Chapter 006

As the gate swung open, I caught my breath. The Red Moon Territory's grandeur stunned me. Towering spires and majestic architecture stretched toward the sky. Alpha Kael descended from the carriage, his movements fluid.

"Out," he ordered.

I followed, smoothing my dress.

A sea of faces awaited. Wolves of all ages, dressed in finery, lined the courtyard. Their curious gazes settled on me.

Alpha Kael's stern expression remained unchanged. "Stay by my side."

I nodded, falling into step beside him.

As we entered the grand hall, whispers erupted. "The new one." "From the House of the Lost." "Alpha Kael's acquisition."

My cheeks flushed.

At the hall's center, an imposing figure stood: an older wolf with piercing blue eyes.

"Alpha Elijah," Kael said, bowing slightly.

Alpha Elijah's gaze swept over me. "Welcome, Astrid. You're a rare find."

His words sent shivers down my spine.

"Dominique, your generosity is renowned," Elijah continued. "Sharing your... acquisition with us tonight."

Kael's jaw clenched.

A chill ran through me.

Dominique? Why did he refer Alpha Kael as Dominique? I looked up at the man beside me ,questions swarming throughly me. He avoided my eyes. What did Elijah's words imply?

“I believe my brother doesn’t like to share.” He growled.

Fear swept across Elijah’s face and disappeared almost immediately as he looked away, giving us a tight smile, he gestured with us hand allowing us walk further into the room. I clutched my bag tightly, my face plastered to the floor as I walked behind the man I had thought would be my master.

A woman walked up to us, scrutinizing me with her gaze,

“Is this the only one you could find?” She asked, traces of disgust could be heard in her voice.

“She’s the only one without a complicated past, mother.” Dominique grunted.

“Mary, take her to her chambers and get her out of this filthy rags. We don’t want people thinking that we can’t take care of their next Luna.” She said.

A girl emerged from behind her, bowing her head,

“Please follow me.” She said to me.

“We need to talk.” I heard the woman say, as I exited the room with the girl.

We walked for a while, then finally got to a dark hallway, which was illuminated with light by just a wave of her fingers.

I stared in surprise, she was a mage. I’ve heard stories of mages but I’ve never encountered one. We got to a door and stopped.

“This will be your wing as long as you are here.” The girl spoke, her voice carrying a wave of gentleness.

I nodded.

She took out a key and opened the door.

I entered, taking in the lavish space. The room was spacious, with high ceilings and large windows overlooking the moonlit gardens.

Soft, golden light spilled from candelabras, casting a warm glow. The walls were painted a soothing cream color, adorned with delicate patterns.

A majestic four-poster bed stood at the room's center, draped in velvety curtains. Plush rugs in deep crimson covered the floor.

A door to the left led to a spacious bathroom, complete with a marble tub and a separate shower area.

To the right, a walk-in closet beckoned, filled with an array of elegant gowns and fine silks.

Every detail whispered luxury and refinement.

But amidst the opulence, a nagging sense of unease lingered. This was my prison, gilded and beautiful, yet confining.

“Thank you,” I whispered.

The girl stood, looking at me. “What is your name?”

I looked up for the very first time, she was beautiful, her long white hair flowed down to her back, her robes was a mix of black and white. She had piercing blue eyes and a good nose to the face.

“Astrid.” I said finally.

She croaked her head to the corner, “you haven’t gotten your wolf form yet”

It was a statement not a question.

I nodded in response.

“Hmm………I’ll have someone to come had help you with your bath, and bring you down later.” She said, and turned around, walking out of the room.

Finally alone, I walked up to the bed, gently lowering myself onto it, the mattress was soft compared to the one I have known my whole life. I sighed plopping down into the bed, I looked up at the ceilings, there were drawings and writings in languages that I couldn’t read.

The door opened, causing me the jerk up, three girls walked into the room, one carrying a tray of food, the other carrying a basin and the last one carrying a gown.

“I’m Maya, this is Megan and Sophia.” The one who looked like the youngest said, pointing to the other two girls beside her.

“Hi, I’m Astrid.”

The one that I assumed was Megan scrowled.

“We’ll be the ones in charge of your personal details.” Maya smiled, bouncing up and down.

“It’s been a while since someone occupied this room,” Sophia said quietly, placing the dress on the bed.

The all stood quite.

“Let me show you to your bath” maya said finally walking away with the basin.

I nodded, standing up to follow her, a hand grabbed me claws biting into my flesh, “just because you are here doesn’t mean you should think that things will go easily for you.” Megan sneered into my ear. “You are still a Slut and nothing else, let’s see how long you’ll last”

“Megan, that’s enough” Sophia called, waking out from the closet.

Megan let go of my hand, her claws retracting back into her skin, blood dripped from the scratches of her claws.

“She may be our Luna soon, show some respect.” Sophia added.

Megan scoffed, “that’s if she survives the night with kael, she looks so fragile.”

“Alpha kael to you Megan, remember your place.”

I looked between both of them, ignoring the exchange, I walked into the room for my bath were Maya was waiting.

“Have I done something wrong?” I asked her, peeling the clothes from my body.

Maya sighed, “no You haven’t, Megan has always been like that, nasty and annoying.”

“What did she mean by, if I survive the night with the Alpha.?”

A worried look crossed her Maya’s face, as she poured cold water into the bathtub, constantly checking the temperature.

“Tonight, you’ll meet Alpha Kael, he……he is different.” She said, avoiding my eye.

“Different?” I asked looking up at her.

“We are not allowed to speak of it, but I really hope you survive, I’m starting to like you already.” She said, giving me a tight smile.

I forced a smile, allowing the warm water to envelope my body.