Chapter 10 First Public Appearance

I stood in my old room at Bluestone Academy. Kane had his back to me, his hand resting on the doorknob. A familiar dread spread through my stomach, a dull ache settling behind my ribs. This was the moment I had broken up with him.

"I'm sorry," I said.

"Just go. I don't want to see you anymore." His voice was rough.

"Kane, please forgive me—"

Before I could finish, he pulled the handle and the door swung open.

I had wanted to stop him then. I wanted to take everything back and pull him into my arms again. But I couldn't.

I had a newborn baby waiting for me, and the loss of my inner wolf had left me hollow inside. Now, I wanted to wake up, but I forced myself to relive this moment, watching him leave me.

When he was gone, my body crumpled, just as it had that day. I'd hidden my pain in front of him. I hadn't wanted him to know what I'd done, and what it had cost me.

"Kane," I had cried long into the night, before I pulled myself together, left the Academy, and never looked back.

Suddenly, a knock at the door roused me from my slumber. I pulled myself out of bed. Today was the day of the candidates' first public appearance. We had to get ready.

I knew I wouldn't win the final selection, but I had decided to try to stay as long as I could, for Elva's sake. Plus, if I'm being honest, it was nice to eat three full meals a day again. I was already regaining some of the weight I'd lost. Each day, I was gaining more energy. I'd never be as strong as those with inner wolves, but now I could at least last a full day without being totally exhausted.

After getting dressed, Elva and I wore matching light green gowns adorned with faux wildflowers sewn into the skirt. We both thanked the maids for their help, then, holding Elva's hand, I led her to the parlor where the other girls were gathering.

Sophia looked stunning in a red gown, radiating in the brightest, most striking color. She stood out in the room and beamed whenever she caught someone's gaze.

"Many from my pack were approved to be part of the crowd today," she said to Olivia, whose off-white floor-length dress was sleek and elegant.

"My pack too," Olivia replied with an identical smile. Though they spoke friendly enough, it almost seemed like a contest between them.

I wondered if they were in an alliance together, and if they were, how long it would last. I spotted Clara near the wall at the far side of the room, but before we could make our way over, Ryan appeared at the doorway.

"Ladies, are you ready for your introduction?"

We lined up and were led outside. A stage had been erected in front of the estate. The cameras weren't running yet as Ryan stepped onto it. The crowd was there though, and immediately began cheering:

"Sophia!"

"Olivia!"

A few other names were called as well, but none as loud as those two. They must come from prominent packs indeed to have been allowed so many supporters into the small crowd.

Elva, nervous from the noise, hid behind my skirt. I picked her up into my arms.

"Are you scared?" I asked her.

She nodded.

"Don't worry," I said. "I’m here with you."

When the Silver Moon family members arrived at the stage, the camera crew sprang into action. Ryan walked his way down the line of us candidates. "Heads up, everyone. We're about to start."

I straightened Elva's dress, then held her close as the director waved and the crowd erupted into a roar.

Ryan took a deep breath that lifted his entire chest, and spoke. "The Silver Moon family humbly thanks everyone for joining us. Those here in the crowd, and those watching at home. We are eager to introduce you to the selected candidates, any one of which could eventually become Luna, that is, the next Luna."

One by one, the candidates stepped forward, introducing themselves, the pack they belonged to, and saying something about themselves.

Sophia, as expected, was from a wealthy and successful Chicago pack. "I will bring glory to my pack," she said, and half the crowd cheered.

Olivia, beside her, was not to be outdone. Her pack was just as prominent. "I thank my pack for their support in helping bring me here." The other half of the crowd cheered. Sophia smiled at Olivia, but it was too tight to be genuine.

Clara spoke too softly into the microphone for anyone to hear. Ryan asked her to speak up, but she panicked and froze. Ryan smoothly moved on from her distress, passing the microphone forward.

When it was my turn, Elva helped me hold the microphone. The crowd watching us began to murmur.

"My name is Elena," I said. "I'm twenty-five years old, and my pack..." I quickly gave the name of my less prestigious pack. "This is my niece Elva. I'd like to thank the Silver Moon family for giving a single mother like myself a chance at the selection."

No one cheered for me. They whispered and stared.

Elva leaned into the microphone. "I'm Elva!" That at least earned a couple of claps. Elva worried her bottom lip with her teeth as Ryan took the microphone away from us.

"You did great," I told her, but she still didn't seem convinced.

After the introductions, we were ushered to a press conference further into the gardens. The three heirs and Alpha were already seated. Different cameras were aligned, facing them. A slew of reporters sat in folding chairs behind the cameras. Each had their hands raised.

Alpha called on one reporter who stood.

After briefly introducing himself and his publication, he said, "A question for the heirs. Gentlemen, what are your thoughts about a single mother participating in the Moon Goddess Selection?"

Julian leaned forward first. "It definitely adds to the excitement, doesn't it? A relief, really. Sometimes things can get stuffy and dull around here."

The press laughed. Alpha gave him a flat look. Julian met it and shrugged.

"Heir Mason?" the reporter asked.

Mason leaned toward the microphone. "It's fine." He leaned back. The reporter waited, but Mason didn't say anything else.

"Yes, thank you. Uh, Heir Kane? Same question."The reporter cleared his throat.

Anxiety clawed at my chest. What would he say?