Chapter 0371 +25 BONUS

“I want lots of red and gold,” I told my father. “And I want a banner with a phoenix on it.”

My ceremonial gown was the real star of the show. Bright red and gold skirts, glittering as I moved, were made of the finest silk, pooling around my legs like liquid fire. The neckline was off-the-shoulder, with long sleeves that reached a point on the back of my hand. A long golden cape, attached to the sleeves, unfurled like wings when I spread my arms. I wore my hair in an ornate updo, wound with braids laced with black feathers, and my gold and red eyeshadow fanned out around my eyes, making the blue of my irises pop more than ever. I made sure the seamstress kept the silhouette tight to my body. I wanted to show off my baby bump, not hide it.

Because here I was, a female Alpha and a single mother who wouldn’t be cowed by her ex-husband’s despicable actions.

As Viona and I made our way to the grand hall where the ceremony would take place, I could hear the excited murmur of the crowd through the doors. It seemed like half the world had turned out for this event. Drake met us at the entrance, looking dashing in a tailored suit. He wore a small, engraved phoenix pin on his lapel. Viona wore one too; I’d had them custom-made for both of them. Viona was my Beta now, after all—I had told her just last night that I wanted her to fill the role, which had resulted in a lot of tears and screams of excitement. And Drake was my closest ally, my unlikely friend through thick and thin.

“Ready?” he asked, offering me his arm.

I took a deep breath and squared my shoulders. “As I’ll ever be.”

The doors swung open, and we stepped into the hall. The crowd fell silent, all eyes turning to me. I scanned the faces, recognizing friends and allies. There was Amber, grinning widely, and Emma, giving me a subtle thumbs-up. The Luna Queen sat in a place of honor near my family, her serene smile a balm to my nerves. But what surprised me most were the faces I didn’t recognize—people from Nightcrest who had come to support me despite everything. As we passed, I could hear their whispers:

“I can’t believe what Alpha Noah did…” “She’ll be a much better leader…” “Do you think Silvermoon would accept transfers?”

My heart swelled, and I wanted to shed tears of joy, but I kept my chin held high and a wide smile plastered on my face. These people were counting on me, and I wouldn’t let them down.

As we reached the front of the hall, my father stood waiting, the ceremonial crown—a simple golden band that would perch around my head—glinting in his hands. I knelt before him, my head bowed. The room fell silent as my father raised his hand.

“Hannah… You kneel before us as my daughter, but you will rise as our Alpha. Do you swear to protect and guide the pack of Silvermoon, to put their needs before your own, and to lead with wisdom and compassion?”

“I swear.”

“Then rise, Alpha Hannah, and take your place as the leader of Silvermoon.”

As I stood, my father placed the crown on my head. Its weight was substantial, but not as heavy as I’d feared. It felt right, like it belonged there.

I turned to face the crowd, my heart pounding. The room was silent for a moment, all eyes on me. Now, for the final moment. I took a deep breath and spread my arms—revealing my wings. The golden fabric of my gown pooled and rippled down the steps; I was the phoenix, my flames.

I lifted my chin higher, and though my eyes pooled with tears, I smiled. Big and broad and real. The crowd erupted into cheers. I saw Viona wiping tears from her eyes, Amber and Emma hugging each other, and Drake beaming.

“I present to you the Alpha of Silvermoon… All hail Alpha Hannah!”

“All hail Alpha Hannah!”