
LYDIA'S POV
Severon stepped aside, and a young woman emerged from the crowd. She was about my age, with striking features and an air of confidence. She walked with a grace that was almost regal, and I felt a chill run down my spine.
"This is Fiona," he announced, his voice echoing through the hall. "And she has something important to share with all of you."
Fiona stepped forward, her gaze locking onto mine. She reached into her dress and pulled out a necklace. It was identical to the one I wore, a symbol of my heritage and my right to lead.
"This necklace," Fiona said, holding it up for everyone to see, "was given to me by my mother, the true queen. I am the rightful heir to the throne."
A murmur of shock and confusion rippled through the crowd. I felt my heart race, but I forced myself to stay calm. "That's impossible," I said, my voice firm. "I've worn this necklace my entire life. It was given to me by my father, the king himself."
Fiona smirked. "An imitation, no doubt. A clever forgery to deceive everyone. But I am here to reveal the truth."
I stepped closer, refusing to back down. "You expect everyone to believe your story based on a necklace? Where is your proof? Where is your evidence?"
Alpha Cameron intervened, his tone dripping with condescension. "The proof is in her blood, Lydia. Fiona is of royal lineage, and her claim is supported by all of the North Light Pack."
I felt a surge of anger and frustration. "This is a baseless claim. You have no right to challenge my authority with such flimsy evidence."
Fiona's eyes narrowed. "You're afraid, aren't you? Afraid that the truth will come out. Afraid that you'll be exposed as the fraud you are."
"I am not afraid of anything," I retorted, my voice rising. "I have earned the respect of my people through my actions, through my leadership. You cannot waltz in here with your necklace and expect to usurp me."
Despite the initial doubts from the attendees, a new tension rippled through the crowd as Oleg suddenly stepped forward. His presence alone commanded attention, and the murmurs fell silent.
Oleg's eyes were cold and calculating as he looked at me, then turned to address the room. "I can authenticate Fiona's claim," he announced, his voice echoing through the hall.
A gasp went through the crowd. My heart sank, and I could hardly believe what I was hearing. "Oleg?" I asked, a mix of confusion and betrayal in my voice.
Oleg didn't even look at me. He was fixated on the crowd, ensuring they heard every word. "I have known the true princess for many years. Fiona's lineage is legitimate. Her mother, the queen, entrusted me with her care and protection."
The shock on the faces around me was palpable. Even Evan and Brandon, standing close by, looked stunned. Evan stepped forward, his voice tense with anger. "How can you prove that? This is a serious claim, Oleg."
Oleg turned his cold gaze to Evan. "I have documents, letters from the late king himself, detailing Fiona's lineage and her right to the throne. They have been safeguarded for this very moment."
I felt a surge of anger and frustration. "And why have you kept this secret until now? Why not reveal it sooner if it was the truth?"
Oleg's expression was unyielding. "Timing is everything, Lydia. The kingdom needed stability first. Now, with Fiona's return, we can ensure true leadership."
Fiona stepped closer to me, her smirk even more infuriating. "It's over, Lydia. Your reign is built on lies. The people deserve to know the truth."
I clenched my fists, trying to control my anger. "You're playing a dangerous game, Fiona. And you, Oleg, I never imagined you'd betray us like this."
Oleg's face remained impassive. "This is not betrayal, Lydia. It's a correction of a grave mistake. The throne rightfully belongs to Fiona."
Evan and Brandon moved to stand beside me, their support unwavering. Brandon spoke up, his voice strong. "We need to see these documents, Oleg. This claim can't be accepted without solid proof."
"Well, if you don't believe then there is someone I would like to present who can clarify everything," Oleg said with a smirk and I realized that whoever this person was, my life wasn't going to be the same.
Oleg stood before the crowd, his expression solemn. "I must confess," he began, his voice heavy with feigned regret. "The true princess's initial disappearance was my fault. I was negligent. I took her out for some fun, and in my carelessness, I allowed evil nobles to exploit the situation and abduct her."
Gasps and murmurs rippled through the room. I stared at Oleg, my mind racing. He was lying. I remembered my dream and what my father had explained to me. Oleg wasn't the one who took me out that night. The palace was under attack, and my father had led me through a secret passage to safety.
My heart pounded as I tried to piece together why Oleg would lie about this. He had always been someone I trusted, even when others doubted his true intentions. But now, his betrayal stung deeply.
I stepped forward, my voice steady despite the turmoil inside me. "Oleg, why are you lying? You weren't the one who took me out that night. The palace was under attack, and my father led me through a secret passage."
Oleg's eyes flickered with something unreadable before he composed himself. "Lydia, my dear, you must be mistaken. The trauma of that night could have distorted your memories. I remember it clearly. I can understand why you are making this story, you don't want to return to your own pack because they didn't treated you well."
"No," I insisted, my voice firm. "I remember it vividly. My father took me out. He told me to stay hidden until it was safe. You weren't there. It has nothing to do with me not wanting to go back, I know I am not a liar."


