would leave from here," she said, then lifted her chin and smiled. "But I understand. It’s okay."
She studied my face.
"I know why you want to go ho first," she continued.
I slowly pulled my arm free from her hold.
"Why?" I asked, raising an eyebrow without turning fully toward her.
"I know you’re planning to send Iris away," she said quietly. "I’m really glad you made that decision."
She placed her hand over mine, giving it a gentle pat.
"Now that we can have a family of our own, it’s important that the dynamic is clear. It isn’t healthy for Iris and to live in the sa house and keep clashing."
I looked at her without reacting, then turned my gaze back toward the crowd.
She had no idea that Iris was not the one who would be leaving. She was.
A celebratory lunch followed. Long tables filled the hall as guests ate and spoke in lower tones. Music played softly, and conversations blended together. One by one, people began to leave their seats.
By late afternoon, the crowd had thinned, and exhaustion showed on nearly every face, including Lara’s and her father’s.
The hall had emptied slowly until only a handful of us remained.
The royal beta stood near the tall windows, arms folded behind his back while speaking quietly with the royal gamma. Then there was Lord Ronald, relaxing in his chair, his suit jacket unbuttoned, swirling the drink in his glass. Lara leaned close to him, one hand resting on the back of his seat, both of them watching with satisfied smiles.
Two glasses waited on the table between them.
Lara lifted one slightly and tilted her head toward .
"Co sit. Have a drink with us," she urged.
I rose from my seat without reaching for the glass. My shoulders felt stiff, now feeling the weight of everything.
"I’m tired," I muttered. "I’m going to get so rest."
Lara straightened her back at my response. Then she turned to give her father a small look, the silent cue that ant she would follow .
Her heels tapped quickly against the floor as she moved after . However, she stopped the mont I turned around to look at her.
"Not today, Lara. Rember, we said on our honeymoon," I reminded her firmly.
Her steps faltered, and the excitent on her face dimd, replaced by a brief look of realization.
I knew she was following because she wanted intimacy, but I also realized I had been a little too stern with her. Now was not the ti. I still had a mission to accomplish.
I cleared my throat and softened my tone slightly.
"I’m just exhausted right now, honey," I added.
She nodded quietly, though her lips pressed together in disappointnt. I left her standing there as I went upstairs.
Inside the room, I shut the door and moved quickly toward my bag.
The formal coat ca off first. I changed into dark fitted pants and a plain black long-sleeve shirt that allowed easy movent. Then I put on lightweight boots.
I rolled my neck and loosened my shoulders, then headed back downstairs. The shower had helped freshen up.
The living room lights were very low by then. Even the royal beta and royal gamma had left. The television flickered against the wall, and Lara and her father sat side by side on the couch, half watching, half talking.
Lara was the one who noticed and imdiately leaned forward.
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