Page 43

Cassandra’s POV

The moment Amara and Edgar stepped into the courtyard, the energy shifted.

Not with tension—but with presence.

They were royalty, and every single warrior in the pack felt it.

But I?

I only saw the way their eyes softened when they looked at me.

Amara, had sharp, intelligent eyes that missed nothing. But the moment her gaze met mine, her expression melted into something warm.

And as Amara gently took my hands, her next words nearly undid me.

“Welcome home, Cassandra.”

The grand ceremonial hall was filled with leaders from every allied pack. They had gathered for one reason only.

To recognize me as their Luna.

No more trials.

No more proving myself.

This was it.

I stood at the center of the hall, wearing an elegant black gown trimmed with silver. My crown—lighter than Alec’s but no less significant—rested atop my head.

Alec stood beside me, steadfast and unwavering.

Amara and Edgar sat at the royal table, watching with pride.

Then, the royal advisor stepped forward, lifting a golden blade.

I knelt.

His voice echoed through the chamber. “Cassandra Primrose, do you swear to rule with strength, wisdom, and unwavering loyalty?”

I met Alec’s gaze. Steady. Sure.

Then I turned back.

And said the words that would change everything.

“I swear it.”

The blade touched each of my shoulders.

Then the advisor lifted his hands.

“Rise, Luna Cassandra.”

The hall erupted.

Alec pulled me into his arms, his voice low against my skin.

“You are breathtaking.”

I exhaled. “I thought you didn’t like sharing the throne.”

His fingers traced my waist. “I don’t.”

Then he smirked.

“But I’ll make an exception for you.”

The night was a blur of music, laughter, and teasing.

I danced with Sophie and Jack, nearly tripping over my dress. Damon was grumbling about the whole thing, while Alec—predictably—spent the entire night watching me like a hawk.

Finally, after hours of celebration, Alec leaned down, voice low and dark.

“Come with me.”

I blinked. “Why?”

He didn’t answer.

Just took my hand—and led me away.

The hallways blurred as Alec guided me through the palace.

I exhaled. “Where are we going?”

He glanced at me, silver eyes gleaming. “You’ll see.”

Finally, we stopped in front of a massive set of doors.

Alec turned to me, studying my expression.

Then—without another word—he pushed them open.

My breath caught.

Because inside?

Was a room full of weapons.

Swords. Daggers. Crossbows.

Racks of silver and steel, gleaming in the candlelight.

It was beautiful.

I turned to Alec, stunned. “This…”

His voice was low. Certain.

“This is yours.”

I blinked. “What?”

He smirked. “You didn’t think I was going to make you sit in a throne room all day, did you?”

I turned, running my fingers over the hilts of perfectly crafted blades.

Everything in this room was built for me.

Not a symbolic gift.

Not a gesture.

This was my future.

Alec leaned against the doorframe, watching me. “Say something.”

I exhaled shakily. “This is the best thing anyone has ever given me.”

His silver eyes softened.

Then, so quietly I almost missed it—

"You deserve it."

I swallowed.

Because Alec might have been cocky, arrogant, and impossible—

But this?

This was his heart.

And it was mine.