The warden

KYRA 

I stood outside the palace gates, staring at the looming building with determination and resolve. 

I'm going to—

I staggered on my feet, turning to frown at the person who bumped into me.

"Get out of the way!" A girl around my age snapped, staring at me condescendingly, 

"You can start by apologizing first," I pursed my lips, wriggling my brows at her.

"What are they doing, letting an omega within this vicinity?" She snarled, narrowed her eyes, and walked away, spitting on the floor.

I rolled my eyes and followed her in. Of course, there'd be someone with a bitchy attitude. That wasn't new to me.

I made my way to the reception to register and was afterward redirected to a hall.

My jaw dropped in surprise when I entered. 

Due to the personality of the king, I'd expected to meet a lot of people vying for the position of being the king's Luna, but there just four ladies in attendance, all dressed fancy.

I cast a quick glance at my outfit and retreated further into a corner. First day here, and I already felt out of place. 

After what seemed like hours, an older woman entered the hall and stood on the podium, giving out papers to pass around. 

"Decorum!" She yelled after the papers had gone round,

The hall was silent immediately, and no one dared breath loudly. 

 "You are all here for the Luna's Selection training," the woman started, "And I don't need to tell you how important it is to obey rules here. I am the warden, and I'm in charge of you. Any questions before we proceed?"

"No, ma'am." The ladies chorused. 

"Take a look at the paper with you," the woman continued in a loud voice, "You have ten courses of training, and you are expected to attend every training."

"Once you've all settled in, we will begin, and if you have a complaint, come to me directly while also putting it in mind that you might be eliminated because as a Luna-in-training, you are expected to handle your problems yourself. You all have a month to be ready for the selection. Make your time count."

She continued, making eye contact with every one of us, "The paper has your room numbers, go get changed, and come back for the first training. You have ten minutes. Move it!"

I gulped down and followed the Lunas-in-training as they rushed out, in search of my room.

After minutes of searching aimlessly, I found it.

I dropped my bags, hurriedly changed into one of my best clothes, and ran to the convening hall.

Just as I rounded a corner, I bumped into someone's hard chest.

"I'm sorry," I murmured quickly, my head down and ran past the wall of chest, praying not to get in trouble with the warden. 

"Stop," the man I bumped into commanded, his voice cold and hoarse. "I've not asked you to leave."

"Sorry!" I yelled back at him and picked up my pace without looking back. 

The hall was empty when I arrived. 

My heart sank, I was late.

A guard came over, gave me my schedule, and directed me to the backyard where the first lesson was taking place. 

As I walked through the palace walls, I couldn't shake off the fact that someone was watching me.

"Miss Kyra," the warden said in a loud voice, not hiding her displeasure, "You've finally graced us with your presence," 

"I'm sorry," I murmured, running to the back.

"To continue your participation here at the palace, it's in your best interest to answer my question." The warden added, stopping me in my tracks.

I nodded, my heart beating really fast, "What's the question?"

"As a Luna, what would you if the Alpha King commands you to kill?"

I blinked.

What sort of tricky question was this?

I cleared my throat and huffed my shoulders, "I'll obey His Majesty. It's my job to see to every of his requests." I replied, giving her exactly what she wanted to hear.

"Leave this grounds." The warden yelled, "And if you can't provide an answer by tomorrow morning. Pack your bags and leave these premises."

I opened my mouth to argue, to tell her it was unfair.

She brought a finger to her lips, shutting me up.

"Leave."