Chapter 82: Wald's Struggle with the Crown's Weight

Exhausted, Wald collapsed onto his bed, not bothering to change out of his formal attire. Sleep came quickly, but it was far from peaceful. His dreams were a chaotic mix of memories and fears - Madison's smile, his father's deathbed confession, and the faces of countless wrongly accused werewolves. He tossed and turned, tangling himself in the sheets.

A loud knock jolted him awake. Wald sat up, groggy and disoriented. Sunlight streamed through the windows, telling him he'd overslept. Another knock, more insistent this time.

"Come in," he called, running a hand through his disheveled hair.

Roran burst into the room, his face pale with worry. "My king, I'm sorry to wake you, but there's trouble in the eastern provinces. Reports of unrest, possibly rebellion."

Wald's stomach dropped. He'd known this was a possibility - not everyone would welcome the changes he was making. But so soon? He wasn't ready. He needed more time.