Chrystal broke, and the wolf, the man, the father, held his child gently. He did not speak as his wolf, Xyian, rumbled from within.
Very quickly, Chrystal calmed, but did not release him.
She could feel the eyes of those in the throne room, but she closed hers, holding her father for once in her life.
Then, far too soon, but long enough for her heart to quake for what she knew she was bound to do, Mason Barone spoke.
“Come, child. With me,” he rumbled as Xyian fed her his strength.
Mason rose, righting his daughter at the same time.
By the hand, he took her to her seat on his right. Darius was already seated on the King's left.
Mason settled in and nodded to the others in the room: the Beta of Moonblaze pack, the Alpha of Blackriver, the Head Healer and his chief apprentice, and two
