FLAME OF A LUNA

Chapter 4: The Weight of a Luna

Reina’s POV

The morning sun spills into my new room, casting warm golden light across the silk sheets.

For a moment, I forget where I am. I forget the rejection, the abuse, the fire that consumed Silverclaw Pack.

But then I remember.

I am in the Royal Pack. The mate of Kyle Carter, the Alpha King. And soon-to-be Luna of the strongest werewolf pack in existence.

A place where I don’t belong.

A shaky breath escapes my lips as I sit up in bed, staring at the luxurious room around me. The walls are lined with dark oak and gold accents, a massive chandelier hanging from the ceiling. A fireplace crackles softly in the corner, filling the room with warmth.

Everything here is beautiful. Elegant. Expensive.

And yet, I feel like a stranger in my skin.

A soft knock on the door makes me tense. Before I can answer, it swings open, and two unfamiliar women step inside.

Both are dressed in simple yet refined clothing maids, maybe? Their gazes quickly lower as they bow their heads in submission.

“Good morning, Luna,” one of them says.

Luna.

The word sends a jolt through me. I’ve never been called that before. It feels wrong like a title I haven’t earned.

“I’m not Luna yet,” I manage to say.

The second woman lifts her head slightly, offering a small smile. “The Alpha King said to prepare you for breakfast. Would you like to bathe first?”

I blink. “Uh… sure.”

The women waste no time moving across the room, leading me into a grand bathing chamber.

A massive stone tub sits in the center, already filled with steaming water. The scent of lavender and chamomile fills the air as one of the maids sprinkles herbs into the water.

Everything about this feels too much.

Back in Silverclaw, my showers were cold, brief, and only given when I wasn’t being punished. This? This is luxury.

I step into the warm water hesitantly, sinking into its comforting embrace. The maids offer to help, but I shake my head. “I can do it myself.”

They nod, stepping back respectfully as I wash away the remnants of yesterday.

When I finally emerge from the bath, they hand me a soft white robe and guide me back into the bedroom.

“We’ve prepared an outfit for you,” the first maid says, motioning toward the elegant dress laid out on the bed.

It’s deep red, embroidered with gold threads, clearly custom-made. It looks… beautiful. Regal.

And not me.

I frown. “Do you have something simpler?”

The maids exchange a glance. “But, Luna, this was chosen by the Alpha King.”

I hesitate. The last thing I want is to upset Kyle not after everything he’s done for me. But I can’t wear something that makes me feel like an imposter.

“Please,” I insist gently. “Something less… formal.”

They nod, quickly fetching a simpler dress a soft, midnight-blue gown with long sleeves. It’s still fancier than anything I’ve ever worn, but at least it feels comfortable.

Once I’m dressed, they carefully brush through my hair, braiding it neatly before stepping back.

“You’re ready, Luna.”

Luna. There it is again.

I swallow the lump in my throat and force myself to breathe.

Breakfast with the Alpha King

The Royal Pack dining hall is massive. A long, polished table stretches across the room, adorned with silver plates and expensive glassware. The high ceilings and intricate chandeliers make it feel more like a palace than a packhouse.

And at the head of the table sits Kyle.

He looks up the moment I step inside, his sharp blue eyes locking onto mine.

Something in his gaze softens as he takes me in the dress, the braid, the hesitation in my steps.

“Come,” he says, motioning to the seat beside him.

I move carefully, feeling far too aware of the pack members sitting at the table.

They stare. Some with curiosity, others with outright judgment.

I can already hear the whispers.

“She doesn’t look like a Luna.”

“An omega? Pathetic.”

“What was the Alpha thinking?”

I lower my gaze, my stomach twisting.

Kyle’s voice cuts through the murmurs like a blade. “Anyone who questions my choice is free to leave this table.”

Silence.

Every single werewolf in the room bows their head in submission.

My heart pounds as Kyle leans in slightly, his voice lower when he speaks next. “Do not listen to them, Reina.”

It’s easier said than done.

A plate of food is set before me fresh fruit, eggs, and a slice of buttered bread. It’s more food than I usually ate in a week back in Silverclaw.

I hesitate before picking up the fork.

Kyle watches me closely, his gaze unreadable. “Are you comfortable?”

I swallow my bite. “I… I don’t know.”

His jaw tightens slightly. “You will be.”

I want to believe him. I do.

But the weight of the pack’s stares is suffocating.

Kyle must notice my discomfort because suddenly, he places a possessive hand on my knee beneath the table.

A silent claim. A warning.

I tense at the touch, heat rising to my cheeks, but I don’t pull away.

And neither does he.

The Test of a Luna

After breakfast, Kyle leads me into the Alpha’s council chamber.

The room is smaller than the dining hall but still has grand stone walls lined with ancient banners and a massive wooden table at its center.

Kyle pulls out a chair for me before taking his seat. “There is much for you to learn.”

I shift nervously. “Learn?”

He nods. “You are to be Luna. You must understand our laws, our customs, our allies—and our enemies.”

Enemies. The word sends a shiver through me.

“Do you think they will oppose me?” I ask quietly.

Kyle exhales, his fingers tapping against the table. “Some already do.”

I don’t need to ask who he’s talking about. I already know.

Vanessa.

And likely many others.

Kyle leans forward slightly, his intense blue eyes burning into mine. “That is why you must grow stronger, Reina.”

Stronger.

I clench my fists in my lap. “How?”

His lips curve slightly. “Training begins tomorrow.”

My stomach flips. “Training?”

“You may have been raised as an omega,” he says, voice deep and unwavering. “But you are not weak. You are my mate. And I will not have a Luna who cannot protect herself.”

The words hit something deep inside me.

For so long, I’ve been treated as weak. Helpless. Powerless.

But now, Kyle wants to change that.

A fire flickers to life inside my chest, burning away the doubt.

I am not weak.

I am not helpless.

I am Reina Zane, the mate of the Alpha King.

And I will prove my worth.