LOLA'S POV

I'm the cursed girl, the black sheep in the Darkmoon Pack.

And all of this traces back to my fifth birthday, when my adoptive parents, the former Alpha and Luna, died in a car accident while on their way to buy me a birthday present.

My uncle Mason took over as Alpha, and to him, I was a bad omen, not a grieving child.

I’ll never forget his cold, accusing eyes as he marked me as a slave. From that day on, even slaves were treated better than I was.

Today, just like any other day, I was in the barn, ankle-deep in manure, scrubbing out stables until my hands hurt.

“Lola!” A familiar voice calls me, and I turn to see who it is. I looked up, seeing Noah running towards me.

“Alpha Mason wants to see you,” he says softly. He reaches into his pocket to hand me a small jar. “Here, for your hands.” His voice is low as he looks around to make sure no one notices our exchange.

“Thank you,” I whisper, tucking it into my pocket.

"Be careful" he says "Don’t give the Alpha a reason to whip you again"

Alpha Mason never needs a reason.

"Alright" I say.

I can feel Noah’s eyes on me as I leave.

I arrive at the Alpha’s quarters, wondering what he wants with me this time. I kneel in front of him and bow my head. He leans back in his chair, looking at me.

"You sent for me Alpha" I say.

“You have a job tomorrow, Lola,” he sneers “An important guest is visiting, and I expect the place to be spotless. Not a speck of dust, understood?”

“Yes, Alpha.”

“Oh, and Lola,” he adds “he may need... special attention.”

I nodded. I know exactly what 'special attention' means. Apart from using me as a slave for labour, Alpha Mason uses me as a sex slave whenever he feels like, especially for his special guests. I'm expected to tend to their every need.

“Good. Your clothes have been placed in the room. Get yourself ready before the guests arrive. Prove you’re useful,” he says, dislost me with a wave.

“Thank you, Alpha." I bow my head once more before standing up to leave.

Walking into my room, I glance down at the clothes laid out on the mat. I pick up the dress and slip it on. Then I tie my hair up, pulling it high so it won’t get in the way.

That evening, as I set the table, Alpha Spencer has arrived. He’s not what I expect. He carries himself with confidence and he's not as intimidating as I anticipated. He has kind eyes, unlike the others. But something tells me his relaxed demeanor wouldn’t last for long.

I would do as he demanded. I had learned the price of defiance too well.

The last time I fought back, they stripped me bare on a snowy day and locked me in a cage for all to see.

All because I refused to let Alpha Mason touch me. I wanted to save myself for my mate. But I failed. He completed his mission, and the marks on my body screamed of his victory.

Tonight, as I stands with Alpha Spencer, I can feel Alpha Mason and Beta Jason’s eyes on me. I had no wolf, no power to escape them. If they stripped me and left me outside again—without a wolf’s protection—I wouldn’t survive.

I bow my head and greet him respectfully. As I pour drinks, he watches me.

"Lola" he says.

I look down, "Yes Alpha"

"Your hands. Delicate, aren’t they?” he says to Alpha Mason “They're so pretty. They shouldn't be wasted on chores.”

I force a smile, " Thank you, Alpha."

"How old are you, Lola?" Alpha Spencer asks.

"Nineteen, Alpha. I turn twenty tomorrow."

"Perfect timing, isn’t it?" His smile widens. "I’m torn about this deal—part of me wants to agree, part of me doesn’t. What do you think is the best choice?" He watches me, waiting.

"It’s not my place to say, Alpha. However, Alpha Mason is an honest and reliable Alpha." He isn’t, but I know that’s what Alpha Mason wants me to say.

“Hmm.” He turns away and continues his conversation with Alpha Mason. Alpha Spencer talks smoothly with a refined voice. He reminds me more of an artist than of an Alpha.

After dinner, Alpha Mason instructs me to show Alpha Spencer to his quarters. When we reach his room, he pauses and looks down at me.

“There’s something in my bag I need,” he says, gesturing to the leather satchel on the bed. “Fetch it.”

"Yes, Alpha." I obey. The last time I was told to get something from a customer's bag, I saw a snake there. The customer hid it as a joke. The thought sends a shiver down my spine.

I move forward and open the bag. Long, twisted nails glint in the light. I wonder what he wants to use it for.

“Bring it here,” he says.

I do as I’m told. I place it in his hand and he smiles.

Before I can think of anything, he grabs my wrist and pushes my hand to a nearby table. His grip is so tight I can feel the blood rush to my fingertips. My stomach twists and I gasp in gear as I glance down at the twisted nail he holds in his other hand.

“Keep still,” he murmurs.

Oh no!

My mouth goes dry. My hands are clenched into fists on the table, but he pulls my fingers open. I barely have time to think before he presses the sharp point of the nail between my fingers. The cold nail bites into my skin, and for a second, I think he’s just going to tease me with it.

Then he pushes down, driving it deeper.

Pain rips through my hand as the nail pierces the soft skin between my knuckles. Every instinct screams for me to pull back, to pull my hand free but his grip tightens, forcing me to stay still. He presses the nail deeper until it feels like it’s touching bone.

“One sound, and I’ll keep going. Understand?" I nod and bite my lips harder to stop the sounds from coming out.

After about an hour, it seems he's finally satisfied.

Finally, he releases my wrist, and I collapse against the table, cradling my ruined hand to my chest. Every movement is excruciating.

"Clean up this mess." He grabs his coat and leaves.

After a long while, I finally picked up the cloth, my hands trembling as I cleaned the bloodstains on the table and floor.

When I'm done, I drag myself to my room. I take out the ointment Noah gave me this morning and gently apply it to the wounds, but the pain still burns like fire. I keep shifting in search of any position that will ease the discomfort. Several times, the ointment slips from my unsteady grip and falls to the floor. After struggling to pick it up, I finally sit on the ground and apply it to myself.

Just then, a soft knock sounds at the door. I get up and open the door. For a moment, I'm scared it's Alpha Spencer again but then I see Noah standing there with a concerned look on his face. I sigh in relief.

"Noah" I say.

He looks at my hands and gasps.

“Oh, Lola,” he whispers.

He takes the ointment from my hand and continues applying it to my wounds. “Why do you stay here? Why endure this?”

“I have nowhere to go, Noah.” I murmur, “If I ran, I’d be a rogue. Dead in days.”

He shakes his head “I heard something… rumors in the market. The Lycan King is looking for a Luna. They say he’s open to any female who comes to him. You could give it a try .”

I laugh bitterly, “You're funny. The Lycan King would never look twice at someone like me. If I became Luna, you’d be the first I’d promote.”

He laughed a little “Maybe things can change, Lola.”

After he leaves, I lay on my tiny broken bed, pull the blanket up over me and stare at my bloodied hands.

This has to be the worst start to my birthday.

The mop in my hands feels heavier today. My hand still throbs as a result of last night. Every movement sends sharp pain through my body, but I grit my teeth and keep going. Stopping isn’t an option, not in this castle.

But no matter how hard I try, my ears can’t ignore the excited talking of the other maids nearby.

“Did you hear? The Lycan King’s recruitment ends today!” one of them exclaims. Her voice practically drips with excitement. I can't remember the last time I felt excited or happy even.

“Of course I heard! Who hasn’t?” another replies. “A chance to be Luna? It’s the opportunity of a lifetime!”

My hands pause for a moment, and pretend to adjust my grip on the mop.

“The requirements are so simple too,” says the first maid. “You just have to be a virgin, and have already shifted. It’s nothing compared to what Alphas usually demand.”

“Imagine! Anyone could try their luck. Well, almost anyone,” another maid sneers, and her eyes move in my direction.

They don’t even need to say it. I know exactly why I don’t qualify.

I have no wolf.

I’m not a virgin.

I’m just an omega, a slave without dignity, nothing special or worthy of love.

I sigh softly, keeping my head down, and focus on the floor. After a while, I felt like I had crashed into a wall behind me. I freeze when I see who it is.

Alpha Mason.

“Careless,” he says sternly. "You can't even see straight, can you?"

I drop to my knees immediately. “I’m sorry, Alpha. I didn’t mean to—”

He cuts me off with a dismissive wave of his hand. “Save your apologies.”

He tosses a small jar onto the ground near me. It lands with a thud, the lid rattling.

I blink at it in confusion, not daring to reach for it.

“Alpha Spencer admires your… resilience,” Mason sneers “Consider this your reward. He personally told me to give it to you.”

"Thank you, Alpha."

“I agree because he promised to continue our deal.” He seems a bit angry. From his tone, I can tell he wants to refuse but can’t. Instead, he agrees to sign the agreement. But soon, the tension breaks.

Alpha Mason gives me a sly smile. “Oh, just so you know, Alpha Spencer will want you to take care of him again next time.”

“Yes, Alpha.”

He turns and walks away, and I kneel, the bottle of ointment quietly lying beside me.

Days quietly pass. I do my work without complaint and avoid Mason. He no longer asks me to entertain guests, and I see this as a small blessing. It means fewer opportunities for him to humiliate me. The monotony is almost comforting.

Every night, I take a look at the small bag hidden beneath the loose floorboards. It’s my savings. There’s not much, but it’s all I have. Maybe one day, I’ll be able to use it.

But anyway, peace is temporary in this place.

This afternoon, Alpha Mason summons me to his office. As soon as I step in, he throws a glass cup in my direction.

It hit my forehead before shattering on the floor. Water spilled everywhere, and I instinctively dropped to my knees. My legs pressed against the broken shards, and sharp pain spread through my skin, but I stayed still.

“You hide things from me, how dare you.” He said coldly.

I shake my head. “I’m not hiding anything, Alpha.”

“Liar.” He’s in front of me in seconds. His hand grips my chin tightly, forcing me to look up at him. “You think I don’t know what you’re planning? You’re mine. Forever. Do you understand?”

His words send ice through my veins. He probably went through my things and saw the money, and thought I was trying to run away.

I want to apologize about the money but I'm too scared to say anything.

“I’m not…” I don’t finish the thought.

He throws me to the ground, making me wince in pain.

"Kneel" he says "You'll be here all night. Maybe then, you'll learn your lesson"

I stay on my knees, don't dare disobey.

By dawn, my knees are raw and bleeding. My body trembles with exhaustion. I manage to stand, leaning heavily against the wall for support.

When I finally return to my room, I’m terrified of what I might find. I'm scared that my money is gone. But to my surprise, my stash is untouched and right where I left it.

If Alpha Mason wasn't talking about the money, what was he referring to then?

At that moment, the door bursts open.

I turn around, quickly hiding the money.

Beta Jason stands in the doorway.

I bow my head in respect "Good morning, Beta"

“Congratulations,” he says. His tone is filled with sarcasm, “The Lycan King is here to gather candidates. You’re on the list.”

"Why me?" I’d never even dream of signing up for something like that. But suddenly, I realize this is what Alpha Mason meant yesterday when he accused me of hiding things from him. He must think I planned this somehow.

Beta Jason walks further into the room. His huge presence makes my tiny room feel even smaller.

Without a reply, he reaches for me. His fingers brush against the bruises on my arm, I flinch.

“Relax,” he says in a mocking tone "Used to pain, aren't you? Don't worry. I’m not here to hurt you... yet.”

I sit frozen as he pulls out a bandage from his pocket and begins covering my injuries.

“You really are delusional,” he sneers, shaking his head, "Do you actually think you stand a chance in this recruitment? The Lycan King would never choose a wolfless... what did Alpha Mason call you? Ah, yes. A ‘sex slave.’ Even though I think you're worse than that."

My hand trembled slightly. I couldn't ignore Jason's mockery, but I hated even more the person responsible for all my suffering—the one who should have been closest to me but became the root of my pain—Alpha Mason.

The fact that I am wolfless and the shameful title of "sex slave" is all his doing.

However, this is not what concerns me the most right now. I have more important matters to handle — I don't meet the recruitment criteria.

The rumors about the Lycan King play again and again in my mind. I've heard things about him - about his ruthlessness, his dominance and how cold hearted he is.

What if he takes one look at me and knows? I've heard of how he takes out his enemies or people who dare to cross him with no mercy. To a slave girl like me, he'll kill me.

“It’s a mistake,” I whisper, “I didn’t apply.”

“Oh, I believe you,” he says in a mocking tone. Clearly, he doesn't “But that won’t matter to them. The Lycan King’s people won’t care. They’ll find out soon enough what you are, and when they do…” He trails off

“Please, you have to believe me—”

“Enough. Get dressed. They’re waiting.” With that, he turns and walks out of the room, leaving the door open behind him.

After what feels like an eternity, I pull on my cleanest dress. It's a faded and patched thing that barely holds together. It’s the best I have. I grab a sewing kit and my stash of savings. My fingers work quickly, sewing my stash into the lining of the hem.

Just then, there’s a noise from the window. I jump up and quickly hide the lining.

When I see Noah outside, I breathe a sigh of relief.

He gives me a comforting smile and then points to my pocket.

At first, I’m a little confused, but soon I realize—he has signed me up.

I look at him. He’s a fool, thinking this will be my chance to escape, but I can’t be angry at him; he means well, hoping for me to have a better life.

“Take care of yourself,” I tell him. It’s the best I can do.

Beta Jason leads me to the entrance. There, Alpha Mason waits for me. His piercing eyes rake over me, and I bow my head.

“Alpha.”

“You’ve got guts,” he says “I’ll give you that. But did you really think this little stunt would free you from me?”

“I didn’t sign up—”

“Spare me your lies,” he snaps, cutting me off. “Your treachery has already put one foot in the grave for you. But don’t worry, the Lycan King’s people will take care of the rest. They’ll sniff out your pathetic deception in no time."

“Do you know what they’ll do to a wolfless fraud like you?” he continues, leaning in close. “You’ll wish I’d been the one to kill you.”

I bite the inside of my cheek, forcing myself to stay silent.

"Get out of my sight"

I bow my head and walk away. I join the line of ladies who wait outside. The guards approach us and read out the list of selected candidates. When my name is called, I step forward, keeping my head low. As I follow them outside, their words reach my ears.

“Gods, she reeks,” one of them mutters, wrinkling his nose.

“Don’t know how someone like you got picked,” another sneers. “Get in the car. Not the seat—no, no. The trunk. We can’t have you stinking up the place.”

No argue. I climbed in, the air stale and thick, and the trunk slammed shut behind me with a finality that felt suffocating.

The smell of rubber and gasoline burned my nose, making my stomach churn. I tried to hold my breath, trying to stave off the nausea threatening to rise. The hours felt endless. The car swayed on uneven roads, and I gripped the edges of the trunk, trying to stay still.

When the car finally stops, the trunk opens and I rush out, kneel on the ground. My lungs burn as I suck in deep breaths.

Around me, the other candidates step out of luxury cars. Their movements are graceful and poised. The cars themselves are luxurious..

The women look like they belong in a royal court. They wear flowing gowns of silk, adorned with jewels that catch the sunlight. Their hair is styled to perfection, their makeup flawless.

I can’t help but admire them. At the same time, my smellly patched dress and messy hair feel like a neon sign announcing how out of place I am.

Their eyes land on me with disgust. I don't blame them.

“What is she doing here?” one woman demands “The Lycan King explicitly prohibited maids from participating.”

Another voice interrupted, “That's right, everyone should follow the rules.”

“I’m a candidate,” I said quietly.

I heard laughter. “Oh my god, this Mut doesn't even know what she's talking about, she's lying.”

“Right, this woman smells like a stinky pig, definitely not one of us!”

“Yes, she is a candidate.” After a brief moment of confusion, the guard reluctantly clarified my identity.

“What?!”

"Follow me." Without giving the other candidates much time to react, the guard said.

All the candidates follow him. I follow as well.

As we approach the palace, the size of the place leaves me in awe. There's a huge water fountain in the middle of the grounds. The pillars around the building are tall enough to reach the skies. There are beautiful carvings along the stone walls as well as perfectly manicured gardens. The place is so much more beautiful than my own pack. Yet I'm too exhausted to fully admire the place.

My legs tremble from my earlier injuries and my vision blurs from lack of oxygen and rest.

The guards lead us to the main square. My breath catches as I step into the open space. The square is massive, and nearly a hundred women have already gathered here. Their fine gowns and confident postures scream wealth. I lower my head, trying to hide myself, but my tattered appearance stands out like a sore thumb.

At that moment, a beautiful woman near the front turns her eyes on me.

“What’s that smell?” she says loudly, pinching her nose and stepping back. The other women turn to me.

“She doesn’t belong here,” another says “Probably a mistake.”

"Who let her in here?" one of them sneers.

I don’t look up, but I can feel her gaze burning a hole in my back.

"Look at her dress," another laughs. "Did she pull that out of a dumpster?"

"And the smell," the producer Lila also engaged in this talk, her arms hold vidicon, gagging "I didn’t know they were allowing strays this year."

“Maybe she’s lost,” the first woman says again, loud enough for everyone to hear. “Or maybe she thought this was a charity event.”

I keep my head down, not arguing. I’ve grown used to this kind of treatment and I know the best thing is to keep quiet.

However, at this time, someone shoves me from behind suddenly. The world tilts as I stumble forward. I gasp, bracing for the impact of the stone ground. But it never comes. A strong hand catch me, pulling me upright. Everyone gasps.

I turn to face my savior. He’s massive. He has broad shoulders, a perfectly chiseled jawline, and intense dark green eyes. He’s handsome and the aura of power he carries is obvious.

“Alpha Xavier,” Women surprised. They all bow and murmur his name in awe.

Alpha Xavier, the Lycan King's brother. The Blood Moon Pack's notorious playboy.

It’s said that during this Luna recruitment, he would also choose one woman from the hundred to become his Luna.

Oh my gosh. I'm in so much trouble. I literally bumped into a royal.

My knees buckle as I move to kneel, but he stops me with a firm hand on my arm.

“Stand,” he commands “As a Luna candidate, you do not bow to me.”

His words send a wave of shock through the square. A scoff breaks the stunned silence, followed by murmurs of disapproval.

“She doesn’t deserve to be here,” someone mutters.

“She’s manipulating him,” another voice accuses.

"See the way she bumped into him? She's trying to seduce him. Pathetic"

I continue keep my head bowed, saying nothing. I have no right to argue. They’re not wrong. I don’t belong here.

Alpha Xavier’s phone buzzes, cutting through the noise. He answers quickly, then raises his hand to silence the crowd.

“Form lines,” he orders.

We obey and instantly fall into neat rows. My heart pounds as Alpha Xavier goes round, inspecting everyone. When he's done, he begins calling out people by pointing at them. One by one, the women come out with huge smiles on their faces. There are about a dozen women or more.

"Are they the finalists?" someone asks.

"Silence." Alpha Xavier says.

He stands in front of the women.

"You've been eliminated"

The women gasp in shock.

"I'm sorry, Alpha" one of them says "But why?"

"You don't have the qualities of a Luna"

Another lady falls to her knees and begs him "Please, just give us one more chance"

"There are no second chances. Leave now"

With tears in their eyes, the women leave. I'm stunned, just as much as everyone else.

I don’t expect the elimination to happen so quickly. But what shocks me more is that the women he eliminates are the ones who mock me earlier.

Alpha Xavier faces us and addresses us again.

“The Lycan King will meet you tomorrow,” he says. “Until then, anyone who disturbs him will be immediately disqualified.”

Everyone is on edge because of what just happened. No one dares to speak.

"You're dismissed" he says, leaving the square.

The candidates begin to leave. I clutch my dress nervously. My fingers brush against something in my pocket. In that moment, I remember the way Noah gestured to my pocket earlier. He must have slipped something inside.

I pull it out. It's a note.

It reads, “Go to Forgotten Hearth, that's the only place you can survive.”

Forgotten Hearth. I silently note it in my mind. If I’m eliminated, perhaps I’ll find answers there.

I hope it’s a place where Alpha Mason won’t drag me back.

I keep my head down, walking toward the edge of the square before anyone else notices me, but a deep voice stops me in my tracks.

“Lola,” Alpha Xavier calls.

I stop and turn to face him. “Yes, Alpha?”

"I’ve found someone who can help you."

He gestures toward a lady dressed in a maid uniform standing beside him.

“Take her,” he instructs. “She needs to be cleaned up and properly dressed.”

I blink, unsure if I’ve heard him correctly. Cleaned up? Properly dressed? I'm a maid. I'm usually the one who does this for other people.

“Thank you, Alpha,” I say.

With that, I follow the maid. The woman beside me seems friendly enough. She chats casually as we walk, filling the silence.

"I'm Eve" she says "Whats your name, my lady?"

My lady? That's new.

"I'm Lola" I say.

“You know,” she says, “some of the women here have already… gotten friendly with the producer. It might increase their chances. I suggest you do the same.”

I nod, not daring to respond. It could be a harmless comment, but I’m not naive. This could be a test, a trap, or even a warning. Either way, I won’t give her anything to work with.

The walk to the room feels like an eternity, but when we arrive, my breath catches in my throat. The space is enormous. It's almost a hundred times bigger than my room back in the pack.

The room is luxurious in a way I’ve only seen in magazines or through distant windows. The bed is massive. It's draped in fine linens. High windows hang on the walls and a plush couch sits in the corner of the room.

The bathroom… it’s a masterpiece. It has marble counters, golden sinks, and a bathtub so large it could fit several people.

I hesitate at the doorway, afraid to step inside.

“This is for me?” I ask.

Eve smiles as she begins preparing the bath. She pours in oils and sprinkles petals over the steaming water.

“Of course,” she says. “You’re a candidate now. You deserve to be treated as one.”

"Thank you." After she finished working, she gave me a quiet smile. “If you need anything, I’ll be outside.”

Once she leaves, I sink into the bath. With a sigh I let the warmth soak into my bones. It’s heavenly. I close my eyes and allow myself to relax, if only for a moment. But before I can lose myself completely, I remember the medicine Noah gave me. I grab it from my dress and apply it quickly. It helps soothe my hand injury.

When I step out, Eve has laid a nightgown. The fabric is soft, flowing. I carefully put it on.

Due to how exhausted I am, I collapse onto the bed and fall into a deep sleep.

The next morning, Eve gently woke me up.

"Lady Lola" she says "It's time to get ready"

I stir in my sleep as I open my eyes slowly. That's the best sleep I've had in years. The next thirty minutes is filled with Eve helping me get ready. She brushes my hair, applies products that make it shine, and helps me into a dress far more beautiful than the one I pow.

“You look lovely,” she says with a smile.

"Thank you"

I look at myself in the mirror. I'm unable to recognize the girl in front of me. My hair falls in waves down my shoulders. For the first time in years, it actually shines. Eve dressed me in a lovely blue flowing gown that compliments my eyes. We pair the gown with a pair of silver heels with matching silver earrings. I look... different.

Usually, I'm the one serving people and now, I'm the one being served.

Then, I join the other candidates in the square. The women sit upright, their posture perfect. When I take a seat, I mimic them as best I can, but I know I’m falling short.

At this time, a guard steps forward and he announces “The King is coming!”

The tension in the square is immediate. Everyone stands. As the Lycan King appears,I tried to gather some confidence like the other contestants, but my instincts took over, and by the time I realized it, I was already kneeling on the ground, while the other contestants only gave a slight bow.

The silence that follows is deafening. A few women stifle laughter, and my face burns with shame.

I risk a glance upward, and that’s when I see him. My breath catches in my throat. He is… breathtaking. No, that word doesn't do him justice.

He’s… perfect. Chiseled features, high cheekbones, and a jawline so sharp it looks like it could cut through steel. His blue eyes are deep and intense like they can see straight into my soul. His tousled dark hair is perfectly styled, making him even more attractive.

When our eyes meet, it feels like the world stops.

I can’t look away. There’s something there—a pull, a connection that feels almost electric. My heart pounds, for a brief moment, I forget where I am, forget the crowd, forget my fear. It’s just him and me, locked in this strange magnetic moment.

And then reality crashes back. I’ve been staring too long. I panic and I quickly lower my gaze, my cheeks burning.

A gentle hand rests on my arm.

“You don’t need to kneel,” a kind voice whispers.

I glance up to see a woman smiling at me.

“I’m Chloe,” she says softly, helping me to my feet. “It’s okay.”

I nod, "Thank you. I'm Lola."

The Lycan King begins to speak. His voice is deep and commanding.

“Welcome,” he says “You are here because you’ve been deemed worthy to compete for the role of Luna. But know this, being Luna is not a title given lightly. It requires grace, strength, and poise.”

We all nod, bowing our heads once more.

He continues. "During the competition, you will stay in the same building. Each of you has your own private room, with maids and guards. The maids will take care of your meals, daily needs, and appearance, while the guards will ensure your safety."

"Your task is simple: as a candidate for Luna, you must always be aware of Luna's qualities and behavior. When called by me or Alpha Xavier, you should be punctual."

He then emphasized other aspects, such as without the maids' or guards' permission, we cannot freely explore the palace; during the competition, candidates will be prohibited from contacting the outside world, including via phone, TV, or computers; all candidates must attend every meal, occasionally joined by the he and Alpha Xaiver.

Finally, he said each candidate has an equal opportunity to win the Luna position. If you fail, you can only blame yourself.

“Disrespect, disobedience, or dishonesty will not be tolerated. Do not mistake this for a game. The role of Luna is sacred. Is that clear? "

"Yes, your highness" we answer.

"Next, we will begin the first round of competition. Each candidate will face a one-on-one interview with the producers. Your interview will be recorded and uploaded online for the audience to rate based on your performance. Please sit tight and wait for your name to be called."

The interviews began. The first woman, Natalie, entered the interview room. The rest of us gathered in the designated area, and I joined them.

It seemed like Natalie did well in her interview, as she came out half an hour later. The next woman entered, looking even less confident than Natalie.

As time passed, more and more women were called in. Their time in front of the camera ranged from 10 to 40 minutes.

Meanwhile, I remained seated, waiting my turn. Even when guards come my way, they prefer to call someone else. That's fine. I'm used to being overlooked.

While I wait, I notice the lycan king Liam and Alpha Xavier looking at me from afar. My heart sinks in my chest. I can't help but feel that they think I'm not supposed to be here. They probably think I'm shameless for participating. The last thing I need is attention from either of them.

Chloe rests her arm on my lap "Relax. You'll be fine. Don't be nervous"

I smile "Thank you"

Finally, it’s my turn. The guards call me and lead me into a nearby building where the interview is being held.

As I step into the room, the door closed behind me, and the atmosphere in the room grew cold and oppressive.

The walls around me were filled with a muted gray silence, and several high-tech devices were placed on the metal table. The glaring white light from the overhead spotlight illuminated the entire space, making me feel completely exposed.

Then I see her. Lila.

Her smile is cold as she looks at me.

“Well, well,” she says "Take a seat."

I sit in front of her, preparing myself for her questions.

She deliberately adjusts the camera slowly. After a long pause, she finally looks up at me again and pushes the camera closer to my face. Its black lens stares at me like the eyes of a predator, observing, waiting. I can tell this is his way of trying to make me nervous—and it works.

"Candidate, please introduce yourself."

"My name is Lola, from the Silver Fang Gang."

"Alright, how old are you?"

"20."

"Why do you decide to join the recruitment?"

I nervously swallow. "I want a better life."

She sneers. "So, becoming Luna is just a stepping stone to improve your quality of life?"

"No, that's not it." I sit on the stool, my hands tightly clenched into fists.

"Ah, just kidding."

I feel a sense of relief and force a smile. Then I answer the rest of her questions as calmly as I can.

Just when I think I can make it through the interview, she pauses for a moment.

"Alright, last question."

I look up at her, and she gives me a smile. This unusual response makes my heart race.

She asks, "I hear you're the 'cursed girl' and 'sex slave', do you admit to that?"

My mouth opens in shock, then quickly shuts again.