#Chapter 73- The Future

Cora I stood behind the velvet curtain, clutching the notecards in my hands, though I already knew every word by heart. My palms were damp, my heart pounding with a rhythm that rivaled a war drum. On the other side of the curtain, I could hear the murmuring crowd of reporters, council members, ambassadors from neighboring packs, hybrid envoys, and even a few human officials. Werewolves, hybrids, humans. All gathered in one room. All waiting to see me. I wasn’t ready. I wasn’t sure I ever would be. “Hey.” I turned at the sound of Kingston’s voice. He crossed the room in three long strides, his presence wrapping around me like a shield. He looked like a true Alpha King in his black suit with a Silverfang crest on his lapel. As always, he held the quiet authority of a man used to commanding attention, but his eyes were all mine. Soft. Steady. Unshakable. I didn’t realize I’d been holding my breath until he cupped my cheek, grounding me with his gentle, reassuring touch