Lunaris Academy’s ballroom — the same place where the scandal happened — had now been transformed into a makeshift press conference room. A row of reporters lined the front, their camera lights blinking and ready for action.
The official seal of Lunaris Academy was emblazoned on the wall behind the podium, and was flanked by the flags of the four major packs, with the emblem of United Dorminia at the center.
The room was occupied by heads of departments, academy board members, Betas from each pack, and even a representative from the President himself. Notably, the seats reserved for the Cardinal Alphas, and unsurprisingly, Violet Purple, remained empty. Their absence was louder than words.
"Thank you all for honoring my invitation today," Principal Jameson began, her voice formal and even. "Lunaris Academy does not take recent events lightly. What occurred during the Parents’ Day Gala was deeply inappropriate and has cast a shadow on the integrity we strive to uphold."
She paused, letting the gravity of her words settle.
"That is why we are here today to allow Miss Elsie Lancaster the opportunity to address the public directly. She has requested to speak, and this academy believes in due process, even in the most difficult of times."
She stepped aside with a measured gesture.
"Miss Lancaster, the floor is yours."
The air was heavy with whispers and judgment as Elsie Lancaster appeared at once, heading towards the mic while camera flashes went off relentlessly, capturing every inch of her drastic transformation.
Elsie wore a modest white dress that was no doubt the result of aggressive PR damage control. It was too simple, and totally unlike her. Her silver curls were tied into a plain ponytail, and her makeup was so minimal it was nearly nonexistent.
Gone was her radiant poise and the signature icy confidence. Elsie now stood stripped bare by the court of public opinion looking remorseful, or at least pretending to.
Principal Jameson remained behind her with an passive expression, offering no visible support.
Elsie leaned into the microphone, her voice surprisingly soft.
"I want to start by apologizing to the students of Lunaris Academy, to the faculty, to the community, to the Houses I represent, and to the public watching from beyond our walls for the events that came to light during the Parents’ Gala."
Gasps broke across the hall. Not out of shock since everyone knew what had happened, but at hearing it acknowledged out loud. The recording after all had horrified the parents, and humiliated the school’s legacy.
"I understand that I represent more than just myself," Elsie went on. "As a bride candidate for the Cardinal Alphas, I was chosen to embody honor, purity, and grace... " her voice faltered briefly on "grace", prompting a few snickers from the press, "and I failed to uphold that image."
She bowed her head as if weighed down by shame. But those who knew Elsie at all knew she wasn’t sorry for what she did. She was only sorry because she got caught.
"I deeply regret the pain and embarrassment this has caused. I am cooperating fully with the disciplinary board and will accept their decision."
Elsie said the safest line of all, one that showed humility without admitting fault.
Behind her, Principal Jameson didn’t blink and was perfectly composed. This wasn’t the first time she handled situations like this.
"I hope in time I can earn back the respect of my peers and the trust of the public. Thank you."
Elsie offered a shallow bow and turned from the podium, ignoring the barrage of questions reporters hurled at her.
"Elsie! Is it true you seduced Grace?"
"Was the video consensual?"
"What’s your standing with the Cardinal Alphas now that Violet is mated to Griffin?"
"Have they abandoned you?"
"Where are the cardinal alphas now?"
Security intervened quickly, shielding her as they ushered her offstage. The commotion continued until Principal Jameson returned to the mic and tapped it once, the sharp pop silencing the room.
"After thorough deliberation," she said crisply, "the Lunaris Academy Disciplinary Board has reached a decision regarding Miss Elsie Lancaster."
A hush fell on the room.
"As punishment for her involvement in the indecent incident during the Parents’ Gala, Miss Lancaster will undergo community service both on campus and off. Effective immediately, she will serve a minimum of four hours each day for two weeks."
She didn’t pause. "But disciplinary actions alone are not enough. Over the past week, Lunaris Academy has faced a reckoning. Embedded class divisions once dismissed as tradition have become a source of harm. I’m referring, specifically, to the Luna Rankings."
That name alone caused a visible stir among the audience.
"What began as a harmless popularity contest became a method of exclusion, bullying, and emotional distress especially among our human students. Therefore, effective immediately, the Luna Rankings are abolished."
Shock rippled through the hall again, more stunning than the first time.
"Lunaris Academy was built on unity and we intend to restore that foundation. From this moment forward, everyone is equal within these halls."
But that was a huge lie. Everyone in the room knew the truth: werewolves would always reign. This was merely window dressing. A political performance meant to soothe tension, not end it.
"And to ensure our human students are not only protected, but heard, we are taking an unprecedented step," Jameson said, now raising her voice slightly as the tension increased. "With the full support of President Roy and Alpha King Elijah, Lunaris Academy is proud to announce the creation of a fifth house."
Shock thundered through the room. Reporters sat up straighter, their fingers flying across keyboards, camera flashes firing like strobe lights.
"A house solely dedicated to the representation and welfare of human students. A place where their voices will be respected, their culture honored, and their concerns addressed."
Jameson let the silence stretch, milking every bit of the suspense. Then she said slowly, "And to lead this new house and represent the human voice at Lunaris Academy, please help me welcome..."
She paused intentionally.
"...Natalie Avax."