<i>Zephyrine </i>
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Finished
Settled. That was the word that came to me when I finally left my bedchamber and walked into the great hall. Silence. It reigned.
I never thought I’d feel nervous until now, when every eye shifted and settled on me. Looking around, my gazended on the table where Hue Pack sat, and I had to turn away to stifle augh. My gods. I had told Dessyn to ce their table wherever she deemed fit and she had set it at the veryst row.
I steadied myself and finally turned forward, ready to begin the night. I walked gently towards the Lycan table first, a smile lifting my lips as I greeted the guests.
“Thank you foring.” I said softly, my eyes carefully avoiding Lycannar, who sat silent, his gaze pinned on the table as always.
I bow to his aunt who gave me a smile in response. Then when I was introduced to her she had called me a Rogue but now she grin brightly when she knows I am actually <i>a </i>female Alpha.
“You look stunning,” Princess Selena said, and I shot her a look.
“Don’t tter me when you look even more radiant. Thank you foring.”
I smiled at Baron and Beauty, bowed, then dared to let my eyes drift toward Lycannar. He wouldn’t look at me. His gaze didn’t shift, and I understood. My nce slid back to Princess Mearez, who wore white. I winked at her, and she smiled knowingly.
Quietly, I left their table.
Next, I moved to the Imperium Council’s table. There I bowed deeply in respect. Three of them sat. Three pirs of power.
Osmir, an elderly man with grey hair, had been my father’s closest friend. He was the one who once presented the order dering the demons had opened a portal to invade us. He bowed back to me, and I smiled in acknowledgment.
Then there was Ryndor, Alpha of York Pack, always respectful toward my father. Andstly, Lady Sylvara, once a great Luna when her husband still lived. I bowed before her.
“Your parents would be proud of you, Zephyr,” Osmir said, and I smiled in return.
“Your brother too,” Lady Sylvara murmured. The smile lingered until she added softly, “If only he were alive as well.”
At that, my smile faded. I gave no response, only moved on.
I approached White Pack’s table next, a grin spreading when I saw Alpha Auedric.
“It’s been years since I stood in this hall, Zephyr. It reminds me of your father, Warlord Vale,” he said.
Iughed.
“Same here. I can almost imagine him standing at that dais, beginning his speech.”
“Only this time, it’s you who will speak, not him,” he said warmly, and I nodded, smiling.
“Father,” I greeted Nathan, who sped my hand.
“You did well,” he said.
“Thanks foring. I appreciate it.”
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From there, I moved to the Horn Pack. Alpha Or?d bowed, and I returned it. Thanks to his warning, I knew my pack was about to be targeted by the vile thieves of ckbridge Pack but now I was certain they wouldn’t dare such foolishness.
After that, I didn’t bother greeting any other packs. I needed to prepare.
Jurrek approached and leaned close to whisper,
“Should we lock the gates?”
I shook my head.
“Leave them open. It’s fine. No one would be foolish enough to attack on a night like this.”
He nodded and stepped aside as I made my way to the dais. My heart clenched when I stood tall before them all, nervous, yet ready.
As great as this moment was, sorrow clung to me. Varyn should have been here tonight. He should have stood at this very spot, giving this speech. But fate had chosen me instead, and I would obey.
“Thank you all,” I began, my voice steady. The hall fell into silence, all eyes turning toward me except Lycannar, who still stared at the table. He hadn’t touched his wine, though some sses were drained and others halfway emptied.
“I appreciate you all for honoring my invitation tonight. As the new Alpha of Ash Pack, I am happy to announce a few things, new changes that I believe will make an impact in this shifter empire.”
“What are they? War?” A voice cut through the air. My eyes found her before anyone else’s did. Ka.
“We all know Ashmeres excel at nothing but shedding blood. Is that what you…
Her words died under my suddenughter. My gods, Dessyn. Of course. She had ced ckbridge Pack at the veryst row, right beside Hue Pack.
???
I turned away, trying to stifle it, but it only grew worse when Dessyn appeared from the side, instructing the maids only to stop when she noticed my state.
She raised a brow and approached.
“What’s so funny?”
“Why would you put her down there? She just spoke, and I can barely see where her voice came from,” I whispered.
Dessyn nced at the row and scoffed.
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Finished
“Suits her.” She gave me a sharp look. “But you’re in front of everyone. Can you at least <i>try </i>to be serious? gods.”<fn9a96> For more chapters visit F?ndNovel</fn9a96>
She left, and I finallyposed myself, clearing my throat before turning back to the audience.
“So… uh, as I was saying…”
“You haven’t answered my question,” Ka pressed.
This time, I fixed my gaze directly on her.
“War,” I began, my voice firmer now, carrying across the hall. “War is one thing. Shedding blood is another. Fighting to preserve peace is yet another. Ashmeres have always fought for justice. And if you are so concerned, rest assured, there is no reason to wage war in this empire now.”
She stayed silent, and I continued smoothly.
“What I wished to announce is trade.” Murmurs stirred but quieted when I pressed on. “Ash Pack is ready to trade with worthy packs. Those who respect us and are prepared to stand in honest dealings.”
A sigh escaped me, heavy with feeling. Then I lifted my gaze, fixing it on Ka with unyielding resolve.
“But let none mistake this. Just because we Ashmeres have hung our armor these past years, letting it gather dust, does not mean our skills have grown rusty or that we’ve forgotten who we are in this empire.”
I swallowed, then dered with steel in my voice,
“If war should rise, we will face it head–on. Not because we love bloodshed but because it is what Ashmeres do. And the likes of you…” My eyes pierced her where she sat. “I doubt you even know what that truly means.”
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