Chapter five
1162 Words
The Rise of Angela Milan
Angela's POV
The first few weeks in the Crimson Blood Empire were unlike anything I had experienced before.
My life had revolved around Killian,his pack,his ambitions and his goals. Everything I did had been for him.
Now, for the first time in a very long time, I was living for myself. The realization felt both strange and liberating.
The Crimson Blood Palace woke before sunrise every morning,warriors trained in the courtyards.
Officials attended meetings before breakfast. Messengers arrived from neighboring territories at all hours.
Unlike Shadow Fang, where decisions often depended on emotions and pride, everything here was organized.
It was no surprise Miguel ruled the strongest empire in the werewolf world. I quickly developed a routine.
Every morning began with combat training,at first, the warriors underestimated me. To them, I was simply the woman who had rejected an Alpha at the altar.
Nothing more and nothing less.
The first time I stepped onto the training grounds, dozens of curious eyes followed me.
Whispers spread through the crowd,some were amused and others openly skeptical.
One warrior even laughed. "Does the future Queen intend to learn swordplay?"
Several warriors chuckled and I simply smiled then proceeded to knock him flat on his back during a sparring match.
The training yard went into a stunned silence. After that, nobody laughed anymore.
Not that I was some legendary fighter,I wasn't but five years spent helping Killian build a pack had taught me plenty about survival and unlike my previous life, I refused to remain vulnerable.
Miguel noticed my determination immediately and instead of discouraging me, he encouraged it.
Whenever his schedule allowed, he personally supervised my training,his teaching style was demanding and brutal at times yet surprisingly patient.
"Again," he would say. Even after I was exhausted,even after my muscles screamed in protest. "Again." And I always did.
Because every bruise reminded me of the dungeon,every drop of sweat reminded me that I was no longer helpless.
I was becoming stronger day by day,week by week. The palace nobles noticed too and at first they viewed me as an outsider.
A scandalous bride who abandoned her Alpha but opinions slowly began changing,not because of my connection to Miguel but because of my work.
I attended council meetings,reviewed trade reports,and resolved disputes and analyzed military strategies.
Whenever problems appeared, I offered solutions. The nobles were shocked to discover that I actually knew what I was doing. Several began seeking my advice.
Others requested my opinion before making decisions. The respect I earned felt different from the admiration I once received in Shadow Fang.
This respect was genuine. It wasn't tied to Killian,it belonged to me. Months passed quickly.
I felt at peace. One evening, I stood on a palace balcony overlooking the capital when Miguel stepped onto the balcony beside me.
As always, his presence filled the space effortlessly. "You seem happier." A small smile touched my lips.
"I think I am." His crimson eyes studied me. "You've changed."
"So have you." A rare chuckle escaped him and the sound surprised me. Miguel rarely laughed.
The silence that followed wasn't uncomfortable. Over the months, we had developed an easy understanding.
Trust,something I never imagined I would feel again. A servant suddenly approached.
"Your Majesty." Miguel turned.
"What is it?"
"The preparations for the Annual Moonlight Summit are complete." My expression immediately turned sour.
The summit. The largest gathering in the werewolf world. Every Alpha,every royal,every major noble family would all be there.
The thought sent a strange feeling through me. Miguel's gaze softened slightly.
"Are you ready?" I stared toward the vast compound. This time, when I imagined seeing Killian again, I didn't feel pain.
I felt curiosity,I wanted to see his reaction,I wanted him to witness what he had thrown away. "Yes."
I finally smiled.
"I'm ready."
The Annual Moonlight Summit was held in the grand capital of the Crimson Blood Empire.
The city overflowed with visiting nobles and dignitaries while flags from dozens of territories decorated the streets.
Music echoed throughout the capital and excitement filled the air. As Miguel's carriage approached the summit hall, crowds gathered outside.
Warriors lined the roads,citizens cheered. It resembled a royal celebration.
Inside the carriage, I adjusted my silver gown. Months ago I would have been nervous,now I felt calm,confident and prepared. Miguel sat across from me while his crimson eyes briefly met mine.
"You look ready for battle." I laughed softly. "Perhaps I am."
Moments later, the carriage stopped and the doors opened. A roar erupted from the crowd. Miguel exited first then offered me his hand.
Just as he had the day I arrived and of course I accepted. Together we entered the summit hall.
The reaction was immediate,hundreds of conversations died instantly. Every eye turned toward us but I ignored them.
Instead, my gaze swept across the massive room and found exactly who I was looking for.
Killian.
He stood among the Shadow Fang delegation and the moment our eyes met, his entire body stiffened.
Shock flashed across his face,followed by something else. Beside him stood Morticia but unlike Killian, she recovered quickly.
Her green eyes narrowed and jealousy flickered across her beautiful face. I almost smiled.
Months ago, she expected me to crawl back to Shadow Fang. Now I stood beside the most powerful ruler in the world.
As an equal. The sight clearly infuriated her. The summit officially began.
Representatives took their seats and the enormous hall gradually fell silent. At the center stood Miguel's throne.
A visible reminder of who truly held power..Miguel rose from his seat and immediately every conversation ceased.
His authority was absolute. "As host of this year's Moonlight Summit, I welcome all leaders, nobles, and representatives."
His voice echoed throughout the chamber and no one dared interrupt. Miguel continued discussing trade agreements,border negotiations.
Military cooperation,several important announcements followed then his gaze shifted toward me.
"I have one final announcement." Curiosity spread throughout the crowd as Miguel stepped forward.
"For months, one individual has contributed greatly to the prosperity of the Crimson Blood Empire."
My pulse quickened, and the entire hall listened.
"Through intelligence, leadership, and unwavering dedication, she has proven herself invaluable." Whispers began spreading but Miguel ignored them.
His next words sent shockwaves through the summit.
"Effective immediately, Angela Milan will serve as Chief Advisor of the Crimson Blood Empire."
For several seconds nobody moved then the hall exploded.
Gasps.Whispers. Shocked expressions.
The position was one of the highest offices in the empire,only a handful of people had ever held it and Miguel had just given it to me publicly.
I slowly rose to my feet. Across the hall, Killian looked completely frozen as though the world had stopped spinning.
Morticia's face had turned pale,neither of them could hide their shock because the woman they once underestimated,the woman they believed was weak, was no longer standing beneath them.
A soft smile touched my lips as Miguel walked over and extended his hand.
- Writer
