Ava’s POV
I was in the chamber, when two guards came for me.
“Luna,” one of them said flatly. “The Alpha requests your presence.”
The word still struck me like a knife. Luna, It wasn’t honor or respect, it was a leash.
I followed them down the halls and out into sunlight. For the first time, I saw the center of his territory.
The courtyard was alive. Warriors sparred, blades were clashing. Women rushed past with baskets, while pups darted around, laughing. Then people noticed me.
“That’s her.”
“The Alpha’s Luna.”
“She doesn’t look like much.”
Some bowed stiffly, while others sneered. One woman spat at the ground, her gaze full of disgust. My chest tightened but I held my head high.
Then a small voice cut through the murmurs.
“Is she… really our Luna?”
I froze.
A boy no older
