THE LUNA HE NEVER WANTED

The morning sunlight spilled through the tall windows of Lina’s room, painting golden patterns across the wooden floor. Today was supposed to be the happiest day of her life. Servants moved around her chamber, carrying dresses, jewelry, and flowers while excited chatter filled the air. “The entire kingdom is preparing for tonight’s ceremony.” “I heard nobles from every pack have arrived.” “Our future Luna will look beautiful.” Lina smiled softly as she sat before the mirror. Future Luna. The title still felt unreal. For years, she had dreamed of this day. Not because of the crown. Not because of the power. But because of him. Alpha King Draven. The man who had changed her life. The man she loved. The man she believed loved her too. The servant standing behind her gently placed a silver crown decorated with moonstones on her head. Lina stared at her reflection. Her long silver-blonde hair flowed over her shoulders like silk. Her emerald-green eyes sparkled with excitement, and the white ceremonial dress fit her perfectly. For the first time in her life, she looked like she belonged somewhere. For the first time, she wasn’t the unwanted orphan everyone used to despise. A knock sounded at the door. “Come in,” Lina said. The door opened, revealing Martha, the elderly woman who had cared for her since she arrived at the palace. Martha’s eyes immediately filled with tears. “Oh, my child.” Lina laughed. “Why are you crying?” “Because I remember the day you arrived here.” Martha stepped forward and gently held Lina’s hands. “You were so frightened. So thin. You looked as though the world had abandoned you.” Lina’s smile faded slightly. She remembered. She remembered everything. The cold nights. The hunger. The people who treated her like she was worthless. Back then, she had believed her life would never improve. Then Draven appeared. Like a miracle. He had saved her. And everything changed. Martha squeezed her hands. “Your parents would be proud.” A familiar ache touched Lina’s chest. She never knew her parents. Only that they had died when she was very young. She nodded quietly. “I hope so.” Martha smiled warmly. “They would.” A moment later, another servant rushed into the room. “My Lady, Alpha King Draven has returned from the northern borders.” Lina’s heart instantly skipped a beat. “He’s back?” The servant nodded. “Just arrived.” Lina immediately stood. Without realizing it, she was already smiling. Draven had spent the last two weeks dealing with issues near the kingdom’s borders. She had missed him terribly. Maybe she could see him before tonight’s ceremony. Maybe— No. Definitely. She wanted to see him. The thought alone made butterflies dance in her stomach. “I’m going to the courtyard.” The servants exchanged amused glances. Someone whispered, “She’s eager.” Lina felt her cheeks warm. Ignoring their laughter, she hurried from the room. The palace corridors buzzed with excitement. Guards stood at attention. Servants rushed around preparing for the ceremony. Nobles wandered through the halls discussing tonight’s event. Everyone seemed happy. Everyone seemed excited. As Lina approached the main courtyard, she could already hear cheering. She quickened her pace. The massive gates stood open. Dozens of warriors surrounded a group of returning soldiers. And in the center stood Draven. The sight of him immediately stole her breath. Tall. Powerful. Commanding. His black hair moved slightly in the breeze while his icy blue eyes scanned the crowd. Even among hundreds of warriors, he stood out effortlessly. Like a king born to rule. Like a man no one could ignore. Lina’s heart warmed. There he was. Home. As though sensing her presence, Draven suddenly turned. Their eyes met. For a brief moment, everything else disappeared. The crowd. The noise. The excitement. All of it faded away. Only him remained. Lina smiled. A genuine smile. The kind she never gave anyone else. Something flickered in Draven’s eyes. But before she could understand what it was, he looked away. The smile on her face faltered. That was strange. Very strange. Usually, he would walk over. Usually, he would greet her. Usually, he would at least smile. Instead, he turned back toward his soldiers. Ignoring her completely. Lina blinked. Confusion settled in her chest. Maybe he was tired. Yes. That had to be it. He had just returned from a long journey. That was all. Still, something felt… off. She pushed the feeling away. Tonight was their ceremony. Nothing could ruin today. Nothing. Hours later, preparations continued throughout the kingdom. As evening approached, the palace transformed into something magical. Thousands of lanterns illuminated the streets. Silver banners decorated every building. Music echoed across the capital. Citizens gathered outside the palace gates, hoping to witness history. Inside her chamber, Lina stared at the setting sun. The ceremony would begin soon. Yet that strange feeling hadn’t disappeared. Draven hadn’t visited her. Not once. He hadn’t sent a message either. That wasn’t like him. A soft knock interrupted her thoughts. Martha entered carrying a small velvet box. “Alpha King Draven asked me to give you this.” Instantly, Lina’s mood brightened. She opened the box. Inside lay a beautiful moonstone necklace. A gift. Her fingers brushed the stone gently. A small smile appeared. See? Everything was fine. She had worried for nothing. Martha smiled. “He’s always thinking about you.” Lina nodded. “Yes.” But for some reason, she couldn’t ignore the unease growing inside her. Night finally arrived. The grand ceremonial hall was packed. Nobles. Alphas. Betas. Warriors. Guests from distant kingdoms. Everyone had gathered to witness the future Luna’s ceremony. The room sparkled beneath massive crystal chandeliers. At the far end stood the royal platform. The throne. The crown. The future. Lina took a deep breath. This was it. The beginning of her new life. Music filled the hall. The massive doors opened. Thousands of eyes turned toward her. Whispers spread instantly. “She looks beautiful.” “Future Luna.” “Alpha King’s chosen one.” Lina walked forward slowly. Her white dress flowed behind her. Her heart raced. She searched the crowd. Searching for him. Then she found him. Draven stood near the throne. Handsome as ever. Powerful as ever. Yet something about his expression made her stomach twist. He wasn’t smiling. He wasn’t happy. If anything… He looked troubled. As though he were preparing for something terrible. Lina’s footsteps slowed. A strange chill crawled down her spine. For one brief second, their eyes met again. And this time, she saw it clearly. Pain. Pain so deep it frightened her. What was wrong? Why did he look like that? The ceremony master stepped forward. “Tonight, we gather to celebrate the future of our kingdom.” The crowd erupted into applause. Lina forced a smile. Her pulse quickened. Something wasn’t right. She could feel it. Like a storm approaching. Like fate itself holding its breath. And as she looked toward Draven one more time, she couldn’t shake the feeling that tonight would change everything. Not for the better. But forever.