Zander’s POV.
The evening air felt heavy as I stepped into the grand hall. The room seemed alive, buzzing with voices and movement, as if it had its own heartbeat.
The chandeliers above me sparkled like a thousand tiny stars, their light bouncing off the glossy marble floors.
The golden arches stretched high overhead, catching the glow and reflecting it back like liquid sunshine.
Thick velvet curtains framed every window, their deep red color making the space feel like a royal portrait. Everything was perfect, every detail carefully arranged to impress. But as I stood there, none of it truly mattered to me.
Tonight wasn’t about the shining lights or the luxurious surroundings. It was about something far more personal.
This gathering wasn’t just an ordinary celebration. It was the first of many events my advisors had pushed me to host. They believed it was vital for me to show strength and stability, to remind everyone why I was the Alpha King.
And, of course, they insisted that finding a Luna was part of that image. A Luna wasn’t just a mate; she was a partner, a symbol of unity and leadership. The packs needed to see me with someone who could stand by my side and share the burdens of ruling. But as I stood there, surrounded by the finest wealth and power, I couldn’t shake the feeling that this was more than just a political move.
If I was being honest with myself, this entire evening wasn’t about finding a Luna at all. My thoughts, no matter how hard I tried to push them away, kept drifting back to her. Aria. She was the reason I felt so unsettled tonight.
It had been weeks since I’d taken her dog-weeks since I’d last seen her. But every moment of that day was burned into my memory. The way her fiery eyes had locked onto mine, filled with anger, and the way confusion had clouded her face as I turned and walked away without a word-it haunted me. I could still see it so clearly, no matter how much I tried to forget.
I told myself over and over that I didn’t care. That she didn’t matter to me. That I could move on just as easily as she seemed to be doing. But deep down, no matter how much I tried to convince myself, I couldn’t deny the truth. I did care. More than I wanted to admit.
This evening wasn’t really about meeting someone new or fulfilling my duty as Alpha King. It was about proving something-to myself, to her, and to everyone watching. I needed to show that I was in control, that I didn’t need her, even though part of me knew it was a lie.
The hall was packed with the most powerful wolves from every corner of the werewolf world. Alphas from every major pack had brought their daughters, their sisters, and even their strongest female warriors. They were all here, dressed in their finest gowns, each one sparkling under the lights as they moved through the crowd.
The scent of expensive perfume filled the air, mixing with the faint hum of conversations and laughter. Everywhere I turned, I could feel eyes on me-watching, waiting, judging.
My Beta, Liam, stood beside me like a silent shadow. His sharp eyes scanned the room, always alert, always ready. He had a way of reading people that I’d come to rely on over the years, though his blunt honesty often left me irritated. After a moment, he leaned closer and spoke in a low voice. “Quite the turnout tonight. You’ve got everyone who matters in this room,” he said with a smirk.
I nodded, my gaze sweeping over the crowd. “It’s what they expect,” I replied, my voice steady but distant. This wasn’t about what I wanted-it was about fulfilling expectations.
Liam chuckled softly, his smirk widening. “And what about *you*, Zander? What do you expect from tonight? Are you actually planning to find a Luna, or is this whole thing just to get under Aria’s skin?”
Hearing her name hit me like a slap, quick and sharp. My jaw tightened, but I forced myself to stay calm, to mask the sudden rush of emotions his words stirred. “That’s none of your business,” I said coldly, keeping my expression unreadable.
Liam tilted his head, clearly amused. “Right. Keep telling yourself that,” he said with a laugh. “Well, good luck tonight. You’re going to need it.”
I ignored him, focusing instead on the task at hand. The sharp chime of a bell echoed through the hall, signaling the start of the evening’s main events.
Taking a deep breath, I stepped forward, my shoulders straight and my expression calm. Whatever happened tonight, I was ready to face it. Or at least, that’s what I told myself.