the blood of hades

Chapter 17: Cairo

The attack said stopped, they stopped for a while. the snow was now all gone, replaced by fresh blooming flowers and dandelions along the grass. as much as everybody was happy about this, and the alphas had went back to their original packs something felt off.

" I don't think we should have the coronation" I quickly said to malachi, him and Lucas both glanced at me.

" nonsense, you're my mate and my queen, I'm crowning you in front of all the packs. you're the queen now" he said softly smiling at me but I shook my head.

" it feels off, having everybody in one spot. seems like we're asking to be attacked"

" calm down, the attacks haven't happened in months" Lucas said, originally I was going to go back to my pack with ryan, since I was his beta but I bared Malachi's Mark now which meant I was now Queen just without the crown yet. Ryan would have to find a new beta.

The attacks had stopped. For months now, there had been peace, and the harsh winter had given way to the vibrant bloom of spring. Flowers and dandelions dotted the grass, bringing a sense of renewal and hope. The other Alphas had returned to their packs, and everyone seemed to breathe a collective sigh of relief. Yet, something felt off to me.

"I don't think we should have the coronation," I said quickly to Malachi, my anxiety evident in my voice. Both he and Lucas turned to look at me, concern etched on their faces.

"Nonsense," Malachi replied, his tone soft but firm. "You're my mate and my queen. I'm crowning you in front of all the packs. You deserve this." He smiled, trying to reassure me, but I shook my head, my unease growing.

"It feels off, having everybody in one spot. Seems like we're asking to be attacked," I insisted, my eyes searching his for understanding.

"Calm down, Cairo. The attacks haven't happened in months," Lucas chimed in, his voice trying to soothe my worries. Originally, I had planned to return to my pack with Ryan, as I was his Beta. But now, bearing Malachi's mark, I was his queen, just without the crown yet. Ryan would need to find a new Beta.

"I know, but something about this feels wrong," I said, frustration creeping into my voice. "We shouldn't let our guard down."

Malachi stepped closer, placing his hands on my shoulders. "I understand your concern, Cairo. But we've taken every precaution. Security will be tight, and everyone will be safe. This is your moment, our moment. We can't live in fear."

His words were meant to comfort, but I couldn't shake the feeling of impending doom. The quiet had been too long, too unnatural. It felt like the calm before the storm.

"I just want to make sure everyone is safe," I said softly, looking up into his eyes.

"And we will," Malachi replied, his eyes filled with determination. "We'll be ready for anything."

Despite his reassurances, I couldn't help but feel a knot of anxiety tighten in my chest. The goddesses had been silent for too long, and I hadn't made any progress with controlling my powers. I felt lost, and the looming coronation only added to my stress.

"I'll talk to Ryan," I said finally. "See if he has any ideas on additional precautions we can take."

Malachi nodded, understanding that I needed to feel proactive. "Alright, talk to him. But remember, we're in this together. You're not alone."

I gave him a small smile, appreciating his support. "I know. Thank you."

As I walked away to find Ryan, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was about to happen. The peace we had enjoyed felt fragile, and I had a sinking suspicion that it was about to be shattered.