For the first time since the Blood Sovereign returned, the palace gates stood open.
Thousands of people crowded the Royal Square below, their voices echoing through Moonfall Palace. Some had traveled for weeks, hoping to catch a glimpse of the queen whispered about in every kingdom.
Some came to pledge their loyalty.
Others came to see if the rumors were true.
Did she really have silver blood?
Did wolves truly kneel before her?
Did black wings grow from her back beneath the light of the moon?
Kaelira stood on the grand balcony overlooking the crowd, wearing the Sovereign Crown despite the growing cracks that spread across its silver surface.
The weight of every eye upon her made it difficult to breathe.
“You don’t have to do this,” Ronan said quietly beside her.
She smiled withou
