Defy The Alpha(s)

Chapter 436: Stolen Throne

Lunaris Academy’s ballroom — the same place where the scandal happened — had now been transformed into a makeshift press conference room. A row of reporters lined the front, their camera lights blinking and ready for action.

The official seal of Lunaris Academy was emblazoned on the wall behind the podium, and was flanked by the flags of the four major packs, with the emblem of United Dorminia at the center.

The room was occupied by heads of departments, academy board members, Betas from each pack, and even a representative from the President himself. Notably, the seats reserved for the Cardinal Alphas, and unsurprisingly, Violet Purple, remained empty. Their absence was louder than words.

"Thank you all for honoring my invitation today," Principal Jameson began, her voice formal and even. "Lunaris Academy does not take recent events lightly. What occurred during the Parents’ Day Gala was deeply inappropriate and has cast a shadow on the integrity we strive to uphold."

She paused, letting the gravity of her words settle.

"That is why we are here today to allow Miss Elsie Lancaster the opportunity to address the public directly. She has requested to speak, and this academy believes in due process, even in the most difficult of times."

She stepped aside with a measured gesture.

"Miss Lancaster, the floor is yours."

The air was heavy with whispers and judgment as Elsie Lancaster appeared at once, heading towards the mic while camera flashes went off relentlessly, capturing every inch of her drastic transformation.

Elsie wore a modest white dress that was no doubt the result of aggressive PR damage control. It was too simple, and totally unlike her. Her silver curls were tied into a plain ponytail, and her makeup was so minimal it was nearly nonexistent.

Gone was her radiant poise and the signature icy confidence. Elsie now stood stripped bare by the court of public opinion looking remorseful, or at least pretending to.

with an passive expression, offering no visible

microphone, her voice surprisingly

start by apologizing to the students of Lunaris Academy, to the faculty, to the community, to the Houses I represent, and to the public watching from beyond our walls for the events that came to light during the Parents’

what had happened, but at hearing it acknowledged out loud. The recording

"As a bride candidate for the Cardinal Alphas, I was chosen to embody honor, purity, and grace... " her voice faltered briefly on "grace", prompting a few snickers from the press,

her head as if weighed down by shame. But those who knew Elsie at all knew she wasn’t sorry for what she did. She was only sorry

deeply regret the pain and embarrassment this has caused. I am cooperating fully with the disciplinary board and will accept their

safest line of all,

Principal Jameson didn’t blink and was perfectly composed. This

hope in time I can earn back the respect of my peers and the trust of the public. Thank

turned from the podium, ignoring the barrage of questions

it true

"Was the video consensual?"

Cardinal Alphas now that Violet

"Have they abandoned you?"

are the

her offstage. The commotion continued until Principal Jameson returned to the mic

Disciplinary Board has reached a decision

fell on