The deep beat of the drums made the walls of the castle vibrate.
A sacred silence immediately fell over the great room.
The conversations died down, eyes turned towards the monumental platform erected in the center. Banners in the colors of each people fluttered slowly under the crystal arches.
Then…
the royal doors opened.
The first to advance was King Drakkar.
His step was slow, solemn, each movement commanding respect.
Behind him followed King Astarion.
Then a third sovereign appeared.
Tall, straight as a blade, black hair streaked with silver strands, emerald green eyes piercing the assembly with cold lucidity.
— King Valerian, father of Eiden, king of supernatural hunters.
Finally… Asher.
Temporary king of wizards.
The four monarchs took their seats.
Thunderous applause broke out.
Drakkar slowly raised his hand.
Silence returned.
— "Allied peoples…
It is an immense joy for me to be the host of this induction ceremony.
Not just for werewolves…
But for each of our peoples linked by blood, magic and destiny. »
Cries of joy resonated.
— "As host of this evening… it is natural that I begin. »
Cheers redoubled.
— "Allow me to introduce to you…
my eldest son.
Prince Axel. »
A murmur ran through the crowd.
Then he appeared.
Axel slowly descended the steps.
Jet black hair tied in a low ponytail, shining golden eyes, dressed in a black princely cloak embroidered with gold, a ceremonial sword at his waist.
Female cries immediately erupted.
— "It's sublime…"
— "A living god…"
Drakkar smiles before continuing:
— "I present him to you not only as my son…
but as my successor.
From this moment on…
Axel is the new King of the Werewolves. »
The explosion of applause shook the ground.
Marlie remained frozen.
— "Pr…prince…?" »
Drakkar raised his hand again.
— "And I also present to you…
his wife.
My future daughter-in-law. »
Axel took a deep breath.
Then his eyes searched.
And found Marlie.
He walked straight towards her.
In front of her, he held out his hand.
Marlie blinked, convinced she was dreaming.
Diana pushed her gently.
— "Breathe… and go." »
With a trembling hand, Marlie placed hers in Axel's.
Under a huge ovation, they returned together to the podium.
Drakkar felt his heart sink when he saw her.
— She… she reminds me of someone…
Marlie, disturbed, also had the strange impression of recognizing this king without knowing why.
Drakkar pulls himself together.
— "This is my nephew and son.
Prince Henry. »
Henry appeared, dressed in a midnight blue princely costume embroidered with silver, carefully styled hair, warm gaze.
The crowd erupted again.
— "And he too will introduce us to… his beloved. »
Henry bowed and went downstairs.
His steps led him straight towards Isolde.
He held out his hand to her.
Isolde, moved, accepted it with a bright smile.
They moved forward together amid cheers.
Behind them...
Orne turned pale.
Rana put a hand to her mouth.
Ida remained frozen.
Kaelen and Veyron exchanged a stunned look.
— "She… princess…?" »
Henry and Isolde joined Axel and Marlie.
Marlie, still stunned, murmured:
— "Isolde… my sister-in-law…?" »