Stella
By the time I reached the edge of the stage, my hands were shaking.
Not badly—not enough for anyone else to notice—but enough that I clasped them together, forcing my fingers to still. The room was already filling, voices overlapping in low conversation, the hum of power thick in the air. I spotted my parents and a few of my siblings—Levi, Xander, and Hunter. Other leaders from territories worldwide had arrived early, all of them tired, irritated by the weather, and eager to assert themselves.
Perfect.
I lifted my chin and scanned the crowd, offering practiced smiles as people noticed me. I'd done this countless times. Speeches. Announcements. Diplomacy. It was second nature by now. My father gave me a reassuring wink, one that didn't comfort like it should have.
It felt like I
