Chapter 6: The Royal Trial
549 Words
The celebrations in the Lycan Kingdom were brief.
Although the Blood Fang Clan had retreated, no one believed the war was over.
Three days later, Ava stood on the balcony of the Royal Castle, gazing across the snow-covered mountains. The cool morning breeze carried the scent of pine and distant rain.
Her life had changed beyond recognition.
Only a week ago, she had been an unwanted omega.
Now everyone called her "Your Highness."
Yet she still felt like the same frightened girl inside.
A knock sounded at her chamber door.
"Come in."
Kael entered, dressed in his royal black uniform.
"The High Council is waiting."
Ava frowned.
"The council?"
"They must decide whether to recognize you as the rightful heir."
"They still don't believe me?"
Kael sighed.
"Some do."
"Others fear change."
Moments later, the doors to the Royal Hall opened.
More than fifty Alphas, Lunas, and Lycan elders filled the chamber.
The oldest elder struck the floor with his staff.
"Ava Carter."
"You claim to be the lost princess of the Lycan Kingdom."
"What proof do you offer?"
Before Ava could answer, another elder spoke sharply.
"Royal blood alone is not enough."
"A ruler must possess the Blessing of the Moon Goddess."
Whispers spread across the hall.
Kael stepped forward.
"The blessing awakened during the battle."
A silver-haired Alpha shook his head.
"We did not witness it ourselves."
Another elder pointed toward the center of the hall.
"Then let the Sacred Stone judge her."
The enormous crystal in the middle of the chamber suddenly glowed.
It had judged every Lycan ruler for over a thousand years.
The elder turned to Ava.
"Place your hand upon it."
Ava swallowed nervously.
"What if it rejects me?"
Kael met her eyes.
"It won't."
She stepped forward and rested her palm against the ancient crystal.
For a heartbeat...
Nothing happened.
Then—
A brilliant silver light erupted through the hall.
The crystal floated into the air.
Moonlight poured through the ceiling despite the bright daylight outside.
A clear feminine voice echoed across the chamber.
"The lost daughter has returned."
Everyone fell to one knee.
Even the proudest Alphas lowered their heads.
The Sacred Stone had spoken.
The Moon Goddess herself had acknowledged Ava.
The elder's voice trembled.
"The prophecy is fulfilled."
But before anyone could celebrate—
The palace doors exploded inward.
A wounded messenger staggered inside.
"Your Majesty!"
He collapsed at Kael's feet.
"The Blood Fang Clan has attacked the Eastern Border."
"They've taken dozens of villagers..."
"...including children."
The hall fell silent.
Ava clenched her fists.
She remembered what it felt like to be helpless.
She would not allow innocent people to suffer again.
She stepped toward the throne.
"Gather the army."
Kael looked at her with quiet pride.
"You've made your first royal command."
Ava nodded.
"This time..."
"We fight not for revenge..."
"...but to protect those who cannot protect themselves."
Outside, war drums echoed across the kingdom as thousands of Lycan warriors prepared to march.
Far beyond the mountains, the mysterious hooded ruler watched from his dark fortress.
He smiled as a magical mirror showed Ava leading the royal army.
"Come to me, Princess," he whispered.
"I've been waiting for you... for twenty years."
The mirror shattered into crimson flames.
The real war had finally begun. 6 cover
- Writer
