Alpha's Lost Luna Returns With His Twins-Chapter 171-Meet Lycan Queen Iris

Iris:

The outdoor venue was the best my father could have chosen. Birds chirped around us, and the sky was clear.

A gentle breeze made the fairy lights sway, the soft glow shifting with the wind.

My brown shimmery gown caught the light from the fairy lights and the lamps hanging from the trees.

The fabric was heavy, layered with detailed embroidery. The shimmer was the best part.

When I reached the stage, I bowed to my father respectfully, the way a princess would.

The last two weeks have been critical for me. I was taught how to be a proper princess, not a meek or fragile one, but someone ready to lead.

I learned about lycan affairs. I already knew much of it, but I had never been allowed to take part in any decisions.

In these last two weeks, my opinion had finally been asked. From what I could tell, my father was impressed. Each time he nodded at me, it gave me courage. Slowly, we were rebuilding our relationship. He had begun placing boundaries with my mother and protecting my mental peace. It was late, but better than showing no regret at all, like my mother.

To my father’s right stood James, holding the crown carefully in both hands. To my right stood Luca, gripping a small dagger.

I turned to face the crowd. Rows of faces stared back at me. There were lycans, as expected, but also werewolves. Seeing the two together felt unreal, something only possible in the East, where we were not treated as monsters. As I stood there, waiting for the ceremony to begin, I noticed a few expressions filled with doubt, as if they did not believe I was capable. Whispers rose briefly, then faded just as fast.

My father stepped toward the stairs. For a moment, I thought he was leaving the stage. A familiar fear crept in, that this was all an elaborate lie, meant to humiliate me, to remind me I would never be a princess.

Instead, he returned with Amy and Colin, guiding them onto the stage. Their small hands were clasped together. Amy wore a pink dress and a small tiara, and my son was dressed in a royal white suit. I smiled at my own thoughts. Pain and restriction had turned me into someone who trusted no one. My children looked around happily, smiling and waving at the crowd.

Then I noticed her.

My mother stood near the front, having just arrived with the warriors beside her. Her purple gown flowed neatly around her. Though it lacked heavy embroidery, it shimmered beautifully under the lights. Our eyes met briefly, but her expression did not soften. For years, she had convinced me that she cared. Now, even that illusion was gone. She no longer tried to hide the truth. She could not stand seeing me stronger without her.

My father stepped forward and raised his voice, drawing everyone’s attention.

"As you all know, I have ruled as Lycan King for many years," he announced. "The crown has remained within our family, passed down through generations."

The crowd remained silent, many nodding in agreement.

"This time," he continued, "there has never been any doubt. I have found the most perfect candidate. There has never been anyone else. My successor is my daughter, Iris."

Murmurs spread through the crowd like a sudden wave.

My father extended his hand, and Luca stepped forward. He made a precise cut on my father’s palm. Blood pooled in his hand. Luca then stepped toward me. He took my hand and cut my palm carefully. I felt the pain, but I kept my expression neutral.

My father held his hand out to me, and I placed mine in his. Our blood mixed as we shook hands. At that moment, a strange power surged through me. I could not explain it, and I could not speak about it. If someone had asked me what it was, I might not have been able to recall it. Still, I felt it.

A voice rose from the crowd.

"But she does not have a lycan," someone remarked.

Something stirred inside me at those words. It carried years of pressure I had endured. My father, however, did not react as if he had been insulted. He turned toward the speaker calmly.

"Do not worry," he assured the crowd. "My daughter will have her lycan very soon. Life has been challenging for her, and she has not yet had her moment to thrive. I know for a fact that my daughter will be no ordinary lycan. I expect you all to respect her as your queen." 𝙛𝒓𝒆𝙚𝒘𝒆𝓫𝙣𝓸𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝒄𝒐𝓶

As my father addressed everyone, I glanced at my mother again. This time, she was smiling.

The small smirk carried a clear message. No matter how many crowns rested on my head, to her, I would always remain the same weak little girl.

"And with that," my father declared, "I give my crown to my beautiful daughter. You are now under the rule of the lycan queen, Iris."

He paused before adding, "The lycan queen, Iris Schwartz."

The crowd erupted into cheers. As the applause grew louder, my mother’s smile slowly faded.

There was something else I noticed, apart from the surge of power. The crown felt heavy, or maybe it was the responsibility that came with it.

The ceremony ended just like that. We spoke briefly with everyone afterward. My father introduced me to the older advisors. Just as there were council members for variables, we had advisors of our own.

My children enjoyed it the most. We were then asked to join a family dinner, which meant only me, my father, my mother, and my children.

My children had already eaten, so they sat with us only briefly. My father always believed it was important to keep children present, so they would understand our values, our customs, and how lycans conducted themselves.

After taking a few more bites, they were escorted away to rest for the night by the nannies I had hired myself.

As they wandered off, I straightened my back, ready to enjoy the meal. Then my mother spoke, and my hand froze midway as I reached for a dish.

"When is Wilson waking up?" she asked my father, turning toward him.