The Omega Who Became Queen

THE VERDICT

Raven’s POV

The morning light was grey and cold when I opened my eyes.

Nathaniel was still beside me, his hand warm on mine. He had not moved all night. His eyes were closed, his breathing slow and even. He looked younger when he slept softer, like the weight of his guilt had lifted for a few hours.

I did not want to wake him. But I knew I had to move. I had to face whatever the Council had decided.

I slipped my hand out of his and stood. My legs were stiff. My body ached. I had not eaten in what felt like days.

A knock at the door. Sharp. Urgent.

I froze.

"Your Highness." It was a guard's voice, muffled through the wood. "The Council has reached a decision. You are summoned."

Nathaniel's eyes opened. He was awake in an instant, his gaze sharp and focused.

"Raven."

"I heard."

I walked to the door. My hands were shaking, but I forced them still. I opened it.

The guard was young, barely older than me. His face was pale, his eyes wide.

"They have ruled against you," he said. "The Council has declared the Royal Bite a sign of corruption. They are stripping you of your claim."

I felt the words hit me like a physical blow. My chest tightened. My breath caught in my throat. I pressed my hand to the doorframe, steadying myself.

"And Aldric?"

The guard's voice dropped. "He is already in the Council chamber. He is claiming the throne."

I heard Damian's voice from somewhere behind me. Low. Cold. "He will not get it."

I turned. Damian was standing in the doorway of my room, his jaw tight, his eyes burning. Caleb and Marcus were behind him. They were already dressed, already ready to fight.

I looked at all four of them. Nathaniel was on his feet now, his hand on my shoulder. Damian was in front of me, his eyes fierce. Caleb and Marcus were flanking him, their bodies tense.

"They have made their decision," I said. My voice was steady steadier than I expected. "But I am not done fighting."

Damian stepped closer. "We are with you. All of us."

I looked at him. His eyes were fierce. He believed what he was saying.

I wished I could believe it too. But I was tired. I was scared.

"Then let us go," I said. "Let us go see what Aldric has planned."

We walked through the corridors together. The palace was quiet, but I could feel the weight of eyes on me, servants, guards, wolves who had heard the rumors. I kept my head high. My hands were trembling, but I did not let them see.

The Council chamber was packed.

Wolves from every pack had gathered to hear the verdict. The Council members sat behind the long table, their faces carved from stone. Aldric stood at the head of the table, his smile cold and triumphant.

He was already wearing the crown.

I felt my heart stop. The world tilted. My hands went cold, and I pressed my palm to the table to steady myself. The crown glinted in the torchlight, and for a moment, I could not breathe.

"You cannot do this."

Aldric turned. His smile widened. "Your Highness. I am so glad you could join us. I have been waiting for this moment."

I stepped forward. My legs were shaking, but I forced them to hold me.

"The Council has made its decision," I said. "But they are wrong. The Royal Bite is not a curse. It is a choice. The Moon Goddess chose me not because I am a threat, but because I am worthy."

Aldric laughed. "Worthy? You are nothing. You have always been nothing. The Council has seen the truth. The mark is a warning. You are the instrument of destruction. And I am the one who will save the kingdom from you."

I felt Damian step forward. His voice was low and dangerous. "You are the liar. You are the one who is destroying the kingdom."

Aldric turned to him. "Am I? The evidence is clear. The records are undeniable. She is the end. And I am the beginning of something new."

The crowd stirred. Whispers filled the room.

I looked at the Council. They were staring at me, their faces unreadable.

I had to say something. I had to do something.

"The evidence is a lie," I said. "The records are a lie. The Moon Goddess chose me. And I will not let you take that away from me."

Aldric's smile did not falter. "Then you leave me with no choice. Guards."

The doors opened. Guards flooded into the room.

I felt Damian's hand on my arm. "Run."

"No." I pulled away. "I am done running."

I turned to Aldric. My heart was pounding, but I pressed my hands to my sides and forced them still. My voice came out steady steadier than I expected.

"You want the throne?" My voice was steadier than I expected. My hands were trembling, but I pressed them to my sides and forced them still. "Then take it. But you will have to kill me first."

The silence was suffocating.

Aldric's smile faded. "That can be arranged."

He raised his hand. The guards moved forward.

I felt Nathaniel's hand on mine, warm and steady. Damian stepped in front of me, his body a shield. Caleb and Marcus flanked us, their presence a wall against the cold. Caleb's hand brushed my arm a brief, gentle touch. Marcus met my eyes and gave a single, steady nod. They were with me. All of them.

I could feel them through the bond, their determination, their devotion, their love. They were ready to die for me. And I was ready to fight for them.

I did not know if I could trust them. I did not know if I could forgive them.

But I knew I did not want to face this alone.

The doors opened.

Aldric stepped forward, his smile cold and triumphant.

"Your Highness," he said, "I believe you have some explaining to do.”