The sun was still low in the sky when Mira was summoned.
The head cook found her in the servants' quarters, handing her a plain, brown dress to wear. Her face was tight with anger, but her voice was falsely sweet.
"Come quickly, girl," she said. "The Lady wishes to see you."
Mira blinked in surprise. "Lady Rahila?"
"Yes,who else, where you expecting someone else" the cook snapped. "And remember, the Alpha gave an order that no harm should come to you. But..." She leaned in closer, lowering her voice so only Mira could hear.
"...he's not here right now. And when the cat is away, the mice will play."
Mira's stomach dropped.
Before she could say a word, the head cook straightened up and added with a cruel smile, "You think you're special now, don't you? Don't worry, girl. I'll personally deal with you."
Mira's hands shook slightly, but she quickly hid them in her dress.
The cook turned sharply and made a signal to two guards standing nearby. At once, they stepped forward, each grabbing one of Mira's arms.
"Wait!" Mira cried out. "What did I do?!"
"Quiet," the cook hissed. "You're going exactly where you belong, my lady gave orders that you should be thrown where you belong since it's obvious you don't know your place."
The guards dragged Mira through the cold stone halls. Servants turned away quickly, pretending not to see. No one dared speak. No one dared help her.
Finally, they reached a dark hallway Mira had never seen before. The walls were damp and smelled of mold.
The guards stopped in front of a heavy iron door. One of them pulled out a key and unlocked it with a loud clank. The door swung open, revealing a small, dark cell.
Without ceremony, they shoved Mira inside.
She stumbled and fell hard on the stone floor. Before she could get up, the door slammed shut behind her with a thunderous bang, leaving her in total darkness.
---
The next morning, Alpha Alex rose early and prepared for an important meeting with his pack leaders. He wore a dark blue jacket lined with silver and a heavy black cloak over his shoulders. His expression was serious and cold as he rode out to the meeting center at the heart of the territory.
The meeting hall was already buzzing when he arrived. Elder wolves from the five neighboring kingdoms were waiting for him.
As Alex entered, the room fell silent.
One of the elders, an old wolf with sharp golden eyes, stepped forward and spoke.
"Alpha Alex," he began formally, "the time has come for you to choose your Luna again, we've given you enough break from the failure of the last one ."
Alex's jaw tightened slightly, but he said nothing.
"It has been decided," the elder continued, "that the daughters of the five royal houses will come to stay at the castle. You will spend time with them and, in time, choose your true mate."
Another elder added, "It is tradition. Before an Alpha is fully crowned, he must stand beside his Luna."
Alex stayed quiet for a long moment. He respected the elders deeply. They had guided the packs for generations. And though he hated the idea, he knew he could not reject their words.
"I accept," he said finally, his voice low.
A ripple of approval went through the room.
The decision was made.
---
News traveled fast.
By evening, the entire castle buzzed with excitement. Servants whispered in the halls, cooks rushed back and forth, and Lady Rahila walked proudly through the castle, barking out orders.
She was thrilled. Finally, her son would be bound to a proper Luna.
And that little servant girl? Forgotten.
Lady Rahila immediately hired more workers to prepare for the royal guests. The kitchens overflowed with sweet breads, roasted meats, and fine wines. Every room was scrubbed clean until it shone.
It would be a grand event.
---
The day before the royal daughters were expected to arrive, Alex stood in the great hall, overseeing the final preparations.
He lifted a hand, signaling one of the guards.
"Bring me a maid," he said. "I need someone to pour my wine."
A few minutes later, a nervous young maid appeared, carrying a goblet.
Alex took the cup from her hand, but something felt... wrong.
He frowned slightly.
"Where is Mira?" he asked, his voice sharp.
The maid hesitated. She glanced nervously at one of the senior servants before replying.
"She... she went to visit her parents, my Lord," the maid said quickly.
Alex narrowed his eyes.
A slow, cold anger began to rise inside him.
Without another word, he set the goblet down on a nearby table. He didn't believe a word she had said.
Mira had no living parents.
He turned and stalked through the castle, his boots echoing loudly against the marble floors.
He found his mother supervising the last of the cleaning.
The moment she saw him coming, Lady Rahila's smile faltered.
Alex stopped a few feet away from her and spoke loud enough for everyone in the hall to hear.
"Guards," he said coldly. "Take the Lady Rahila to the smaller castle. She will stay there until further notice."
Gasps filled the air.
Lady Rahila's face went white.
"You can't do this!" she screamed. "I am your mother!"
Alex's face remained like stone. "And I am your Alpha."
Without hesitation, the guards grabbed Lady Rahila's arms. She fought and screamed, her voice echoing down the halls, but no one moved to help her. No one dared question the Alpha's orders.
Within minutes, she was dragged away.
Alex turned to the guards still standing nearby.
"Find Mira," he said. "Now."
The guards saluted and ran to obey.
The entire castle trembled with fear. No one wanted to become the next target of the Alpha's wrath.
---
Alex returned to his chambers, his face dark with anger.
He sat heavily in his chair, staring into the fire.
They lied to me, he thought bitterly. They dared to defy my orders
He clenched his fists tightly.