When she reached the dais, Eve turned to face the assembled Court. Every faction was represented....Lycans, vampires, witches, fae, demons, even some species she couldn't immediately identify. All of them watching her with varying degrees of respect, curiosity, and carefully hidden calculation.
"Your Majesty," Astrid said, stepping forward as the Lycan representative. "On behalf of the Conclave, we welcome you home. The Court has missed its Queen."
Home. The word settled over Eve with unexpected weight.
This was her legacy. Her birthright. Her responsibility.
And she was ready for it.
"Thank you, Astrid," Eve said, her voice carrying clearly through the massive space. "I'm honored to return. I understand we have much to discuss regarding reform implementation."
"Indeed. The agenda has been prepared for your review." Astrid gestured to an attendant who approached with a leather-bound folder.
Eve accepted it with a gracious nod, then turned and ascended the dais.
