A CAGE OF GOLD

The sun had barely begun to rise when Lina slipped out of bed. The large chamber she shared with Dane felt suffocating, despite the luxury draped over every surface. Silken sheets, carved wooden furniture, and gold-trimmed mirrors—everything screamed royalty, yet she had never felt more trapped.

Dane stirred beside her, his breathing steady, oblivious to the turmoil inside her. She had perfected the art of pretending, smiling at him when required, nodding when spoken to. But beneath it all, she longed for an escape she could never take.

She wrapped a cloak around her shoulders and padded toward the balcony. Outside, the Green Moon Pack stretched before her—strong, thriving, everything a pack was meant to be. Wolves trained in the courtyard below, their grunts and shouts echoing in the crisp morning air.

She should feel pride. She should feel safe.

Instead, all she felt was exhaustion.

A knock at the door pulled her from her thoughts. She turned just as it creaked open, revealing a servant carrying a silver tray.

"Good morning, Luna," the woman greeted softly, keeping her eyes down.

Lina forced a smile. "You’re up early, Elara."

The young woman hesitated. "Alpha Zack requested your presence in the council chamber after breakfast."

Of course he did. Lina’s stomach tightened, but she nodded.

Elara set the tray on a small table, pouring tea into a delicate porcelain cup. "Shall I wake the Alpha?"

Lina glanced at Dane’s sleeping form and shook her head. "Let him rest. I’ll go alone."

Elara hesitated, but didn’t question her.

Once she was gone, Lina sighed and took a slow sip of tea, bracing herself for yet another day of being a puppet.

---

The council chamber was as intimidating as ever, its high stone walls lined with banners of the Green Moon Pack. A large table sat at the center, where Alpha Zack and several elders were already seated.

Her father, Alpha Jackson, sat near Zack, his expression unreadable.

"Lina," Zack greeted as she entered, his tone as smooth as ever. "Good of you to join us."

She forced herself to sit, keeping her posture poised. "You requested my presence, Alpha Zack?"

He chuckled, as if amused by her formality. "I did. There are matters concerning our alliance that require your input."

She said nothing as he continued.

"The Crescent Moon Pack has been growing restless. Their Alpha has refused our last trade agreement. We may need to show strength to remind them of our position."

Lina stiffened. Strength. That meant violence.

"What does that have to do with me?" she asked carefully.

Zack leaned forward, steepling his fingers. "As the Luna of this pack, you must be prepared for all aspects of leadership—including securing our alliances."

A chill ran through her. She knew where this was going.

"If you mean I should persuade Alpha Orion with pleasantries and smiles, you’re mistaken," she said coolly.

A few elders exchanged glances, but Zack merely smirked. "No, my dear. You will accompany Dane on a diplomatic visit. Show them the strength of our bond."

Lina clenched her jaw. "You mean parade myself like a prize."

Zack’s smirk remained. "Call it what you like, but your duty remains the same."

Her father finally spoke. "Lina, this is necessary."

She turned to him, searching for any sign of concern, but found none. He had always been this way—distant, bound to duty above all else.

She felt a surge of something bitter and ugly rise within her, but she swallowed it down.

"Of course," she said evenly. "I will do as you ask."

Zack looked pleased. "Good girl."

Lina dug her nails into her palms, hiding the storm raging inside her.

She would do as they asked.

For now.