The Vampire's werewolf mate

Chapter 9

A Crown in the Making

Lyra POV

The first rays of sunlight spilled through my bedroom windows, warming my face.

I slowly opened my eyes and smiled.

For the first time in what felt like forever...

I had actually slept well.

I stretched my arms above my head and let out a long yawn before sitting up.

"That was... nice."

I climbed out of bed and headed into my bathing room. After soaking in warm water, I got dressed in one of my favorite gowns—a deep wine-red dress that hugged my figure perfectly. The long sleeves were embroidered with delicate silver vines, while the flowing skirt brushed softly against the floor.

The maids helped fasten a silver belt around my waist before placing matching ruby earrings and a thin silver necklace around my neck.

When they finished, I dismissed them and stood before the mirror alone.

I gathered my long silver hair into elegant braids that wrapped around each other to form a graceful bun, leaving a few soft strands framing my face.

I smiled at my reflection.

Then...

Without warning...

Lucien appeared in my thoughts.

His crimson eyes.

His laugh.

The way he'd looked at me by the lake.

My cheeks warmed immediately.

A blush spread across my face.

Usually, I would've denied it.

Told myself it was impossible.

That he was my enemy.

But today...

I couldn't lie to myself anymore.

I lowered my eyes and smiled softly.

"I'm falling for him..."

The words barely escaped my lips.

"And that's terrifying."

I took one last look in the mirror before leaving my room.

The guards standing outside immediately straightened.

"Good morning, Princess."

The maids bowed politely.

"Good morning, Your Highness."

I smiled warmly.

"Good morning, everyone."

As I made my way through the palace corridors, I noticed servants hurrying from one room to another, carrying flowers, fabrics, decorations, and sparkling chandeliers.

The entire castle was alive with excitement.

My Moon Crowning Ceremony was only weeks away.

When I stepped into the Grand Hall, I stopped in my tracks.

The hall looked completely different.

Elegant emerald and silver banners hung from the towering pillars. Fresh white lilies and moonflowers decorated every corner, their sweet fragrance filling the air. Crystal chandeliers sparkled overhead, scattering tiny beams of light across the polished marble floor.

In the center of the hall stood a magnificent stained-glass portrait.

It showed my father...

My mother...

And me.

I slowly walked toward it.

The sunlight poured through the colorful glass, bringing the portrait to life.

Father stood proudly in his royal robes.

Mother wore her beautiful queen's gown, her gentle smile just as I remembered.

And between them...

A much younger version of me held both their hands.

I reached out, my fingertips brushing the cool glass.

A lump formed in my throat.

"I miss you, Mom..."

A single tear escaped before I could stop it.

"You should've been here."

"You should've seen this."

I smiled through my tears.

"I think... I'm going to visit you today."

Just then, a gentle voice interrupted my thoughts.

"Your Highness?"

I quickly wiped my eyes and turned around.

One of the palace maids stood a respectful distance away.

"The royal dressmakers are ready for you."

"They've completed your coronation gown."

My eyes widened.

"It's finished?"

The maid smiled.

"Yes, Princess."

I couldn't hide my excitement.

"Take me there."

She led me through several hallways before stopping outside the royal dressing chamber.

The large wooden doors slowly opened.

And there it was.

I gasped.

It was the most beautiful gown I had ever seen.

The dress shimmered in a rich emerald green, the color of the ancient forests surrounding the Nightfang Kingdom. The bodice was fitted perfectly, embroidered with intricate silver vines that twisted across the fabric like moonlit branches. Tiny emerald crystals were carefully sewn among the embroidery, sparkling like dew beneath the morning sun.

The off-the-shoulder neckline was edged with delicate lace, giving the gown an elegant, regal appearance. Long flowing sleeves of sheer silk draped gracefully from her arms, embroidered with silver crescent moons that caught the light whenever they moved.

The skirt flowed outward in countless layers of soft satin and chiffon, creating the illusion of leaves dancing in the wind. The train stretched several feet behind the gown, its edges stitched with silver thread forming the emblem of the Nightfang Kingdom—a majestic wolf beneath a full moon.

Resting beside the gown was a matching silver cloak lined with white fur for the ceremonial procession.

And beside it...

A breathtaking crown.

Forged from polished silver, it was shaped like intertwining wolf vines reaching toward the sky. Emerald gemstones rested between each branch, while a single moonstone sat proudly at the center, glowing softly as if it held moonlight within it.

I slowly walked toward the gown, afraid that touching it might somehow make it disappear.

"It's..."

I swallowed hard.

"...beautiful."

One of the royal seamstresses smiled proudly.

"It was crafted especially for the future Luna of the Nightfang Kingdom."

I gently ran my fingers across the smooth fabric.

For the first time...

The reality of everything truly settled in.

In just a few weeks...

I wouldn't simply be Princess Lyra Nightfang anymore.

I would become Luna.