Luna Battle: The Game

Chapter 3 BIRTHDAY WISH

I’ve cleaned the same rooms multiple times today, scrubbing and sweeping far beyond what’s necessary, but Alpha Draven has been watching me more closely than usual. There’s an intensity in his gaze that I can’t shake, a feeling that something is about to happen, though I can’t pinpoint what. He’s rarely this focused on me outside the bedroom, so why now? What’s changed?

I followed every order last night despite the pain coursing through my body. I didn’t resist or say no, so I don’t understand what I could’ve done to attract his attention. At least, I hope I have done nothing wrong.

“Mutt,” his voice calls, breaking through my thoughts. I quickly moved to kneel at his feet.

“I am busy. Ensure the guest room is cleaned and ready for anyone who might be staying tonight,” he commands, already rising to leave the room.

“Yes, Master,” I reply, keeping my head bowed as he walked out. Once I’m alone, I make my way to the bedroom, where last night’s horrors are still fresh in my mind. The moment I stepped inside, a wave of nausea washed over me. The smell and sight of blood on the floor and bedsheets bring back memories too vivid to ignore. Alpha Ethan had left more than just physical scars—his preference for choking me until I vomited was something I’ll never forget.

I begin the painstaking process of cleaning the room, scrubbing away every trace of what had happened. My movements are slower than usual, and my body is aching with every step. Bruises cover me from head to toe, and my face is no exception—it, too, bears the marks of last night’s abuse. As I carry the soiled sheets to the laundry room, the maid glances at me, her eyes widening slightly before she takes the bundle from my arms.

I pause when I notice the television is on. It’s a rare moment; I hardly ever get the chance to watch TV. My attention is caught by a man standing tall on the screen, his presence commanding. It’s the new king, Alpha Prime Darius.

“Anyone is welcome,” he says with authority, his dark hair and bright emerald eyes making him look both regal and intimidating.

“Does that include those from poorer backgrounds, without strong packs, or even without a pack at all?” the reporter asks as the camera zooms in on him.

“Yes,” Alpha Prime Darius answers, his voice firm. “There is no restriction, except that contestants cannot be bitten or claimed.”

My heart skips a beat. Contestants? I glance over at the maid, curiosity overtaking me.

“You didn’t know?” she asks, her voice low but tinged with excitement. “After the previous king died, Alpha Prime Darius took over. He’s holding a trial—a sort of game for women between eighteen and thirty-five. He’s looking for his Luna.”

I hadn’t heard about any of this.

The camera zooms in on Darius as he leans forward, his intense gaze piercing through the lens as though he’s looking directly at me. “No, I shall not personally select the winner. How would that be fair?” He chuckles, his smile widening. “Magic will decide. Fifteen women will be chosen. One will become Luna. However, there is also a chance that Alpha Kellan may find his Luna.”

The mention of Alpha Kellan, Darius’s younger brother, causes the crowd to gasp and cheer. Not only is there a chance to be queen, but the possibility of being chosen as Luna to the prince as well.

“It’s easy,” Darius continues. “Those who wish to participate can apply online. Answer a few questions, and you might just be whisked away to the castle.” His grin is almost teasing, as though he knows the frenzy this announcement will cause.

I memorise the website address, already planning how I’ll find a moment to apply. Turning away, I leave the laundry room, my mind racing. The entry form will close in twenty-four hours or once ten thousand women have applied, whichever comes first. There’s no time to waste.

I move through the house, pretending to clean, my eyes scanning for an opportunity. I quickly check the Beta’s rooms, finding them empty. Perfect. Rushing to the computer, I type in the website address and begin filling out the form.

The first few questions are simple: name, age, date of birth, and pack name, if applicable. Then the questions grow more personal—questions about my appearance, my standing within a pack, and, finally, questions about s****l partners.

I lie. I can’t give them the truth. I don’t even know how many men I’ve been forced to sleep with over the years. The next question asks if I’ve been bitten or claimed, and again, I lie. I’ll have to keep my mark hidden if, by some miracle, I’m selected.

After ten minutes, I submit the form. My heart races as I delete the browsing history, making sure there’s no trace of what I’ve done. I doubt anything will come of this. He said anyone could apply, but I know that most of the women selected will have wolves, high status, and come from strong packs. They’ll be daughters of Alphas, women with power and influence.

Me? I’m nothing. I don’t even know who my parents are. I was sold, my past erased. So why would I ever be chosen?

Still, there’s a tiny spark of hope that I can’t extinguish. Even if I’m not chosen, maybe just applying will feel like a small act of rebellion. A way to imagine a different life, even if only for a moment.

The next days are quiet. With Alpha Draven gone, the Betas are busy doing their work. This means no one has touched me, which I'm grateful for.

“Mutt.” Alpha Draven’s voice snaps me back to reality, and I walk through to kneel before him, keeping my head lowered as usual.

“You have a gift,” he says, and my heart skips a beat. A gift? I’ve never been given a gift before, and I’m not sure how to react.

“You may raise your head,” Draven orders, and I look up at him, confused. He’s holding a large blanket in his hands.

“Apparently, you made a good impression on Alpha Ethan. He requested that you be given a gift, and I agreed.” His tone is sharp, and I can tell he didn’t like the idea.

“Thank you, Master,” I murmur, though the words taste bitter. I’d rather never see Alpha Ethan again.

“We spoke, and he thought you’d find a blanket more useful than something like a bracelet,” Draven adds, holding the blanket out toward me. I hesitate, then reach out to take it, my fingers brushing against the soft fabric.

It’s actually a relief. My cell is freezing at night, and a blanket will be far more valuable than some decorative trinket.

“You understand that I only agreed because Alpha Ethan finalised our deal. He felt you should be rewarded for your part in securing it.” His words drip with resentment.

“I understand, Master. Thank you,” I say quietly.

“Good. You may leave.”

Standing, I turn and walk back to my cell. It’s late now, and the pain in my body has worsened as the day drags on. But as I unfold the blanket and wrap it around myself, the warmth is immediate and soothing. It’s the first real comfort I’ve felt in a long time.

For the first time in months, sleep comes quickly. The cold no longer keeps me awake, and for a few precious hours, I forget the pain, the bruises, the cruelty. In the cocoon of warmth, I find a fleeting peace, and for once, I drift into a dreamless sleep.