Chapter Three

Lillian woke to the soft glow of dawn spilling through the balcony doors. For a moment, she had forgotten where she was, but the cold reality settled in quickly. She was trapped in the Lycan Kingdom, claimed by a king she barely knew, and surrounded by creatures who viewed her as an outsider.

She sat up in bed, determined. She would not be caged like an animal. She needed a plan—an escape.

A knock at the door startled her. Before she could respond, it swung open, and a tall, regal woman entered. Her silver hair cascaded down her back, and her sharp golden eyes held an unmistakable air of authority.

"I see you are awake," the woman said coolly.

Lillian straightened, keeping her expression neutral. "And you are?"

The woman arched a brow. "Lady Helena, advisor to the Lycan King." She stepped forward, studying Lillian as if she were a curiosity on display. "You will bathe and dress. The court awaits your presence."

Lillian frowned. "Court?"

Helena nodded. "The noble houses of the Lycan Kingdom. They have requested an audience with you."

Of course they had. She was a human among Lycans—an anomaly, an unwelcome disruption to their way of life.

Lillian crossed her arms. "And if I refuse?"

Helena’s lips curved in a smirk. "Then you will learn quickly that defying the king is not a game you will win."

Lillian’s jaw clenched, but she said nothing. She had no choice but to face them.

---

The Great Hall

The court was already assembled by the time Lillian arrived, escorted by Helena. The grand hall was lined with towering stone columns, and at the far end, Aedric sat upon a massive throne of blackened wood and iron. He was dressed in dark leather, his golden eyes unreadable as he watched her approach.

She hated how easily his gaze unsettled her.

The nobles stood in clusters, their murmurs filling the air. Men and women, all Lycans, their presence radiating strength and arrogance. Some looked at her with open disdain. Others with curiosity.

One stepped forward—a broad-shouldered man with icy blue eyes and an air of superiority. "So this is the human the Moon Goddess has cursed us with."

Lillian stiffened.

Aedric’s voice cut through the murmurs like a blade. "Careful, Lord Fenrir."

The noble scoffed. "Forgive me, my king, but it is difficult to understand how a human could be fated to rule beside you. She is weak. She is nothing like us."

Lillian's anger flared. She stepped forward before Aedric could respond. "Do you always judge people before you know them, or is that just your natural arrogance?"

The court fell into stunned silence. Lord Fenrir’s eyes narrowed dangerously.

Helena smirked.

Aedric… smiled.

Lillian wasn’t sure why, but the faint amusement in his gaze made her pulse quicken.

Lord Fenrir’s lips curled. "Brave words for someone who does not belong here."

Lillian lifted her chin. "I never asked to be here. But if you think I will cower before you, you are mistaken."

A low murmur ran through the court. No human had ever spoken so boldly to a Lycan lord.

Lord Fenrir growled but backed away.

Aedric finally spoke, his voice calm but firm. "She is my mate. That is not up for debate."

"But she is not one of us," another noble interjected. "How can she rule a kingdom she does not understand?"

Lillian’s hands curled into fists. She wasn’t sure if she wanted to fight or flee.

Aedric stood, his presence commanding instant silence. "She will learn." His gaze flickered to Lillian. "And she will prove herself."

Lillian inhaled sharply. He was testing her. Throwing her to the wolves—literally.

But she would not break.

She met his gaze, her voice steady. "Then I suppose I will have to prove you all wrong."

The challenge had been set.

The Court of Beasts had underestimated her.

That would be their first mistake.