MY LUNA’S TIME TO REIGN

Chapter1

Chapter 1

"Mia," her mother, Luna Selena, called smoothly, tugging a stray strand of her curly, brown hair at the back of her ear, her eyes brimming with pride for her daughter, who had made them proud beyond doubt.. "Since tomorrow is your birthday, we have decided it's time you take over the Sunset Pack throne as their Alpha."

Mia blinked, clearly taken aback by her mother's words. The words sounded foreign to her ears. Yes, she is a princess. A kind, strong and capable one. But she had never thought of succeeding her parents at any point in time. She had always expected that her twin brother, Maiks, would be the one to succeed their father, the great Alpha Gomez. He was the rightful heir, wasn't he?

She parted her lips, and could barely manage a word. "Mother....."

"Yes, Mia." Selena took her hand in hers, understanding her unspoken words quite well. "No one deserves to be the Alpha other than you." Or why did you think we've been training and preparing you all this while? It's time you took your place, my love."

Her place? Or her brother's place? She thought, swallowing past the lumps in her throat. "What about Maiks, mother?" She asked, her eyes wide with worry. "He's always believed he would become the Alpha." How would he take it?"

Mia had always known quite well how much Maiks had dreamt of rising to the throne. Every time they sparred, and she won, he would always say:" I'm happy that I have a strong sister like you who will fight alongside me on the battlefield. When I become Alpha, I will make you the General of the warriors.

Anytime he said that, Mia would only smile and throw him a playful punch on his shoulders. She had always looked forward to becoming the general of the warriors, and not..... an Alpha.

Her mother smiled fondly, squeezing her hands reassuringly. "You will have your brother's full support, Mia. He understands quite well what is best for the Pack."

Before she could say another word, the door to the chamber opened, and her father, Alpha Gomez, walked in. His presence was just as commanding as ever. He was a man of authority, a man whose mere name shook the entire kingdom. He wasn't ruthless—he was a kind alpha, but no one dared cross him. He managed a small smile as his soft gaze rested on his daughter.

"I see your mother has already broken the news to you," his voice echoed through the room. The coronation will take place in two weeks' time. Get ready to take up your place as the Alpha of the sunset Pack."

Mia heart skipped a beat. Two weeks? That wasn't even enough to process everything. It still seemed like she was dreaming. Can she really lead these wolves? Their pack was one of the largest in the kingdom. How would she lead the thousands of wolves, many of whom are older and more vast in knowledge than her? She was just twenty-three years old for Moon Goddess's sake. Those doubtful thoughts lingered on her mind.

Her father noticed her uneasiness and stepped closer to her, pulling her into an embrace. "You'll do just fine, Mia. Moreover, it's not like we are dying yet. "We are still here to guide you until you can stand on your feet."

Her mother joined the embrace. "Yes, Mia," she murmured. "And we are super proud of you." Mia sank into their warmth, letting herself believe everything would be fine.

*****

"Where is Maiks?" She asked Kaiya, her best friend and the Beta's daughter, although she was illegitimate.

The Beta had her with one of the servants when he went to war. Everyone had always bullied her and wanted nothing to do with her—she was just like a slave. Mia had always been the only one who had been kind to her and treated her like a human.

"I think he's in his room," Kaiya responded quietly, following closely behind her as they walked the hallway. Then she added, "Congratulations, Alpha. I can't wait to become your Beta."

Alpha. The word made Mia stop in her tracks before turning towards her. "You don't have to call me that Kaiya." She forced a smile at her as the whole events and word made her feel uneasy already, and then she found it more cringy that her childhood friend would suddenly start respecting her. "Mia is fine. I'm still your best friend, right?"

Kaiya smiled back. ".....yes. But I don't think I will—"

"It's an order," Mia interrupted her sharply. "I order you not to call me, Alpha."

Kaiya nodded slowly, and Mia continued her journey to Maiks room. Kaiya waited for her outside, while she went inside the room after knocking.

Inside the room, Maiks was sitting on a chair, a book in his hand. He glanced up at her as she entered, dropping the book.

"Mia," he called, his voice as cheerful as ever. "I take it that you've heard the news?"

Mia hesitated at the doorway, her eyes searching his, for any sign of hatred or sadness, but she found nothing. Instead, Maiks stood up and pulled her into an embrace.

"I was surprised," he admitted, his voice low. "But I understand why they chose you. No one deserves the throne other than you."

Mia pulled away gently. "Are you..... fine with it?" she murmured.

"Mia don't get me started. You're the strongest warrior in the pack. Have you forgotten how I'd tell you that you would be my General anytime, every time you beat me in a fighting challenge. You deserve it Mia. So don't worry about me."

Mia couldn't hold back, she pulled him into anotger embrace as relief flooded her.

"I'll always support you, sis. "Doesn't matter who rules, as long as we can both lead our pack to success," he added.

His words were like a balm, soothing Mia's heart, and she became more confident to lead the people of the Sunset Pack. She was ready. With her parents and her brother beside her, she was sure she would do just fine.

******

That night Mia couldn't sleep. Her mind swirled with thoughts of her new responsibility. She tossed around the bed, her instincts screaming at her that something was wrong.

Knock. Knock.

An urgent sound against the door came, pulling her out of her thoughts. Her heart raced as she sat up quickly, the blanket falling off her body. "Who is it?"

"It's me," a familiar voice whispered.

Kaiya.

Mia rushed to unlock the door, and Kaiya slipped inside, her expression filled with fear. "We have to go," Kaiya said, her voice shaky.

"What? "Why?" The words tumbled out of Mia's mouth in confusion.

"Assassins infiltrate the palace. "We have to leave now before they get here." Kaiya grabbed her waist as she led her towards the door.

Assassin? Mia's heart slammed against her rib cage as the words settled in. She twisted her hand away from Kaiya grip. "What about my parents? And Maiks?"

"They'll be safe..... "You have to come with me now, Mia." Kaiya pressed, her voice growing sharper.

Mia hesitated. If assassins infiltrate the palace , they should fight them off and not run away like a loser. The warriors should be on standby, ready to take charge of the situation. And even if she wanted to run, she wasn't going to leave without her parents and Maiks.

"I can't leave without them. We need to leave too—"

Kaiya cut her off. "There's no time. Please let's leave."

Mia didn't listen. Instead, she walked towards her drawer, pulling out a dagger, it blades shimmering slightly under the dimly lit chamber.

She wrapped her night robe around her body tightly. She was ready to fight. Ready to defend her people. Ready to crush those who had the gut to attack the Sunset palace. She turned towards Kaiya, her eyes gleaming with determination. "I won't leave without —

"They are dead."

"