Chapter 3 The Perfect Lie

Serena’s POV

Alpha Magnus Draven looked up from the parchment he had been reviewing, his features carved in stern lines. But when his eyes met mine, the severity eased.

“Serena,” he said, his voice gentling as he set the scroll aside. “Why do you look so grave, child?”

I forced a small smile, stepping closer as I held out the letter Kael had forged. “Papa, we need to talk.”

He accepted the parchment but didn’t open it immediately. His dark brows lifted. “And what is this?”

“I’ve been listening,” I said carefully, shaping each word before I let it pass. “To you. To the council. To all of them saying this pack needs a strong Alpha. And that they’d never allow a woman to lead.”

Concern flickered across his face. “Go on.”

“So… I applied to Selvara Academy,” I confessed, my heart slamming against my ribs. “I told no one. Not even you. I didn’t know if they’d accept me. But I couldn’t keep fighting a losing battle. If I can’t be the Alpha Ironfang needs—”

I swallowed, forcing the words out like bitter medicine.

“Then I will become the Luna this pack deserves. I’ll give them the heir who will lead Ironfang into its strongest era.”

His face went rigid, unreadable. Slowly, he broke the seal and scanned the forged words Kael and I had spent hours perfecting. His eyes darted, blinked, widened—and then his lips curved into the rarest of smiles.

“You’ve been accepted,” he whispered.

I nodded, my throat tight.

He rose to his feet and pulled me into his arms. The weight of the hug almost crushed me. For one dizzying moment, I wanted to blurt out everything—the deception, the spell, my plan to walk into Dravenhold Academy as Kael instead of into Selvara as myself. But the words died on my tongue. I clung to him instead, the lie digging deeper.

“My daughter,” he breathed against my hair. “You’ve made me proud. So proud.”

When he released me, his eyes were brighter than I had seen in years. “We’ll hold a feast tonight. The council should hear this news.”

“Papa, you don’t have to—”

“I want to,” he insisted, a rare grin breaking his composure. “Let them all see what a true Luna looks like.”

⸻

That night, the great hall brimmed with wolves of rank. The elders sat in their carved seats, Alphas and Lunas gathered close. The smell of roasting lamb and honeyed bread thickened the air.

When my father stood, the room hushed. “My daughter,” he declared proudly, gesturing toward me, “has been admitted into Selvara Academy.”

Applause rippled through the chamber, murmurs of approval following.

“She has found her place,” one elder intoned.

“A Luna in the making,” said another, nodding gravely.

“Knew all that talk of becoming Alpha was just youthful rebellion,” a councilman chuckled. “She’s come around at last.”

“Oh, Serena dear,” Elder Haran smiled warmly. “Can hardly believe you gave us such a stir in the council meeting this morning.”

“It was only fire in the blood,” Elder Jorah added with a laugh. “I am glad she’s accepted her true path. Well done.”

I dipped my head politely. “Thank you.”

The Lunas came next, stepping forward with advice sharpened like knives.

“Remember, Selvara is no gentle hearth,” one said. “They forge Lunas in steel.”

“Be the best in your class,” another urged. “A Luna worthy of bearing the next Alpha must excel in all things.”

I nodded, smiled, played the obedient daughter. But every word pressed on my ribs like stones. Across the table, Kael caught my eye and flicked me a quick thumbs-up—the only soul in the room who knew the truth.

The feast stretched on with music, laughter, toasts. My father glowed with pride, his joy heavier on me than chains. I wore the mask to perfection, and when the last guest departed, I felt wrung hollow.

Kael was one of the last to slip away, clapping me on the back and mouthing, You’re killing it.

When at last the hall was empty, my father took my hand the way he had when I was little and led me to my chamber door.

“You’ve done well,” he said softly. “If death took me tomorrow, I would go in peace.”

“Don’t say that,” I whispered, clutching his hand tighter.

He kissed my forehead, pride etched deep into his weary face. “You’ve made me proud, Serena.”

Later, when his snores rumbled faintly through the walls, I shut myself into my room. The silence pressed heavy. Tomorrow night, the spell would take hold. Tomorrow night, Serena Draven would vanish, and Kael Draven—male, Alpha candidate—would walk into the world in her place.

I stripped off the Luna-colored gown, wiped the paint from my face, and sank onto my bed. Exhaustion clung to my bones.

I was reaching to snuff the lantern when the air changed. No window opened, no draft stirred, and yet the flame leapt and writhed as if shaken by a storm.

A voice cut through my skull, not heard but felt. Deep. Ancient. Commanding.

“Kael Draven—you will report to Dravenhold Academy at dawn. Failure to appear will forfeit admission.”

My blood turned to ice.

“What?” I breathed.

The voice vanished, leaving only silence.

Dread sank sharp claws into me. The spell wasn’t due to veil me until the next night.

How in the gods’ names was I supposed to march into an all-male Alpha academy tomorrow morning—still smelling and looking like a lady?