es that filled the citadel. Alaric's breath came in heavy gasps, his body sore from the countless battles fought just to reach this moment. But des

e was cold, mocking. "You, the so called

nding in his chest. "You are not my brother anymore

e always too weak to understand, Alaric. Power doesn't belong to t

using to give in. His thoughts raced to his family, to his wife and Caelum. He knew they were fighting, but the thought of them s

c's side as a rebel's blade found its mark. He stumbled, blood spilling onto the floor.

y trembling as he fought to sta

sounds of the battle growing distant as Alaric's vision blurred. His knees buckled, and he fell to the ground, his sword slipping from his grasp. Macu

es consumed the citadel around him. The throne room, once a place

s licking at the sky as smoke billowed into the night. She could hear the sounds of the battle still raging, but she had to keep fighting. They had to

els on her, their pursuit growing closer with every step. She couldn't outrun them

out of the shadows. His face was tense, eyes wide with fear.

in shallow gasps. "Take Caelum

ervant insisted. "Yo

e. Lyanna turned, ready to face whatever came her way. She knew it was only a matter of time before Macus forces caught up to her, but she wouldn't go down without a fight her husband is dead. Her worst fears were realized when she heard the sound of footsteps behind her. Macus m

aw this , but she couldn't protect the kingdom. She couldn't stop Macus. The thought gnawed a

ng with triumph. The bloodline had been extinguished. Alaric, the Alpha Kin

"The throne is mine," he declared, his voice cold and uny

e rebellion was no longer just a fight for power-it was a declaration th

ill alive, and that thought gnawed at him. She would never accept him as king. She would ne

t pounded in her chest, but her eyes were defiant. She refused to show weakness. Even now, when it seemed like everything had been lost, she would not bow to Ma

g defiance. "It's never over," she spat. "You will neve

to a cruel smile. "We

ence. She could feel the weight of their eyes on her, but she would not break. Even as

twin, what of Caelum, of the kingdom, and of the hope that