Chapter 133
133
~Elara’s POV
One of the staff led us through a quieter corridor, away from the main hall. My heels clicked softly against the marble floor, and I felt Darlon’s presence beside me like a shield. The air was tense, almost electric, and I could feel it pressing against my skin p>
“This way, please,” the staff said politely, opening a door to a private room. “The event will start soon. You’ll be called to the stage. Please, make yourselves comfortable p>
I nodded, my hands tightening around my clutch. I could feel my stomach twisting into knots.
Darlon’s hand brushed against mine. “You’ll do fine,” he said softly, his voice calm but commanding. “Just stay with me p>
“I hope so,” I whispered, trying to steady my voice. I looked at him, his posture, the calm way he held himself, the way every eye in a room naturally turned toward him when he spoke. I tried not to think about how intimidating that was.
We waited in the private room. Thirty minutes passed slowly. My hands kept fidgeting with the edges of my dress while Darlon reviewed the notes for his speech, though I could see he hardly needed them. Now and then, I’d catch him glancing at me, just enough to remind me that I wasn’t alone in this.
Finally, a staff member returned. “It’s time, Your Majesties,” she said. “Follow me, please p>
Darlon turned to me, his eyes sharp but soft at the same time. “Ready p>
I nodded, feeling my heart hammering. “As ready as I’ll ever be p>
The corridor to the main hall seemed longer than it had when we came. I could hear the buzz of conversation, the occasional laughter, the faint click of cameras. Then we stepped into the hall, and my stomach dropped.
The place was massive. Rows of tables, a long stage at the front, and a sea of faces, Alphas, Lunas, big designers, and other important pack leaders. Cameras flashed constantly, and the murmur of conversations filled the air. Every eye didn’t just see me, they judged me. I wanted to shrink, disappear, but I couldn’t.
Darlon’s hand brushed mine briefly before he adjusted his tie. “Just breathe,” he murmured.
I nodded, forcing myself to.
Then our names were called.
“Luna Elara and Alpha Darlon, please join us on the stage p>
The applause started, polite at first, then louder as we stepped onto the stage. My heels felt heavy, my legs shaking slightly. I could feel the weight of the room, the expectations, the respect, the subtle tension. Darlon’s hand brushed mine again, a quiet reminder that he was there, that I wasn’t facing this alone.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” Darlon began, his voice cutting through the noise, calm and commanding, “thank you for being here tonight. It is an honor to host this event, to celebrate the talent, creativity, and dedication that surrounds us p>
I let myself breathe a little. That voice, steady and sure, gave me courage. I stepped forward.
“Tonight isn’t just about fashion or design,” I said, my voice trembling for a heartbeat, then strengthening. “It’s about passion, dedication, and creating opportunities. As Luna, it is my duty to support not only our own pack but all those who strive to achieve something extraordinary. We wanted this event to be a platform, a place where talent is recognized and celebrated p>
There were nods from the people, murmurs of approval from some of the big designers. A few cameras clicked. I felt a small spark of pride.
Darlon’s eyes met mine briefly. A small thumbs-up. I swallowed hard and continued.
“We’ve seen so many talented individuals whose work deserves more than just attention; it deserves respect,” he added, his tone resonating in the room. “And tonight, we honor them. We honor their creativity, their effort, and their courage to pursue something they love. That is what my company and the blueberries company decides to bring today p>
“I hope tonight inspires everyone here,” I added, soft but firm, “to continue striving, to continue creating, and to never let fear or doubt hold them back p>
Applause followed, stronger this time, and I felt a small rush of warmth. Darlon’s hand found mine again for a brief moment. “You’re doing perfectly,” he whispered.
“Thanks,” I murmured back.
A reporter called out, “Luna Elara, Alpha Darlon, what inspired this gathering p>
I spoke first. “It was about giving back and promoting my company. Too often, talent is hidden because the world doesn’t notice. We wanted to create a space where people could shine, where their work could be seen and appreciated by those who understand its value p>
Darlon nodded. “Exactly. And more than that, it’s about community. We’re all leaders, all guardians of our packs. And part of our responsibility is to nurture and encourage those who follow their passions, to guide and recognize excellence wherever it exists p>
Another Alpha at the front leaned slightly forward, intrigued. “And you believe this will help strengthen ties between packs p>
I took a deep breath. “I do. It will also connect companies. Respect and support don’t just strengthen relationships; they build trust, and from trust, everything else grows. Today is about celebrating that p>
Darlon gave me a small smile, proud but not distracted. I felt a wave of reassurance pass through me.
“Tonight,” I said, my voice finding strength, “isn’t just about fashion or design. It’s about passion, dedication, and the people behind every creation. This event is the result of hard work, not just mine, but the efforts of my entire staff. They have spent months preparing, organizing, and ensuring that today would be a celebration worthy of everyone here p>
“So today,” I continued, looking out at the sea of faces, “we invite you to enjoy yourselves, to celebrate talent, and to recognize the effort behind what you see. This day is for all of you, and it is our hope that you leave inspired, uplifted, and proud of what we can achieve together p>
Darlon gave me a brief, proud smile, and I felt a wave of relief. He added smoothly, “It’s about more than just the stage or the lights. It’s about people, their stories, and the dedication behind every single accomplishment. Tonight, we honor that p>
The speech ended, the applause swelling, and the staff signaled it was time to leave the stage. As we walked down the steps, I felt a mix of relief and pride. We had spoken not just as hosts, but as leaders. And the room had listened.
The staff led us to the highest table. It was positioned so all eyes could see us, yet slightly apart, a reminder of our status as Alpha and Luna. I felt the weight of the room’s respect settle over me, heavy but not unwelcome.