Chapter 7: The Hunting Ground
"Before we proceed with the orientation, we must first acknowledge the presence of a highly esteemed individual. Though he is here today as a student, he also stands as a representative of his father, the Alpha King. Please welcome to the stage, Kieran Valerius Hunter, the Lycan Prince."
Astrid’s voice rang through the hall like a drum of war, sending a ripple of energy through the room. Every head turned in unison.
Then, he stood.
I swear, for a moment, I forgot how to breathe.
Kieran Valerius Hunter rose from his seat with an effortless grace, yet there was nothing soft about him. He moved like a predator, controlled, powerful, dangerous. His towering frame was built to intimidate, broad shoulders and a strong, lean form making him seem larger than life. His long black hair cascaded down to his shoulders, thick and slightly untamed, like the beast within him refused to be completely subdued.
And then, his eyes.
I had never seen anything like them before. A shade of fiery gold, but laced with something more, something primal. The red glint in them burned like embers in the darkness, as if the monster inside him was always watching, always waiting.
The entire hall seemed to shrink under his presence.
My heart pounded so violently it hurt. Who was he? No..... what was he?
He walked toward the stage, each step measured, his polished boots making almost no sound against the floor. The silence in the room was suffocating. No one dared to whisper. No one dared to even move.
He stopped beside Astrid, giving her the smallest of nods. She returned the gesture, completely unfazed, as if standing beside a monster of his caliber was nothing.
Then, he spoke.