Queen

Alessia

Luna…

The word sounded foreign coming from her, almost like it belonged to someone else.

“Am I?” I chuckled. Honestly, I didn't know what I was anymore. Luna? The title? Of course. I had that for a year. But the honor? Never.

She immediately began to bow, her face flushing with embarrassment. “I am so sorry! I didn’t recognize you.”

I caught her by the arm before she could go full-on formal. “Please, don’t. I didn’t rescue you from an evil goose just to have you bow to me.”

She straightened up, laughing awkwardly. “Right. Sorry again.”

I smiled now, “Why would you be sorry again?”

“I don't know. Maybe—” She pressed her lips and then shook her head. “Forget it. Tell me, what brings you out here today?” She asked. “Is our Luna looking for a little adventure or just trying to escape the palace?”

I sighed, glancing back at the distant silhouette of the palace. “A bit of both, actually. I am trying to get used to this place, and I needed a break from the palace’s... intense atmosphere.”

Kate nodded in understanding. “I get it. Even from outside, it does look a bit overwhelming.”

“You have no idea,” I muttered under my breath, then quickly changed the subject. “So, do you live around here?”

“Born and raised,” she said proudly. “I know these woods like the back of my hand. Want me to show you around? I promise, no more geese.” Kate grinned, gesturing for me to follow her.

I nodded. “I would appreciate that.”

As we walked, Kate started pointing out various landmarks around the estate. She had this easygoing vibe that made conversation flow naturally. “That old willow over there? It’s supposedly over a hundred years old. Some people say it’s haunted, but I think it’s just really good at scaring off nosy kids.”

I chuckled. “Haunted willows, demonic geese… what other local horrors should I be worried about?”

Kate grinned mischievously. “There is a secret clearing behind that oak tree. Best view in the entire territory. But if you go there alone, the ghost of a heartbroken Alpha will appear and ask you for relationship advice.”

I snorted. “Sounds like he is in worse shape than me.”

“Maybe. But, heard that ghost has great hair, so there’s that.”

“Rather than those horror spots, are there any other place I can actually visit? Like for an escape?” I asked, glancing at Kate.

She tilted her head, considering it for a moment before her face lit up. “Actually, there is one spot I just discovered yesterday… the Moonstone Fountain. It’s an old fountain behind the west wing. It used to be part of the palace gardens but was forgotten over the years. I had no idea why but it has this wild beauty to it.”

“Moonstone Fountain?” I repeated, intrigued. “Sounds like it’s worth a visit.”

“You won’t regret it, trust me.” She gestured toward a path leading toward the west wing. “Come on, I will show you.”

We walked along the path Kate had pointed out, winding our way through the lush gardens surrounding the palace.

As we approached the west wing, Kate glanced at me curiously. “I have a question.” she began, tucking a stray piece of hair behind her ear, “what did you do in your previous pack? I mean, before, you know, all this?” She gestured around vaguely, implying my new status as Luna of the Bloodmoon Pack.

I hesitated, not because I was ashamed, but because it seemed like another lifetime ago. “I was a healer.” I replied, my voice a bit softer. “In the Sunshine Pack.”

Kate’s eyes widened in genuine surprise. “A healer? Wow, that’s so cool. But did you like helping with… injuries and stuff?”

I nodded, smiling a little at her enthusiasm. “Yeah, I always found it rewarding, especially when someone was really hurt, and you could see them getting better because of what you did.”

Kate smiled. “I can see that. You have that calming energy about you. But do you miss it? Any of it?”

“I do. The healing arts, mostly. And the feeling of being needed,” I replied. “Here, I am still trying to find out what I can offer. Sometimes it feels like I am just an outsider.”

“You are our Luna. The moon goddess didn't choose you for nothing.” Kate said as we walked through a beautiful archway that led to a more secluded part of the palace grounds.

“I hope so.”

She didn't seem to hear me, continuing, “I bet the Bloodmoon Pack could use someone like you. I mean, they are lucky to have you as their Luna.”

I smiled at her, but there was a slight pang in my chest. Being Luna was about navigating power dynamics, something I never had to deal with as a healer.

Healing was simpler. There weren’t so many... complications.

We reached a small stone pathway, half-covered in vines, that led to the Moonstone Fountain. It wasn’t grand like the fountains in the palace gardens, but there was something beautifully wild about it. The fountain itself was worn with age, the carvings faded and moss creeping up the sides. Moonstone fragments glimmered in the sunlight, giving the place a mystical vibe.

“Here it is.” Kate said proudly. “The Moonstone Fountain. Not many people come here anymore, but I think it’s the perfect escape.”

I stepped closer to the fountain, mesmerized by the soft trickle of water and the way the sunlight reflected off the moonstones embedded in the basin. “It’s beautiful,” I whispered.

“Told you it was worth it.” She said and sat on the edge of the fountain, looking up at the sky.

“How did you find this place?” I asked.

“I was on a mission to avoid a particularly boring pack meeting,” She sank her hand in the water of the fountain. “Stumbled across it while I was trying to find the perfect place to hide.”

“I can relate. What’s your role in the pack?” I asked, intrigued.

“I am actually an herbalist. I gather herbs and make remedies for the pack. Come to think of it—” She looked at me. “Our jobs are quite familiar. We can work together sometimes.”

I leaned against the fountain, considering her proposal. “Maybe… if the contract doesn't restrict me from doing so.” The words slipped my tongue before I could stop them.

Fuck fuck fuck.

Kate blinked.

“Contract?”

But it was not Kate who asked the question. It wasn’t her voice.