All Chapters of The Alpha's Unexpected Luna: Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

SOMAWith Mason gone, I find my way inside. The air thickens with the heat of a dozen ovens and the frantic movement of the kitchen staff. Stainless steel counters line both sides of the room, cluttered with bowls of fruit, trays of delicate pastries, and golden flutes filled with champagne. Steam rises from a wide pot at the far end, fogging up the windows. Voices call out orders, and footsteps clatter on polished tile floors. A girl in black slacks and a high ponytail nearly crashes into me with a tray full of silver spoons. “Watch it,” she mutters, barely slowing down. Mumbling an apology, I move aside, stick

SOMAIn their fancy gowns and jewels that catch the light, the contestants look ethereal. Maeve has regained her smile, with no trace of the earlier altercation. Beside her, Sheila looks regal in a sea‑foam green dress, glancing around with a polite but sharp smile.My stomach growls low, and I tense, hoping no one heard it. But my eyes meet Tristan, and he doesn’t look away. Not immediately.A voice breaks us out of our stare, and I swallow when the introductions start. One by one, the girls step up to the microphone, stating their names and why they wish to be Luna. Their voices echo, beautiful and strong.When Maeve and Sheila go up, I

BRYNNELilith’s voice cuts through me, bringing my thoughts to a halt. Maeve’s language might be colorful, but she’s saying what nearly everyone in this hall is thinking. But before I can utter a word, Maeve’s mouth pops open again.“My language?” Maeve shrieks. Her sister yanks on her hand, trying to quiet her, but Maeve steps forward, her body taut with anger. “That bitch stole what should have been mine. Sheila, are you going to keep quiet? Prince Brynne should be mine.”Sheila gulps audibly, trying to back up her sister. They stand side by side in quiet solidarity, nervous but unwavering, and I’m glad neither of them got picked. I don’t care about love and fairytales, but I also want a reasonable Luna, not someone obsessed with power.No one owns the Luna spot until the Moon Goddess selects. Most importantly, I belong to no one, and I like it that way. If they are already claiming

SOMAA dangerous glint shines in Brynne’s eyes as he turns on me. “I knew there was something off about you the day we met.” He folds his arms across his chest, sizing me up. “So, what is it? Dark magic? You’re not just stealing dresses. Now, you’re also stealing titles.”“Brynne,” Lilith warns.But he’s on a roll. He steps forward, leaving a safe distance between us. “What spell did you cast that’s powerful enough to harness the power of the moon and even manipulate it?”“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I tell him.

SOMAI wake up with a jerk. Morning light spills in through the crack in the curtains, bathing every surface in the room. Oh, no. My heart pounds with fear. Sheila and Maeve won’t let me hear the end of it for waking up late. But as I take in my environment and the expensive nightwear I’m wearing, memories slowly slide in.The ceremony. The Moon. The Goddess’ choice.This is real. I’m still at the palace. It’s not a prank. Sliding off the bed, I stalk to the connected bathroom, splash water on my face, and run my fingers through my hair.What happens now?Back in the room, I change into the spare outfit the maid left