<h4>Chapter 210: The Heir’s Crown</h4>


    <strong>Zane~</strong>


    <i>"Let the crowning of Prince Zane Anderson Moor...mence."</i>


    The silence shattered. Apuse thundered. Cheers rose like a storm breaking loose.


    The same crowd that was ready to tear me apart moments ago now praised me like a hero—just because of one revtion. One name. The Celestial Princess. Hypocrites. Everyst one of them.


    I didn’t smile. Didn’t flinch. I stood dead center, unshaken. Every muscle coiled tight, every breath controlled like the calm before a kill.


    Responsibility didn’t just loom over me—it wrapped around me like armor I hadn’t asked to wear. Still, I stood firm, my hands folded behind my back, chin high beneath the ck and silver ceremonial robe of the Lycan heir. Moon emblems shimmered across the fabric with each subtle movement, a silent reminder of what this night meant.


    Prince. Heir. Crowned. Exposed.


    I should have felt proud. Triumphant. But all I could think of was her.


    Natalie.


    She wasn’t here.


    And I got it—hell, I felt it. Today had been heavy. The incident with Alex, Maeron, Darius, and now whatever was going on with Griffin. Natalie had been through more than anyone tonight. I didn’t me her for not being here.


    But still... my heart ached for her presence.


    <strong><i>"She should be here,"</i></strong> Red muttered in my head, his voice more wounded than angry.


    <i>"I know," </i>I replied. <i>"But she needs time." </i>


    <strong><i>"She wouldn’t have needed time if she hadn’t taken in that bastard. That fool that rejected—"</i></strong>


    <i>"Red,"</i> I cut him off softly. <i>"Now’s not the time." </i>


    Sebastian walked over and stood by my side, a grin stered across his too-handsome face, his eyes gleaming like the ceremony was his coronation. "You look like you’re trying not to throw up," he whispered, nudging me with his elbow. "Rx, your Royal Wolfness. You’re doing great."


    I nced at him, my lips twitching. "I hate you."


    He chuckled. "No, you don’t. You’re just mad because I look better in ck."


    "Shut up."


    "Can’t. I’m emotionally invested in this moment. It’s like watching my son graduate—if I had a son. Or emotions."


    Before I could retort, the sharp ng of the ceremonial staff striking the floor silenced the crowd. My father stepped forward. His presence was absolute. Everyone in the hall stilled like puppets.


    "The time hase," his voice boomed, "to pass the mantle of heir to my son, Zane Anderson Moor. May the Moon Goddess bear witness, and may the spirits of our ancestors walk beside him always."


    The hall went deadly quiet. I stepped forward, heart pounding so hard I thought it might bust out. My knees wanted to shake, but I kept them locked. The crown was brought forward by an Elder dressed in flowing silver robes. It gleamed under the golden lights—sleek, sharp, majestic.


    As my father lifted the crown, I met his eyes.


    Pride. Fierce, undiluted pride. It nearly undid me.


    With slow, reverent hands, he ced the crown upon my head.


    Warmth spread through me—not from the metal, but from something deeper. Something ancient. Power surged, like the very earth had recognized me. Suddenly, I felt stronger than I have ever felt. And then the crowd erupted in cheers.


    Sebastian whooped so loud I almost elbowed him. "That’s my boy!" he yelled, pping harder than anyone.


    I couldn’t help but smirk.


    <strong><i>"You look good with it," </i></strong>Red said approvingly. <strong><i>"Still feel naked without her here though." </i></strong>


    <i>"Yeah. Me too." </i>


    The celebration began the moment we stepped out of the ceremonial ballroom and into the grand ballroom.


    Everything exploded into life—music,ughter, clinking sses. The chandeliers above twinkled like constetions. Long banquet tables overflowed with delicacies. Couples danced in swirling dresses and pressed suits, twirling in elegant formations across the polished floor.


    I smiled and nodded at those who bowed to me. Took pictures. Received blessings. Endured awkwardpliments.


    But Sebastian? That bastard was thriving.


    He danced circles around duchesses, dodged flirty nobles with a smirk and a casual, "Sorry, I’m taken," and still managed to outshine everyone in a wild dance-off with two drunk Northern n twins who clearly had no grasp of personal space—or shame.


    Iughed harder tonight than I had in months.


    "You needed this," he told me between sips of blood wine. "You’re always so broody. It’s exhausting."


    I arched a brow. "And you’re not?"


    "Please. I’m delightful. Ask anyone."


    I gave him a sideways nce. "You’re a menace."


    "Yet everyone love me. Especially you. Admit it."


    We snuck out of the ballroom around three-thirty a.m., dodging noblewomen who wanted dances and advisors with endless speeches. Sebastian dragged me by the arm like a rebellious teen. "Come on, party prince. Let’s crash your chambers."


    The corridor was dim, its lights humming with the same ancient weight that clung to the pce walls. I moved in silence, Sebastian at my side. When we reached my bedroom, I pushed the door open—and froze.


    Eagle was standing inside.


    His long ck hair danced gently in the still air—always moving, always ethereal. His silver eyes glowed faintly in the dark room.


    He stood by the side of the bed where Alexy fast asleep, hugging a little wolf plushie, tiny chest rising and falling peacefully.


    "I didn’t expect you," I said softly.


    "I was here a while ago then left for a bit to check up on Nat. I had to return," Eagle replied without looking at me. "I left Alexander alone for too long."


    I stepped closer, my voice lowering. "Thank you for watching over him for me," I said with a grateful smile and he smiled back, his teeth glistening.


    "You were with Natalie," I asked after a short pause.


    Eagle nodded slowly. "She needed me."


    "She and Jacob disappeared without a word. How... how is she?" I asked, unable to keep the worry from my voice.


    Eagle finally turned to face me, his gaze sharp and unreadable. "Physically, she’s alright. But mentally? She’s overwhelmed. Griffin was taken by Shadow because she left him behind. Now his fate is weighing on her heavily... and she also realized Easter was left behind as well. She and Jacobpletely forgot. They’re both... unraveling."


    My chest tightened.


    "Damn it," I murmured. "I should’ve—"


    "Don’t," Eagle interrupted gently. "You’ve carried enough tonight. I came to apologize on their behalf—for not being here for your crowning."


    I stepped beside him, watching my son sleep. "Don’t apologize," I said, my voice thick. "As long as they’re okay... as long as she’s okay... that’s what matters."


    Eagle’s lips curved ever so slightly. "I’m d you’re my brother-inw."


    "I feel the same way."


    He studied me for a moment, then nodded. "Then I’ll return to her. My brothers are already there."


    "You don’t have to stay?" I asked, ncing toward Alex.


    "You’re here now," Eagle replied simply. "He’s safest with his dad."


    I nodded once. "Thank you. For everything."


    And just like that, with a gust of silent wind, Eagle vanished.


    A moment passed.


    "You okay?" Sebastian asked quietly from behind me.


    I sighed. "She’s hurting. And I can’t even hold her."


    "She’lle back to you," he said confidently. "She’s stronger than anyone I know. Honestly? You two are terrifying. You’ll survive anything."


    I nced at him, gratitude shining in my chest. "You didn’t have to be here tonight."


    He scoffed. "Of course I did. Who else was going to make fun of your royal scowl all night?"


    I smiled faintly. "Thanks, Seb."


    He stretched his arms over his head with a dramatic yawn. "Alright. That’s my cue. It’s four a.m. and Cassandra’s probably building a coffin for me."


    I chuckled. "She’ll forgive you."


    "Doubt it," he said, walking to the door. "She wanted cuddles. I gave her some snacks and a bottle of wine."


    "Romantic," I said dryly.


    "Tell Natalie I said hi," he grinned. "And congrats again, Crown Prince Z."


    He winked.


    Then vanished in a blur of supernatural speed.


    The room fell silent once more, save for the soft breath of my son asleep on the bed. I sat on the edge beside him, brushing a lock of hair from his forehead.


    "I did it, buddy," I whispered. "But it doesn’t mean anything without her here."


    But for now—Iid down beside my son, letting my crown rest on the nightstand, and allowed the darkness to cradle us both.


    Tomorrow... I’d find her.


    And never let her out of my sight again.