High above the square, King Edric slowly rose from his black iron throne beneath the royal banners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the first time that day, uncertainty crossed his face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The king\u2019s voice thundered through the courtyard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cKill the animal.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nobody moved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The soldiers looked at one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The wolf\u2019s glowing silver eyes swept across the square, and hardened warriors who had marched through war zones took unconscious steps backward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The executioner swallowed hard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cY-Your Majesty\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDO IT!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The king\u2019s scream cracked through the rain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The executioner roared and swung the axe downward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The wolf moved instantly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A blur of white exploded upward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The crowd screamed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The beast slammed into the executioner\u2019s chest with horrifying force, throwing the giant man completely off the platform. His body smashed into the stone below with a crunch that silenced the courtyard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The axe skidded across the wet stones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The wolf landed protectively over the child again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Growling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Daring anyone to come closer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rainwater dripped from its fangs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And then something even stranger happened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The beast turned its head slowly toward the kneeling boy\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026and lowered itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not as an animal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As a knight kneeling before a sovereign.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gasps erupted everywhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNo\u2026\u201d one noble muttered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt cannot be\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The little boy stared in confusion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He couldn\u2019t have been older than eight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Starving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dark hair plastered against his forehead by rain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A bruised face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bare feet bleeding from the chains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He looked nothing like royalty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
King Edric descended the balcony stairs slowly, his black cloak dragging across the flooded stone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His face had gone pale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBring me the child,\u201d he ordered quietly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Still nobody moved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The wolf\u2019s growl deepened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The king stopped walking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For several long seconds, only thunder filled the air.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then an old voice echoed across the courtyard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHe has her eyes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Everyone turned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The speaker was Sir Aldren \u2014 the oldest knight in the kingdom. Nearly eighty years old and half-blind, he had served three kings before Edric.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Now he stepped forward with tears mixing into the rain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHe has Queen Lyriana\u2019s eyes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The square exploded into whispers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Queen Lyriana.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The dead queen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The beloved queen murdered during the palace fire twenty years earlier alongside her infant son.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Or so the kingdom had been told.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
King Edric\u2019s expression darkened instantly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSilence the old fool.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Two guards moved toward Aldren.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But before they reached him, the white wolf snarled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Both soldiers stopped immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sir Aldren pointed a trembling hand toward the child.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI was there the night the palace burned,\u201d he said. \u201cI saw the queen flee through the lower halls carrying her son.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The king\u2019s face became deadly still.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou lie.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNo,\u201d Aldren whispered. \u201cYou do.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thunder cracked directly overhead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The crowd shifted uneasily now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
People were beginning to remember things they had spent years trying to forget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The sudden fire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The missing servants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The sealed records.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The way King Edric had claimed the throne only three days later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The old knight fell to one knee before the child.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy prince\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The courtyard erupted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Prince.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The word spread like wildfire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPrince?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe heir?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cImpossible!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
King Edric drew his sword instantly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cEnough!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The scream echoed off every tower wall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis child is nothing but a thief born in the gutters.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But his voice no longer carried certainty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Only panic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The little boy looked around in terror.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI-I don\u2019t understand\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The wolf nudged him gently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Almost reassuringly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The boy flinched at first, then slowly touched the beast\u2019s wet fur.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And the instant his fingers brushed the wolf\u2019s head\u2014<\/p>\n\n\n\n
the creature bowed completely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Every soldier in the courtyard dropped to one knee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not by command.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
By instinct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The old traditions were older than kings themselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Guardian Beast recognized only true royal blood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
King Edric saw it happen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And for the first time in twenty years\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
the king looked afraid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
The storm intensified as chaos spread across the palace square.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nobles argued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Citizens shouted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Soldiers looked uncertain where their loyalty belonged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The little boy remained kneeling beside the wolf, completely overwhelmed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy name is Rowan,\u201d he whispered. \u201cI\u2019m not a prince\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sir Aldren approached carefully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat is the first thing you remember, child?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rowan frowned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cA woman singing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The old knight froze.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhat song?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Without understanding why, Rowan quietly sang a soft melody beneath the rain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Several elderly nobles gasped instantly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It was the lullaby Queen Lyriana used to sing from the palace balcony during winter festivals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A song never taught outside the royal household.<\/p>\n\n\n\n King Edric\u2019s face twisted with fury.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cSEIZE THEM!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n This time soldiers rushed forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The wolf exploded into motion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The beast tore through the first line of guards like a snowstorm made of teeth and fury. Spears shattered. Armor bent. Men screamed and scattered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But the wolf never killed anyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It only protected Rowan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As if it understood exactly how much force to use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cArchers!\u201d the king roared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dozens of bows lifted from the palace walls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sir Aldren stepped in front of Rowan immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYour Majesty,\u201d he said carefully, \u201cif the boy dies before the truth is known, the kingdom will never forgive you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Edric\u2019s eyes burned with hatred.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThere is no truth except mine.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Then a voice echoed from above.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThat is exactly what your brother said before he died.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Everyone looked upward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A hooded woman stood atop the balcony stairs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The rain pulled back her cloak slowly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Silver hair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Royal blue eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The crowd collectively gasped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Queen Lyriana.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Or rather\u2014<\/p>\n\n\n\n the woman everyone believed had died twenty years ago.<\/p>\n\n\n\n King Edric staggered backward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cNo\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The queen descended the stairs calmly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Older now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Scarred.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But alive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI spent twenty years hiding from the man who murdered my husband,\u201d she said quietly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The courtyard exploded into complete chaos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some citizens fell to their knees crying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Others shouted prayers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n King Edric looked as though he had seen a ghost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou died.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou tried very hard to make that happen.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The queen stopped beside Rowan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The little boy stared up at her with confusion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Then recognition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not from memory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n From instinct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The woman knelt and gently touched his cheek.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMy son.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rowan burst into tears instantly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Something buried deep inside him shattered open.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A faint memory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Warm arms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A song.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A hidden passage beneath flames.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The queen pulled him close while the white wolf stood guard beside them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n King Edric slowly raised his sword.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou think they\u2019ll follow a weak child?\u201d he snarled. \u201cThis kingdom survived because of me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cNo,\u201d Lyriana replied coldly. \u201cIt survived despite you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The king screamed and charged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But before he reached them\u2014<\/p>\n\n\n\n an arrow pierced his shoulder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The entire courtyard turned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Captain Marrow, commander of the royal guard, lowered his bow slowly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Then he dropped to one knee before Rowan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMy prince.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n One by one, soldiers throughout the square followed him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Steel clattered across stone as weapons fell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The king stared around wildly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cNo\u2026 NO!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n But it was over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The throne had already chosen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That night the storm finally ended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But the kingdom did not sleep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n News spread across every street, tavern, and village before dawn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The lost prince had returned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And the White Wolf had awakened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Inside the royal chambers, Rowan sat wrapped in blankets beside a massive fireplace while servants rushed around him nervously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He hated it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The silk clothes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The endless staring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The queen sat nearby watching him carefully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou\u2019re frightened,\u201d she said softly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rowan nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI don\u2019t know how to be a prince.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lyriana smiled sadly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cNeither did your father.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rowan looked up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhat was he like?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The queen\u2019s eyes grew distant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cKind.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n That answer surprised him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cNot strong?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHe was strong enough to stay kind.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The boy fell silent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The wolf rested near the fire, enormous silver eyes half-closed but constantly alert.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cDoes he have a name?\u201d Rowan asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The queen looked toward the beast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cFenrir.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The wolf\u2019s ears twitched slightly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHe protected our family for generations,\u201d she explained. \u201cBut when your father was murdered, Fenrir disappeared.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMurdered?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The room became quiet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lyriana nodded slowly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYour uncle poisoned him.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rowan stared at the flames.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou knew?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI suspected.\u201d Pain crossed her face. \u201cBut by the time I realized the truth, Edric had already sent men to kill us.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n She explained everything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The hidden escape tunnels beneath the palace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The loyal servants who died protecting Rowan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The years spent hiding among commoners while Edric hunted every remaining supporter of the old king.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI wanted to come back sooner,\u201d she whispered. \u201cBut I couldn\u2019t risk your life.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rowan\u2019s voice trembled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cSo why now?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The queen looked toward Fenrir.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBecause the wolf found you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Outside the chamber, distant shouting echoed through palace halls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Something was wrong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Captain Marrow burst into the room moments later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYour Majesty,\u201d he said urgently, \u201cthe king has escaped.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fenrir stood instantly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A deep growl rolled through the room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Marrow\u2019s expression darkened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHe took loyal soldiers and fled into the lower city.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The queen rose immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHe\u2019ll try to leave the capital.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cNo,\u201d Marrow replied grimly. \u201cHe\u2019s heading for the catacombs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Everyone fell silent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even Rowan sensed the danger in those words.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhat\u2019s in the catacombs?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The captain hesitated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cSomething the kingdom buried a long time ago.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The tunnels beneath the palace were older than the kingdom itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dark.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Flooded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ancient symbols covered the stone walls while torches flickered violently in the damp air.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fenrir led the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The wolf moved with terrifying purpose through the underground maze while Rowan struggled to keep pace beside the queen and Captain Marrow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Far ahead, echoes of steel and shouting carried through the darkness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They found the bodies first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Royal guards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not from swords.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Something had torn them apart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rowan\u2019s stomach twisted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Then they heard it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A low growl.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not Fenrir\u2019s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Something deeper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Something wrong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The group entered a massive underground chamber lined with ancient statues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And there stood King Edric.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Blood covered his face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Behind him, iron chains hung broken from the walls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An enormous black creature emerged slowly from the shadows beside him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not a wolf.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not entirely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Its body was massive and twisted with scars, eyes glowing red in the darkness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Captain Marrow went pale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe Shadow Beast\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Edric smiled wildly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou have your guardian,\u201d he hissed. \u201cNow meet mine.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The queen looked horrified.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThat thing was sealed centuries ago.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYes,\u201d Edric laughed, \u201cbecause our ancestors feared power.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The black beast snarled, revealing rows of jagged teeth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fenrir stepped forward immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The two creatures stared at one another across the chamber.<\/p>\n\n\n\n White against black.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Light against shadow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Old enemies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rowan\u2019s heart pounded violently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhat is that thing?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The queen answered quietly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe wolves were once brothers.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thunder shook the ceiling above.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Then the black beast attacked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The impact shook the entire chamber.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fenrir collided with the creature midair in an explosion of fur and teeth. The monsters crashed through ancient pillars while stone shattered around them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rowan had never seen anything so violent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Shadow Beast fought like pure rage given form.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But Fenrir fought with purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The king backed toward the throne-like altar at the center of the chamber.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou don\u2019t understand,\u201d Edric shouted. \u201cI saved this kingdom!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou destroyed it,\u201d Lyriana answered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI made people fear the crown!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cExactly.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Edric\u2019s expression twisted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou think kindness rules kingdoms? Your husband believed that too.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Then he lunged at Rowan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Everything happened instantly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The queen screamed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Captain Marrow drew his sword.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But Rowan moved first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The boy grabbed a fallen spear from the ground and instinctively drove it upward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The blade pierced King Edric\u2019s chest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Silence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The king stared downward in shock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Then at Rowan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For one strange moment, all rage disappeared from his eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Only sadness remained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou look\u2026 just like him\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Blood spilled from his mouth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And then he collapsed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At the exact same instant, the Shadow Beast let out a horrifying scream.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fenrir tore into it with explosive force.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The black creature dissolved into smoke and darkness before vanishing completely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The chamber fell silent except for Rowan\u2019s breathing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The boy stared at the dead king in horror.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI didn\u2019t mean\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The queen pulled him into her arms immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou survived,\u201d she whispered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But Rowan couldn\u2019t stop shaking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because despite everything\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n he had just killed a man.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even if that man was his uncle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Three weeks later, the kingdom gathered once more in the royal courtyard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But this time there was no execution block.<\/p>\n\n\n\n No chains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n No storm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sunlight poured across thousands of faces filling the square.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Flowers covered the stone walls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rowan stood beside his mother wearing royal blue instead of rags.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He still looked nervous.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Still looked too small for a crown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But Fenrir sat beside him calmly, silver fur shining beneath the morning light.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The old knight Sir Aldren approached carrying the ancient crown of House Vaelorian.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThis crown belonged to your father,\u201d he said softly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rowan hesitated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI\u2019m afraid.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Aldren smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cGood.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The boy blinked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe day a ruler stops fearing power,\u201d the old knight whispered, \u201cis the day they become dangerous.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The courtyard grew silent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rowan slowly knelt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sir Aldren placed the crown gently upon his head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And the kingdom\u2019s lost heir finally became king.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The crowd erupted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cheers thundered through the capital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n People cried openly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bells rang across the city towers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But Rowan barely heard any of it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because Fenrir had suddenly stood up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The wolf looked toward the palace gates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Growling softly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A strange wind moved through the courtyard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Then, slowly\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fenrir approached Rowan one final time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The great beast lowered its massive head beneath the young king\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And for the first time, Rowan understood something.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The wolf had never been protecting the throne.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It had been protecting the kind of ruler the throne deserved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fenrir stepped backward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Silver light began spreading across his fur.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The crowd gasped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The wolf\u2019s body slowly dissolved into glowing particles beneath the sunlight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rowan\u2019s eyes widened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cNo\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n His mother touched his shoulder gently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe guardian\u2019s duty is complete.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fenrir looked at Rowan one last time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And then the ancient wolf vanished into the wind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The courtyard stood in stunned silence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rowan felt tears sliding down his face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But as the wind swept through the kingdom, he realized something strange.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He wasn\u2019t alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not really.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because courage remained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kindness remained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And somewhere deep beneath the roar of the celebrating kingdom\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n he could still hear the distant echo of a wolf watching over its king.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Rain hammered the royal courtyard with such violence that the stone itself seemed to tremble beneath the sky\u2019s rage. Nobody breathed. 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