As Kaia and Markus retreated to their room, the weight of Markus's announcement still hung heavily in the air. Kaia's thoughts raced, her heart pounding with a mixture of shock and concern.
Once in their privacy, she turned to Markus, her voice trembling slightly. "Markus, there is a time and place to crown me as your queen, but right now, your focus should be on more important things like the outbreak and dealing with the Lycan threat."
Markus stepped closer, wrapping his arms around her, pulling her into a comforting embrace. "When will you realize, my sweet girl, that there is nothing more important than you?" he murmured softly. "It is time for you to have the full power that is rightfully yours."
Kaia looked up at him, her concern evident in her eyes. "Your mother will not like th
