Zander’s POV.
The crowd fell silent as I stepped forward, taking my place at the top of the grand staircase. The moment was electric, and I could feel the weight of every gaze fixed on me, their anticipation hanging in the air like a heavy cloud.
I stood tall, letting the pause stretch for just a heartbeat longer than necessary, savoring the power of the moment. This was no ordinary gathering-it was my stage, and they were my audience.
“Welcome,” I began, my voice strong and steady, echoing across the vast hall. The acoustics carried my words effortlessly, ensuring every guest could hear. “Thank you all for joining me tonight. As you all know, the position of Luna is one of immense importance-not just to me as Alpha King, but to this entire kingdom. A Luna is more than just a mate. She is a leader, a partner, a symbol of strength, and a voice for our people.” My words carried weight, and I made sure each one hit its mark.
I paused deliberately, allowing the significance of my statement to settle in the minds of those before me. My gaze swept across the room, meeting the eyes of many who stood watching, their faces a mixture of curiosity and determination. “Tonight marks the beginning of a new chapter for us all,” I continued, my tone unwavering. “Over the next few months, I will take the time to meet with each of you individually, to learn about you, to understand who you are, and to decide who has the strength and wisdom to stand by my side as Queen and Luna.”
The room broke into polite applause, the sound echoing softly off the marble walls. Yet, as I watched the women in the crowd, I could see the tension in their faces, the nervous flicker in their eyes.
They were no longer just guests-they were contenders in a competition. Each one of them was now vying for the same goal: to become my Luna.
“As for tonight,” I said with a small smile, raising my voice slightly to regain their attention, “let’s enjoy the evening. Dance, drink, and let your true selves shine. Show me what makes you worthy of this role.” My words hung in the air, a challenge wrapped in politeness, as I took a step back.
The room buzzed with subdued excitement as I began my descent down the grand staircase. The music swelled once more, filling the hall with the sound of violins and a steady rhythm.
All around me, the guests began to move again, the tension breaking just enough for the evening to continue.
The women wasted no time at all. No sooner had I reached the ballroom floor than a group of them gathered around me, eager to make their presence known. Each one moved with purpose, their eyes sharp and calculating, their smiles practiced and confident. They were determined to leave a lasting impression.
The first to approach me was Helena, the daughter of an Alpha from the Eastern pack. She was striking, with tall, graceful features that made her stand out even in a room filled with beauty. Her long blonde hair shimmered in the light, cascading down her back like a golden waterfall, and her gown was tailored perfectly to her elegant figure.
“Alpha Zander,” she purred in a voice as smooth as silk, her words soft but deliberate. She stepped closer, her gaze unwavering as she addressed me. “It’s such an honor to finally meet you. I’ve heard so many wonderful things about your leadership and strength.” Her tone was confident but laced with just the right amount of admiration.
I nodded politely, returning her gaze with calm indifference. “Helena,” I said, my voice carefully measured. “I trust your journey here was pleasant?” It was a simple question, but one designed to keep the conversation moving.
She smiled, her lips curving in a way that seemed almost practiced. “Very,” she replied, her eyes sparkling under the chandelier’s light. “Your castle is truly magnificent. I can see why you’re searching for a Luna who is worthy of such a place.” Her words were flattering, her tone perfectly controlled.
I knew she had chosen her words carefully, each one designed to impress me, to make me take notice of her. But as I listened, I felt nothing. There was no spark, no connection, nothing that stirred any real emotion in me.
It felt like a performance-an exchange of rehearsed pleasantries instead of something genuine.