#Chapter 32 – The Example

Lila The summons came mid-morning, delivered by hand in sleek parchment sealed with black wax. The message was brief: Report to the western courtyard. His Majesty will address a challenge to the throne. The phrasing was deliberate. A challenge to the throne, not a complaint or request. It was a warning hidden in formality. Several of the other candidates were already gathered on a raised terrace overlooking the outer gates. Not all of them, just a selection. The best ranked. The boldest. The ones the Court wanted close enough to shape, or to monitor their reaction. I took my place in the back. No one spoke above a whisper, and even Vanessa looked wary instead of smug. This wasn’t just court drama; this was a serving of political posturing with a dash of potential treason. Damon stood at the top of the steps like a statue of war. Dark tunic. Black leather gloves. No crown. He didn’t need one. Below him, the gates were open. Alpha Rodrik stood at their center, flanked by