Alpha King and His Heir Share One Luna

chapter 1: The Selection Ceremony (Elara's POV) On a crisp spring morning, I stared out the window of the luxury SUV as it wound its way up the private road leading to Thorne Manor. Dozens of gleaming vehicles lined the approach to the seat of power for the Royal Redwood Pack, each carrying hopeful candidates for today's mate selection ceremony. My hands fidgeted nervously in my lap. At eighteen years old, I was here as a candidate for the future Alpha King Rhys, who had also just completed his wolf shifting several months ago. Despite my striking features—long raven hair and emerald green eyes that many had complimented—I had no illusions about my chances. "You're wasting your time here," whispered my wolf, Emma, in the back of my mind. "Girls like us don't become Luna." I sighed inwardly. I know. But what choice do we have? My Silverwood Pack lineage would work against me from the start. We were a small pack ruled by the Royal Redwood, with limited influence in the werewolf world. I had resigned myself to early elimination before I even arrived. "Stop fidgeting," came a sharp voice beside me. "You look like a nervous pup." I turned to see Cordelia Vance watching me with cold blue eyes. Her dark hair was perfectly styled, not a strand out of place, unlike my simple waves that I had spent hours trying to tame this morning. "Sorry," I mumbled, forcing my hands to stay still. The weight of my family's complicated history pressed down on me. My father, Gareth Rivers, was once a highly valued Beta advisor to the current Alpha King. But when my grandfather fell ill, he was forced to resign his position to return home. Our family's influence and status gradually disappeared during those difficult years. "Remember what I told you yesterday?" Cordelia asked, checking her reflection in a small compact mirror. "Don't embarrass me or our connection." I nodded silently. After my grandfather's passing, my father recently managed to regain a position in the Royal Pack, but it was nothing like before. His standing was low now, and I understood the painful truth: the only reason I received an invitation to participate in this selection was due to our family's connection with the powerful Vance Pack. My aunt Emily was Alpha Vance's mistress. Though she was his fated mate, he had chosen to make a political alliance by taking a more powerful Alpha's daughter as his mate instead. It was only out of love for my aunt that Alpha Vance had provided this opportunity for me. "My father did you a big favor," Cordelia continued, snapping her compact shut. "Don't forget it." "I won't," I said quietly. "Thank you for the opportunity." A sad smile played on my lips. What a complicated world we lived in, where even true mates could be cast aside for political advantage. Would the future Alpha King do the same? Choose power over love? I shifted uncomfortably in my seat, all too aware of Cordelia's eyes on me, assessing my every move. As daughter of Alpha Vance, she was among the most favored candidates. Her pack was one of the strongest under Royal Redwood rule. "That dress," Cordelia said suddenly, looking at my simple blue gown. "It's... quaint. Did your mother make it?" Heat rushed to my cheeks. "Yes, she did. She stayed up three nights to finish it." Cordelia's lips curled into a slight smirk. "How sweet. But remember, we're not attending a village dance. This is the Royal mate selection." I bit my tongue to hold back words I'd regret. Emma growled softly in my mind. "Once we're inside, we'll be arranged according to pack hierarchy," she said, her tone dripping with disdain. "You don't need to stay close to me. In fact, it's better if you don't." The words stung, though I'd expected nothing less. "Thank you for the reminder, Cordelia," I replied softly, keeping my expression neutral despite the turbulence inside. "Don't thank me," she said with a shrug. "I'm not doing you any favors. Just stating facts." I turned back to the window, watching as Thorne Manor came into view. The imposing structure was a perfect blend of modern glass and stone architecture set against ancient redwood trees that stretched skyward. Their massive trunks seemed to stand as silent guardians of the pack's legacy. "Impressive, isn't it?" Cordelia said, following my gaze. "My family has a wing named after us in the east section. Where does your father stay when he's here? The servants' quarters?" Emma snarled in my mind. Let me out. I'll tear her throat out. Not helping, Emma, I thought back. When our vehicle finally stopped, I stepped out into the cool morning air, clutching my small bag like a lifeline. Candidates from various packs were being directed by pack enforcers, their faces a mix of excitement and nerves. "Remember, smile," Cordelia whispered harshly as she brushed past me. "You came with me, don't disgrace the Vance family." I forced my lips into what I hoped was a pleasant expression as a young pack enforcer approached me, his gaze sharp and assessing. "Which pack are you from?" he asked briskly. I steadied my voice despite my racing heart. "Silverwood Pack," I responded quietly. "My father is Gareth Rivers, who works for the Alpha King." His eyes lingered on my face for a moment too long, taking in my enchanting appearance before he finally nodded. "Join the lineup at the middle-back," he directed, already turning his attention to the next arrival. "Not even middle-front," Emma sulked. I followed his instructions, walking along the path lined with those ancient redwoods. Their presence was both comforting and intimidating—a reminder of the long history and tradition that surrounded this ceremony. Around me, girls from various packs chatted nervously or stood in proud silence. Most wore expensive clothing that signaled their pack's wealth and status. Diamonds glittered at their throats and wrists, while my only jewelry was a simple silver pendant that had belonged to my grandmother. "Look at them," whispered a girl near me to her friend. "Some of these lower packs really think they have a chance." Her companion giggled. "As if the future Alpha King would choose someone who can't even afford proper jewels." My cheeks burned as I realized they were looking at me. I straightened my spine and lifted my chin, refusing to show how much their words hurt. "Remember who you are," Emma whispered to me. "We may not have their wealth or connections, but we have strength they know nothing about." I took comfort in my wolf's words as we were ushered forward. The candidates were being grouped in sets of six, each group escorted to Thorne Manor's grand hall where Seraphina Thorne, the Alpha King's mother and the former Luna, would personally oversee the initial selection. A tall girl with blonde hair glanced at me as we formed our group. "Silverwood, right?" she asked. I nodded, surprised anyone would know. "I'm Mira, from Oakenshield Pack," she said with a small smile. "Don't let these snobs get to you. Half of them bought their way in." I returned her smile gratefully, but before I could respond, an enforcer barked at us to be silent. My heart hammered against my ribs as we entered the massive hall. The ceiling soared overhead, supported by columns that seemed to reach for the sky. Windows of stained glass cast colorful patterns across the marble floor, and at the far end sat an elevated platform where the selection would take place. "Goddess," Mira whispered beside me. "It's even more beautiful than they say." I nodded in agreement, too awestruck to speak. The hall was filled with the scent of pine and cedar, mixed with the perfumes of dozens of nervous girls. I spotted Cordelia across the hall, standing proudly with a group of obviously high-ranking candidates. She caught my eye and smirked, then deliberately turned away. "That's Cordelia Vance," Mira whispered. "They say she's already been promised to the prince. This whole ceremony is just a formality." My stomach twisted. I knew Cordelia was favored, but I hadn't realized it might be already decided. "Stand tall," a girl behind me hissed. "They're watching us." Sure enough, I noticed several older wolves—council members, perhaps—observing us from the sidelines, making notes and occasionally pointing. "They're looking for flaws," Mira explained under her breath. "Any reason to eliminate the lower ranks quickly." I tried to control my breathing as our group was positioned in the center of the hall. Other groups stood in neat formations around us, creating a sea of potential mates for the future Alpha King. "Shoulders back, chin up," Emma coached. "We might not win, but we won't give them the satisfaction of seeing us cower." With practiced grace, we all bowed our heads in respect as a hush fell over the assembly. The air seemed to thicken with anticipation, and I could hear my own heartbeat in my ears. Then, a gentle and kindly voice sounded, making us all look up. Seraphina Thorne, the former Luna, had begun the ceremony.