THE LUNA'S SECRET AFFAIR

Chapter 3 Learning

After the meal, Stefano’s mother approached me as the others dispersed. Lyra’s expression was inscrutable as she regarded me, her green eyes sharp. “I don’t know what they told you, girl, but being Luna is no easy task. You will be watched, judged, and tested every step of the way.”

“I understand,” I said, keeping my voice stable.

Lyra’s lips curved into a faint, almost mocking smile. “We’ll see.”

As Lyra swept away, Stefano appeared at my side. “Are you all right?” he asked. At least he sounded like he really cares.

I nodded, though the knot in my stomach remained. “I’m fine,” I replied quietly.

Stefano studied me for a moment, his golden eyes unreadable. “You’ll need to be stronger than this,” he said, not unkindly. “My family respects strength, even if they don’t always recognize it right away. Give them a reason to respect you.”

I looked up at him, surprised by his words. For all his coldness, there was an underlying current of rationality in him, as if he saw me as more than just a pawn – but only if I proved myself worthy.

“I will,” I murmured, a quiet determination settling in my chest. And I meant it.

Sitting on the edge of the grand four-poster bed in my quarters, I couldn’t help but feel like a stranger in a gilded cage. The Golden Shadow Pack had received me with all the expected formalities, treating me as though I belonged, but every corner of this place whispered unfamiliarity.

Every gaze, every word spoken by the pack members, carried a density I couldn’t yet decipher. And then there was Alpha Stefano. Civil, yes – always polite, but distant, as though he were keeping a watchful eye on me from behind an invisible barrier.

He wanted to know me. I could feel it in the way his gaze lingered, as though he was dissecting my thoughts, my actions. But I knew so little about him. What did he want from me, beyond the title of "bride"? What did the pack expect of me? I needed answers. If I was to survive here – thrive, even – I couldn’t afford to remain in the dark.

The servant assigned to me seemed like a good place to start. She was young, quiet, and efficient, but there was something in her demeanor that hinted she knew far more than she let on. She carried herself carefully, her every move precise and practiced, as though she had spent years mastering the unspoken rules. If anyone could shed light on the mysteries surrounding Stefano and this pack, it was her.

When she entered the room, carrying a tray with tea and biscuits, I studied her closely. Her green eyes were striking, but they rarely met mine for more than a fleeting second. She set the tray down on the low table with practiced ease, then folded her hands in front of me, waiting silently for any instructions.

“What’s your name?” I asked, breaking the heavy silence.

She glanced up briefly, her voice soft as she replied, “Amara, Ma’am.”

I smiled faintly, hoping to ease her obvious discomfort. “How long have you been here, Amara?”

“All my life, Ma’am,” she said, her gaze dropping again. “I was born into service in the Golden Shadow Pack.”

Her answer only confirmed what I’d suspected – she had likely seen and heard far more than she was willing to admit. I leaned forward slightly, trying to sound casual despite the tension knotting in my chest. “Then you must know everything about this place. About the Alpha.”

Amara hesitated, her hands twisting slightly in front of her. “I know as much as I’m allowed to know, Ma’am,” she replied cautiously.

“Allowed?” I repeated, frowning. The word sent a chill through me. It suggested boundaries, things deliberately kept hidden.

She didn’t elaborate, so I pressed on, softening my tone in an attempt to coax her. “Amara, I’m not here to cause trouble. I just… I want to understand the man I’m supposed to marry. What kind of Alpha is Stefano? What does he want from me?”

Her eyes flicked up at me then, just for a moment, and I caught a flash of something – sympathy, maybe, or hesitation. “Alpha Stefano is a strong leader,” she said finally, her voice formal but careful. “He’s fair. Firm, but fair. He values loyalty above all else.”

I absorbed her words, but they only raised more questions. Loyalty. It was a word that carried emphasis, especially in a pack like this. “Do you think that’s why he chose me?” I asked quietly. “Because he sees me as… loyal?”

“I believe so,” she said, though her tone was guarded. “The Alpha doesn’t make decisions lightly, especially when it comes to his bride. He must see something in you. Something significant.”

I should have been happy with what she said, but instead, her words sent a shiver down my spine. “And what if I don’t meet his expectations?” I asked, trying to cover the growing anxiety inside me.

Amara didn’t answer right away. Her hands tightened in front of her, and when she finally spoke, her voice was even quieter. “The Alpha is fair,” she repeated, but there was a slight tremble in her words, something unsaid that left my chest tightening. “But the pack… has its ways.”

“What ways?” I pressed, leaning forward. I needed to know. Every fiber of my being told me that ignorance would be dangerous here.

Amara hesitated again, her gaze darting toward the door as if she feared someone might be listening. “Ma’am, if I may speak freely…”

“Please,” I said, my tone urgent. “Speak freely. I will surely owe you a debt of gratitude for this.”

She sighed, her shoulders slumping slightly as though the burden of her words was already pressing down on her. “This pack values strength, loyalty, and purpose above all else. Every decision the Alpha makes is for the good of the pack. If you fail to meet his expectations… if you are seen as a weakness rather than a strength…” She trailed off, her expression troubled.

“What happens then?” I asked, my voice began to tremble despite my attempt to stay composed.

Her eyes met mine, and this time, there was no mistaking the warning in them. “You wouldn’t want to find out, Ma’am. Please… be careful. In this pack, knowing too much or stepping out of line can be just as dangerous as not knowing enough.”

Her words left me cold, but I nodded. “Thank you, Amara. For being honest with me.”

She bowed her head slightly. “I’ll do what I can to help, Ma’am. But… tread carefully.”

As she left the room, I sat back, my mind was in chaos. The answers I’d gotten only deepened the mystery. Stefano’s civility, the pack’s expectations, Amara’s warnings – it all painted a picture of a world where every step I took could be the wrong one. But if there was one thing, I was certain of, it was this, I wouldn’t be a pawn in their game. If Stefano wanted to know me, I’d make sure I learned just as much about him and the pack he ruled.

The next morning, I woke up with renewed willpower. If I was going to live here, if I was truly to be Alpha Stefano’s bride, I needed to know more. This castle was enormous, a sophisticated maze of halls and chambers that seemed to resonate with centuries of history. There was so much I didn’t understand about the pack, their customs, and their way of life. Staying ignorant wasn’t an option – not when I could feel the force of their expectations pressing down on me.

After breakfast, I called for Amara, who arrived promptly, her appearance as composed as always. I studied her for a moment before speaking. “Amara, could you give me a tour of the castle today? I’d like to see everything.”

Amara hesitated briefly, her green eyes widening slightly, but she quickly dipped her head in acknowledgment. “Of course, Ma’am. I’ll show you as much as I’m allowed.”

Her choice of words struck me again – as much as I’m allowed, but I didn’t press her on it. Not yet anyway. Instead, I nodded and followed her out of my quarters.

We began in the main wing, where I had been received the day before. Amara pointed out the dining hall, a vast space with a high vaulted ceiling and long wooden tables polished to a gleam. “This is where the pack gathers for important feasts,” she explained. “But the Alpha and his closest circle often dine privately.”

I could almost picture it, Stefano seated at the head of the table, his inner circle flanking him, their conversations heavy with strategy and decisions that shaped the pack’s future. The thought sent a chill through me. What role would I play in those moments? Would I even be allowed a seat at that table?

From there, we moved to the eastern wing, where the guest chambers and council rooms were located. The halls were lined with displays depicting wolves in various forms – some mid-transformation, others in battle, and a few stand triumphantly under the full moon. Each piece told a story, though the details escaped me.

“Do these depict the history of the pack?” I asked, gesturing to one particularly striking painting that showed a wolf towering over what looked like a conquered enemy.

“Yes,” Amara replied. She looked so proud now. “The Golden Shadow Pack has a long and proud history. The Alpha’s lineage traces back to the very first wolves blessed by the moon goddess.”

I nodded, filing the information away. The more I learned, the clearer it became that this pack was deeply rooted in tradition and strength. The Mirthon’s were the same.

As we continued, Amara showed me the library, a vast room filled with shelves that stretched from floor to ceiling. It looked exactly as I expected. The scent of aged paper and leather-bound books filled the air, and I felt a sudden longing to lose myself among the pages, to find stories and knowledge that might help me understand this world better.

“This is one of the quietest places in the castle,” Amara said. “Few come here unless they’re seeking something specific.”

I made a mental note to return later.

Eventually, Amara led me down a set of stone stairs that curved gently, opening into a sprawling courtyard. As soon as we stepped outside, the sound of clashing metal and shouted commands reached my ears. The fresh morning air carried the tang of sweat and the diminished metallic scent of weapons.

“This is the training ground,” Amara explained, gesturing toward the expanse ahead. “It’s where the pack’s warriors hone their skills.”

My breath caught as I took in the scene. I was never allowed to the training ground in the Mirthon castle. Lesther and Mathew believed that I never had any place in that part of the castle.

The courtyard was divided into sections, each teeming with activity. On one side, a group of young wolves – barely teenagers, by the looks of them – were sparring under the watchful eyes of older pack members. Their movements were raw but determined, their youthful energy driving each punch and kick.

In another section, more seasoned warriors trained with precision, their actions fluid and practiced. They moved like a synchronized force, their muscles rippling as they shifted seamlessly from one attack to another. The clang of swords meeting shields echoed sharply, mingling with the grunts of exertion and the occasional barked command from their instructors.

What caught my attention most though, was the section dedicated to weapons training. Wolves, both young and old, were working with an array of tools –swords, spears, bows, and even more complex weapons I didn’t recognize. One warrior expertly swung a massive axe, the blade slicing through the air with a terrifying whoosh. Nearby, another demonstrated the delicate precision of archery, releasing arrows that struck their targets dead-center every time.

“They don’t just rely on their strength?” I asked, unable to tear my eyes away. “I thought wolves primarily fought in their shifted forms.”

Amara nodded. “Most do, Ma’am, but the Alpha believes in versatility. A strong warrior must be prepared for any situation – whether in wolf form or human. The pack has enemies who fight with more than teeth and claws. We must be ready to match them.”

I watched as a pair of wolves in human form sparred with wooden staffs, their movements fast and assessed. Every strike was met with a block or counter-attack, their focus steady. It was clear that this wasn’t just training – it was a way of life, a constant pursuit of strength and discipline.

As we moved closer, I noticed a young boy struggling to lift a sword nearly as he was. His instructor – a grizzled man with scars crisscrossing his arms – watched him with a stern expression.

“Again,” the instructor barked. “If you can’t wield it, you can’t fight with it.”

The boy gritted his teeth, his arms shaking as he lifted the sword once more. This time, he managed to swing it, though it was clumsy and unbalanced. Still, the instructor nodded approvingly. “Better. Keep at it.”

I couldn’t help but feel a pang of admiration – and unease. This wasn’t just a show of strength, it was a culture built on survival and preparation. Every wolf here was a cog in a larger machine, each one responsible for the pack’s success – or failure.

As we continued the tour, Amara pointed out the armory, a stone building lined with racks of weapons and armor. Inside, a group of warriors was sharpening blades and inspecting gear, their expressions serious.

“The armory is one of the most guarded places in the castle,” Amara explained. “The Alpha ensures that we’re always ready for battle.”

I nodded, trying to absorb it all. This was more than just a pack – it was an army. And Stefano was at its head.

As we left the training ground, I couldn’t shake the feeling of being an outsider in this world. But one thing was clear, if I was to survive here, I’d need to learn more than just the customs and traditions. I’d need to understand the strength that drove them – and find my own place within it.

As Amara and I walked back through the stone corridors, I let my mind linger on everything I had seen at the training grounds. The raw power, the discipline – it was intimidating but also strangely fascinating. This pack lived and breathed strength, and Stefano, their Alpha, was clearly the force that held it all together. Yet despite the grandeur and structure, I couldn’t shake the sense of something unspoken, something hidden beneath the surface.

We passed a quiet alcove, and Amara hesitated, her steps faltering for a moment. I turned to her, raising a brow. “Is something wrong?” I asked.

She quickly shook her head, but her hands were twisting nervously in front of her. “No, Ma’am. It’s just… the tour. There’s a lot to take in, isn’t there?”

I nodded, giving her a faint smile. “There is. This pack is… different from what I expected.”

Amara glanced around, as if checking for unseen ears, and then leaned in slightly. Her voice dropped to a whisper. “There’s much about the Alpha and this castle that few are willing to speak of openly.”

Her words piqued my curiosity, but I kept my expression neutral. “Is that so?” I asked, feigning nonchalance. “What do you mean?”

Amara hesitated, chewing on her lower lip. “The Alpha… he’s not an easy man to understand. He keeps much of his life private, even from the pack.”

I tilted my head, pretending to mull this over. “I suppose that’s to be expected. He is the Alpha, after all. But you sound as though you know something more.”

Amara froze, her green eyes widening slightly. “I-I didn’t mean to imply anything, Ma’am,” she stammered, her composure collapsing for the first time.

I gave her a reassuring look, though my pulse quickened. “Amara, you’ve been honest with me so far. As I have said, I’m not here to cause trouble, I promise. But if there’s something I should know, something important, it might help me understand him better.”

She swallowed hard, looking conflicted. “It’s just…” She trailed off, glancing nervously toward the end of the corridor. Her voice dropped even lower. “There’s… someone. A woman. The Alpha’s… mate.”

I forced my expression to shift into what I hoped looked like shock, even though her words didn’t surprise me at all. I had already heard from Lesther and Matthew, about Alpha Stefano’s mate before I arrived here, but hearing it confirmed like this sent a cold wave through me. “His mate?” I repeated, pretending a disbelief expression. “But… how is that possible? Why would he take me as his bride if he already has a mate?”

Amara’s face drained of color as if she realized she had said too much. “I… I shouldn’t have said anything,” she murmured, taking a step back. “Please, Ma’am, forget that I mentioned it. I could get into trouble.”

“Amara,” I said softly, stepping closer to her. “I won’t breathe a word of this to anyone. But please, tell me – who is she? What happened to her?”

But before she could respond, the sound of approaching footsteps echoed through the corridor, heavy and deliberate. Amara stiffened instantly, her face turning pale. I followed her gaze and saw Alpha Stefano rounding the corner, his presence authoritative as always. Beside him walked another man, broad-shouldered with piercing gray eyes – a man I assumed to be his beta.

“Leanna,” Alpha Stefano said, his deep voice slicing through the silence. His tone was civil, but there was an edge to it, a hint of authority that brooked no argument. His gaze flicked to Amara, who immediately dropped her head in submission.

“Alpha,” I replied, straightening. I fought to keep my expression calm, even as my heart felt like being drummed. Had he overheard? Was that why he was here?

“This is Garren, my beta,” Alpha Stefano said, pointing to the man beside him. “He oversees many of the pack’s daily operations. I thought it was time you were introduced.”

Garren inclined his head slightly. “It’s an honor, Ma’am,” he said, his voice gruff but respectful.

“Likewise,” I replied, nodding in return. My eyes flicked back to Alpha Stefano, who was studying me with that unreadable intensity of his.

“Amara,” Alpha Stefano said without looking at her. His tone was sharp, a clear dismissal.

“Yes, Alpha,” she whispered, bowing quickly before scurrying away. I watched her retreating form. My mind was screaming with questions about what she had almost revealed.

Alpha Stefano’s gaze returned to me, and for a moment, neither of us spoke. Then he motioned toward the corridor ahead. “Walk with me.”

I hesitated but nodded, falling into step beside him. Garren followed a few paces behind, silent but watchful. I could feel the intensity of Stefano’s presence beside me, every step measured, and every glance is deliberate.

As we walked, I couldn’t help but wonder – how much did he know? And how much more was he hiding?