Exchanging Vows: The Swapped Wife Is a Top Shaman novel Chapter 41

Chapter 41: Chapter 41

Ivy’s Point of View

I had expected this.

Known it was coming the moment Luna Helena stopped Dominic’s treatments. The moment the elders began their whisper campaigns. The moment Margot started speaking of Bastian as "the future Alpha" in every conversation.

So I kept my face blank. Expressionless. Gave nothing away.

But others weren’t so restrained.

Margot practically vibrated with joy. Her wrinkled face split into the widest smile I had ever seen on her. Vivienne clutched her chest like she might faint from happiness. Seraphina bounced on her heels, unable to contain her excitement.

And Bastian.

Bastian dropped to his knees before his father, pulling Seraphina down with him. The picture of humble gratitude.

"Father." His voice trembled with what he wanted everyone to believe was emotion. "I am overwhelmed by this honor. I swear to you, I will dedicate my life to serving this pack."

"I will do everything in my power to live up to my brother’s legacy," he continued, bowing his head. "I will protect our people. Guide our warriors. Uphold our traditions."

Seraphina chimed in immediately. "We are so grateful, Father. Bastian will be the greatest Alpha the Silvermoon Pack has ever seen. I just know it."

I wanted to vomit.

Alpha Alaric nodded wearily. He looked tired. Old. Like this decision had cost him something he couldn’t name.

"Rise," he commanded.

Bastian and Seraphina stood, still beaming.

Alpha Alaric gestured to a servant, who came forward carrying an ornate iron box. It was small, no bigger than a jewelry case. But its surface was covered in intricate locks and mechanisms. A combination system so complex it would take years to crack.

"This is the Ashford Legacy," Alpha Alaric said solemnly. "It has been guarded by the heir of the Silvermoon Pack for over a thousand years."

The room went completely still.

I had heard whispers of the Legacy, of course. Everyone in the werewolf kingdom had. It was legend. Myth. A secret so powerful that wars had been fought over it.

"Inside this box is information that could determine the fate of our entire nation." Alpha Alaric’s voice carried the weight of centuries. "Our ancestors discovered something. A truth so devastating that it gives us overwhelming advantage over every enemy kingdom."

He placed the box in Bastian’s hands.

"Whoever possesses this knowledge possesses the power to rule. To conquer. To destroy." Alpha Alaric met Bastian’s eyes. "Guard it with your life. Share its secrets with no one. Not even your wife."

Bastian’s fingers curled around the box like it was the most precious thing in the world.

Which, in many ways, it was.

"I understand, Father." His voice was thick with reverence. "I will protect it until my dying breath."

Alpha Alaric nodded. Then he turned to address the entire hall.

"There is one more matter to discuss." He glanced at Luna Helena, who gave a small nod. "Upon my death, all personal property belonging to myself and Luna Helena will be transferred to Dominic and his wife, Ivy."

Silence.

Then Margot exploded.

"What?" She stepped forward, her face contorted with outrage. "That’s absurd! Dominic is as good as dead! Giving him your property means giving it to her!" She jabbed a finger in my direction. "That scheming little—"

"Margot." Luna Helena’s voice cracked like a whip. "My son is still breathing. His heart still beats. You will not speak of him as if he were already in his grave."

"I’m simply being practical—"

"You’re being cruel." Luna Helena’s eyes blazed with maternal fury. "You’ve always hated my son. Always wished him gone so your precious Bastian could take his place. Well, congratulations. You’ve won. But I will not let you dance on Dominic’s grave while he still lives."

Margot sputtered with indignation.

"Enough." Alpha Alaric’s voice silenced them both. "Margot, you forget your place."

"My place?"

"You are my stepmother. Nothing more." Alpha Alaric’s gaze was cold. Hard. "You have no authority in this pack. No claim to my family’s wealth. No right to question my decisions."

Margot’s face went purple with rage.

"This household belongs to me and my Luna," Alpha Alaric continued. "Not to you. Not to Vivienne. Not to anyone else." He waved dismissively. "Now leave. All of you. The ceremony is concluded."

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