ALPHA ACADEMY: THE HIDDEN LUNA

ARYA’S POV

The scent of beef filled the dining hall of my father’s mansion in the Moonstone Pack. It was a warm scent, one that used to mean family, back when Mother was alive. That night, though, it just made my stomach twist. I sat at the long table, picking at my plate, while stabbed at his meat like it had offended him. Across from me, my stepmother, Sofia sipped her wine, her sharp green eyes darting around. My stepsister, Liana slouched beside her, whining about the food being too salty,

I didn’t say much. I never did anymore. Not since Mother died when I was eight, and Sofia swept in like a storm, turning me into a slave in my own father’s house.

I watched Father as he ate. His hands shook a little, and his graying beard hid a frown I knew too well. Something was wrong.

Then the knock came, interrupting Liana’s complaints. A servant scurried in, holding a letter sealed with red wax – The IceClaw Pack’s mark. Father took it, his fingers fumbling, and broke the seal. His hazel eyes scanned the page for a while and he heaved a deep sigh.

“Father?” I leaned forward, my voice soft. “What’s wrong?”

He didn’t look up. He just folded the letter and shoved it into his vest.

“Nothing, Arya,” he muttered. “Eat your dinner.”

Sofia’s lips curled into a thin smile.

“Harold honey, don’t be so mysterious. What does it say?”

“It’s pack business,” he snapped, his tone sharper than usual. “Not for the table.”

Liana rolled her eyes.

“Probably another boring meeting. Can we talk about something fun? Like the new dress you promised to get me for this year’s prom?”

I ignored her. She was eighteen and still insensitive to real issues. Father’s face was pale, his knuckles white around his knife. I loved him more than anything in the world, even after he let Sofia and Liana turn me into their servant. He wasn’t strong like an Alpha should be, but he was still my father.

Later, when Sofia dragged Liana off to fuss over her stupid dress, I found him in his study. He sat in his big chair, staring at the letter crumpled in his hand.

“Father,” I said, shutting the door behind me. “Please. Tell me.”

He sighed, heavy and long, like he’d been holding it in for years. “Arya, it’s nothing you need to—”

“I’m not a kid anymore,” I cut in, stepping closer. “I’m twenty-two. I can handle it.”

His shoulders slumped. He rubbed his eyes, then glared hard at me.

“It’s Dimitri,” he said finally. “Alpha of IceClaw.”

My chest tightened. Everyone knew Dimitri. The North’s monster.

“What does he want?”

Father’s voice dropped low.

“A few years back, I borrowed some money from him. Our people were starving, so I had no choice. I couldn’t pay back and he let it slide. Said he’d call the debt someday.” He swallowed hard. “That day’s here.”

“What’s he asking for?” I pressed, dread creeping up my spine.

“He wants Liana,” Father whispered. “As his bride. Collateral, he calls it. She’s only eighteen, Arya. Too young to be tied to a man like him.”

I stared at him, my heart thudding. Liana—spoiled, lazy Liana—married to Dimitri? There was no way she was going to survive a week with him. But me? I’d survived Sofia’s claws, scrubbed floors till my hands bled, taken Liana’s tantrums without breaking. I could handle more.

“I’ll go,” I said, the words slipping out before I could stop them.

Father’s head jerked up. “What?”

“I’ll take her place,” I said louder, stepping toward him. “I’m older. Stronger. Tell Dimitri it’s me instead.”

“No,” he said, rising to his feet. “Arya, you don’t know what he’s like—”

“I’ve heard enough,” I cut in. “And I can take it. But you tell him—he doesn’t force me. No touching unless I say so. Promise me that, Father.”

His eyes filled with tears, something I hadn’t seen since the day mother was buried.

“Arya, I can’t lose you too.”

“You won’t,” I muttered, hugging him tight. “I’ll be fine. For the pack. For you.”

He nodded, broken, and I left before he could change his mind. Sofia wouldn’t care—she’d be thrilled to keep Liana safe. But I was ready to do it for him.

The next day came too fast. They dressed me up like a doll—a long white gown, a veil over my long dark hair and light make up. Sofia smirked as she pinned the veil, muttering about how lucky I was while Liana chuckled at the prospects of me getting married to a monster.

The wedding was at the pack’s square, a stone circle under gray skies. Ahead stood Alpha Dimitri—tall and imposing as ever. His gray-streaked hair was tied back in a bun and his cold blue eyes raked over me. His scar twisted his grin into something ugly and just at the first sight of him, I hated him.

Father handed me off, whispering, “I’m sorry,” before stepping back. The elder officiating started the vows, his voice droning like a fly. Alpha Dimitri didn’t even pay any attention to the vows. His lust filled eyes were fixed on me and he licked his lips.

“You’re smaller than I thought,” he said, loud enough for everyone to hear. “The moonstone pack breeds weaklings, huh?”I clenched my fists but I refused to react to his words.

“Say the vows,” I muttered.

He laughed, a low, nasty sound.

“It seems young ladies have no manners around here,” He chuckled. “Back at the IceClaw Pack, you don’t speak until you’re spoken to.”

His eyes raked over me and he continued.

“Guess I’ll have to fuck some manners into you, eh?”

The crowd gasped. Father flinched, but Sofia smirked from the sidelines. My blood boiled, hot and fast, drowning out the elder’s words. I’d heard the stories, about the way he treated women. All the same, it was surprising hearing it from his mouth, and with such confidence.

“Say your vows, Alpha,” the elder prompted him.

Alpha Dimitri grinned wider, reaching for my arm. “I take this little bitch—”

His hand grazed my sleeve, rough fingers brushing my wrist. That was it. My temper snapped like a dry twig. I yanked my arm back, swung hard, and slapped him—right across that scarred cheek. The crack echoed, silencing the crowd.

“You’re filth,” I spat, my voice shaking but loud. “I’d rather die than marry you.”

His eyes widened, then narrowed, rage flashing through them like a storm.

“You’ll regret that, girl—”

I didn’t wait to hear more. I turned on my heels and ran. Shouts erupted behind me but I didn’t look back. I sprinted past the stones, and into the trees.

My heart slammed hard against my ribs as I put more distance between myself and Alpha Dimitri.

He could play his games with other women. I was never going to be anyone’s toy.