Crowned by Fate (Skye) novel Chapter 200

Chapter 200

Skye’s POV

The priest placed his hand into the sacred fire and closed his eyes. Orange flames jumped higher, casting eerie shadows across the ancient stone circle. Everyone around me fell completely silent,

before us.

their attention fixed on the mysterious ritual unfolding

I stared at the fire but could not understand what it was showing. The sacred flame seemed to communicate only with the priest, its secrets hidden from the rest of us.

After about a minute, the priest opened his eyes. His face remained impassive behind his ceremonial mask as he turned to Alpha Maxwell. The fire crackled loudly in the silence.

“The sacred fire shows your greatest concern is your lifespan,” the priest said, his voice carrying across the hushed gathering. “You worry most about being older than other candidates. You fear losing to younger men, and even more, you fear that unlike them, you may not have another opportunity to wait for the next election.”

Alpha Maxwell stood still, unable to speak. His confident demeanor crumbled as his innermost thoughts were exposed to hundreds of witnesses. Several members of his pack shifted uncomfortably in their seats. Lillian, his now former Luna, watched with a mixture of sadness and vindication in her

eyes.

He lowered his head and said quietly, “Very well…” before walking out of the stone circle with

defeated posture. His footsteps echoed against the ancient stories t

suddenly looking much older than before.

as he returned to his seat,

The crowd whispered among themselves. Many seemed surprised that a powerful Alpha like Maxwell

I harbored such insecurities. I glanced at the remaining candidat wondering what the sacred fire

might reveal about them when their turns came.

“Will the next candidate, Alpha Rodrigo, please begin the sacrifice ritual,” the priest announced, silencing the murmurs.

Alpha Rodrigo approached the sacred fire with careful steps. Unlike Maxwell, his face showed calculation rather than confidence. He stopped before reaching the flames.

“May I have five minutes to think about my offering?” he asked the priest.

The priest nodded, granting Alpha Rodrigo his request. Rodrigo stepped back, his eyes narrowed in thought. Having witnessed Alpha Maxwell’s failed sacrifice, Rodrigo was clearly being more careful now. His gaze swept over the audience as if measuring their reactions, planning his next move.

I found Lydia beside me looking extremely nervous, her hands fidgeting together. Her usual

composure had completely vanished.

I closed my eyes and put my hands together, silently praying. Moon Goddess, please do not let that jerk Rodrigo win. If he wins, I cannot imagine what Lydia will face next.

Finally, Alpha Rodrigo took a deep breath and walked to the sacred fire. His expression had transformed into one of noble benevolence, though the effect seemed rehearsed to me.

“I will donate all my family wealth to the North American Werewolf Congress,” he announced, his voice projecting to reach even those in the back rows. “We will establish a charity specifically to help all poor werewolves across the continent.”

Murmurs of approval rippled through the audience. Several older council members nodded appreciatively. Alpha Morgan, seated behind me, let out a contemptuous laugh.

Alpha Rodrigo removed a golden badge from his shoulder that symbolized his family heritage. The emblem gleamed in the firelight as he held it up for all to see.

“I swear on my family honor that I will keep my word,” he declared with theatrical solemnity before throwing the badge into the sacred fire.

My heartbeat quickened as I waited for the sacred fire to reveal its judgment. The flames licked around the golden badge, melting it slowly. Everyone leaned forward in anticipation.

Then I saw blue flames flickering among the orange! I sighed with relief, exchanging a quick glance with Lydia. Alpha Rodrigo’s sacrifice was also unacceptable. Lydia would be safe from his influence, at least for now.

The priest turned to face Alpha Rodrigo. “Thank you for your donation. I believe all North American werewolves will praise your generosity, and I am sure the future charity will bear your name. Many werewolf businessmen will follow your example of giving. However, I regret that your sacrifice is not acceptable.”

Alpha Rodrigo looked upset, his jaw tightening visibly. For a moment, raw anger flashed in his eyes before he controlled his expression. With everyone watching, he forced a smile and said, “Being able to help more people is my honor.”

All the spectators burst into applause, showing appreciation for Alpha Rodrigo’s seemingly selfless donation. His political skill was impressive, turning even his failure into a public relations victory. He returned to his seat with his head held high, nothing like Maxwell’s defeated retreat.

When the applause stopped, the priest turned to the three remaining candidates on the platform. Adrian stood tall among them, his expression serious but calm. Leon was beside him, looking determined and focused. The third remaining candidate, Alpha Morgan, maintained her dignified poise.

“Alpha Xavier, please begin your sacrifice ritual,” the priest said.

Alpha Xavier walked to the sacred fire looking sad and contemplative. His celebrity status was evident in his graceful movements and camera ready appearance.

“Everyone here probably knows that besides being an Alpha,‘I am also a movie actor,” he began. “Actually, I have been acting longer than I have been an Alpha. I started doing cameo roles in films

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