Luna. Chapter 172

The moment I felt Adrian's death through the magical network, everything changed.

Messages started flooding in through the coalition communication system. Confused reports, questions, demands for information.

I sent out a simple message to all connected members: "Challenge successful. Stand by for further instructions."

Then I collapsed in my office chair, shaking with relief and exhaustion.

Kael was alive. He'd won.

But winning was just the beginning.

My phone rang at twelve-thirty.

"It's done," Kael's voice was hoarse but strong.

"How badly are you hurt?"

"Nothing that won't heal. Lyra, we did it."

"What happens now?"

"Now I have to claim the crown officially. There will be ceremonies, political negotiations, a lot of complicated stuff."

"How long before you can come home?"

"A few days. Maybe a week."

"I miss you already."

"I miss you too. But this was necessary."

"I know."

"How's Asher?"

"Sleeping. He helped me with the magical protections tonight."

"He what?"

"I'll explain later. Just know that our son is amazing."

"I already knew that."

We talked for a few more minutes, but Kael had to go. Royal duties were calling.

After we hung up, I sat in the quiet house thinking about what came next.

Kael would be king, but that came with its own dangers. Political enemies, assassination attempts, the constant pressure of leadership.

And our family would be royal family now. Targets for anyone who opposed Kael's rule.

We'd won the war, but we hadn't won peace.

Over the next three days, I worked on strengthening the magical protections around our territory. If we were going to be targets, I wanted every possible defense in place.

The protection network I'd created during the challenge had grown stronger, connecting more people across greater distances.

I was learning that my abilities weren't just about healing anymore. I could create shields, enhance communication, even influence the emotions of people within my network.

It was powerful magic. Maybe too powerful.

On the fourth day, Cordelia came to visit.

"How are you holding up?" she asked.

"Tired. Worried. Relieved. Pick one."

"All understandable."

"What's it like at court?"

"Chaotic. Half the nobles are celebrating, half are plotting rebellion, and everyone's trying to figure out where they stand with the new king."

"And Kael?"

"Learning fast. He's got good advisors, but the learning curve is steep."

"When can he come home?"

"Soon. The coronation is scheduled for next week. After that, he should be able to visit more regularly."

"Visit?"

"Lyra, he's the king now. He can't just abandon the capital."

The reality hit me like cold water. "We'd have to move."

"Eventually, yes."

"To court?"

"To wherever the royal family lives."

I thought about Asher's school, his friends, our community here. Everything we'd built.

"I need time to think about this."

"Of course. But don't take too long. There are people at court who would love to use your separation against Kael."

After Cordelia left, I spent the evening working on a new type of magical protection. Something that could shield an entire area instead of just individuals.

It was ambitious magic, the kind that could protect a whole city if done right.

I started small, creating a barrier around our house. Then I expanded it to cover the immediate neighborhood.

Each expansion required more energy, more focus, more of myself poured into the magic.

By midnight, I had a protective dome covering several square miles.

It wasn't perfect, but it was strong. Anyone trying to attack within the protected area would find their abilities dampened and their intentions confused.

I sat back, exhausted but satisfied.

If we were going to be royal targets, let them come.

They'd find us ready.

The baby kicked hard, as if approving of my efforts.

"What do you think, little one?" I asked. "Ready to be a princess?"

Another kick, definitely amused.

"I'll take that as a yes."

Outside, the night was quiet and peaceful under my magical protection.

For the first time in months, I felt truly safe.

Kael was king. Our enemies were defeated or scattered. Our family was protected.

It wasn't the life we'd planned, but it was ours.

And that was enough.