Chapter 2

The next morning, my mind was perfectly clear, but I knew Jett’s world was already starting to fray.

When a fated bond is broken by a higher bloodline, the lower wolf suffers a slow, agonizing drain of power.

He just hadn't connected the dots yet.

I stood inside Aethelgard Jewelers, waiting to pick up a family piece my father had sent ahead for my return.

"Welcome, Miss Wynne," the store manager said, offering a deep, formal bow over the glass counter.

The brass entrance bells chimed.

I turned to see Jett entering the store, looking noticeably paler than he had the night before.

Celeste was clinging tightly to his arm.

Celeste's lips curved into a sharp smile the moment she noticed me.

"Orla! What a coincidence. Jett and I are picking out engagement rings today at the Luna Dowager’s request. Are you here shopping for a cheap watch to comfort your broken heart?"

Jett stared at me, his eyes clouded with irritation.

"Orla, don't make a scene. Stalking me to upscale boutiques won't fix what you did last night. You are a low-ranking rogue with no family backing. Take your dignity and leave."

I let out a soft laugh.

"Stalking you? Jett, your entire pack's worth couldn't lease the land this building sits on."

"How dare you!" Celeste snapped.

"Silence," the store manager barked, his voice sharp.

He snapped his fingers once.

Instantly, the shutters slid down over the boutique windows, blocking the view from the street.

Over thirty high-end appraisers, diamond experts, and security personnel marched out in perfect formation.

They snapped to attention, placing their fists over their hearts in a formal military salute.

The manager held up a velvet box containing a five-carat blue moonstone ring, every diamond around it bearing the royal crest.

"Your Royal Highness," the manager announced, his voice steady and formal.

"The Moonstone Crown Ring has been prepared for you. The High Alpha King requests your ascent to the throne."

Celeste took a step back and stared at the staff standing at rigid attention.

Jett let out a harsh laugh, though a bead of sweat rolled down his forehead.

"Highness? Crown ring? What kind of pathetic charade is this, Orla? Did you hire these actors just to get back at me? I ran a background check on you three years ago!"

I ignored him, stepping forward to press my finger against the dark moonstone.

The stone remained completely dim and devoid of light.

The store manager’s breath caught.

The guards shifted, their eyes narrowing as a silence filled the vault.

Jett burst into a loud laugh.

"See? I knew it! It’s a fake! You’re nothing but a fraud trying to play queen!"

Celeste sneered, gesturing to the guards. "How embarrassing. Throw this liar out."

I kept my eyes closed, letting Cyra’s energy flood my veins without restraint.

I tapped the ring a second time.

The stone ignited.

A wave of blue light pulsed through the room, shattering the glass display cases closest to the counter.

The pressure of the Lycan lineage filled the room, forcing Jett and Celeste to stumble back, gasping for air.

The store manager bowed his head lower.

"The bloodline is verified. Forgive our hesitation, Your Highness."

"Jett," I said quietly. "I am the sole heiress to the Royal Wynne Dynasty. My father doesn't just rule a territory. He rules the continent."