The Great Hall of Crimson Ridge was filled with the scent of burning cedar and moonflowers—symbols of peace and rebirth. The stone walls gleamed with silver-threaded banners bearing the new royal sigil: a golden wolf encircled by twin flames. Elizabeth Stormborn stood at the center, her golden cloak flowing behind her like liquid sunlight. Her crown, forged from the remnants of Solbrand and set with fragments of the comet, glowed faintly above her brow.
The Flame Court had convened.
This was her first address as High Flame Queen.
Lucian stood at her side, his expression unreadable. The Lords of the allied packs filled the hall—fierce Alphas, skeptical Betas, ambitious nobles, and wary seers. Not all had sworn loyalty yet. Some had come only to see what kind of ruler the girl cloaked in
