Page 116 of Throne of the Wolf Queen

Matthias laughed, gave my elbow a gentle squeeze.

‘Evella forbid the wolf queen might appear a bit impertinent.’

The soft carpet muffled our footsteps as the doors to the old Alliance, our new Union, opened and I was flooded by the sound of chatting. Matthias tugged me against him, halting, and I stopped.

‘We’re in the doorway,’ he whispered against the shell of my ear, and I fought to repress the thrilled shiver that shimmied down my spine. Clearly I did a bad job as his lips curved against my neck. ‘I want everyone to see my wolf queen. To bask in her glory.’

The room stilled. The chatter died. I held my head high.

‘They’re standing,’ he said.

I jolted as the room exploded into thunderous applause. I knew it wasn’t only for me. They’d appeared to have found a figurehead in me, their wolf queen. But it had been Matthias who’d torn across the continent to fight for us all. He, who’d passed over to the other side trying to save me, until Vyrus returned him to our realm. A mortal man, neither Anomaly nor Deviant, but with a soul that had made a sacrifice so noble the Gods granted him a second chance at life.

A gentle tug of his hand told me we were stepping forward. We’d not squander this chance. This opportunity to forge our life and make this world better.

The applause and cheers grew. I couldn’t see the room, but I’d known we’d had it altered in order to make room for the Midnight Insurgence, the Sisters and, despite my many protests, the hunters. Anomalies, elected to represent our unique needs and play a part in the decision-making sat amongst the extended seating area.

Today, we’d elect our first head of state. A person chosen by the whole Union to lead for a half-decade term. My husband and I had stepped aside, despite the many requests from Queens Sarus and Amala. Matthias had too many bridges to repair in Asmar for us to dedicate any more time to the Union. He still bore the scars Delphine had inflicted on him and our people. When the night was at its darkest, he woke, soaked in sweat, begging forgiveness, clinging to me as though he’d die again if he let me go. I held him, the words of the Goddess thrumming through my mind; he may not be the same. You may have lost him.

So, I clutched the boy I adored, just as I had when we were children.

My fingers trailed the heat rising up my neck as I recalled the morning. Matthias’s deep kisses. His touch sparking flames across my skin as I wrapped my thighs around him, knowing how the move undid him. The loss of his hand had taught him to become even more creative, and a smile curled my lips.

As we took our seats, the applause died. Pablo lay his head on my lap. A satisfied rumble ran through the wolf, and I knew Matthias scratched the fur behind his ear.

‘Raine is about to read their pledge,’ he whispered, and I sat straighter, keen to hear their words. I only wished Isbeth had lived to witness how her son and lover worked together, sharing ideas, determined to mould this new Eusis into a fairer one.

I sat back, exhaled and clutched my husband’s hand. Today, we came together to forge a new path.

Matthias brushed a kiss to my knuckles, placed his wicked mouth against my ear. A blush raged against my neck. ‘I hope this is all settled quickly.’ His tone darkened and I bit my lip. ‘I’m already missing our bed.’

I slapped him on the thigh, shaking my head.

Then, I raised my chin and, with my wolf on one side, my Matthias the other, welcomed our new dawn.

EPILOGUE

MATTHIAS

I’ll say this one final time, Danté. My sister and King Matthias have no obligation to attend The Union’s memorial service. Ten years ago they suffered more than we’ll ever know. As it also lands on the twins’ third birthday, they’ve decided to spend the day as a family. If you continue to press me on this matter, I shall deny you entrance to my upcoming coronation. Do us all a favour and bugger off.

​— ​LETTER FROM CROWN PRINCE OSKAR TO DUKE LOMMOND

I shook my head as Skye and Asher swept off, chuckling as they announced they’d adopt for a fourth time. My sister’s smile still warmed my heart more than the flames of… that place. Blowing out a long breath, I brushed the hair from my eyes, scowling as it fell back.

Dodging my eldest niece as she screamed sorry, tearing up the corridor, a wolf bounding after her, I took a moment to settle the thunder of my heart before I knocked on our door.

The door Sorrow had hidden behind for the last week.

The smile slid from my face as I tested my new arm. Lifting the prosthetic, I marvelled as my fingers wiggled as easily as my own had a decade ago. It’s amazing what Vyrium can achieve when it’s not being hoarded by those in charge.

The scars of my father’s legacy no longer tore me apart, but my nights were forever tainted by nightmares, visions from those weeks when she sat on my throne, purging my family’s memory from existence while holding my people hostage. The profits from the Vyrium mine have been poured into research, uncovering wonders like my second hand. It’s one of the ways I’ve sought to right the wrongs I inadvertently wrought during Delphine’s short reign. A world of new discoveries, opportunities given flight.

But none of that meant anything without my queen at my side. I undid the top buttons of my shirt as I stared at the door. My heart cleaving as hers did. I knew she needed her time, but Gods, I missed her.

‘Perhaps this one will lure her out?’

I turned, smiling as Carrie approached. She held Grace as gently as if she were her own daughter. Nodding, I took my baby, my heart soaring as she glared at me with those brown eyes. Brown eyes that burned with a fire that matched her mother’s.