Chapter 174: The Luna Queen’s speech

Alyssa hardly listened to a single word of the administrator’s endless opening address.

She couldn’t sit still; her fingers fidgeted endlessly with her suit jacket as her eyes flicked toward the entrance of the grand hall every few seconds, half-expecting to see Dorian stride through the doors at any moment.

He was supposed to be here already. He had given her his word that he would arrive before it was time for his speech. And according to the printed schedule resting on her table, his speech was next.

She tried her best to ignore the unblinking stares the other matriculating students kept throwing in her direction. Given her position as Luna Queen, she was seated at the special VIP table among high-ranking Academy officials and council elders, isolated from the general student body.

But the distance did nothing to block the constant whispers and intense gazes.

After what felt like hours, the administrator’s speech finally ended. The hall erupted into a loud applause, and Alyssa forced herself to join in, even though she hadn’t truly understood a single sentence he had spoken.

Her eyes darted back to the entrance door, praying to find Dorian, or Pandora, or Henna. She couldn’t even spot André’s familiar form among the security detail near the perimeter. She felt completely alone.

She turned her focus back toward the stage as another administrator stepped up to the podium and tapped the microphone.

"It is with great honor," the man began, beaming out at the sea of faces. "And the utmost privilege that I welcome the Luna Queen of Wintercrest, who is officially numbered among our admitted students today, to address this assembly..."

Alyssa froze, her eyes widening in shock. No one had mentioned a word about her giving a public address. Her heart spiked instantly, hammering against her ribs.

Every face turned toward her as a fresh wave of roaring applause filled the hall, the administrator gesturing grandly toward her table.

"Please welcome Her Majesty, Luna Alyssa Hellborne, to the stage."

Two Academy guards immediately stepped up to her table, standing at attention on either side of her chair while the applause rose to a deafening pitch.

Alyssa realized in an instant that there was no way out. She had to do this. And worse, she hadn’t prepared any speech.

She drew in a deep breath and squared her shoulders, forcing a radiant smile onto her face as she stood up. She accepted the offered hand of one of the guards, leaning lightly on his arm as she carefully climbed up the carpeted stairs in her heels.

She walked confidently across the stage, shook hands with the administrator, and finally turned to face the massive crowd and a thousand unblinking eyes.

Her confidence momentarily faltered under the immense pressure, but she reminded herself that she was no longer the weak, terrified girl hiding in the shadows. She was a Queen. A Luna. The wife of the Alpha King. She could handle this.

She leaned in closer to the microphone and cleared her throat.

"Members of the faculty, council elders, and my fellow peers," she began, her clear, melodious voice booming through the speakers. "I am deeply honored to stand before you today as we open this academic year. I also stand here because the laws of Wintercrest require me to complete an Academy degree before I can officially be crowned as your Luna Queen."

She paused for a moment, wet her dry lips, then continued.

"But as I look out at every single one of you today, I realize something. True leadership is not a title born from a textbook, nor is genuine respect something that can be printed on a diploma. While I am grateful for the education this Academy provides, let us never forget that every Lycan, or werewolf, in this hall possesses the capacity to lead and make a difference, regardless of an academic title or the strict conditions imposed upon them.

"A true ruler is defined solely by their devotion to the kingdom, their courage, and their willingness to serve the people. Thank you, and let us make this year an extraordinary one."

The thunderous applause that followed after she stepped back blew her mind away. She had not anticipated it.

She let out a shocked gasp, smiling brightly through her frayed nerves as the entire assembly rose to their feet in a unanimous standing ovation.

The administrator rushed back to her side, shaking her hand warmly and murmuring a compliment into her ear.

Alyssa laughed softly and nodded at him.

As the guards escorted her back down the stairs to her seat, the administrator reclaimed the podium.

​"An inspiring address from our Luna," he proclaimed proudly into the mic. "I trust each of you will make her tenure at this institution exceptional. Now, moving to the next item on our agenda: the Alpha King’s opening speech. Since His Majesty has not yet arrived, we shall proceed to the next event..."

Alyssa completely tuned out his voice. Her hands, which had been trembling a few minutes ago, stilled as she pulled her phone from her bag and dialed Dorian’s line.

It rang repeatedly until it dropped to voicemail. She dialed Pandora next, then Henna. Neither call connected.

A cold wave of panic began to coil tight in her stomach as the feeling of foreboding she had suffered earlier returned.

She stared at the hall’s entrance for the hundredth time, desperately praying to see Dorian stride through. The entryway remained empty.

"Dorian," she whispered under her breath, her heart twisting with dread. "Where are you?"

...

Outside the auditorium, parked far beyond the parking lot in a shaded, overgrown maintenance line, Conri sat in the front seat of an SUV, monitoring the surroundings.

Slowly, he turned around to face the stranger seated in the back.

"Are you ready?" he asked coldly. "You failed me miserably the last time; you and the Rogue King. Ragnar panicked and withdrew, while you took matters into your own hands and ruined the entire ambush. I want your word that you will not fail me today."

Pilate lifted his head, casting a furious glare at Conri. "The girl will not survive the night. Provided you keep that damned Alpha away this time."

"Consider it done," Conri muttered. "By the time he awakens from his slumber and realizes what happened, it will be too late."

Pilate gave a curt nod, closed his eyes and concentrated. Within seconds, his body shifted and morphed. Bones snapped loudly, muscles expanding until the sharp features of Dorian Hellborne completely replaced his own.

When the transformation was completed, even Conri looked impressed by the flawless copy of his nephew.

"Keep an eye out for the Lycan guard who drove Alyssa to the event," he instructed coldly. "He will not be easily fooled. He will know that you are not his Alpha, so keep your distance from him at all costs."

"Understood," Pilate replied, his voice mirroring Dorian’s deep baritone perfectly.

"This execution must be flawless," Conri added. "Take her into the woods and kill her. Don’t attempt to provoke her or play stupid games. The moment she is dead, leave Wintercrest. I will handle everything else."

"And why shouldn’t I provoke her?"

"Just do as you are told!" Conri snapped, his eyes flashing with anger. "Slit her throat, ensure her heart stops beating, and leave the territory! Do you understand me?"

Pilate despised taking orders from anyone. But the bargain had already been struck with Conri, and he couldn’t back out now.

Slipping a pair of dark sunglasses over his eyes, he opened the door, stepped out into the crisp air, and walked over to the secondary luxury SUV parked beside them.

He slid in, fired up the engine, and pulled out of the hidden spot. Driving away slowly, he pulled into the main parking lot and proceeded to wait for his prey.