The selection ceremony had drawn countless she-wolves from across the region, all eager to claim the coveted title of Luna. Their dresses shimmered under the golden glow of the chandeliers, and their voices buzzed with nervous excitement.
Liana stood among them, her face a carefully crafted mask of humility and quiet confidence. Her gown, while simpler than the others, had been chosen deliberately—a subtle reminder of her noble roots without appearing ostentatious. Every detail of her appearance was calculated to perfection, from the soft waves of her golden hair to the delicate necklace that caught the light when she moved.
She observed the other candidates with quiet disdain. Most of them were nobodies, their names and families insignificant. Liana knew she was different. She had a legacy, and she intended to remind Alpha Veyron of it.
The hall quieted as Alpha Veyron entered, his imposing presence silencing the room. His sharp gaze swept over the assembled women, his expression unreadable. Behind him stood several advisors, their faces equally stern.
Liana’s heart raced as she subtly maneuvered her way to the front of the crowd. She moved with purpose, using polite smiles and whispers of apology to edge past the others. By the time Veyron’s eyes reached her side of the room, she was perfectly positioned.
“You,” Veyron said, his voice firm as he motioned for her to step forward.
Liana’s breath caught, but she maintained her composed facade. She stepped into the open space before him, her movements graceful and deliberate.
Before he could speak, she curtsied deeply and raised her head, meeting his gaze with unwavering confidence. “Alpha Veyron,” she began, her voice steady. “It is an honor to stand before you. My name is Liana, the woman who was initially meant to be mated to your son, Alpha Kaelan.”
Her words sent a ripple through the crowd. Murmurs broke out among the candidates, and even the advisors exchanged surprised glances. Liana stood her ground, her expression poised.
Veyron’s brow furrowed as he studied her. “You claim to have been intended for Kaelan?”
“Yes, Alpha,” Liana replied smoothly. “My family is of noble standing, and it was widely known that our bloodlines were meant to unite. But circumstances… shifted.” She paused, her voice softening as she added, “I only wish to serve the pack, to restore the balance that was disrupted.”
The crowd’s murmurs grew louder, and Veyron’s eyes narrowed. He motioned for one of his advisors, who approached and whispered something in his ear.
As Liana stood under his scrutiny, her heart raced. This was the moment she had been waiting for. If she could convince Veyron of her worth, her path to power would be secure.
But just as she began to relax, a voice from the back of the hall called out, sharp and commanding. “What are you doing here, Liana?”
The room fell silent as every head turned toward the source. Kaelan stood in the doorway, his face a mix of fury and disbelief.