Trapped in His Own Luna's Trap

At twelve, I climbed the courtyard wall, threw a large rock at the people outside, and quickly disappeared, stifling a wicked laugh. An hour ago, the self-proclaimed prophet had entered the Martinez family gate. I forgot what his face looked like then, only remembering his trembling mustache. He said, “Congratulations, Beta Matthew! Congratulations, Beta Matthew! The Martinez family of Beta Matthew hides the Phoenix destiny!” The Phoenix destiny, that’s the Luna of the future Lycan King. He said the Martinez family has someone destined to be the Luna of the Lycan King. Father laughed so hard it shook him, instructing the servant to reward him generously and immediately ordering someone to call Chloe and Victoria. When I found out, they had already gone to the foyer. I was furious; I’m also a daughter of the Martinez family. Why wasn’t I called? “The third young lady, you needn’t come, Beta Matthew...” Before the maid finished, I gave her a fierce glare and turned, running back to the foyer. On the way, the servants pointed and whispered, but I pretended not to notice. For years, their mockery was enough. I am the third young lady of the Martinez family, yet my status is lower than a maid, just because I am the daughter of a concubine who comes from a brothel. My mother died when I was very young. Sometimes I resent her a little. I heard that year, my father didn’t actually want to marry her, but when he had me, she said I couldn’t grow up without a father, wanting me to have a family name and status. But now? Quietly sneaking by the window, I peeked in. Father didn’t call me; if I went out, I would surely be punished. I still know my place. Father brought Chloe and Victoria forward, saying, “Look, this is my eldest daughter, Chloe. This is my youngest daughter, Victoria.” The youngest daughter? I felt like lightning had struck me, squeezing my hands tightly. Clearly, Father had another daughter, and I was his youngest. I bit my lip; had he never acknowledged me? The prophet laughed loudly, examining the two girls in front of him. Chloe was fourteen, showing the shyness of a young girl when facing strangers. Looking at the person in front of her, my sister couldn’t help but frown slightly, asking softly: “Father, who is he?” “Hey, that’s rude!” Father gently scolded. Victoria was my age, her body not yet developed but already showing the grace of a beauty. I unconsciously touched my face; if there’s one thing my mother left me, it’s my face. I’m prettier than them, but Father never noticed. Father turned to the prophet, asking, “Look, who has the Phoenix destiny?” “This...” The prophet hesitated for a moment, stroking his mustache, then laughed loudly. “Beta Matthew, this is an unfathomable celestial opportunity! What’s given to the subordinate cannot be spoken!” “Uh, yeah...” Father seemed to understand him very well and didn’t ask further. But looking at his face, I knew he got what he wanted. Both are his daughters, so what’s the importance of who holds the Phoenix destiny? Thinking of this, I let go of my hand covering my mouth, no longer smiling. Days have passed. I still remember the stone accurately hitting the prophet’s head, but I couldn’t bring myself to be angry. I knew, because of his words, my two sisters could soar, while I’d be left behind. But, I won’t accept it! “The third young lady! Oh my, why are you hiding here? Quickly, Luna Abigail is calling for you!” Looking at the maid’s face, it seemed she had been looking for me for a long time. I felt a little scared in my heart; Luna Abigail calling for me probably wasn’t a good thing. But I still had to follow the maid because I had no other choice. I didn’t want to be punished; I feared pain. I followed the maid into Luna Abigail’s room. As soon as I stepped in, she set down the half-drunk tea cup calmly and said, “You’re here?” “Luna Abigail, what do you want with me?” I bowed my head. She never allowed me to call her “mother,” saying how could a concubine’s daughter may call her that, especially since this concubine’s status was so low and disgraceful. But honestly, I couldn’t care less! Luna Abigail made a slight “hmph” sound but said nothing to me. She turned to the person next to her and said, “Just take her measurements.” “Yes!” The person nodded. Only now could I see clearly; I knew this person. He was none other than the tailor, David, who specialized in making clothes for the people in the mansion. His hands were very skillful, capable of making many beautiful outfits. I admired him greatly, wishing that one day I could wear clothes made by him. However, I knew for sure that these clothes were absolutely not for me. Victoria’s birthday was in three days, and this outfit was probably being made for her. They just called me in as a model because both she and Chloe had to study everything; where would they find the time to get measured for clothes! Since that prophet arrived, my father’s demands on them had been increasing. They invited the best teachers in the city for everything. I felt a little regretful I hadn’t been valued before, nor had I tried. If no one taught, I didn’t learn. I didn’t even know a single word. I was a typical wild and untamed girl. Looking back later, how could I blame my father? How could someone like me be entrusted with the position of Luna of the Lycan King? Even so, I couldn’t accept it. Even though the prophet only said the Phoenix destiny lay within the Martinez family, I was still the legitimate daughter of the Martinez family. I hadn’t reached the end yet; who knows what could happen? I said nothing, obediently letting the tailor take my measurements. Luna Abigail lowered her head and drank her tea. In front of others, I was still brilliant because if I caused trouble, I would be punished. I had learned that lesson deeply. Stepping out of Luna Abigail’s room, the maid escorted the tailor away, ignoring me. For twelve years, this was the first time I had come close to that room. It was where my sisters studied. I tiptoed into the courtyard, laughter echoing from the room. I approached even closer and heard the voice of a man saying, “To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.”