Chapter 368 + 25 Bonus

My father’s fists clenched. “I’ll kill him,” he growled, his eyes flashing gold. My mother placed a hand on his arm, but the fire in his gaze remained.

“No,” I said firmly. “I don’t want anyone to act. I just want to put this behind me.”

A heavy silence fell over the room. Finally, I looked up at my father. “I’ve decided to take over Silvermoon as Alpha when you abdicate.”

My parents exchanged glances, their expressions a mixture of surprise and concern.

“Hannah,” my mother said gently, “perhaps you should take time to relax and consider this decision. If you change your mind, Alvin could—”

“No.” The word was sharper than intended, but I didn’t soften my tone. I stood abruptly from the bed, my legs surprisingly strong despite my feelings.

I strode to the table and forcefully poured myself a cup of steaming tea. “I’ve had enough of being the meek woman who cries and wallows. Alvin will destroy this pack. I’m here to claim my rightful role as Alpha of Silvermoon, and if you won’t give it to me, I will challenge Alvin to a duel.”

Behind me, I heard a collective gasp. My parents and sister had gone pale.

To emphasize my point, I bared my fangs, and my eyes began to glow. “And I will win.”

My parents stared, wide-eyed and silent. I could practically hear their hearts pounding as I sipped my tea. A duel in our world was a fight to the death.

Finally, my mother spoke. “You know you would have to kill him, right?”

“Of course.” I set down my tea; it tasted like ash. “I’ve been training for months, and I could defeat Alvin easily. He’s a lazy playboy who only wants money and power.”

Another long silence followed. The internal struggle on my parents’ faces was evident—their desire to protect me clashed with the fire in my eyes.

Suddenly, Lily spoke from the doorway. “If you don’t let my sister take what’s rightfully hers,” she whispered, “I will leave. I’ll take my child and leave.”

I whirled around, eyes wide. “Lily—”

She raised a hand, silencing me. Her gaze was fixed on our parents, her chin lifted defiantly. “I mean it. Hannah is the rightful heir. She’s more than capable, and she’s endured so much. If you can’t see that, then I don’t want to be part of this family anymore.”

My father sighed, running a hand through his graying hair. “No. That won’t be necessary, Lily.” He turned to me, his expression serious. “Hannah, I haven’t officially abdicated. If you want to take over Silvermoon, it is your right; you are my heir.”

I exhaled, a breath I hadn’t realized I’d been holding. “Good.”

My father nodded. “So long as you’re ready, we can begin the process of my abdication and transferring leadership to you. We could have a coronation within—”

“I’m ready.” I stood tall, my fangs still bared, my eyes glowing with unwavering spirit. Nothing could take that from me.