The tension in the room could cut through glass and all Liana wanted to do was run. All these political games she hated, loathed. And yet she had to get through it. All for the sake of her family name. She, as the rest of the females here, was here for Jesse and Jesse only or so she had to make the others believe. In truth she was here to get a claim on a bigger fortune in the hopes of helping her own family grow its assets. Mating the Alpha King was no fairytale, Liana knew. It was all about bloodlines and strengthening bonds between families.

Her wolf snapped its jaws. She hated to be put in this position.

Why they made the girls go through this selection she would never understand as she was certain it was probably already chosen who would eventually be crowned Luna. Liana just prayed it wouldn't be Stacey or Anaïs who were shooting fire with their eyes at each other. She turned her attention to Stacey. "So, you went on holiday with Jesse? How was he as a child and teenager? We only know him from what they show us on tv or press statements. You have inside information." 

Stacey slowly blinked. "He's really caring and nice. He likes to help others." 

You could probably say that about anyone. "That's great to hear. I hope we get the chance to talk to him soon."

 "I think we will," Anaïs said. "I heard Maya talk to one of the betas of the Alpha King about how they were going to set up private time." She grinned. "I can't wait to talk to him alone. That way he can actually get to know me and who knows what'll happen then..."

Stacey snorted. "You can't actually believe you have a shot at him do you?"

"We all have an equal shot." Anaïs stared over the table at Stacey. "That's what this is about."

"Some families are better than others, Anaïs. You'll know that soon enough." Stacey grabbed her plate with her untouched food and left the table, placing it away on a cart before she left the room.

"I think I hit a nerve," Anaïs said with a low voice. 

"Stacey feels like she has a bigger claim on our Alpha King because they grew up together." Liana took a bite from her food. "Which is not true of course." She smiled at Enora.

Anaïs slowly got to her feet. "I'm going to freshen up a bit and I'll see you both in our next class." 

Liana's eyebrows furrowed together. "I don't think you need to freshen up much. Just make certain you wear something you can work out in--" she went quiet as Anaïs was already out of the door and she sighed. "Typical." 

Her wolf scoffed. Idiot. 

"What's she going to do?" Enora asked softly.

"Probably add some make up or whatever she thinks is needed. While we have our introduction to self defense in an hour." Liana dropped her chin in her hand. 

"Why do we need self defense?"

"When you become Luna, you automatically have a target on your back too. You're linked to our Alpha King. Not everyone in the world will be thrilled with you. You're easier to hurt than the King. Weaker. So that's why they give us basic self defense classes. One of the betas gives that specific training."

 "That sounds like an interesting class," Enora said grinning. 

"I don't know...I mean...I work out. Running and stuff. But actually fighting? I have no idea how to do that." 

"They're going to teach us, right? It should be fine if you already work out." 

Liana smiled at Enora. At least one of the girls in this place seemed genuinely nice. Although the girl felt more out of place than anything else. "If we have another history class then I'll know who to sit next to." Liana winked and got up. "I'm going to get changed into a workout outfit. I'll see you soon in class." She waved at Enora and left the dining area.