Page 65 of King of Inferno

Pack members begin to surround the engulfed structure as its flames lick up toward the sky. Everyone on stage begins to head down to join them. Chanting and dancing around the fire starts.

I stand in awe as I take it all in. My dreams come to mind. However, I don’t get to fall into that train of thought as I’m surrounded by smiling faces.

The she-wolves of my court begin to pull me into hugs. Those I don’t already know introduce themselves. They all give off such warm vibes.

Bradan now stands with the alphas, chatting as the packs continue to fall into place in celebration around the fire. Luna Celine comes to join us and pulls me into a hug.

“Welcome, my dear. Alpha Dyson and I have waited a long time for you,” she whispers in my ear. “All the signs are there. You are the one.”

Pulling back and holding me by my shoulders, she looks me in the eyes. I’m so confused, but I return the warm smile she gives me. She cups my face in her palm.

“You will understand soon enough. Bradan is such a kind soul under all that rough and ruggedness. I couldn’t have asked for a better mate for him. It is only fitting that you are the answer.”

She releases me and turns to wave over a woman I noticed standing off to the side watching me. She looks a lot like Nika. She nods at the luna and comes closer.

“This is Bree, Violet and Nika’s sister,” Luna Celine says.

Bree bows and murmurs a quiet greeting. “It is an honor to meet you.”

“Go on, give her the necklace,” the luna says.

Bree digs into her pocket and pulls out a necklace with a sapphire pendant hanging from the chain. She unclasps it and holds it up toward me.

“May I, My Queen?”

“Yes,” I reply and turn.

She places the necklace around my neck. It settles into place. I look down as a tiny glow comes from the pendant. It’s as if some of the color has left it. Just a tiny bit.

“The moon goddess herself gave that to me to give to you one day. I never thought the day would come. When I felt you enter the pack lands, I knew today would be the day.

“You are finally here. Everything will change now. When the sapphire becomes clear, the time will be here.

“The alphas are drawn to you because you are the key. You are linked to their destiny. What was once locked and hidden will be unlocked by you,” Bree says.

Bradan

I stand talking to the alphas, but my attention is on my mate. She’s overwhelmed but she’s trying to hide it from me and everyone else. I eye Bree and the necklace she’s placing around Taylor’s neck.

Something feels familiar about the trinket. It definitely reeks of the gods. My mind goes to Alpha Dyson’s early response to his son’s reaction to Taylor’s scent.

He knows something. When I asked him through mind link, he told me to be patient and he would explain. I’m ready for that explanation.

The triplets take off to join the pack members around the fire. I’m left with Alpha Dyson, giving me the opportunity to lean in and get answers. He looks at me and gives me a knowing look.

“Old friend, I’ve been keeping something from you. It was a part of the agreement. No one could know. My great-great-great-grandfather made a deal with the moon goddess, so when I was offered the same opportunity, I thought nothing of it,” he starts.

“The fire wolf,” I say.

“Yes, Api Kecil was his reward for his deal. She brought prosperity with her. Do you remember how healthy the pack had been when she was here? Our people wanted for nothing.

“I remember the stories of her from when I was a boy, but you were here. You know how much my people thrived. That was all I wanted for my pack and my Luna. Have you ever known why Shadow Moon has had a vendetta against our pack?

“Alpha Douglas is my cousin, after all. We were once cordial. Our alliance was strong. Our fathers loved and respected each other.”

“The tension has always struck me as odd. I had considered maybe it was because of your promotion to the seat on the council,” I reply.

He shakes his head. “No. It was because of Celine. Douglas thought she would become his luna.

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