Chapter 134
134
~Elara’s POV
Darlon pulled out my chair, his hands steady. “Sit,” he said. I sat, smoothing my dress as best I could.
“You were incredible,” he said softly.
I shook my head, still trying to calm my racing heart. “I was terrified,” I admitted. “All those eyes… all that judgment p>
“I’m proud of you, my love p>
I let out a small laugh. “Thank you p>
Servers brought out the first course of the meal, the aroma rich and inviting. I took a bite, feeling the tension ease slightly. Conversation at the table flowed, polite, formal, but with undercurrents of curiosity. I nodded and smiled, letting the room’s flow wash over me, but my thoughts kept returning to Darlon, the quiet strength beside me, the pride in his eyes.
“You should eat,” I said finally. “You’ve been observing everyone, barely touched your food p>
“I’m fine,” he said, though I caught the small smile. “Just watching, learning p>
“You’re always watching,” I muttered. “Even when it’s supposed to be a celebration p>
“Even then,” he replied, brushing my hand with his briefly. “It’s what leaders do p>
I nodded, understanding that look in his eyes.
I let myself relax slightly, letting the taste of the food, the warmth of the room, and the security of Darlon’s presence fill me.
The host’s voice rang clearly across the hall. “Ladies and gentlemen, please let’s give Luna Elara and Alpha Darlon a big round of applause p>
The applause was immediate, loud, and overwhelming. I felt my chest tighten, my cheeks warming. Cameras clicked, flashes exploding around us. I glanced at Darlon. He smiled faintly, calm and commanding, and gave me a small squeeze of the hand under the table. That gesture alone reminded me to stand tall, to hold my head high.
“You were incredible,” he whispered softly.
“I’m just… overwhelmed,” I admitted, my voice barely audible over the final claps. “So many people… all this attention p>
“You earned it,” he said, eyes steady on mine. “Don’t forget that p>
The host lifted her hand again. “And now, ladies and gentlemen, the moment you’ve all been waiting for, the fashion show! Today, every design on the runway has been created by our very own Luna Elara and her talented team p>
The crowd erupted again. The applause, cheers, and whistles filled the hall. I felt a rush of pride and a twinge of nerves. My own work, the countless hours my team and I had poured into this, was about to be displayed for the eyes of every Alpha and Luna present. I glanced at Darlon.
“They’re going to see everything,” I whispered, excitement and fear mixing in my chest.
“They will,” he replied softly. “And they’ll be impressed. I’ve seen your work. I know they will be too p>
The lights dimmed, and soft music began to play. A hush fell over the audience. My heart thumped in my chest as the first model appeared at the end of the runway.
It was one of our signature gowns, a deep emerald green, flowing and light, catching the lights as the model moved. I couldn’t take my eyes off it. Every fold, every shimmer of the fabric, every movement, it was exactly how I had imagined it. The crowd murmured in appreciation. Cameras clicked, and I felt a tiny tremor of excitement run through me.
“Look at that… it’s perfect,” I whispered to Darlon.
He nodded, eyes scanning the runway. “It’s beautiful. You and your team did this p>
Another model appeared, this one wearing a bold black-and-gold outfit I had designed to convey strength and confidence. Structured lines, sharp angles, and subtle embroidery glinting in the lights. The audience leaned forward, some Alphas nodding, Lunas whispering admiration.
“They really respond to the bold pieces,” I said, a small thrill in my voice. “I think they can see the effort, the detail p>
“They can,” Darlon said quietly. “And that’s why this works. You didn’t just make clothes, you made statements p>
Models continued, each outfit a reflection of our vision. Flowing silks, metallic fabrics, intricate lace, bold modern tailoring. Each one is unique, yet unmistakably ours. I kept glancing at the audience, noting their reactions, the nods, the whispers, the flashes of cameras. My chest swelled with pride.
“They’re noticing the details,” I whispered to Darlon. “The embroidery, the textures… all of it p>
“They should,” he said softly.
The music shifted to something more playful, jazzy. Models appeared in vibrant prints, flowing layers, and dramatic accessories. One wore a feathered cape that we had spent hours adjusting so it flowed just right. Another had an oversized hat, perfectly balanced, adding flair without taking away from the outfit. The audience laughed lightly, clapped, and I felt a small surge of pride.
“I love seeing them have fun with it,” I said. “It’s not just clothes, it’s personality, energy, art p>
Darlon leaned closer. “And that’s what makes it memorable. You created more than outfits, you created moments p>
The lights dimmed further, casting soft shadows over the runway. A model emerged in silver and midnight blue, sequins arranged like a starry night. I couldn’t help the gasp that escaped me.
“That’s… breathtaking,” I whispered. “Exactly what I imagined p>
Darlon nodded. “Every detail matters. Look at the effect, it’s stunning p>
The audience was captivated. Alphas leaned forward, Lunas whispered admiration, and photographers clicked relentlessly. The sense of pride I felt was overwhelming, not just for me, but for my team, who had stayed up countless nights making adjustments, perfecting every detail.
“You did this,” I whispered to Darlon. “We all did. Every late night, every fitting, every tiny change, it was worth it p>
He gave my hand a reassuring squeeze. “And now everyone can see it p>
The final segment began grandly and dramatically. Models emerged in our couture pieces, long trains, sparkling embellishments, bold silhouettes. Each step demanded attention, each turn held power. The crowd clapped, some standing, some whistling, all appreciative.
I leaned toward Darlon. “This… it’s everything we worked for. The effort, the hours, the planning, it’s alive now p>
“Yes,” he said, a small smile playing on his lips. “And they’re going to remember it. All of it. Your vision, your leadership, it’s undeniable p>
As the last model walked, the music swelled, and the host returned to the stage. “Ladies and gentlemen, let us give another round of applause for Luna Elara and Alpha Darlon p>
The hall exploded with cheers. Cameras clicked endlessly. I felt Darlon squeeze my hand, and I returned the gesture, smiling through the rush of adrenaline and pride.
“I can’t believe it’s happening,” I whispered, feeling tears of joy prick my eyes.
“You made it happen,” he said softly. “We all did p>