Chapter 51: The EnD

Location: Silver Castle (The Alpha King's HQ)
[Alec:]
Fucking funny, if you ask me.
I am being dressed up for my coronation. I will be the next Alpha King. Like I said, fucking funny if you asked me. Who knew killing Steven will earn me this title.
"You know you have to do this?" Of course, Hera knows best.
"You know I don't want to, besides I thought I was going to be punished for killing their King, not having them beg me to be their King?" But still, I am here.
My mind travels back to the incident that led to this, how the elders were waiting for me after the Astrid war. I can still remember how they had dropped to their knees on seeing me, all muttering; "Your Majesty" There were four of them and that was three weeks ago.
They had then told me that as the White Lycan, I was the rightful heir to the throne. I didn't want it, heck I was still fucking struggling as an Alpha, talk more of being the Alpha King, yet I could tell that it was something I had to do — after all, the prophecy had confirmed it.
All twenty Alphas from all twenty provinces will he attending the coronation. The Vampire King will be attending and also some other Lycans. It would be a perfect opportunity for me to know my enemies and allies. Only that all this would be a waste, without my mate.
"You are thinking about her again," My brother says, entering into the dressing room. I smile at him, the new Alpha of Winter Pack. Hera lowers her head in courtesy and leaves.
"Shouldn't you pay your homage to your King, Brother?"
"Hey, you are yet to be crowned. Don't rush" we both laugh just as Ryan and Leila enter.
"Brother!" Leila beams at me. I roll my eyes at her overenthusiasm.
"Look at you, all regal and shining," she remarks.
"Will you ever stop being a pain in the ass?"
Leila gasps. "No, never."
"Can't argue with you there" Ryan chuckles. "But she is right, you look different" he adds.
I shrug. "Shall we?"
#
Hera and Ryan both walk by my side as I am being led out to the banquet hall where the coronation will take place.
We make our way through the halls, stopping briefly at the doors before I enter. The room has been set up, everything in place to give the most elegant appearance possible.
It's a beautiful night, the moon reflecting off the snow like a silver light. Atop the tables, hundreds of candles lit up the room. The air is filled with the soft music of flutes and violins playing from the band.
At first glance, it looks absolutely stunning.
I take it all in and I realise what everyone had gone through. This is truly magnificent. Even more so when I think of what I am about to attempt tomorrow.
When I turn to my friends, I see their concerned expressions, even Ryan who tries to hide it as much as possible. We' s been together so long, but I still cannot help the slight anxiety I feel when my future is so uncertain and unpredictable.
Even though I know that one day, I will be ruling over many lands, I still fear every moment.
This is now my home. This isn't the life that I was used to but this is what I should embrace. I may not be able to escape the memories of my previous life but this time, I have people who trust me, love me, and who understand why this has to be done.
And if it means leaving behind my old pack...so be it.
The elders are waiting to perform the rite and as I step into the hall and make my way to the chair prepared for me, they lower their heads in courtesy. They wait until I sit down, only then does one elder approach, holding a torch. He places it in front of me and the flame burns bright as if it's trying to warm me and guide me to safety.
With a deep breath, I lean forward and lift the crown off the table and place it on my head. Once it rests comfortably, a small piece of parchment appears on my lap. I remove the piece of paper from my lap, unfolding it. On it read:
To the great ruler Alexander,
May the power of this crown guide you in times of trial and comfort.
Long Live the King!
I look up at the elders and give them the slightest nod of appreciation, receiving a round of applause in return. Then I begin to speak and the speech starts to flow easily from my lips.
My voice booms throughout the room and I find that I actually believe myself. No matter what happens tonight, I'll be fine because they'll watch out for me. The elders' nod at each other as the ceremony concludes and everyone rises to their feet.
In the middle of everyone celebrating the end of the ceremony, the doors push open and I see a figure walking in. I don't see a face, but through the dim light I can make out the extravagant dress of gold thread and lace that is the signature sign of royalty. The person walks slowly along the pathway towards the dais. It is like everything stops when that familiar scent wafts through my nose—Bellatrix, my mate.
The crowd is silent as she walks toward me, but I can hear every footstep she takes across the marble floor. I can't tear my gaze away, my wolf howling in excitement at finally seeing his mate. She stands directly in front of me before bowing low. When she raises herself back up I see tears pooling in her emerald eyes, which stare back at me. I can't help it, my own tears start streaming down my cheeks, and before I know it I'm wrapped in her arms, embracing my mate tightly against me.
"I missed you so much" her words are quiet as her body trembles with emotion.
"I missed you too Bellatrix" I reply before kissing her cheek lightly. Her fingers run through my hair soothingly, before pulling back slightly and looking up at me. Our eyes lock, and I know what she wants. Without another word, she leans forward and brushes her lips softly against mine. A gentle kiss, a promise for a lifetime spent together.
A loud roar of cheers and claps fills the room and I smile...
It isn't the end, but at least we get a fresh start.
****
THE EnD!!!