Page 96 of Lycan’s Hunt

Soren squeezes my waist gently, offering silent reassurance. “It will. We’ll handle it.”

“We really can’t let Max be a part of the ceremony? It feels weird he isn’t involved. He asked about being the ring bearer again.”

Soren sighs heavily and glances at Damian, who grits his teeth. “You want to place him before the enemy on a stage where he’ll be a sitting target?”

I sigh, knowing he is right.

“But what better place is there for him to stand when he would have two body shields?” Soren asks him.

“He is safer with Mom and Dad.”

“Can’t he just do the rings and then step down?” I ask, knowing how much he wants to be a part of it.

“If something goes wrong, I need to cover you both,” Damian tells us.

“You cover him.” Soren and I say in unison. Soren chuckles, looking at me.

“See, problem solved,” Soren tells him.

“He would be better protected with Dad. If something happens, they’ll come for both of you. If he is standing beside you…” Damian trails off, a look of worry on his face.

“He should be part of the wedding,” Soren tells him.

“We’ll be fine. Nothing will happen, and if it does, you protect the future of this kingdom, you protect Max,” I tell Damian and he mumbles something but gives in.

I can’t wait to tell Max.

“Aubrey! Look!” Max’s voice calls out again, and I turn to see him standing proudly beside one of the large archways. Ribbons of every color are now draped across it, woven through the floral arrangements.

“It looks beautiful, Max,” I tell him. “You did a great job.”

“It was Grandma’s idea,” he admits. Maribel, looking slightly embarrassed by the praise, shrugs.

“Well, thank you both,” I say warmly. “It really does look perfect.”

Max beams, clearly pleased with himself. “Does that mean I can help with the cake, too?”

“No!” Maribel and I say in unison, causing Max to pout dramatically.

“But I’m really good at tasting cake!” he protests, crossing his arms over his chest.

“Maybe later,” I say, ruffling his hair. “Right now, we need to finish decorating.”

Max sighs, but he doesn’t argue further. Instead, he grabs another bundle of ribbons and sets off toward the next archway, Maribel following close behind to keep him in check.

As the afternoon wears on, the preparations continue smoothly. The castle is slowly transforming into something out of a fairy tale, with flowers, ribbons, and lights adorning every surface. Despite the underlying tension, there’s a sense of joy in the air—a feeling that, for now at least, we can hold on to something good.

Soren and I take a moment to step outside onto one of the balconies overlooking the sprawling gardens below. The late afternoon sun casts a warm glow over the landscape, and for a brief moment, everything feels… peaceful.

“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” I say softly, leaning against Soren’s side.

“It is,” he agrees, though I know he’s not talking about the view. His gaze is fixed on me with a soft smile.