My Cinderella Luna: Tests and Temptations

Chapter 1: First Meeting

13-yr old Arinya silently marveled at the castle before them. Their car was moving across a river via a heavy cemented bridge with equipped guards on the sides which she failed to count.

The cemented bridge seemed to never end which only increased her anxiousness.

She touched the still healing wound on her face and winced at the thought of why she had it. She wanted to cry when she remembered the piercing pain she had felt on her cheek.

She remembered her stepmother accidentally slipping on the floor and hitting her on the face with a knife she was holding the day before.

When the surface of her skin gave in to the force of the knife, she started to scream and so was Selda. When the knife also pierced through her bone, she almost passed out from pain, or maybe she did. Because the next thing she remembered, her father was taking her to the hospital and she was being injected by some antibiotics.

She could heal easily just like her deceased mother, but the cut was so deep that she was still healing the following day.

Unfortunately, the said next day was their first visit to the Eternal Moon Pack. The richest and largest pack in the whole of Reverse. They were about to be introduced to the famous Alpha Zeke, Luna Daniella, and their son Arcus. She blushed at the thought of presenting herself with a cut on her face.

“Wow! Isbeth, imagine it being your home! It is so grand!” It was the high pitched voice of Dessa, Ari's older stepsister who was marveling at the modern-day dwelling of the Eternal Moon Pack’s Alpha, as they reached the end of the cemented bridge.

Isbeth smirked. “Mother, the Eternal Moon Pack has a beautiful place. They are indeed the richest pack.” And I can imagine living here. She smugly added inside.

The Olympian Pack led by Ari’s father, Arion, was an ally of the Eternal Moon Pack since the very beginning. When their ancestors discovered magical stones which they consumed, they were granted a longer lifespan of at least twice the normal lifespan of werewolf families. However, in order to not break the chain, marriage of their next of kin was necessary at least every 300 years.

A few years from now, the 300 yrs. would be over since their ancestors joined through marriage. Their generation should create the next union. And their journey to the Eternal Moon Pack was the first meeting of the said next of kins.

Isbeth, being the oldest of the three sisters, was the obvious choice to match the future alpha of the Eternal Moon Pack. The brunette at the age of 17 is beautiful, slender, and brave, with a strong personality which were suited to the qualifications of a Luna. While Dessa, the 15-year old middle sister was still developing her womanly traits. The two sisters are very close but they both detested Arinya.

Their hearts were filled with envy. Their father Orion favored their youngest sister who is the only daughter of Orion’s deceased mate.

Isbeth frowned at the silent girl, sitting beside her father. The youngest of the sisters who had a pale skin, heart shaped face, and violet eyes. She was just 13, innocent and naive, but the little girl was always the favorite of their father. She was glad that Ari was wearing an ugly wound today.

“Ari, do you like the castle?” She asked, adding a fake warmth in her voice.

“It’s… it’s beautiful.” Arinya mindlessly answered as she was able to get over her dilemma for a while. She couldn’t help but be wide-eyed looking at the view. It was the grandest castle. The Eternal Moon Pack she heard was one of its kind, having fairies who took care of its magnanimous location through the years. Its castle seemed to shimmer under the sunlight. She tried to crane her neck to see more of the view.

One of the guards shouted, “pull down the drawbridge!”

Mechanically, a heavy, black bridge went to connect to the cemented bridge. Alpha Arion leaned back in his seat and mumbled, “drive” to Beta Xander.

“I wonder what Arcus looks like. Do you think he will be handsome, Ari?” Isbeth, asked her youngest sister again, seemingly wanting a simple exchange of words. But deep down, she simply wanted to remind Ari of her wounded face.

“I don’t know, I have never met him before.”

Arinya blushed, thinking of her ugly wound. But for her father, who was the Alpha of Olympians Pack, she would show herself as a confident girl. She would be looking proud despite her ugly cut. She would not hide her wound behind her hair and she would lift her face and would meet the hosts of the Eternal Moon Pack with pride.

She looked up at her Father who was silently watching the gates open for them. He was calm, he did not look tense at all. Alpha Orion was a man of caliber. The best father for Arinya, the best Alpha in Reverse.

Selda sighed, “Orion, do you think Alpha Zeke would receive us favorably?” Her question had more meaning. She wanted to know if her two daughters would be pleasing in the eye of the future alpha of the Eternal Moon Pack. The pack was the richest in Reverse, they owned the one and only car manufacturing company in Reverse, the most elegant hotels, and restaurants. Eternal Moon Pack also had the biggest influence in the Werewolf Council as Alpha Zeke was one of the most reputable Alphas.

Orion gazed at her 13-year old daughter who seemed to couldn’t get her eyes off of the castle in front of her. “Yes, he will.” His hand reached for his youngest daughter’s hair as she looked up to him with love and devotion.

“Alpha Zeke will meet us favorably, our alliance would not be broken in our time. Our alliance was the strongest and the oldest in the book of Reverse. We could not afford to break it.” He winked at Arinya who giggled at that.

Selda irritatedly watched the scene. Wanting to take away her husband’s attention from Ari, she faked a grin, asking Isbeth of her preparation for the show of skills.

“I am well prepared, mother. I practiced day and night to improve my archery skills.” Isbeth beamed.

“How about you, Dessa?” She glared with a warning at her 15-yr old daughter.

“I am also well-prepared, mother. I danced all night last night.” She proudly informed, causing Selda to glare disapprovingly.

“Was it the reason why you have eyebags today?”

Dessa shrinked inside, but never answered back.

“And you, Ari? What did you prepare?” Orion asked.

“I practiced horseback riding, father.” She told him which gained her an approving look from Alpha Orion.

“This garden is humungous!” Dessa tactickaly stirred the conversation.

The other side of the gate after the draw bridge brought them on a long brick road with thousands of roses left and right. Their varying colors overwhelmed Arinya and their strong enchanting smell made her take a deep and satisfied breath.

She pushed back her worry about her wound and simply enjoyed the view before her. The field of roses surrounding them amazed her, she had not seen something like it before. It was said that fairies maintained the garden of the Eternal Moon Pack, no wonder, these roses bloomed endlessly in the garden. She looked everywhere and the rows of roses with different colors consistently greeted them. Orion rolled down their car’s window so they could smell the fresh, scented air of the garden.

Ari had a very kind heart. She could easily be pleased, which made her an easy target for teasing and bullying of her sisters as well. But Ari was always forgiving, never wanting to dwell on what others had done to her.

She also chose to be happy, because she always believed that something wonderful was about to happen to her and she believed that her father would always be proud of her no matter what. And for Arinya, that was all that mattered.

As she silently watched the shaped bushes and shrubs around the castle, she felt a force drawing her in. She looked in the middle of the road and realized that they finally arrived at the doorsteps of the castle.

A man, who seemed to be as tall as a giant, was standing at the front door. His left arm was around a beautiful redhead, wearing a white, long summer dress which emphasized her angelic beauty. Beside him was a young man almost as tall as him who was slightly slimmer in build but standing confidently with an air of calmness and mystery.

Arinya felt a tad in her heart. An excitement to meet the richest family in Reverse. She was an intellectual kid, she knew that it was the Alpha’s family. They were their host, and the young man was the future alpha, no wonder he carried that air of confidence and serene cruelty, she thought about him.

As their car reached the regal family, Selda sighed again loudly this time. “They are a beautiful family.”

“Yes, they are.” Alpha Orion affirmed the statement casually as he went out of the car.

Arinya began to feel anxious again, knowing that her wound would be the center of attention. Her yellow dress, partnered with her favorite flat sandal would not be taken into account because people would see her wound first and that would be all they would think about her. Even her carefully tied hair, with a flowery cloth would never be seen, she knew her wound would be the first thing seen on her. But she had to follow her father out of the car, she encouraged herself to be brave and suck up to her shameful situation. Her wound would be erased in time, she would not be carrying it forever. She plastered a smile on her face as she and her family greeted the hosts.

“So glad to finally meet you, Luna Selda,” she heard the angelic Luna of Eternal Moon Pack say to her stepmother.

Acting like a regal Luna that she thought she was, Selda smiled widely, answering with pleasantries that easily rolled in her tongue. “It is our pleasure to visit this castle of yours, Luna Daniela, you are so beautiful.” She commented, as she knew the host Luna would complement the same. She wanted to hear her say that she was beautiful as well.

“And you look beautiful and youthful, Luna.” Luna Daniela answered, which added to Selda’s arrogance.

“Arinya?” She went quickly to her feet upon hearing her father’s call. She went up beside him.

“Alpha Zeke, Luna Daniela, Arcus,” Alpha Orion chirped, which seemed out of his character, “allow me to introduce to you my three beautiful daughters, Isbeth, Dessa, and Arinya.” He was introducing the three of them but he affectionately leaned on Ari, surrounding her shoulders by his warm arm. Arinya also affectionately leaned on her father. She could still hear his sweet words last night..

“Arinya, I will always cherish that life’s circumstances gave me you. Wounded face or not, you will always be beautiful. Cheer up, my little star.” He said when he saw her crying in her favorite spot in the garden.

Her father had a heated argument with Luna Selda when he learned that she was hurt and cut in the face because of her. But since it was an accident, they couldn’t do anything about it and had simply moved on. Selda repeatedly apologized to her and she didn’t have the heart not to forgive her.

She was deeply sad to be parading herself in the Eternal Moon pack with a cut on her face, but what could she do about it? She could not tell her father to leave her alone in their villa because she didn’t want him sad or disappointed. She would go up against anyone who would hurt her father, thus, she simply let herself cry but not going to the rich pack was out of the question for her.

Gaining a little bit of confidence, Ari turned her face towards their host family with a smile. She looked up to them with the glee of a child saying a throaty hello. She met Alpha Zeke’s eyes, then Luna Daniela’s and lastly the tall man called Arcus.

Meeting Arcus' eyes, her gleeful smile froze, her knees weakened. A hot energy suddenly spread within her. A burst of mixture of everything and Ari suddenly didn't know what to do but stare.

His eyes were a shade of green and blue, protected by very thick lashes which enticed her. He had a beautiful eyebrow as well, perfectly curved. Her eyes roamed downwards to examine his face more…

“Violet,” she heard a melodic voice.

“Huh?”

“Your eyes are violet.” His mouth curled, looking down at her.

Their gazes locked and there was this strong pull between them. The younger one openly felt it while the older was in denial.

“Arinya, beautiful name, little one.” His gaze’s focus went to her wound, and Arinya’s face immediately heated.

Arcus frowned, his hand about to reach her cut cheek to caress lightly, but he was able to stop himself on time.

Ari was too transparent, he saw how much the wound made her feel. There was an uncomfortable tud in his heart. Was it ache, discomfort? He didn't know. It should have confused Arcus, but he simply let the feeling stay within him as he heard himself say, "what happened, little one?”

It was their first meeting, he probably sounded intruding, but Arcus didn't care. He wanted to know why there was an ugly cut on her papery, angelic face. The little girl was obviously in horror because of it, he wanted to make her feel okay by breaking the ice between them. Or maybe break the arm of whoever caused the wound. Somehow, he wanted to gain her trust.

Arcus' concerned voice touched Ari, but she didn’t know what to say to the godlike creature who was scrutinizing every part of her face.

“Hello, Arcus.” Isbeth subtly butted in with a shy smile. Her insides were tingling at the sight of Arcus. The man was gorgeous, tall, with broad shoulders, with obvious strength. His brushed up hair showed the perfect contour of his face, his jaw was not too hard, giving him a soft, angelic look, but his stare was a different story. His eyes were melt worthy. His lips were full, teeth were white. She couldn’t see any sign of flaw in him. She was officially taking her claim on Arcus in her mind. Arcus would be hers. She looked at him shyly but determindly.

Arcus again curved his lips. No one knew what was in his mind that time. But he slowly covered Isbeth’s hand and lifted it to his lips. “Nice to meet you, Isbeth.” His voice sounded bland.

Arcus cut short his moment with Isbeth when he released her hand and turned to look towards Dessa as if mechanically. “And nice to meet you, young lady.” He also pressed his lips on the back of her hand.

“And this is my Beta, Xander.” Ari’s father introduced his second in command.

After their short greetings, they were all guided to a spacious, minimalist receiving area of the palace with refreshments.

Ari sat up straight in one of the leather sofas and silently followed the conversations of the older people around her. She ate cookies like the good girl she was as she took a peek at Arcus. He was leaning lazily on the sofa, eyes wandering on their visitors.

Arcus suddenly turned his gaze to Ari and his eyes softened. Ari gave him a smile and continued eating her cookies with a blush. She thought of Arcus as she ate but never ever tried to look at him again ever.

When they were done with the refreshments, Luna Daniella walked them in their rooms while servants followed with their luggages. They would only stay in the Eternal Moon Pack for four days but Ari’s stepmother and stepsisters prepared clothing good for two weeks.

They were each given their own rooms which impressed Ari. Her room had lavender walls, her bed covered with pink bed sheets. They were given a few minutes of rest before lunch time but Ari was too full of the cookies she ate that she slept.

“Ari! Wake up!” She heard Dessa, who was already sitting beside her bed. Ari scratched her eyes with the back of her hands groggily.

“This castle is so beautiful, Ari, aren’t you interested to see the scenery outside? Me and Isbeth walked around the garden and there are so many blooming roses out there.” She excitedly told her.

"I felt sleepy, Dessa, maybe I got tired from our trip." Ari and her family traveled for almost five hours, via plane, chopper, and car.

“Well, you don’t want to go out because of your scar face, don't you?”

The question was not true at all for Ari, so she simply denied her theory. She slipped her legs on the bed and started fixing her hair.

“Was the garden really beautiful, Dessa?” Ari’s curious eyes watched her sister.

“It is, but I can’t go with you for another long sight seeing, I’m sorry, Ari, you can see it for yourself alone.” Dessa said arrogantly. She stood up and towered over her little sister, "get up, Ari, dinner’s ready.”

Ari realized that Dessa was already leaving and not waiting for her, she wanted to go to the bathroom and take a pee, but she didn’t want to wander alone going to the dining area as she still didn’t know where it was, so she rushed to the door and run behind her sister, following her.

Lunch was prosperous, but Ari was not feeling well. She was desperate to take a pee but she couldn’t do it. She took a bite of her bread when she heard Arcus ask her, “what’s up with the face, Arinya? You got a problem?”

Dang, the man was sensitive, and Ari became the focus of everyone.

Her face heated up, but she really appreciated Arcus' concern. Desperate for some relief, she told the truth.

“I’d like to go to the restroom.” She meekly said to Arcus.

The young man's face went blank. Ah. The cute little girl was feeling something, he adoringly thought of her.

“Let me take you to the nearest comfort room, Ari.” Arcus stood up and extended his hand to Ari.

The little girl was pleased with the opportunity given to her. She looked up to her father, when he nodded, she took Arcus' hand thankfully.

Alpha Zeke saw the glint in Arcus’ eyes. He was pleased that his son was getting along with the three sisters. Ari was three years younger than Arcus who was already sixteen, but she would be eighteen when Arcus turned twenty one, his age for marrying. Zeke observed the other two sisters on the table, one with chocolate colored hair with brown eyes, it was Dessa, while Isbeth was the one with black hair and brown eyes. The two sisters looked pleasing in the eyes, but the little girl with the healing wound on the face called Ari was farer. She obviously took her beauty from her deceased mother, her light brown hair was a glaring yet beautiful contrast to her violet eyes.

But Zeke was not to interfere with his son’s selection, he would let him choose on his own. There would be a few more years for that though, and whatever his son decided, he would support.

“Here you go,” he opened the restroom door for her.

“Will you be waiting for me outside?” Ari asked with a hint of request in her voice. She found it delightful that Arcus saved her from her concern. In their household, very few people gave her such good treatment, only her father to be exact.

“I’ll be waiting here for you outside, little one.” He said with a smile.

That made Ari contentedly go inside the restroom to finish her rather urgent business.

Ari washed her hand before going out of the restroom, she was hurrying as she didn’t want Arcus to wait for long. But before she opened the door, she heard him talking to someone.

“I know, Gish, but Ryke is your mate, why wouldn’t you be happy…?” Arcus’ soft voice, then paused.

Ari’s curiosity got the best of her, so she opened the door.

‘I gotta go, bye, Gish.” Arcus was apparently talking to his phone. He casually dropped it in his pocket and smiled at her.

“Shall we go?”

“Yes, thank you, Arcus.”

The two of them silently walked back to the dining area. Arcus was probably thinking about the phone call, and Ari was thinking the same. She thought that there was something in the tone of his voice while he was speaking to whoever was on the other end. Ari thought that he sounded very tender and concerned..

Arcus silently guided her in her seat, and the lunch went fast without Ari’s knowing. She was in her best behaviour and pretended that her scar was not concerning her at all. Besides, the scar would be gone soon. When she thought about it and garnering at how Arcus was being nice, she realized that she got nothing to worry about at all.

When lunch was done, the two Alphas claimed to be having a private session in the main office of the castle, while the two luna’s went to the garden.

Isbeth took the chance to ask Arcus to show her around, which he agreed to. Dessa went to her room, saying that she was tired even though she was extremely jealous of Isbeth, but what could she do, Isbeth was more confident and older. And Ari, not knowing what to do with herself, simply followed Dessa.

Ari went to her room with a sigh. She was not tired as she had just fallen asleep earlier, she wanted to go out and explore the garden as well. But could she do it on her own?

Ari looked at her face in the mirror, she carefully touched the cut on her left cheek. It was at least one and half inch long, but it was healing. She wondered if she would gain a scar from the deep cut, she never wanted to though. Her father told her that her healing was faster than others, far more faster than her mother’s ability and she wanted to believe that.

Still thinking if she would go outside or not, Ari decided to see the view from the veranda first. When she slided the glass door, she immediately heard a flirtatious laugh from outside. It was Isbeth, talking with Arcus. She watched them talking with each other, Arcus walking tall beside Isbeth, while her sister’s hands were clinging at the crook of his arm.

Ari was again enthralled on how Arcus carried himself. He was so tall, she thought. And beautiful, she added.

“Hey, little one, come join us!” She heard Arcus shout. She grasped for air, as she didn't expect to be seen.

Her eyes traced down to her older sister, Isbeth's eyes were burning from anger. Ari never wanted to make her older sister angry though. So she simply shook her head and went inside her room.

She lied down for hours, until it was time for dinner.