MAXIMUS’S POV
“Rise,” I commanded.
Hundreds of heads lifted. The rustle of movement filled the royal hall as my people straightened, their faces turned toward me, waiting. Expectant. Curious.
I let the silence stretch, my gaze sweeping over the sea of faces—Alphas, Betas, warriors, nobles. Some looked proud. Others afraid. All of them unaware of what was really happening tonight.
“Thank you,” I began, my voice deep, steady. “For honoring my invitation.”
Murmurs rippled faintly through the crowd. I caught their glances—people leaning close, whispering, wondering why I’d called such a gathering so suddenly.
“I brought you all here,” I continued, “to remind you that we are one.”
The hall fell silent again. The only sound was the faint hum of the chandeliers above, the glint of their li
