Contract With The Alpha King by Brey Mitchylle

Chapter 64

Fiona stilled beside Elijah, her body feeling as if it had disconnected from her mind. The weight of the room's eyes, the whispers, and the tension all pressed down on her, making it difficult to think straight. Her nerves were raw, every instinct telling her to flee, but she held her ground. Sensing her unease, Elijah placed his hand gently over hers, the one that rested on his arm. His touch was firm but comforting. When she glanced up at him, he was already looking at her, a calm smile playing on his lips. Fiona forced herself to nod, her stomach still churning, but his presence pulled her back into the moment.

He guided her through the sea of watchful eyes, leading her toward the seats near the stage where the Alpha and Luna would sit. The grandeur of the hall felt suffocating, but she focused on keeping her steps steady, not letting her emotions show. The least that she could do was act like she deserved to be there... with him.

Just as they reached their seats, the sound of trumpets filled the air once more. Fiona tensed again. The herald's voice rang out, commanding the attention of everyone in the room.

"Announcing the arrival of His Majesty, the Alpha King, Nicholas Voss, and Her Majesty, Queen Luna!”

All eyes shifted toward the grand doors as King Nicholas entered, his commanding presence impossible to ignore. Dressed in a deep crimson cloak lined with gold, he was every bit the ruler the people feared and respected. Beside him was Queen Luna, in a stunning emerald gown, smiled warmly as they made their way into the hall, the entire room seeming to bow to their arrival.

Fiona felt the intensity in the room shift. The focus was now on the King and Queen, and for a moment, the weight of everyone's gaze on her lessened. But not entirely. One set of eyes burned into her back, cold and furious, cutting through the rest like a blade. She didn't need to turn around to know who it was. Her heart sank, and her grip tightened slightly on Elijah's arm. They were here. She had known they would attend this ball, she knew they would see her with Elijah the moment they walked in. Her family. And Zach. Fiona kept her head forward, her face expressionless, but inside, her pulse quickened. She could feel Zach's anger from across the room, the betrayal in her family's gaze.

Nicholas walked toward the stage with his wife, his smile broad and commanding. He carried himself with the air of a true king, every step deliberate, his presence filling the hall. The crowd fell into a hush as he reached the center, all eyes now focused on him. The silence was almost reverent.

"Welcome, everyone," Nicholas began, his voice clear and strong, echoing through the hall. "It is a great honor to stand before you tonight, surrounded by the strength and unity of our people."

He paused, glancing around the room, his gaze settling on the various Alphas and their families. "Tonight, we gather not just to celebrate but to reflect on the Rite of Kings-a tradition that has bound us together for centuries. I am proud to congratulate those of you who passed the first test. You have proven your worth, and for that, you have my respect."

A smattering of applause followed his words, but the room remained mostly quiet, hanging on the King's every word.

"As you know, I gave each participant two months to travel to our packs, to see how your brothers and sisters live, to understand their struggles and triumphs. This was no simple task, but it was a necessary one. For a true leader cannot lead without knowing the hearts of their people."

of the Rite of Kings." His voice grew sharper, more authoritative. "This next stage will challenge your cunning, your ability to plan, and your

in the room thickened with

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is required of you, and you will be given the time to prepare. But for now," he said, his tone lightening as his smile returned. "Tonight is a

planning had sharpened the atmosphere. Everyone understood the gravity of what was to come,

the music resumed, and the guests slowly returned to their

Rite of Kings looming. Turning to him, she whispered, "You should take this opportunity to socialize. You can't stay by my side all night." Elijah looked down at her with a hint of curiosity. "Are you certain?" he asked, his eyes searching hers for

to build alliances, and the second stage of the Rites would require his full focus on strategy and relationships. She couldn't afford to hold him

her, gesturing for her to sit. "I'll be back," he said softly, his gaze lingering on her for a moment before

of relief and unease settle over

then, the woman sitting beside her leaned over, her voice soft and friendly. "You don't have to sit here alone.

almost innocent expression, her youthful energy apparent. She didn't seem

but Fiona had learned by now that people here were good at hiding their true intentions behind polite smiles. Trust wasn't something she could afford to give

to dance," Adrianna mumbled. "How could he leave

to pay respect to his majesty." From the training that Fiona attended, all

her eyes, "How

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