WE FINALLY ARRIVED IN BLOOD MOON PACK.

The towering gate appeared in front of us as the carriage stopped. This was it, I am finally here. I had actually heard stories about this place in the dark halls of the holding facility. But seeing it right now... it was something else entirely.

As we passed through the massive wall that separated Serenia from the outer packs, my world finally changed.

The sky looked different here. It was more alive. The wolves, actual wolves, ran freely between the watch posts and training grounds. They were free. They were able to do whatever the hell they wanted.

This was freedom. Or at least the closest I had ever been to it.

After a while, the Alpha stood abruptly and stepped out without a word. When he went outside, the guards, warriors, and even the massive black wolves standing guard all dropped to one knee and bowed their heads low.

"Now that's the Alpha right there..." I muttered to myself and sighed.

When the Alpha disappeared from our eyes, a group of guards started approaching the carriage. I immediately pressed myself back into the corner of the carriage, while my fists clenched at my sides.

What are they gonna do to me?

"I'll handle the surrogate myself."

The guards immediately stepped aside as a tall and widely handsome man approached me. It was the Beta who was navigating the carriage earlier.

He looked directly at me and gave me a faint smile. "You don't have to worry. No one will hurt you here."

I was surprised. He wasn't the cruel type of wolf. "Thank you..." I whispered while barely getting the words out. "I... I didn't expect..."

"I know," he said and offered me his hand. "I'm Edward, the Alpha's cousin. And also Beta of this pack."

I hesitated before taking his hand. It was actually the first time someone in this whole state had touched me with something close to respect.

"I'm—" I stopped.

Geez! I'm not supposed to say my name.

Edward gently tilted his head. "Yes?"

"I mean, I'm Lot 18," I corrected myself. My real name wasn't mine anymore. Not until the contract ended.

He just nodded at me. "Alright, Lot 18. Come on. I'll show you to your room."

We stepped out into the courtyard and my eyes couldn't stop moving, taking everything in. The pack grounds, the training fields, all those blacksmith shops. Everything smelled like pine, fresh bread, and running water.

After a few minutes, we stopped in front of a massive structure that made me freeze. It was entirely made of obsidian stone with narrow windows and silver decorations.

"This," Edward uttered while glancing up at the massive doors. "This is the Alpha's Den. It's the heart of the Blood Moon Pack. The Alpha and Luna live here."

My stomach twisted at the mention of Luna. Of course, he had one. Why wouldn't he? I was just wondering what kind of Luna she was. Back in the holding facility, I had been hearing a lot of rumors that Lunas were cruel and vile.

I hope I was wrong...

"You won't have to interact with the Luna unless instructed. You're here under council law. No one can lay a hand on you, not even our Luna," Edward muttered like he had read my mind.

I just gave a small nod in response.

When he stepped in, the den was... breathtaking.

Unlike the cold and dark exterior, its interior was the opposite. The chandeliers were made of twisted gold and crystals while the floor beneath us was shiny obsidian with detailed moon phases carved into it in silver.

"It's beautiful," I whispered enough for Edward to hear.

Edward faintly chuckled. "It is. Terrifying from the outside, but... the Alpha has taste, I'll give him that."

After admiring the grand hall, we walked deeper inside until we reached a long hallway with thick doors.

Edward stopped in front of one near the end and opened it for me.

The room was simple a large bed with deep red linens and a desk by the window. But I immediately smiled when I saw the soft rugs and even a vase of fresh magnolias on the table.

"This is yours," Edward said. "Someone will come by later to speak with you about your schedule, meals, and health. Until then, you're free to rest, Lot 18."

I turned to him and smiled. "Thank you, Beta Edward."

He smiled. "You're welcome. And just call me Edward. If you ever need anything, your nursemaid will arrive in a while."

I just nodded in his response.

After he left, I stood in the middle of the room and stretched my arms. Then I moved toward the window and opened the curtain while staring out at the unfamiliar world beyond.

It was the first time that I had ever seen so much sky without any bars in the way.

"Lot 18?"

I halted and turned just as the door opened. A girl in a white apron stepped in, while her arms were full of folded linens and mattresses.

"Are you..." I paused for a while. "Are you my nursemaid?"

She looked up and smiled at me. "Yes, Lot 18. I'm Nora. I'll be looking after you from now on anything you need while you're here."

"Oh," I replied. "Okay. Thank you."

She... seemed nice.

She walked over to the bed and started arranging the mattress while replacing the plain one that had been there when I arrived.

"I brought you extra padding," she muttered and glanced at me as she smoothed the sheets. "You'll need it once the child begins to grow. Better to get used to comfort now, Lot 18."

I didn't know what to say. "Thank you... again."

"The Luna will be here shortly," she uttered.

I halted for a while. "The Luna?"

Nora caught the look on my face and gave a small laugh. "Don't worry. She's not the monster you might be imagining."

I gave her a weak smile, but inside, my heart was throbbing already. The Alpha's mate. The Luna. Would she hate me? See me as a threat? Or worse, treat me like I was nothing more than an incubator?

But before I could ask Nora anything else, the door opened again.

And a tall, graceful girl entered the room. She must be the Luna. She was stunning while wrapped in a long velvet gown the color of crushed wine. Her dark hair was swept elegantly to the side, and her eyes were sharp.

I just froze. I didn't know what to do. Should I bow? Kneel? Speak? Say nothing?

"I'm so glad you're finally here," she uttered softly and before I could even react, she wrapped her arms around me in a gentle hug.

I just stood frozen, unsure if I should return it. Was this allowed? Was this real?

Then she stepped back just enough to look at me again. "Are you happy with your new home, dear?"

I heaved a deep sigh and smiled at her. "Yes, I do, Luna. I... thank you for accepting me. I'm—" I caught myself. Lot 18. I was Lot 18.

"Don't worry about names. I won't call you by that number."

I fluttered. "But... tradition says—"

"Tradition can wait," she cut my words. "You're a person before anything else. You're carrying something precious for my pack, for my family. The least I can do is treat you like a normal wolf. What's your name?"

I couldn't hide my tears anymore since for the first time in forever, someone treated me with this much kindness. "M-My name is Charlie, Luna..."

She smiled again and touched my arm gently. "What at lovely name, Charlie. I know you must be overwhelmed. But I promise, you're safe here. I've made sure of it."