***Axel***
The night before
The night air was thick with the scent of pine and anticipation as I stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the collar of my shirt. This time tomorrow, I would take my place as the Lycan King. I could hardly believe it, the weight of the impending responsibility settling heavily on my shoulders. Everything felt surreal after my father’s passing. The absence of his presence creased a shadow of doubt within my mind, one that mingled with the excitement of a ceremonial crown upon my head.
Tonight was a different kind of gathering, a secret meeting with my closest allies—Dante and Chase. They had been my brothers since birth, a bond forged through years of laughter and shared battles. I needed their support now more than ever. I took a deep breath, steeling mys
