The morning sun rose high over the castle walls, casting a golden glow over everything.
It was the day everyone had been preparing for — the arrival of the Lunas.
The castle was buzzing with life.
The maids wore their cleanest uniforms, standing neatly in lines near the grand entrance.
The guards, too, were dressed sharply, standing at attention with their swords polished until they shone.
Even the senior pack members stood ready, straightening their shoulders, their faces serious.
They were determined to make a good impression.
But Alpha Alex was not with them.
He was still locked up in his chambers, sitting on the edge of his bed, his arms crossed, a deep frown on his face.
He had no interest in welcoming the Lunas.
To him, it felt like a waste of time.
He didn't want a mate forced on him.
He wanted to choose for himself — or better yet, he didn't want one at all.
A soft knock sounded at his door.
It wasn't just anyone — only a few people in his pack were brave enough to disturb him.
"Alpha, it's important you are there to welcome them," his Beta said respectfully. "If you don't show up, it will be obvious you are not interested."
Alex let out a low growl, annoyed but knowing the Beta was right.
The rules were the rules, and Alex had never been the type to break the traditions of the pack.
He stood up with a heavy sigh, pulled on his dark cloak, and followed the Beta toward the entrance.
The moment he stepped outside, the murmuring began.
The five Luna candidates had just arrived, each one sitting gracefully atop a beautifully decorated horse.
Their dresses fluttered in the breeze, their hair styled perfectly.
They looked like royalty.
The Lunas' eyes widened when they caught sight of Alpha Alex.
Whispers broke out immediately among them.
"He's the most handsome Alpha I've ever seen."
"His body… so strong, so powerful."
"I love that he's so tall. And look at those eyes!"
They giggled softly, blushing and exchanging glances, each one already imagining what it would be like to stand at his side as his chosen mate.
Alex heard every word, but he ignored them completely.
His face was blank, his icy blue eyes unreadable.
He approached them without smiling.
With stiff politeness, he helped each Luna down from her horse, his touch light but cold.
Once they were all standing before him, he spoke.
"Greetings to you all," he said in a low voice.
"I hope you enjoy your stay in my castle... and also enjoy your journey back."
One of his pack members quickly gave him a signal behind the Lunas' backs — a small wave of his hand, meaning stop talking like that!
Alex caught it and gave a small nod.
He forced himself to add, "Well, enjoy your stay. Once again, welcome."
His words were cold and formal, but the Lunas didn't seem to care.
They were too busy admiring him.
Without another word, Alpha Alex turned and walked back to his chambers, his black cloak sweeping behind him.
He didn't look back even once.
The maids assigned to care for the Lunas quickly rushed forward, bowing and offering to carry their bags.
The Luna candidates followed the maids, each one stealing glances around the castle in awe.
The tall ceilings, the shining marble floors, the wide windows with colorful glass — everything was more beautiful than they imagined.
As they walked to their rooms, the other maids and guards watched them with wide eyes.
It was impossible not to notice how graceful they looked, how perfect their skin was, how sweetly they laughed.
Each Luna was beautiful in her own way — one with golden hair like the sun, another with dark curls that framed her face, one with eyes the color of emeralds, and another with skin as soft and flawless as silk.
They looked like they belonged in a fairy tale.
The castle, which once felt heavy and cold, suddenly seemed lighter, filled with color and life.
But hidden among the crowd, Mira watched quietly.
Her heart sank.
She had never felt more out of place.
She clutched the tray she was carrying tighter and forced herself to look away.
These women were from a world she could never be part of.
Mira lowered her head and hurried back to the kitchen, her chest tight.
She had her place, and it wasn't among princesses or powerful Alphas.
It was here, in the shadows, unnoticed.
At least, that's what she tried to tell herself.
---After they were shown to their rooms, the Lunas quickly took their baths, freshened up, and dressed in their finest gowns.
They were determined to make an impression.
When it was time for lunch, they gathered again, walking together towards the grand dining hall.
They looked like painted dolls — perfect hair, flawless skin, dresses shimmering in the soft sunlight that streamed through the tall windows.
Alpha Alex was already seated at the long table, waiting.
He sat at the center, his posture stiff, his face expressionless.
He wore a simple black shirt, but on him, it looked like a king's robe.
The maids standing along the walls lowered their eyes as he entered, and the guards straightened up even more.
The Lunas entered all at once, smiling and giggling softly amongst themselves.
Their heels clicked against the marble floor as they walked toward the table.
Each one glanced at Alex with hopeful eyes.
When they were all seated, Alex spoke, his voice deep and firm.
"One rule here," he said coldly.
"No talking at the dining table except I permit it "
The effect was immediate.
All five of them snapped their mouths shut and nodded quickly, picking up their forks and beginning to eat quietly.
Their movements were delicate, graceful — each of them trying in her own way to catch his attention without using words.
One tucked a strand of hair behind her ear shyly.
Another leaned forward a little more than necessary.
A third kept glancing at him from under her lashes.
Alex ignored it all.
He ate slowly, silently, barely tasting the food.
When he was halfway through his meal, he spoke again.
"Your names," he said simply, not looking at any of them.
They straightened immediately, eager to answer.
The one with blonde hair spoke first, her voice sweet like honey.
"Nina, my lord. My father owns one of the most powerful sorcerers in the kingdom."
She smiled brightly, her blue eyes sparkling.
Next, a dark-haired beauty batted her lashes at him.
"I'm Cindy, my lord," she said, her tone low and sultry.
"My father is the richest among the five kingdoms. And... as you can see, I'm the most beautiful."
She added a small, confident smile, letting her hand brush her hair back seductively.
Another girl, more timid, spoke, her voice soft and uncertain.
"I'm Laura, my lord. I only hope my coming here won't be in vain," she said, looking down at her plate.
Then a redhead lifted her chin and spoke firmly.
"I'm Dora. And this is my cousin, Zendaya," she said, motioning toward the last girl.
Zendaya sat silently.
She didn't smile, didn't even look at Alex properly.
Instead, she lazily twirled her fork around her food, looking completely unimpressed.
Alex's gaze lingered on her for a second longer than the others.
Something about her cold indifference made her stand out — but not in a good way.
"Zendaya," she said flatly, finally speaking.
Her voice was calm but dripping with boredom.
"No need for greetings. I didn't come here for that."
There was a brief, stunned silence around the table.
Even the maids and guards exchanged nervous glances.
Alex's eyes hardened slightly, but he said nothing.
If she thought her rudeness would get her thrown out, she was wrong.
He wasn't easily moved by words — or lack of them.
Zendaya didn't care either way.
She picked up her cup and sipped lazily, ignoring everyone else.
Despite hardly speaking, her presence filled the room with tension.
She didn't have to say much to make it clear: she thought she was better than all of them.
Alex simply returned to his meal as if she hadn't said anything at all.
"Finish your food," he said simply.
The Lunas obeyed quickly, eating in complete silence.
Each of them tried to steal glances at Alex, but Zendaya didn't even bother.
To her, this was just a waste of time.
The air was thick with tension and unspoken competition.
Each girl had dreams of becoming his mate — except one who seemed like she had another intention.