---- A FEW DAYS LATER...
The Nocturne Realm was inplete shock.
They had survived the ghost that had haunted them for millennia.
The infamous Umbros, the powerful King of the Specters, had been tamed by the Selenian princess.
Many were skeptical.
What was this nonsense about supernaturals being the viins and Elementals the victims? Why did they owe them anything? They whispered in secret within their homes, but no one dared to say it out loudbecause the Lycan King had made himself very clear.
If anyone dared to target the Elementals, he would personally tear them to shreds.
And speaking of tearing things apart it was obvious who had won the fight.
Though Ss had to admit, his father-inw was dangerous.
His ws had nearly sliced his throat over a single moment of carelessness.
Now, he stood before a massive mirror, struggling to figure out how to adjust the intricate ck-and-gold tunic draped over his frame.
Asudden knock at the door made him nce over, tensing.
He knew exactly who it was.
And she made him nervous.
"Come in," he said in a deep voice.
---- A stunning ck-haired woman entered the room, her hair styled in an elegant updo, smiling warmly.
Her blue eyes regarded him approvingly until theynded on the crooked fastening of his tunic.
"T knew you''d need help.
My mate is the same way, " Valeria walked forward confidently and, ignoring the stiffness of the white- haired man, began adjusting the silk not at his cor.
Ss watched her.
This woman was a descendant of those cursed witches, those wretched beings...
and yet, she was also the one who had given birth to his beautiful Selenia.
In secret, he had observed Sigrids interactions with her family those days when just touching his beloveds hand had felt like a feat, with a certain overbearing watchdog appearing everywhere.
Sigrid was the way she wasradiant, uninhibited, noble, and pure because of how her parents and family had raised her.
Ss was grateful.
At least she had been able to live anormal, trauma-free life.
There, thats better," Valeria said, satisfied, lifting her gaze to meet his.
She knew this silent, enigmatic man was always watching.
Always.
"stop frowning, you''ll age before your time," she teased, raising a finger to smooth the furrow between his browson aman who had lived for millennia, someone who even made Zarek''s ---- mummified age look young.
Ss didnt like being touched.
But she was so warm...
It felt like...
the mother he had never gotten to have.
"T know we owe you, Ss.
We all do.
Thats why I am giving you my most precious treasuremy flesh and blood, the child I brought into this world and raised with all my heart." Valerias voice wavered, her eyes glistening with unshed tears, her emotions overflowing.
Take care of her for us.
Never make her suffer.
She loves you more than anything.
Im so grateful that she is your mate.
I am so d that I created something that could heal your heart." She ced her hand over the fabric of his tunicright over his chest, where his heart pounded wildly.
She could hear it.
[ will.
Iwill protect her with my life.
She is everything to me.
Thank you, Queen Selenia." Ss choked on the words.
He never thought he would say such a thing in his lifetime, but it was step forwardthe beginning of forgiving the past and focusing only on the beautiful future ahead.
All the pain, humiliation, and despairnone of it mattered, because at the end of that thorn-filled path, Sigrid was waiting ---- alright, enough, or I''ll start crying.
Im too emotional with this pregnancy now,e escort your mother-inw." She grabbed his arm and led him through the hallways toward the throne room, where everyone was waiting.
The double doors swung open, and as he stepped inside the intimate ceremony, Sss eyes shone brighter than the sun.
At the far end, standing before the stairs leading to the Lycan Kings throne...
was his beautiful mate.