Kamrynn's POV
By noon, the invited Alphas began to arrive, their entourages adding a new layer of energy to the already bustling palace. The first to make their grand entrance was Alpha Zane and Luna Isla of the Moon Blood Pack.
The entire palace staff gathered outside, lined up neatly to welcome them, while Alpha Orion and Luna Rmonica stood at the forefront, their presence regal yet inviting. I lingered toward the back, watching the sleek black Lamborghini come to a stop, followed by a small fleet of expensive cars.
When the car door opened, Alpha Zane stepped out first, his posture stiff and commanding. His blue eyes swept over the gathered staff and pack members with an air of superiority. Luna Isla followed, her movements deliberate and her expression unabashedly bored as she adjusted the folds of her intricate crimson dress, the plunging neckline so low it almost made me uncomfortable.
"Alpha Zane, Luna Isla," Alpha Orion greeted with a polite nod. "Welcome to the Blue Bell Pack. We're honored to have you join us for this year's Harvest Moon Festival."
Alpha Zane inclined his head with regal composure. "Thank you, Alpha Orion, Luna Rmonica. The Moon Blood Pack is pleased to be part of such a revered celebration."
Luna Isla, however, was far less gracious. Her sharp, critical eyes swept over the palace grounds, lingering on every detail as though she were cataloging imperfections. She let out a faint, theatrical sigh, her lips curving into a tight, unimpressed smile.
"Well," she began, her voice dripping with disdain, "I see you've made an effort. Though, I must admit, I expected more from the Blue Bell Pack. Convincing me to attend wasn't easy, as you know, and I do hope my time here isn't wasted on... mediocrity."
The words hung in the air like a cloud of smoke, suffocating and biting.
My fists clenched instinctively, and it took all my restraint not to grimace openly. Her tone wasn't just condescending-it was razor-sharp, meant to cut, and it made my skin crawl.
Rmonica, ever the epitome of grace, let out a light laugh that managed to diffuse the tension. "We'll do everything in our power to ensure you're thoroughly impressed, Luna Isla. Please, come inside and make yourselves at home."
Isla gave a tight-lipped smile that didn't reach her eyes before gesturing for one of her attendants to follow. As they were escorted into the palace, I caught myself frowning. Something about Isla's snotty demeanor grated on my nerves, and I could tell from the strained smiles of a few staff members that I wasn't alone in my opinion.
Before I could dwell on it further, the Silver Claw Pack arrived. Their entrance was more modest compared to the Moon Blood Pack's, but the warmth emanating from its occupants was immediate. Alpha Rain stepped out first, his golden hair catching the sunlight as he beamed at Alpha Orion and Rmonica.
"Orion! Rmonica!" he called out cheerfully, clasping Alpha Orion's hand in a firm shake.
"Rain, Rielle," Alpha Orion greeted back with a wide smile. "It's good to see you both."
Luna Rielle followed, holding a small boy in her arms. Her presence was soft and nurturing, a stark contrast to Isla's frigid air.
Rmonica stepped forward, her arms outstretched. "Rielle! It's been far too long."
The two women embraced warmly before Rmonica turned her attention to the little boy. "And who is this handsome young man?"
"This is Callum," Rielle replied, her voice filled with motherly pride as she handed him to Rmonica.
Callum giggled as Rmonica lifted him into her arms. "You're going to be quite the heartbreaker when you grow up, aren't you?"
The little boy's laughter was infectious, and I found myself smiling as Rmonica pulled a small gemstone from her pocket. "A gift for you, Callum," she said, placing it in his tiny hands.
"Thank you," Callum replied shyly before burying his face in his mother's shoulder when she took him back.
The interaction was so genuine and heartwarming that I almost wished it would never end. It reminded me of what true Pack bonds looked like-filled with warmth, love, and shared joy.
As the Silver Claw Pack was shown inside, the final guests arrived: Alpha Draven and his daughter, Princess Thalia, from the Amethyst Pack. Their car was sleek and colored black with purple accents, a clear nod to their Pack's name.
Alpha Draven stepped out, his domineering presence instantly commanding attention. His dark hair was neatly combed back, and his piercing eyes swept the crowd. Princess Thalia followed, her posture as poised as her father's. She was stunning, with her flowing lavender dress and delicate doll-like features, and she carried herself with a quiet confidence.
"Alpha Orion, Luna Rmonica," Draven greeted with a firm nod. "Thank you for hosting us. The Amethyst Pack is honored to celebrate the Harvest Moon Festival with you."
"Alpha Draven, Princess Thalia," Rmonica replied warmly. "Welcome to the Blue Bell Pack. We're delighted to have you here."
Thalia smiled politely, her gaze steady but kind as she replied, "Thank you, Luna Rmonica. Your Pack is beautiful."
As the introductions continued, there was suddenly the sound of hurried footsteps and the door closing, instantly drawing all eyes. It was none other than Kyven, his disheveled hair and slightly wrinkled shirt making it clear he hadn't planned to be the center of attention. He stopped mid-step, his face turning red as he realized the disruption he'd caused.
"My apologies," he said hastily, bowing to the Alphas and their entourages. "I didn't mean to interrupt-"
His words cut off abruptly as his gaze landed on Thalia. His entire body went still, and an almost palpable energy crackled in the air.
Thalia turned to him, her expression softening as their eyes locked. The world seemed to fall silent, and for a long, tense moment, neither of them spoke.
Finally, Kyven took a shaky step forward, his voice reverent as he broke the silence with a single word.
"Mate."
Gasps rippled through the gathered crowd, the weight of his declaration sinking in.
Thalia's cheeks flushed, and she whispered back, her voice barely audible. "Mate."
Rmonica's hand flew to her mouth, her eyes wide with shock, while Alpha Orion's expression shifted into one of careful contemplation.
As for me, I stood rooted to the spot, my heart pounding as I processed the moment. Kyven had just found his mate-and she was none other than Princess Thalia of the Amethyst Pack.