Crowned by Fate (Skye) novel Chapter 203

Chapter 203

Skye’s POV

Lydia grabbed my hand and squeezed it tight, silently telling me not to worry. But I could read the mix of emotions in everyone’s eyes around us–curiosity, surprise, confusion, and worst of all, contempt.

Everyone was likely speculating about the relationship between me, Leon, and Adrian. Loyalty had always been the most valued quality among werewolves. Right now, they probably all thought I was just some fickle woman who couldn’t decide

between two men.

The priest broke the uncomfortable silence, saving me from further embarrassment. His ceremonial robes fluttered in the gentle night breeze as he turned to Leon, his voice gentle but firm.

“Your mother’s memories are indeed important to you, but they belong to the past. Your mate represents your present and your future. Sometimes, a person’s mind and heart are in conflict. And sometimes, the person furthest from each of us is

ourselves.”

Leon’s eyes had completely lost their shine. The moonlight reflected off his face, highlighting the hollow emptiness that had replaced his usual confidence. He remained silent for what felt like an eternity, his shoulders visibly tense under the weight of his failure.

Finally, he addressed the priest. “Thank you. But I have one request. May I have the necklace back? I’ll exchange anything for it. I’d even give up my position as Alpha if necessary.” His voice cracked slightly on the last words, revealing the depth

of his desperation.

The priest shook his head slowly. “I’m sorry, but once something has been offered for sacrifice, it cannot be withdrawn or replaced.” The sacred fire behind him pulsed, as if emphasizing his words.

Leon nodded, no longer speaking. He turned to leave the stone circle. His sorrow seemed so heavy it could extinguish the

sacred fire itself.

The priest called after him, “Alpha Leon, forgetting may not be such a bad thing. I believe your mother in heaven wouldn’t want you to become a slave to memories.”

As Leon walked toward the audience seats, people instinctively cleared a path for him. The soft murmurs of sympathy rippled through the crowd like waves. I could sense the collective sympathy through their sighs. My brother Ethan and Maya were already crying, their eyes red and swollen, tears glistening in the firelight.

A wave of guilt washed over me. Leon’s mother had died protecting me, and now because of me, Leon had lost his chance to become Alpha King. The memory of that day flashed through my mind–her brave face, her final words, the scent of

blood on snow.

Why was Leon still my Second Chance Mate? I could never understand. Is it Leon’s mother in heaven wanting me to take care of him in her place? Or is the Moon Goddess punishing me making me atone for his mother’s death?

I knew Leon would hate me even more now. Ethan would resent me too. The entire Frostshadow Pack would probably despise me! Their accusing stares burned into my skin, making me want to shrink into myself.

Nothing I could do would ever make up for what I’d cost Leon. The weight of this realization felt like a boulder crushing my chest.

When I finally looked up, I caught Adrian watching me. The fire caught in his eyes, turning them into molten gold. He

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Chapter 203

seemed to have something he wanted to say, but ultimately turned away, his jaw clenched tight with unspoken words..

“Now, will Alpha Adrian please approach the sacred fire!” the priest’s voice echoed across the stone circle, reminding everyone that the ultimate trial wasn’t over yet. The sacred flames danced higher, casting eerie blue shadows across the

ancient stones.

The audience’s attention shifted back to the stone circle.

I watched Adrian walk calmly toward the sacred fire, his broad shoulders set with determination. Each step was measured, deliberate. I nervously clasped my hands to my chest, my knuckles turning white from the pressure. Silently praying. “Adrian, please win.”

The firelight played across his features, highlighting the strong line of his jaw and the intensity in his eyes. His presence commanded respect, drawing all eyes to him.

Adrian spoke clearly, his voice carrying across the hushed gathering, “I know what matters most to me, but I’m sorry, I cannot sacrifice it.”

After he said this, the entire gathering erupted in chaos. The sudden

noise

jarring after the reverent silence.

“What is he thinking?” someone shouted from the back, voice thick with

“Does he want to get disqualified?” another voice called out, higher and

sbelief.

panicked.

“Is this some kind of strategy?” a woman near me whispered to her companion, her eyes wide with confusion.

I could see shocked expressions all around, mouths hanging open, people turning to each other in confusion. Some were shaking their heads, others leaning forward as if they’d misheard.

Lydia and I both jumped to our feet without thinking. Her grip on my arm tightened painfully, her nails digging into my

skin.

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