An hour before the banquet . . .

Elijah’s POV

“YOU look like someone who will be entering an execution chamber,” said Joaquin, who was helping me with my black tux here in my room. “Try to plaster a little smile on that face, Elijah. Your father has returned and it’s best to hide your disapproval of this arrangement. Be a grown up.”

My brows furrowed as I looked at my reflection in the mirror. At this age, I realized that some birthdays don’t mean to bring happiness but misfortune, typically the same goes for me.

“So you’re saying that to be a grown up, I have to follow his every command like a fucking robot? Are you fucking real, Quin?”

“Sometimes, you just have to man up and face the reality, Elijah. Not all situations would go on your side. There are times you have to forget your beliefs and adjust for the betterment of many.” He patted my shoulder and then sighed.

“Are you done preaching me?” I turned to him and threw daggers on him.

He tilted his head and shrugged. “Done rubbing the truth on your face, birthday boy. Anyway, your mother prepared some presents for you and for Margaux. Luna Hera wants you to give it to her.”

“Whatever.” I shook my head and walked to the balcony of my room to breathe some fresh air.

“And your new slave is already here. Would you like to check on her?”

I couldn’t help but smirk. I can’t believe my father really took someone from the pack they attacked. “So he really brought me a new slave, huh? Interesting. Where did they take her?”

“In the cage on the east wing.”

***

Present Time . . .

“WE all know that slaves will be only called from their cages, but now you want to have her stay in your room?” Joaquin asked the moment we transferred my new slave into my room. I can see the tracks of her tears from her face, and she is dripping with sweat just by looking at her hair.

“You asked too many questions, Joaquin. Just do what I told you. She will be my guest at the banquet, and that's final.”

He nodded, giving up on whatever it is he's trying to argue about. “I will go ahead and pick up the dress from our tailor. I already called the pack doctor, and he'll be here in no time. I'll be back in a minute.” He said.

“Okay, make it quick. We are running out of time.”

When Joaquin left my room, I looked at my new slave sitting at the edge of my bed. I already told her that she'd be coming to the banquet as a guest on our way here. She will be assisted by Joaquin and get her dressed formally.

“My M..a...Master, I want to get this off my ch-chest; I think . . . I cannot go with you to the p-party. My family never let me go out, and it will be my... first time seeing other werewolves . . .” Atasha's face turned pale as she said it, then she rubbed the side of her neck.

“I hate repeating myself; just call me Elijah. It’s an order that you must follow. Do you understand?” I remarked in my serious tone.

“ Yes . . . master, I mean . . . El-Elijah.”

I massaged the bridge of my nose as I closed my eyes for a bit. This were-woman is a pain in the ass. Hopefully, my plan will work.

When I opened my eyes, I saw the look of confusion on her face. I couldn’t help but observe her. Her whole being does remind me of someone I know, speaking innocence and courage. I'm not sure who it was, but all it tells me is a warm feeling, walking in the woods, running in crisp golden leaves, the earthy scent; it feels like home.

As I glanced more at her, I noticed her amber eyes even though it conveys defiance . . . her nose, and sculpted lips, skin so pale and unkempt brown colored long curly hair due to the torture she received . . . that tiny scar in her neck, yet I must admit she still glows even from a distant.

“I need to leave now. You can take a bath first and wait for the pack doctor. See you at the party, my slave.” I cleared my throat and went to the door.

Before I close the door, my eyes can't help but peek and look at her face.

Elijah, you have to keep your cool, damn it!

I then decided to leave her and walked away. While I was already in the hallway, my mind kept telling me to go back for some unknown reason. I stopped for a moment and had to fight the urge to follow my mind; however, it seemed like my body followed my mind more than my well-built pride, and so I went back to my room so that I could see her again.

My eyes widened like an owl at night as soon as I opened the door. She turned to me and screamed as I saw her totally naked while standing in front of the mirror.

I gulped down as my eyes drifted in her slim yet intoxicating body. Hers is just the same with all other were-women I bedded, but it seemed like something was wrong with me as I could not stop glancing. I guess I had to stop drinking that forbidden liquor from Quin.

“I-I’m going to take a bath!” she said as she covered herself using her tiny hands. That made me come back to my senses and look away.

“Hurry up, then!” I closed the door and palmed my face.

What the heck, Elijah?

This isn't the first time I saw a naked werewolf . . . why do I feel so nervous and excited? I scolded myself repeatedly as I walked towards the hallway.

This isn't the right time to play around, I told myself.

***

AS I stepped into our garden where the banquet would be held, I already felt all the eyes glued to me. It is uncomfortable at first, but I need to get used to it as I will be the next Alpha after this day.

There were some hot were-women, and they looked like they wanted to have some fun with me, but as soon as I started getting excited, my father approached me with my fiancee Margaux.

“My son, I want to introduce you to your fiancee, Margaux Deveraugh.”

“I already know her, so let's cut the formal introduction, shall we?” I said and gave Margaux a cold stare.

I didn't feel any fear as she looked me in the eyes. She then smiled seductively, the same smile I see from most of the were-women who want to end up in my bed.

“It's been a while, Eli. You never changed. You're still the cold-hearted guy I know. But I must admit you look even more handsome this time,” she said in her soft voice.

“You two should catch up a bit. I need to join my Luna to welcome some of our friends from the allied packs. I'll excuse myself for now.” Father smiled sincerely to Margaux, and when he turned to me, I instantly heard his voice in my head.

‘Treat her well,’ he said as his mind linked me.

I shook my head and let him blend into the crowd while looking for my mother. Margaux then cleared her throat to get my attention.

“Happy birthday, Eli. This one's for you.” She handed a small box to me. I accepted it and led our way to one of the VIP tables.

“I appreciate the present.”

We casually talked . . . I mean, she kept talking, and I only answered when needed. The banquet is just starting, yet I feel the urge to go back to my room. I bet it would be much interesting to talk to the new slave rather than staying here with this were-woman who's exposing her motives too early.

Margaux Deveraugh is a head-turner, sexy, and her aura is powerful among the single were-women out here. However, despite her impressive physique, I still don't feel anything for her.

Minutes passed, and I started talking to the other werewolves who greeted me. There are other royals from the other packs which came and gave their respect to us.

It's closed in the evening when the food is served. My father then went on the stage and was ready to make some announcements.

I was looking around and still did not see my slave. I felt worried as I did not know what had happened, and probably my butler knew my plan and sided with my father. If that's the case, I'm screwed.

I clenched my jaw as I watched my father finish his speech. Our eyes locked afterward. . . I guess I need to accept my fate, to marry someone I didn't like at all.

Suddenly, I saw a stunning were-woman walking inside the garden. She caught my attention as other werewolves were also looking at her and asking who she was. My feet moved on their own, and I ran towards her as I saw Joaquin holding her arm.

A-Atasha!

I could have sworn that my breath hitched upon seeing her in the champagne-colored long dress. She looks stunning . . .

I grabbed her hand and ran towards the stage. My father was confused as he looked at me. I stopped in the middle of the platform and faced the crowd, still holding Atasha's hand.

Different packs looked at me with confused faces. Old werewolves are whispering, and some of them locked their eyes to my slave.

“As the soon-to-be Alpha of the Crimson Pack, I'm here to proudly announce that I already found my Luna,” I proclaimed confidently.

I turned to her. I must confess, her face looked charming when she had this sweet naive look . . . I smiled inwardly and held her waist so I could pull her towards me.

“Mate . . .” I whispered and leaned in to kiss her soft lips.

A loud gasp from the crowd occupied the garden, but I can hear more clearly the piercing heartbeat that I also feel from her chest.

Atasha’s POV

MY mind was completely haywire as I couldn't seem to grasp what was happening. The soon-to-be Alpha, Elijah, wanted me to join the banquet for an unknown reason. One thing's for sure; this will be my very first time attending a banquet; for a moment, it felt like I'm a normal werewolf.

Another thing that bothered me the most was that he saw my naked body earlier . . . when I think about it, I can't help but feel the heat engulfing my face. I can't erase that scene from my head; I wonder if he finds me attractive? I grabbed the pillow and shoved it in my face.

What the hell was I thinking? By his reaction earlier, it looks like he doesn't even see me as desirable like other were-women. But since he will be an alpha, I wonder what will happen to me if he already found his Luna?

Someone knocked on the door. Joaquin entered the room while holding a beautiful dress, and he is with the pack doctor.

After the pack doctor treated my wounds, Joaquin gave me the dress, and he waited for me outside. I was still hesitating with the idea of intruding in that party, but Joaquin said it was Elijah's command, and I had no right to defy him. I believe that Moon Goddess has a plan for me; no matter what happens, I will protect my family.

I wore a champagne-colored long off-shoulder dress. My curly hair was braided perfectly, and my face became livelier because of the makeup that the housemaid put on it. As I glanced at my reflection in front of the mirror, different emotions started to whirl inside my chest. Is this really me?

For someone like me who was held captive, and with the fact that family is still in danger out there, I am not certain if it's right for me to go to a party and act like nothing really happened. I fisted my hand and gasped . . . I wish Astrid is safe wherever they are right now.

"It's time," stated Joaquin in his cold tone.

I breathed heavily, nodded, and turned to him. We went out of Elijah's room and headed to the hallway that would bring us to where the banquet would be held.

"Just follow the other guests going to the banquet. I have to go check the gates to make sure no intruders will come. Please wait for me at the entrance once you're there. "

Before I could speak, Joaquin had already made his way somewhere else. I shook my head and embraced myself. What should I do now?

I continued walking and tried to blend in with the crowd who were walking in a wide hallway. They were all dressed formally like royals. My eyes roamed around the interiors and paintings on each wall. As I walked together with other guests, the echoes in the hallway would be heard because of the chats from different packs.

What I noticed with them is that they have this aura of peacefulness and calmness, which I found bizarre as I always think of them as destructive and ferocious beasts. Their demeanor was pleasing to my eyes, and it's hard to comprehend as someone from a poor family, and I have never seen the world like this before. Their territory was completely different from ours, as we're like commoners living in rural rustic land.

While I was walking, I accidentally collided with someone. It was a beautiful were-women, and she just simply nodded and smiled; I was not able to apologize right away because it left me speechless of how stunning she was. While I was looking at them, I then realized that even if I tried to blend in, even if I dress like them, there's really a huge difference between rich packs and me. Despite the fact that I'm invited here to the banquet, the truth is... I don't truly belong here.

I was about to head to what seemed to be a huge garden when I saw a passage on the far left side from where I was standing. The thought of escaping made me feel stiff. I stopped moving, contemplating while looking at that dark passage . . . what if there was a way out there?

I gazed back at the entrance of the vast garden where the banquet was being held. Joaquin hasn't come back yet, and with the heavy crowd in here, I assume no one would notice that I left.

The face of the soon-to-be Alpha crossed my mind. I inhaled heavily as I couldn't seem to understand why it felt as if I would lose my breath if he heard that I had escaped . . . as a matter of fact, he's not an important werewolf to me. He's still . . . an enemy. Trust should not be given to him, especially to his family. I must know if they're telling the truth; I need to see my family.

I swallowed the lump in my throat. I stepped back and ran into the dark passage with my heart thumping so loud. I kept looking back as I ran, afraid that someone might have seen and chased me.

Your family is more important, Atasha . . .

I reached the end of the passage. My disappointment arose when I realized that I had entered a greenhouse filled with exotic plants and flowers. I slowly walked into the place, hoping that there might be a door but to no avail. I looked up at the ceiling and watched how different butterflies glided as if they were dancing without any worry.

How could I even escape from this place? I sighed in defeat and sat on the wooden chair. I embraced my knees as I lowered my head. Silence engulfed the whole place and somehow brought peace in me. I stayed there for a moment, seizing the peacefulness as if I won't be able to do it after this day.

I couldn't help but feel worried about my twin sister and my father. At the end of the day, they're all that I have. I'm also hoping Astrid will be fine as I'm unsure if I will be given another chance to see her. I hoped they really fulfilled their promise that they would not hurt them. As I watched the butterflies, memories flashed before my eyes, walking in the mountains with a lovely warm feeling, the shade of autumn that felt like home.

As I came back to my senses, I looked at my wrist and caressed the bracelet Astrid gave to me.

“Guests aren’t allowed here, were-woman,” a raspy voice suddenly spoke that startled me.

I turned to the man who had gray eyes, a perfectly sculpted nose, lips and jaw, and long blonde hair tied up half. Fear started to creep into my system as he glared at me.

“I . . . I got lost. I-I’m sorry!” I said with my quavering voice.

Without further ado, I walked past him, but my heart almost jumped in fear when he stopped me, holding my arm in an instance. His hands, though, were warm and gentle; my skin felt his soft fingertips as they slipped through my hands.

“A beautiful were-woman like you shouldn’t wander here all alone. No one can be trusted in this place,” he said as his piercing eyes glanced at me. He then smiled, “Let me escort you to the banquet–”

“N-No, please . . .” I panicked. “I-I’m completely fine alone,” I said and removed his hand from me.

“I haven’t seen such beauty before. I assume you’re not part of the Crimson Moon . . .” he stated playfully.

“No, and I am only here to protect my family.” After that, I ran away from him and went back to where I was supposed to go.

“Where did you go?” Joaquin walked towards me as soon as he saw me. His brows furrowed. “You look so pale. What happened?”

I shook my head. “I-I got lost and had to find my way back here.”

Based on how he looked at me, I knew that he wasn’t that convinced with my reason, which made me feel agitated.

“I suggest you not do anything that will make your situation even worse. The banquet has started for a while. Let’s go,” he said coldly and made his way to the party.

I bit my lips and sighed. I followed him, and I started to blend into the crowd of royals.

***

The sight of the soon-to-be Alpha and a beautiful were-woman by his side made my chest feel so heavy. I was just around the corner, trying to observe how Elijah looked at his partner. She might be his Luna . . .

Almost an hour passed and I remained low profile. I didn’t know how to interact. That's why even though there were werewolves trying to exchange conversations with me, I ended up avoiding them.

I saw Alpha Gregory entering the stage and making his speeches. Just by looking at his face that screams of greediness, I couldn’t help but feel the disgust for him . . . no, I despise him because he’s the main reason why I am here . . . My hands were literally shaking out of anger by only watching him. I had to hold my wrist and make a fist.

I gasped when I noticed that my bracelet wasn’t on my wrist anymore.

“Where did it go? Oh, no,” I mumbled. My gaze landed on the floor, trying to find my precious bracelet. It was Astrid’s gift for me . . . that’s the only remembrance I had from her! I can’t lose it, too!

I walked to the other corner where I’ve been too but was interrupted when someone grabbed my hand.

I turned to the owner of that hand and my eyes widened upon meeting Elijah’s soulful gaze. A ghost of a smile and hope lingered on his lips that made me breathe heavily. Despite the unfamiliar emotion he’s making me feel, it bothered me that a lot of eyes were on us . . .

What is he trying to do?

“W-Wait, E-Elijah!” I whispered when he dragged me onto the stage suddenly.

Being on a stage was like a dreadful experience for me. I looked at Elijah who caught everyone’s attention. I felt how he held my hand tighter and then the next thing I knew, he announced to everyone here that he had found his Luna.

My mouth was half open when he turned to me.

“Mate . . .” he uttered and pulled me closer to him.

I was about to protest, but then in a flash, I already felt his soft lips claiming mine. My heart pounded more aggressively, and my knees went jelly because of what he did.

That was my first kiss!

His persistent mouth parted my shaking lips and sent wild shivers down my spine. He tilted his head, and his other hand caressed my cheek. A rushing wave of warmth left me stunned. It's as if everything went blurred, and I was drowning into wide oblivion. I was about to withdraw from him, but the way he snaked his arm around my waist, it was as if he was telling me that I had to cooperate.

I was completely out of breath after that unexpected kiss! I tried to compose myself as his gaze was still at me. Shocked by what had just happened, I blinked several times and eyed him in confusion.

"I-I am your new slave, not your fiancee or L-Luna . . ." I whispered enough for him to hear.

"You don't feel it yet, but my wolf does." He licked his lips which sent another sensation deep within me. I looked away and saw how the crowd was still in shock because of what they had witnessed a few seconds ago. I stepped back and cleared my throat. My eyes darted on his father, who was eyeing me accusingly; he was throwing a dagger as if I ruined the night when in fact, his son dragged me into this . . .

"May I know who the hell she is?" A beautiful were-woman then suddenly grabbed Elijah's arm and pointed her finger at me as if I was a criminal at this point. In my mind, as I respond, I'm not here to steal him from you.

I was about to run away with them when I heard someone whistling. The crowd turned to the familiar werewolf who was walking charismatically on the stage. My brows furrowed as he was the same werewolf who talked to me in the greenhouse.

What caught my attention was the thing he was holding in his hand . . . my bracelet!

"Zach, you're here?" the beautiful were-woman said.

He walked past her and went straight to me.

"I think this is yours," he said.

A smile of relief escaped my lips, and I walked towards him. He stopped in front of me and took my hand. I gasped and looked back at Elijah.

"This bracelet symbolizes your inclusivity to the Silver Moon Pack." He put the bracelet on my wrist. "Take care of it. I know it's important," he stated and kissed the back of my hand, which made me stunned.

He then stood proudly and leaned forward enough for him to whisper something into my ears, "If you want to save your family, please remember that you can count on me . . ."

I slowly turned to him. He smirked and then walked away, leaving me completely dumbfounded.

Atasha’s Point of View

THE banquet ended quickly as Alpha Gregory was truly upset about what had just happened. His disgusted stare towards my face made me want to run and hide, but there was nowhere to go. I can't blame him, though. The Alpha's plan was ruined by his son. To control the damage that Elijah and I did, he then declared to the crowd that everything was a huge misunderstanding.

Some groups were muttering some words as they heard from the strange blonde-hair werewolf Zach that I was from their rival pack. I remember all the looks that were thrown at us, but Elijah didn't seem to mind it. He was still holding my waist and slowly walked away from the crowd.

I was still bewildered that the soon-to-be Alpha declared that he had already found his mate–his future Luna, and that was no other than me. My heart could not even stop from thumping so loud by just remembering his words while we were on the stage. It was so sincere and brave that it sent a euphoric feeling that I couldn't comprehend. This is the first time I attended a banquet and the first time that a werewolf has kissed me on the lips. This was like emotional torture for me; if Astrid is here, what is she going to do?

Elijah was still holding my hand when he dragged me back into his room. He immediately locked the door, and I was only looking at him, waiting for the words that would come out of his mouth.

He sighed in relief, hid one hand inside the pocket of his pants, and gazed at me with his piercing eyes.

"I bet you're confused," he uttered huskily and walked towards me.

I could have sworn that I felt as if I was being electrified by his intense gaze. It was too much to handle that I had to look away. I breathed hard and reminded myself that I had to be in the right mind right now and that there was no room to fancy this man who seems to be bringing another nightmare in my life!

"What was that all about?" I asked as I gathered all the remaining courage I had. I swallowed the lump in my throat and fisted my hand to chuck out my fear. “Is this a kind of suffering you do to your slaves? Do you see how mad everyone in your pack is? Especially your father?”

“They are not important. Also, why do you even care?” he asked in his cold tone of voice.

I gritted my teeth and gazed back at him. His brows were furrowed, and his jaw slightly clenched as his piercing eyes continued to look at me.

"A-Am I really your mate?" I asked him with a voice crack. Regardless of his response, there’s a small voice in the back of my head that would like to ask him, even though I already know what the answer is.

A ghost of a smile was evident on his reddish lips. He licked it before he spoke, “No, you're not . . .”

I chuckled a bit, shook my head, and looked down on the ground. I’m fucking stupid; of course, he is lying. I’m not even sure how I came up with the idea to ask that question.

“You're just a mere slave, not my mate. What happened at the banquet was all part of my plan.”

“As I expected from the son of our rival pack’s Alpha . . .” I whispered as I looked at him with disgust. “W-Why did you do that? What are you planning? Y-Your father was furious —”

“I don't care about how he feels. I want him to stop manipulating my life. Listen.” He held my shoulders and breathed heavily. “Go along with this, and I can assure you that I will protect you no matter what happens. You can avoid the sufferings you could get as a slave if you cooperate with me. I need you to act in front of everyone. You will be my contracted Luna, Atasha.”

As he spoke those words towards me, his eyes were flaming with wrath, which made me uneasy.

I was still in disbelief when I heard how a son acted this way towards his father. He is ruthless. He didn’t understand that his father was only doing this for his own sake. Whose father is so cruel that they manipulate their child’s life?

“Elijah, your father, only wants the best for you. I think this is a bad idea!” I burst it out and looked at him directly. I couldn’t tell his reaction by looking at his face. He turned around and removed his shirt.

My face turned a crimson hue as I scanned his broad shoulders, biceps, and all the way down to his lean, sculpted V-shaped back.

“Notice the tattoo on my back?” he asked. I came back from my senses and looked at it. “It’s a moon with a king’s crown. What does it mean?” He turned around and slowly walked towards me; his hands snaked to my waist, and his eyes melted me with the look of sorrow. Why do I feel like I've seen this before?

“I’m also a slave of my father . . . and we’re just the same.”

He then picked up his shirt, walked away and closed the door. After he left, I immediately sat down on the edge of the bed near me. The room felt bigger now that he left. I caught my breath and slowly got up and opened the windows to get more refreshing air.

No matter how I tried to clear my head, even the fresh night breeze didn’t help. I sighed and decided to fix myself in the mirror. My mind couldn’t help but to remember Elijah’s face and what he said.

I only finally came to my senses when I discovered that the scar from my neck, which the pack doctor had predicted would heal in two weeks, had already disappeared.

***

THE next day was like a nightmare to me. Simply sitting at a dining table together with Elijah's parents made me want to vomit. I couldn't stand the face of the werewolf who slaughtered my entire pack and brought me to this hell. Thinking also of working with Elijah makes me upset about this situation.

I bit my tongue to discard my rage as I knew there was a right time for it. I looked around and saw how lavish their lifestyle was. It was ultimately the opposite of how our small pack lived in the woods. There was a giant portrait of their family hanging on the wall. The ceilings were filled with ancient paintings that looked like their ancestors. There was no doubt that they were filthy rich. What destroys me is that this is because of their wrongdoings and their cruelty against our pack.

The Alpha who's greedy of power while his son is—

“...we’re just the same.”

Those words from Elijah entered my mind for a second. He was also a tremendous liar. Not at all, Elijah. You are born with a silver spoon in your mouth, whereas I am not.

I then looked at him, and he acted like nothing happened yesterday. A heavy silence engulfed the whole dining room, and the only thing I could hear was the sound of their utensils as they ate.

Elijah was seated beside me and almost done with his food. I couldn't believe he still has the appetite after the problem he created last night.

“Our marriage should be arranged soon," he said, breaking the silence on the table as he stood up. I looked at him, and he was eyeing his father sternly.

I heard Alpha Gregory heaved a huge sigh. I glanced his way and saw the dismay and anger in his eyes. He turned to me after a few seconds. “It's not something you can decide with. First off, I need to see if she is worthy of being part of this family.”

My forehead creased because of what I heard. What was he thinking? I then looked at Elijah, whose jaw keep clenching out of anger but still trying to hold back.

"Listen, father, she's my mate. I don't think proving herself is a must at this point. You want me to be the Alpha, correct?"

“I apologize for bursting your bubble, but it is a must to prove that she’s capable of leading, El.” Alpha Gregory wiped his mouth using a table napkin and looked at his son dangerously. “I will give her a test to see if she’s deserving to be your wife, and make sure that she can shift to a strong werewolf as I need a strong Luna for you who will lead our female members and would bear pups for the future of this Pack," he said and then looked back at me. "If all else fails, then you must marry Margaux."

My heart sank, and my hand began to quiver against my bouncing knee as I tried to calm myself down. It was Alpha Gregory's gaze that was sending me a threat that I couldn't ignore. If it all fails, does it mean that I will be free? But knowing the Alpha, as long as I'm here in their domain, my life will be in peril.

He wants to see me shift into my wolf form. How could I possibly do that? Never in my adolescent life had I experienced the shifting. I was cursed by the Moon Goddess, and I don't possess any wolf inside of me!

My eyes glanced at Elijah, whose tiny beads of sweat had started to form in his forehead. His jaw was clenched sternly as his hand began a fist. I sensed that he knew that I couldn't shift, probably he would surrender now to his father. I think this is the best decision for us.

“Go along with this, and I can assure you that I will protect you no matter what happens.” I then remember these words coming from him last night. I didn’t know why, but whenever I think of those words from Elijah, my heart feels so heavy. It gives me a bit of a sense of hope. If I sided with him, his father would punish us both once he finds out about this stupid plan, and of course, I would take more harm than Elijah because I'm just a slave.

As I stared at Elijah, his words lingered in my mind once again.

“...I’m also a slave of my father, and we're just the same.”

I swallowed the lump in my throat. It took a few seconds for me to gather the courage to hold his fisted hand. His gaze went down to our hands. I heaved a huge breath and stood up, still looking at him with small courage that was backing me up. I then faced his father, ignoring the fact that my knees were quivering so severely.

“If that is the only thing that will put you at ease, then I have no reason to decline. I accept that test, Alpha . . .” I said, raising my head with confidence. “I’ll prove to every one of you that I am worthy of being Elijah’s Luna.”

I heard Elijah's mother gasp. Alpha Gregory seemed to be surprised by my statement but cleared his throat after a while. He then nodded his head. “What a courageous slave . . .”

“She agreed. Let her prepare herself for that test, whatever that is. Give her a month to study—”

“Five days,” Alpha Gregory stated as he cut Elijah's words off. “I will give her five days to prepare.”

Elijah cussed out of frustration. He looked at me, and I could see how worried he was. By his stare, I knew that he was aware that it was impossible for me to be able to prepare for the test . . . and for the shifting for only five days.

But we were already in this situation, and I didn't want to be a laughingstock by everyone only because I didn’t try hard enough to deal with Alpha Gregory’s condition.

“Sure thing, Alpha. I appreciate you being considerate,” I uttered, trying to hide how nervous I was right at this moment.

The truth was, I had no idea where this sudden burst of confidence had come from. The feeling I had was as if my intuition was telling me to continue with this, that even though I was aware of my inability, I had no choice but to prove my worth.