***Dove***
The air in the royal chambers buzzed with tension and anticipation as the morning sun streamed through the grand windows. I stood beside the large mirror, staring at the reflection before me—a reflection that, for all intents and purposes, should have been that of my brother, Axel. Today, I was to present myself as him—a stand-in for the Lycan crown, an heir that would defy the expectations of a society that was not ready for a female ruler.
“Nova, come on! We don’t have much time!” Dante urged, his tone a blend of excitement and urgency. He paced the room, running a hand through his dark hair, clearly anxious as he glanced at the clock. Chase, my other best friend, was rifling through my wardrobe, hastily pulling clothing items we’d selected for me onto the bed.
“I just… I d
