“Enough!” She slashed her hand through the air. “I am the princess, and it is my right to rule Val-des-Loups. It is tradition.”
Gabriel’s mouth twisted into a sneer. “You’re a child. You’re not capable of ruling this kingdom.”
“Who are they?” Sophia asked belatedly. “This is a private meeting room. Call the guards and get rid of them.”
“We’re Princess Allegra’s private security,” Isabella said in a stern, take-no-prisoner tone.
Sophia sniffed. “What is wrong with the chateau guards?”
“We can’t trust them,” Allegra said, her gaze still fixed on Gabriel. “I don’t trust them.”
“Your paranoia is getting the better of you,” Gabriel spat, his eyes flashing with temper. The growl of his wolf bled into his voice, making it guttural. “I do not have ulterior motives and don’t want to start a coup. We only want what’s best for Val-des-Loups.”
Allegra stood her ground. “What’s beneficial for Val-des-Loups is for me to take my rightful position as the monarch,” she declared. “And for you to answer for your crimes.”
Gabriel’s control frayed at Allegra’s words. His gaze darted around the room, his breath coming in short, ragged gasps. It appeared he might lash out for a moment, but then he regained his composure, his features smoothing into a mask of calm.
“You have no proof,” he said. “These are baseless accusations fueled by your insecurities and paranoia.”
But he didn’t fool Allegra. She could see the guilt lurking behind Gabriel’s eyes, the flicker of fear that betrayed his true nature.
“You’re lying,” she snapped. “I know what you’ve done. You’re responsible for the bad things that have happened in Val-des-Loups, the misfortune our people have suffered.”
Gabriel’s expression twisted into a sneer. “And what do you plan to do about it?” he spat. “Once again. You’re just a child and have no power, no authority. You’re nothing.”
Ah! But she had the runes and had noticed an interesting detail upon entering the room. All eight walls featured a glyph in the center of the illustration, each equal in size to the ones in her possession.
Allegra met Gabriel’s gaze before shifting to Sophia. The woman sneered at her, but Allegra didn’t react. She stood tall, her chin held high and spoke with the strength and conviction of a genuine leader. “I am Princess Allegra.” Her voice rang out in a clear, commanding tone. “And I will do whatever it takes to protect my kingdom and its people. Even if that means taking down a traitor like you.”
Without warning, Gabriel’s control snapped. He released a guttural snarl, his eyes blazing with feral rage. Instantly, he was on his feet, his body contorting as he transformed into his wolf.
The room erupted into shouts and threats. Sophia, Maximilian, and Emilio morphed into wolves and lunged at Allegra. But she was ready. As were Dylan, Isabella, and Leo.
Allegra leaped into action with a fierce battle cry, the silver dagger flashing in the air as she fought to protect her kingdom. A thunderous shot rang out, and Maximilian went down.
“Don’t kill anyone,” Allegra shouted. “Take them alive.”
Isabella and Leo took care of Emilio and Maximilian with ease, leaving them zip-tied and helpless. It became clear that Maria and Andreas were on their side, since they stood, their hands raised and horror on their features.
Sophia darted forward and backhanded Allegra across the nose, striking her hard enough to make her head ring. She gasped, blood trickling down her chin. Every muscle in Allegra tightened upon seeing the savage joy on Sophia’s face.
“Come on, runes. Help me here.” Immediately, power surged through her, and she staggered into Sophia’s swing, taking the woman by surprise.
Allegra balled her fist and punched Sophia, knocking the councilor on her arse. Isabella grabbed her, and before Sophia knew what had happened, Isabella and Leo had her secured with zip-ties. Allegra hoped they were strong enough to contain a werewolf.
She joined Dylan, taking pleasure in subtlety, herding Gabriel into a corner. Gabriel bared his teeth, but high living had made him lazy. He’d gained weight and hadn’t kept up his fitness. Right now, his sides heaved. Allegra had the upper hand, and he knew it. He snarled, his hackles visibly rising. Allegra and Dylan exchanged glances and communicated without words. They rushed him, and although he tried, he was too unfit to keep fighting.
“Shift,” Allegra demanded.
Gabriel glared at her. Allegra grasped a handful of his black fur. She shook him, and a green shimmer sparkled from the band on her finger. An instant later, Gabriel shifted.
“How did you do that?” he demanded, his sides heaving. “I’ve heard rumors, but I thought a forced shift was a myth and the stuff of legends.
“The runes speak to me,” Allegra said, and she suspected the ring since it still glowed. “They guide my actions and give me the power to rule the kingdom.”
Gabriel made a scoffing sound. “Old wives’ tales.”
“Think what you want. I don’t care.” Allegra turned to Maria and Andreas. “Is there someone we can trust from the palace guards?”
