Soraya's POV
The ceremony shifted — and the hall's lights lowered.
The coronation ceremony began.
Ethan moved toward the throne, kneeling before the circle of elders.
One stepped forward, voice resonant:
"Ethan Vander —
Do you swear to defend this Kingdom,
To protect wolf and kin,
To lead with fang and honor,
To spill blood only in the Goddess's name,
to defend both wolves and humans under your rule,
to keep balance between our worlds,
and ensure neither falls into shadow?"
Ethan's voice rang clear:
"I swear it."
"Then by the right of our ancestors,
and the blessing of the Moon—
Rise, Ethan Vander —
Alpha of Silverfang! Sovereign of the Eastern Dominion, protector of the mountains and the tribes beyond!"
A crown of star-forged silver lowered onto his head.
Three smaller crowns followed — one placed on Lila's, mine, and then Asha's.
The elder raised his arms high.
"All bow! Before Alpha Ethan — King of the Eastern Dominion!"
Every knee hit the floor.
