Defy The Alpha(s) novel Chapter 357

Chapter 357: Time To Tango

Griffin was in charge of the program's order, so Violet knew exactly when Elsie Lancaster would be hosting the memory reel. Everyone was seated now, even Asher had found his way back just in time with Nancy. Her mother joined her friends at a table just beside theirs.

Violet subtly questioned Daisy with her eyes if everything was ready and the girl nodded in affirmation.

Good. It was time to tango.

Let the fun begin.

The lights dimmed slightly and a soft spotlight bathed the stage in front till

Elsie's red gown practically shimmered. She was the picture of elegance and control.

"I can't tell you how much of an honor it is to have you all here tonight and to be the one given the privilege of showcasing our elegant institution, Lunaris Academy," Elsie continued after everyone had settled down, her voice soft and sweet, oozing grace and polish. It was the kind of tone that charmed parents and masked poison.

She continued. "Lunaris Academy is more than a school. It is history. It is legacy. A stronghold that stood tall during the darkest of times. A safe haven for werewolves during the great war. And it was from those ashes that we rose united."

There were murmurs of agreement across the room. Elsie Lancaster was playing to her audience. She always did.Violet had to give her that for a talent.

"And then came the time of the late Alpha King Angus…" Elsie's tone softened, almost reverent. "Who, in his wisdom and unmatched vision for unity, birthed the humans into the system. Humans who never thought they would share the same system of education with werewolves. Goddess bless his soul."

At that moment, heads turned subtly in the direction of Michah, who sat in a quiet corner of the hall. The soft buzz of conversation dipped as people were reminded, once again that he carried royal blood.

Elsie pressed on.

"It was because of his vision that the Conscription began. Welcoming not just humans of high blood but also those from the outskirts. Those who had never dreamed of a place like this. Humans from less privileged districts."

Although Elsie didn't outright insult anyone, the disdain and polished arrogance in her tone rang clear. Especially as her eyes locked deliberately with Violet's.

Violet didn't flinch. She just smirked, cocking her head slightly, like a queen watching a jester dance.

Let the girl play. It won't be long now.

Elsie's voice rose slightly again, drawing the room's attention back. "This short video presentation will show us how far Lunaris Academy has come. How much it has contributed to the unification of werewolves and humans, not just here in the United Dorminia, but perhaps, around the world?"

She turned to the large screen behind her with a bright smile and a graceful step to the side.

The lights dimmed.

And the reel began to play.

Violet's hand found another glass of wine and sipped slowly.

It was about to go down.

At first, the ballroom was quiet with anticipation, the video opening with a soft royal tune that made everyone sit straighter. Elsie's syrupy sweet voice flowed through the speakers, playing over the visuals.

"For over a century, Lunaris Academy has stood proud. A sanctuary, a beacon of excellence even before it earned its title..."

The camera panned through the front gates, then the grand courtyard, then soared in an aerial view that made the school look like a palace in the clouds. Students, parents, staff, and reporters watched like it was a campaign ad.

Then a sharp glitch rippled through the screen, the music cracked and all fell silent.

There were low murmurs around the room as all presumed it was a technical fault.

Suddenly, the blackened screen came alive with the words in bold, jagged, blood-red font :

HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW LUNARIS ACADEMY?

Elsie stiffened. What the fuck? This was not what she prepared.

Before anyone could speak, the video slammed into motion again and the upbeat royal fanfare was replaced with deep, cinematic drums. The next frame was grainy but everyone saw Asher Nightshade, in his gym wear, as he snapped Clayton's arm without mercy.

The footage froze on Clayton's twisted face and the words, "NO RESTRAINT" flashed across the screen in red, stamped font.

UNCONTROLLABLE

"WILD PASSION" slammed across the screen.

IS THIS LOVE OR LUST?

TOO MUCH POWER?