SERAPHINA'S POV
I had never stood in a room like this before.
The crystal chandeliers shimmered like they were auditioning to be stars. Every table was draped in silk and crowded with names I'd only ever read about in magazines—Alphas, Betas, magnates, dignitaries.
Lucian kept his hand gently against my back as we were escorted to our table, his presence a quiet but steadying anchor.
The gala was stunning, and our entrance had gone smoothly—better than expected, honestly, considering I rarely ever clashed with Kieran and Celeste and came out unscathed.
But as I sat down and the hostess announced the program and the speakers, my throat dried, and my earlier anxiety returned with a vengeance.
Because tonight, I wasn't just Lucian's date.
I was also the keynote speaker for the OTS program.
I was going to throw up. Or faint. Or combust into a puff of ash and anxiety.
Lucian leaned closer, his voice a warm murmur by my ear. "You've got this."
