A couple of minutes pass before a voice calls out, "Next! Who's next?!"

"It is Hera of the Liddicoat Kingdom," I answer.

"You plan to become a citizen here?" A young man asks with suspicion in his eyes. "Tired of all the vampires there?"

"Yes," I answer. "And maybe," I add.

"What kind of spell do you use?"

"Mostly elemental spells. Potions."

"How about combat?"

"Not much."

"What do you mean by 'not much'? You're not even carrying any magical weapons." The guy rolls his eyes and takes a note on his sheet of paper. "I will let you join, but are you really sure? It will be a crazy competition," he warns. "You know how popular the Lycan king is. Most female mages want to be the new Luna."

I nod, perfectly knowing how popular Gideon is. He is so popular, in fact, that he will cheat on a wife who's done nothing but to love and serve him.

"That's why there is a competition, right? To decide who deserves him."

The man behind the table snickers, "Well, that is, if he will ever be at home for the new Luna."

I frown. "What do you mean?"

Gideon is a lazy man. He enjoys staying at home and drowning himself in all kinds of luxury and pleasure. The only thing he really ever loved-that is productive-is combat. He said it keeps him fit.

The man leans forward and says with a sly grin, "Well, you are from Liddicoat, so you still don't know, but the Lycan king has been traveling for the past two years to search for his Lost Luna. You know, that plain-looking woman with massive magic and insane, god-like skills."

"What woman?" I ask, pretending not to know.

"Luna Serra Lore-Dunkerson. Although, she's Mage Serra now if she's still alive. You might have difficulty earning the Lycan king's love if he is still searching for his Lost Luna."

"Oh," I mutter. Thankfully, my glamour is of a different woman.

The other man on the table nudges him. "Stop that. You know how crazy the Lycan king gets when that mage becomes the topic." He shifts his attention to me and warns, "He doesn't believe that she's dead so she's looking for her. So, you be careful about discussing that too. Mage Serra is currently a hero in this kingdom. The Lycan king insisted on that."

My frown deepens. Caius never told me about it. Besides, he is supposed to tell me everything about the Dunkerson kingdom! He left out this massive information from me!

And so, once I confirm that I am registered, I make my way toward the inn. There are a couple of inns in the town, but I know exactly where he is. The tiny crystal he gives me is a pair. He has one as well. It's so we can communicate with each other anytime, including finding each other wherever we are.

I enter the inn and climb up the stairs. When I reach Caius' room, I grab the doorknob and push it open. My lips turn up at the sight. Caius lies naked on top of the bed. He looks like some kind of ancient warrior god, both very handsome and muscular. And between his legs is the female server in the restaurant, her head bobbing up and down as she sucks on him.

The naked woman looks at me and shrieks. Caius shifts his attention and looks at me. He sighs as he watches the woman hide her naked self. She frantically puts on clothes while pulling a blanket around her body.

"What are you doing here?" he asks.

"Ask your lover to leave the room," I say. "We need to talk."

"Can you please wait?" He points at his erect manhood and adds, "I am still enjoying myself."

"No."

Caius groans. He runs his fingers through his blonde hair and shifts his attention to the young woman. "Lydia, I am sorry, but you need to leave. I will find you tonight, then we can continue."

The woman named Lydia nods, and she moves toward the door. Once it's closed again, I activate my magic and create a sound barrier. That way, none of our conversations will get out of the room.

On the other hand, Caius gets up from the bed and takes his clothes. "What is this about, Serra?" he asks, annoyed. "You know exactly what I am to do when I invited that woman. I've told you multiple times to find lovers while we are traveling. That way you won't disturb my fun times."

I snort. "You forgot to mention that Gideon's traveling to look for his Lost Luna," I say, ignoring his complaints. "He has been searching for me."

Caius audibly groans as he turns his back on me and wears his clothes. "Why is it important? You think he's fallen in love with you while you were gone? Just because he is searching everywhere for you? You never thought that maybe, he just plans to properly kill you this time? Or maybe, he lost his mage pet so he wants it back? Or maybe he realizes that he is insufficient without his mage with the insane magic?"

I bristle in anger, "You promised you would tell me everything happening in this kingdom!"

He turns towards me and sits on the foot of his bed. "Look at you now. This is the reason I don't want to tell you. Now that you know that he is looking for you, what will you do? Return to his loving arms?"

I glare at him. "So, you intentionally lied to me," I accuse him.

"What do you expect me to say?" He rubs his forehead. "His traveling and searching for you means nothing."

"It means that it will be easier to win him over once we reveal that I am his Lost Luna!"

"And then what?" he asks, crossing his legs. "Make you lax and believe he will really fall in love with you?"

"That is not-"

"Really, Serra? Just hearing about it, you come running here, even if you know exactly what I am doing with that young woman. You are already panicking at the thought that maybe... there is a chance that he actually loves you." Caius shakes his head and sighs. "If I told you, it would endanger our plans. That man will only love himself. Don't make yourself believe otherwise. Or you will end up like last time."

"You really are an asshole," I mutter under my breath as my anger rises again.

He shrugs his shoulders. "I am just being honest with you. Besides, I am your only friend in this world, Serra. Even if, until now, you don't believe that."

"You are just like him!" I shout at him and run towards the door. I deactivate the sound barrier and slam the door in his face.

I stand in the center of the arena, surrounded by dozens of other competitors. I close my eyes and reminisce about the feeling of standing in this exact same spot four years ago. Back when I was gullible and oblivious to the world. However, now, I don't feel the same jitters and excitement. No more sense of anticipation and trepidation.

I open my eyes. On the banners, on the stage in front of us, are the written words 'Luna Festival Competition', the same contest that will decide who will be the next Luna for the Lycan King of Dunkerson.

Then the announcer's voice booms out from the loudspeakers, which echoes across the arena.

"Welcome, audience, judges, and competitors, to the Luna Festival! This year's competition will be even more spectacular than four years ago! You will be tested in every aspect of your knowledge and skills, from the warrior's arena to the alchemist's laboratory. But before we begin, let us remember why we are having this contest: to earn the right to be the next Luna who will stand alongside our very dashing Lycan King Gideon Dunkerson!"

I snort at that. I glance at the empty chair on the stage. No Lycan King is present. He doesn't care, just like four years ago. In fact, he hates this competition. It makes him seem lacking as the Lycan King.

"Now, without further ado, let the competition begin!"

As the announcer's words echo around the arena, a roar rises from the crowd. They are excited to replace their previous Luna, hoping they won't get the same plain-looking Luna. I smirk. They are in for a massive disappointment.

The sound of a gong reverberates, and I watch the other competitors form an orderly line in front of the stage where everyone will have the chance to be interviewed. I follow suit. When it's my turn together with the other nine participants, I step forward. I am determined to win, just like four years ago.

"Ah, Hera, the woman from the Liddicoat Kingdom," the announcer greets. "We heard you will take Dunkerson citizenship if ever you win?"

"Yes," I say. "I am hoping to win this competition."

"Like all the other competitors!" he exclaims. I nod, and the announcer continues, "You are pretty. Are you sure you are not running away from some ex-lover?"

"I am not escaping from anyone," I answer. I may have chosen a pretty face that is far from how I really look like. However, it makes me confident. I want to look pretty, even if it's fake and only for a short time.

And so, the announcer continues to talk to the other participants. Since there are hundreds of competitors, they want to take out ninety percent of the participants during the first challenge.

"Should we start the first challenge?" The announcer says, allowing the audience anticipation to build.

I glance at Lady Marinella Dunkerson, Gideon's mother, the closest I had to a friend inside the castle walls. However, blood still runs thicker for her, and she chose her son over defending me, even if she knew that her son was the one at fault.

"Oh, this is an interesting challenge."

I shift my attention to the audience. I can feel the tension in the air as the crowd holds their breath, wanting to hear what the first test will be.

Finally, the announcer continues, "The first challenge will be to construct any magical tool using only the materials provided."

A gate opens on the side of the arena, and a servant appears, pushing a cart of different items. It's Caius' doing. He ensured that there will be a task of tool invention. That way, people will feel like I am the same hopeful Serra. I fake a smile. Right now, there's no need to hope. I am certain I will win not just this part of the competition, but the entirety of it.

"This challenge falls under the previous Luna's set of skills," the announcer remarks as the items to create different magical tools are being organized. "To ensure that the one fated to win this competition will continue what the previous Luna has been doing before."

I stop myself from snorting. He meant when I was being taken advantage of?

And then, the announcer booms, "Good luck, and may the best competitor win!"

The crowd erupts in applause again. I rush to the center of the arena and grab various materials on the ground. Sitting on the side, I block out the noise and excitement of the crowd.

My mind runs through all the details of the design. This is already well-planned, and I will see it through. So, I work quickly and efficiently. A few months back, I already repeated this design over and over.

After half an hour, I had already created a small, intricate magical device that searches for people within a limited radius. To demonstrate, the announcer gives out a name that the tool should search. I push my magic into its small hole, and it hums.

"Oh wow! That is amazing!" The announcer praises. "Congratulations, Hera! You have successfully completed the first challenge in record time!"

I smile and make it seem as awkward as possible. Caius says I need to show vulnerability. These people don't want a steadfast, unfeeling, unsmiling, not-so-feminine Luna, just like I was back then.

And then my smile suddenly vanishes. On the stage, my husband, Gideon, is making his way toward his appointed seat. Lady Marinella points at me, and Gideon's eyes fall on me. However, instead of the flirty look that he reserves for all beautiful women, he glowers at me-even if I'm wearing the prettiest glamour that I could ever conjure.

My stomach twists, and I clutch it. As he continues to stare, I unconsciously touch my cheeks, as if checking if my glamour is still there. Realizing the action, I slide my hand to touch the side of my neck instead.

And when I stare back at him, I feel so small. Under his gaze, the feeling of insecurity still persists in my chest. I feel so lacking, trash, hideous. Someone who has nothing else, but her magic. Someone who cannot be loved, no matter how much effort I put in to compensate for my plainness.

And so, to hide the pain, I bow my head to him and hide my face. I turn around, hoping that when I meet him in close proximity, I will be able to calm myself and not attack him in anger.

There are only fifty remaining participants after the tool invention challenge, and the spectators cheer as usual. I glance around. Lycan King Gideon is still in his assigned seat. He is as handsome as ever-dark hair, onyx eyes, and tanned skin-all features that make me so infatuated with him.

He looks older now. However, that only makes him more handsome. His shoulders look broader, and he looks more muscular than before. I snort. I wonder who he is physically abusing with those arms and fists?

He sits beside Queen Marinella, who seems happy to see her son attend the competition. Just the bare minimum, and she is already this happy. She really spoiled him rotten.

And then I look at the five women seated behind him. Caius said those are the Lycan King's current concubines whose only job is to bear him a child since the Luna seat is empty. Three of them are pregnant. He already made a couple of them pregnant, huh?

'Such a loving husband you are, Gideon.'

Instead of wallowing in that thought, I look around. My gaze travels to the faces of other competitors, the eyes of the judges, and then the announcer. They are all watching the remaining contestants.

I look at my hands. I am calm, unlike before. Four years ago, my heart was pounding in my chest, and it took my all to steady myself.

"Welcome, competitors! We are going to have an all-out brawl!" the announcer interrupts my thoughts. "The competitors who will remain, after thirty minutes of battle, will proceed to the Final challenge, which will be held three days from now!"

Three days. That's too long. I want this to be over as soon as possible. How about if I defeat all of them now, to the point that they won't be able to join the challenge three days from now?

I am about to grin when I slap both my cheeks. To distract myself, I look for Caius in the audience area. Meeting his eyes, he nods at me.

'Do it,' I can almost hear him say.

I take a deep breath. I am ready. I will win once again, and I will take vengeance on these people.

I study the other competitors - boys and girls, muscular and thin, weak and strong, young and old - I can defeat all of them.

Chaos erupts among the competitors when the gong resounds. They instantly begin to fight. I grin as I raise an impenetrable barrier around me. I watch the other contestants clash with weapons, fists, and magic. The clang of metals against each other, the smell of magic as it engulfs the arena, competitors falling on the ground. It is thrilling!

And so, I close my eyes and take a couple of deep breaths. I just need one massive spell to defeat all of them. A spell that can make them fall asleep. But I need to make sure that no accidents will happen. No one should fall on the pointy end of their swords. No one should fall victim at the abrupt end of their ongoing spell. That's what they want from their Luna, someone too soft she can't hurt a fly, but someone they can push to massacre other people to end a war.

Hypocrites! And I am worse!

I open my eyes. It's time. In a split second, I place my hands together, dispel my own barrier, and deploy a mist of sleep spell. It is a potent spell that will make them sleep for at least a week.

As all the other mages realize what I've done, they turn all their gazes on me. I am smaller and physically weaker than most, but my magic skills are second to none.

They attempt to attack me while they are being overwhelmed by my sleep spell. I dodge and counter their blows with basic self-defense. They are falling under my spell, and it's not hard to repel them.

Soon, everyone is falling to the ground, sound asleep. Thankfully, no one died from accidents. They fall asleep as peacefully as planned.

Finally, only one opponent is left - a robust and experienced warrior and very, very muscular. Somehow, I want her to become the Luna. I'd like to watch how she wrestles with Gideon in bed. No, it's better if she kills him, chokes him, hits him hard - or probably bruise him enough that scars will appear on his perfect body!

The remaining warrior moves toward me. "Tricky mage," she says.

"Tough warrior," I retort.

"That sounded like a praise," she smirks. "You don't know how to insult, huh?"

"Why would I insult you? Somehow, I'd like to see you making love with the Lycan King. That would be hilarious."

Slowly, her face darkens in anger. "That's it! You are dead!"

She dashes towards me, but she is already woozy from my sleep spell. And so, with just a single sidestep and a kick on her side, she falls to the ground.

I didn't waste any time. She is about to stand when I activate my wind magic. I thrust her from where she sits using a controlled but hard and powerful push. She hits the wall of the audience's area. It is so powerful that the wall cracks under both her weight and the potency of my magic.

And then, I become aware that everyone is silent. I swallow hard, preparing myself to be jeered at again, just like before. And suddenly, one person claps. Then a few people follow, and then a few more until the arena erupts into cheers and claps.

As I look around the audience, a wave of relief washes over me. I am halfway to becoming the Luna. The judge whispers something to the announcer and he returns to the arena's center.

"Well, well," the announcer starts. "That's pretty unexpected!"

I smile, the kind of smile that shows uncertainty.

The announcer takes my hand and says, "Congratulations, Hera of Liddicoat!"

Then he raises my arm. "We have our new Dunkerson Luna!"

I try to bask in the glory of my triumph, but it's hard. It feels shallow, even if I won with my own ability. Maybe because I already expected this outcome.

"Should I escort you to the stage, then?" he asks. "So you can properly present yourself to the Lycan King?"

I glance at Caius. He nods at me again. Here comes the tricky part. Then, from the side of the arena, a couple of monks walk toward me. This time, I am a little bit anxious. I hope there is no one amongst them who is an expert on shedding glamour.

"Why are the monks here?" I whisper to the announcer.

He smiles. "No need to worry, dear. They are here to ensure that the winner is not using any glamour."

"G-glamour?" I stutter.

"Yes. Don't be nervous unless you are hiding something."

I look at Gideon and his mother. They are unaffected. And so, before the monks completely shed my glamour, I withdraw from the announcer's hold and run towards the arena's exit.

"Catch her," comes the voice of Gideon, deep, almost lazy. "Don't let her leave."

I look at him. The first time I hear his voice again and it's filled with irritation.

A barrier is activated, and warriors come toward me. One warrior, in particular, lifts and throws me onto the ground, on to the Lycan King's feet. I look up, and Gideon is looking down at me. He kneels before me and raises my chin. His fingers feel rough now, and yet, all I can think of is how much I want to pay him back for all the hurt I suffered from him!

"You have a pretty face. Seeing your fear of the monks, I guess this is not your actual face?"

Two warriors lift my arms and force me up. The audience is quiet now, as if this scene is something to enjoy in such silence.

The monk stands beside Gideon. "Should I start, Lycan King Gideon?"

Gideon looks at me, and I shake my head. "No... please... don't..." I beg. My voice is trembling in anger, and I am so glad for it. At least it will appear as if I am really afraid to have my glamour shed.

However, same as before, he didn't look at me with pity. No love, either. Just like when I was his wife. The warriors tighten their hold on my arms, and I struggle against them.

As expected, these warriors have their nullifying tools ready - the same magic tool I created for the Dunkerson, and now, they are all benefiting from it!

I bow my head, forcing my tears to come. I think of all the things I suffered from them, the things I've done for them, and the realization that I've been utterly used and discarded right after.

Tears flow down my cheeks, and I look at Gideon, so he will know that I am crying now. However, these are tears of hatred. I will make him suffer! I promise!

And then, the monk blocks my view of him. I can feel my magic being siphoned. There is a lot, so it took a while. And when the monk thinks they have drained me of magic, they take a step back from me.

"Release her," Gideon orders.

I fall to the ground, and I lay my head low, my hands on my face. Tears fall on the ground and in between my fingers. I might be doing such an excellent job of pretending.

No, I want to laugh at the absurdity of this all! The best warriors! The best monks! And all they've done is to shave off my first layer of glamour!?! Their mediocrity is hilarious!

But then again, I am the one who created the nullifying tool, so I know how to get past it. I hide a smirk. The fools! The mediocres! I will be your death, your fucking downfall!

"Get her up and show her to the people," Gideon orders. "And this Luna selection is null and void. I won't take a liar."

The same unfeeling bastard is acting as if he is disgusted to touch another woman when I know that he will fuck just about anyone! Our nights have been always filled with him using my body for his pleasure, and I give and give until he got bored of me!

When the two warriors touch my arm, I whisper, "I can't believe that you are still the same cold man, Gideon..." I say, my voice trembling. Even if I vomit with disgust, I will lie through my teeth.

"Wait."

The warriors take a step back, and Gideon kneels before me. I watch his hands tremble as he reaches for my chin and makes me look up again.

"I heard you are searching for your previous Luna, so I returned."

Taking in my face, that is, my previous face before it gets destroyed by acid magic - utter shock appears on his face, and in a soft voice, he whispers, "Serra... My Serra..."