’Bloodfang... what’s going on?’ The question echoed through Voren’s mind, heavy with concern.

For the first time since Seraphine came into their lives, Bloodfang sounded completely worn out, his voice lacking that usual bold confidence. ’That pup is far more powerful than we ever expected,’ he said slowly, like every word took real effort.

’Think about it. Your parents didn’t have black and white wolves. Neither of them carried the kind of overwhelming power you and Seraphine possess.’

Voren’s eyes widened as everything suddenly clicked into place. It wasn’t just his bloodline. Seraphine’s was just as extraordinary. If their pup inherited the full strength of both of them, the possibilities were beyond anything he could even begin to imagine.

’Then don’t waste your strength talking to me,’ Voren answered quietly. ’Sera is the most important person in my life. Save every bit of energy for her and our pup.’

For once, Bloodfang didn’t tease him or complain. He simply went silent. Voren couldn’t help missing his wolf’s usual playful attitude. The heavy silence only proved just how exhausted Bloodfang truly was.

Ending the mind link, Voren turned toward Seraphine and gave her a reassuring smile. "I think our pup is going to be stronger than both of us put together." His eyes softened with wonder. "He or she may inherit both of our powers."

Seraphine rested a hand gently on her stomach and nodded. "I’ve been thinking the same thing." A faint smile crossed her lips. "It’s only the first trimester. This is when the pup’s body is being formed. The months after this are mostly just for growth and development."

She looked at him lovingly. "The beginning is always the hardest part." Her fingers intertwined with his. "We just have to get through it together."

"We will," Voren said with a warm smile before his expression slowly turned playful. A dramatic groan escaped him as he let out an exaggerated sigh. "You know... I had a completely different plan for tonight." One eyebrow lifted teasingly. "But I guess I’ll have to let it go."

Seraphine couldn’t help smiling, knowing what it was. If their wolves were the ones keeping her strong, then the least she could do was reserve her energy to not completely wear them out. "You’ll survive."

"I don’t know..." Voren placed a hand dramatically over his chest. "It’s a huge sacrifice."

She laughed quietly, the sound light and comforting as Voren added, "you need your rest."

His teasing faded into something much gentler. "You’ve got the biggest part of your plan ahead of you."

Seraphine nodded without arguing. Marsha and Bloodfang were already exhausted from supporting the pup, and neither of them wanted to put any extra strain on their wolves.

The room soon grew peaceful and quiet. Wrapped tightly in each other’s arms, they slowly drifted off to sleep.

Sometime later, Seraphine stirred. She wasn’t sure how long she had been asleep, but she felt Voren carefully trying to slip out of bed. Still half-asleep, she reached for him and pulled herself closer against his chest.

"Please don’t go..." Her sleepy voice was barely above a whisper. "I’ll eat anything. Just stay with me." She buried her face against his chest.

Voren smiled helplessly. He had planned to make her fresh soup himself, but instead he reached for his phone and ordered breakfast from the hotel’s restaurant.

Once the order was placed, he slipped back under the covers and wrapped his strong arms around her again. They both fell asleep almost immediately.

The next thing they heard was a knock at the hotel room door. Voren got up, answered it, and returned with a cart loaded with food. At almost the same moment, Seraphine’s phone started ringing. She glanced at the screen and seeing Damon’s Id, she answered right away.

"Sera," he said, his voice full of excitement. "The coronation is about to begin." He lowered his voice. "What’s the plan?"

Seraphine thought for a moment. "I’m not interested in sitting through the whole ceremony." A small, satisfied smile appeared on her face. "I’ll arrive right after they exchange their vows."

"Perfect," Damon replied, sounding pleased. "I’ll keep an eye on all the evidence."

A soft laugh escaped Seraphine. By evidence, Seraphine knew he was talking about Raul and Daisy’s pregnancy test. "And don’t forget to pack your bags."

"You don’t have to remind me," he said, his excitement impossible to hide. "I’ve been waiting for this day."

After ending the call, Seraphine turned her attention to breakfast. Voren had ordered nearly everything the hotel offered, fresh fruit, soup, eggs, toast, pancakes, pastries, juice, and tea.

Seraphine sampled a little from several plates, hoping something would actually taste good, but everything felt strangely bland. She sighed heavily. "My hormones are making food taste awful."

Voren smiled sympathetically. "Just eat whatever is suitable to your taste bud please."

After breakfast, they showered together before getting dressed for the day. When Seraphine finally stood in front of the mirror, she stared at her reflection for several long seconds. Then she let out a disappointed little pout.

"V..." She turned toward him. "This dress was supposed to be for my coronation."

Voren looked her over from head to toe, his lips slowly curving into a mischievous smile. "I have something even better for that day."

Seraphine blinked in surprise. "You do?"

He stepped closer and gently tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "As much as I hate the thought of other people staring at you..." His eyes swept over her elegant outfit with open appreciation. "I also refuse to let anyone outshine my wife."

The confident pride in his voice left her completely speechless. Heat crept into her cheeks. Without another word, she rose onto her tiptoes and kissed him. When their lips finally parted, she smiled warmly. "You look breathtaking."

"And you..." Voren’s gaze lingered on her with pure admiration. "You look absolutely stunning." He leaned in and gave her another soft, loving kiss.

After today, everything would be different.

Together, they left the hotel room. The door had barely closed behind them when another couple stepped into the hallway, Corvine and Athaliah. Both of them were already dressed for the coronation.

Corvine looked sharp in his tailored suit, while Athaliah carried herself with effortless elegance in one of the dresses Seraphine gave her.

The instant Athaliah saw Seraphine, her eyes widened. She stared at the dress in disbelief before quickly walking closer. "Where did you get that?"

Her voice was filled with genuine surprise. She looked over every beautiful detail of the design before smiling in recognition. "That’s one of my limited-edition designs."