Chapter 9 9. The Royal Sanatros

Clap. Clap. Clap.

Elana remained seated, her gaze on Darius, watching him as she tried to figure out if he had a hand in what just happened.

As if sensing her stare, he glanced down at her, his brows furrowing as he asked, "What?" "Why are you looking at me like that?"

Taking a look around, he bent down as he leaned close to her ear. "And why are you still sitting down while everyone else is standing?"

Standing straighter, he sent a deathly glare her way as he resumed his clapping.

Everyone else was busy, their attention focused on the front, but Darius was right.

Her hands clenched at the thought. Sitting down would bring unwanted attention to her, not when she had to maintain this pretense.

Slowly, she rose to her feet, shifting her gaze to the front of the hall where the official contenders were lined up.

Scanning the room, she sighted Thalina at the left side of the hall among the group of candidates that weren't called.

"Clap Elana," Darius demanded, clenching his teeth as he added, "This is a happy occasion."

"Yes, but not for us," Elana replied. "Thalina's name wasn't mentioned."

"Thalina doesn't belong here," he spat out almost immediately. "You should know that as her sister."

Turning his head towards her, his glare landed on her. "Now, you'll do well and stop feeding her with false hopes."

"Hollowmoon pack is where her fate lies," he added as he faced forward.

Her brows knitted together at his words.

"Darius ..." she started, her gaze on him as she asked. "...did you have anything to do with Thalina not being called?"

His eyes widened as he snapped his head towards her.

"Of course not!" He spat out quickly. "Watch your words, Elana," he warned.

Elana's heart began pounding at his reaction.

He was being too defensive.

No! No!

Her gaze scanned the hall, landing on King Cassian as she hoped silently that he would look at her.

He had to know that her sister wasn't part of the official contenders.

"I think, I think I have to..." her voice broke as her throat closed up. "...the restroom,"

"Stay still," Darius ordered, his hand clasping around her elbow, keeping her in place as he maintained his smile.

'Do you have any idea how embarrassing it was when you didn't return last night?' He asked through the mind link.

She jerked at the sound of his voice in her head, her legs growing weak at the sudden invasion.

'I had to make excuses for you while looking like a fool,' he continued. 'And if I couldn't reach you through the mindlink, that meant you were far away, right?'

Elana's jaw clenched at his words.

'I didn't ask because I thought you would explain yourself,'

'Yeah right.' she thought, her tone dripping with sarcasm. He didn't ask because he was too busy looking for ways to make sure Thalina wasn't selected.

"Your grip, Darius," she muttered, bringing his attention to his painful grip.

Sending her a glare, he dropped his hand from her.

There was no need to respond to him.

She couldn't even talk back through the mindlink. Her wolf was as good as being non-existent.

Her gaze landed on the king, his attention on his guard as the cheers of the crowd died down.

She had to tell him. Surely, he knew who her sister was.

Elana sat down as everyone took their seats once again, waiting for the next part of the event.

Soon, the hall was flooded with rising murmurings from the guests.

"What's going on?" Darius frowned, his gaze scanning the room.

Elana watched as Jaron walked up to the announcer, and whispered something to him.

Swallowing her nerves, she waited.

"Oh! We have a twist!" The announcer chirped, his voice bubbly.

This was it.

Elana shifted to the edge of her seat, her heart pounding for what was coming.

"His supreme majesty, Our Alpha king, has been so generous that he has allocated five more spots to be given to five candidates,"

"Whoooo!" The guests clapped at his words.

"The more, the merrier, eh?" the announcer winked as he continued.

"First, we have Anderson Estelle of Bluestone pack!"

Claps followed as the names were called.

Elana's palms grew sweaty as none of them were her sisters'.

"And for the fifth lucky candidate, we have...."

Clenching her fist, Elana closed her eyes, biting her lip as her heart raced.

"Thalina Solis of Hollowmoon pack!"

A loud gasp escaped her lips as relief flooded her body at the sound of the name.

Finally!

Her lips curved into a smile as she shifted her gaze to the King, his eyes already on her.

With a small smile, she nodded at him in acknowledgment.

He had done it. He had fulfilled his end of the bargain, but it was still far from over.

"This doesn't make sense!" Darius fumed, pulling her focus from the King.

His face was red as he snarled. "There was no need for this,"

"This is a chance for recognition, Alpha Darius," an alpha seated behind them started, "and yet you seem upset."

Elana shook her head, barely stopping the scoff that almost escaped her lips.

"No, it's not that," Darius answered, his voice suddenly calm. "I'm concerned about my luna. You see, she's quite fond of her sister."

Their voices faded to the background as Elana zeroed in on Thalina walking to the stage.

'Yes, dear sister, take a step closer to what will become your misery soon.'

Elana's lips twitched up in delight as she clapped her hands.

Yes, this was just the beginning of their end together.

"Let us welcome one of the elder council members," the announcer started, "to hand out the golden roses to each contender."

"These golden roses are symbols of honor, that you have been graced with the chance to become Luna queen," the announcer said. "Carry this symbol with dignity."

"Now, a word from our supreme alpha," the announcer said after the roses were handed out.

Extra chairs were brought in for the contenders as everyone took their seat.

King Cassian rose to his feet, his eyes scanning the room as his voice boomed.

"The elders have said it all. In a few days, the bridal hunt will begin for the seat of the queen."

"I look forward to seeing your resilience, and many gifts."

"Speaking of gifts," he continued, a smirk on his face, "It has been brought to my attention that the goddess has blessed someone here with a unique one."

Elana's eyes widened as murmurs filled the room.

"And as such, it is my duty to grant the position of The Royal Sanatros to the person in question."

"Your majesty!" an elder called in protest.

"This Sanatros' duty differs from that of the royal healer, but they will work hand in hand to serve the throne in the palace."

"This is too sudden." "What's going on?" "Who is the person?"

Elana's heart raced as confusion filled the room.

'So, this was how he wanted to play their game?' she wondered as his fiery gaze landed on her.

Her heart skipped beat as she waited.*

"I call on Luna Elana Thatcher to answer!" He boomed, his power filling the room as gasps flooded the room.

Elana's breath hitched, all eyes on her as she rose to her feet, her body trembling at the intensity of his stare.

"Will you accept this position and fulfill your duties...?"

"Forfeiting your status as Luna in reverence to the crown?" he finished.

Her lips twitched as she grabbed the sides of her gown, bowing her head low in respect.

"I accept this honor, your supreme majesty," she stated, her voice loud and clear.

"I will gladly forsake my status and serve the crown."

"Then, so be it." He boomed, "This is effective immediately."

Standing straighter, she wore a small smile as she watched him leave the hall.

Staying at the palace? Check.