Aria's POV
The first light of dawn slipped through the heavy curtains like a thief. I opened my eyes with a start, heart already racing, the echo of last night's words still ringing in my ears.
You will begin training with my Beta, Ivan, tomorrow at dawn. And you'd better not be late.
Raine's voice—cold and commanding— had stayed with me all night. I still couldn't quite believe it. The same Alpha who had looked at me like was nothing more than a necessary inconvenience had decided to help me. To fix me. Or at least try.
I sat up slowly, pressing my palms to my eyes, feeling grateful yet confused. Maybe he was only doing it for the pack. Maybe he was only doing it because a weak Luna was a liability. But still… he was doing something. That was more than Kael had ever done.
I swung my legs over the edge of the bed and stood. The nightdress I'd slept in felt too soft, too delicate for what was coming. I changed quickly into the simple training clothes that had been left for me: dark leggings, a fitted tunic, and sturdy boots. I tied my hair back in a tight braid and glanced at the mirror. My reflection stared back—wide-eyed, uncertain, but determined.
Today, I would not be late.
I opened the door and stepped into the corridor—and nearly collided with Cara.
"Lady Aria," she said. "I was just coming to find you."
I froze, one hand still on the door handle. "Cara. Good morning."
She inclined her head. "The Alpha told me you would be training this morning. But before you go, I need to speak with you. It won't take long."
I hesitated. Raine's warning echoed again: You'd better not be late. But Cara's tone left no room for argument. "Is it urgent?" I asked. "I don't want to keep Ivan waiting."
"It is important," she said simply. "And it will not take much of your time."
I exhaled. "All right."
She gestured for me to step back into my room. I did, closing the door behind her.
Cara turned to face me, her voice low but clear. "You are Luna now, Aria. That title comes with responsibilities. The pack expects you to fulfill certain duties—daily ones. I have prepared a list of what you are to do today."
She reached into her apron pocket and handed me a folded piece of paper. I opened it. The handwriting was neat and precise: a list of tasks written in black ink.
*
Morning: Visit the infirmary and check on the sick or injured.
Midday: Oversee the distribution of food rations to the elders and cubs.
Afternoon: Attend to any disputes or concerns brought to the Luna's attention.
Evening: Join the Alpha at the evening meal (when he is present) and represent the pack in social matters.
*
I stared at the list, my stomach tightening. "These are… every day?"
"Every day," Cara confirmed. "You are the Luna. The pack looks to you for care, for guidance, for stability. It is not optional."
I swallowed. "I understand. But… I'm starting training this morning. With Ivan. I won't have time for all of this."
Cara's expression didn't change. "The schedule can be adjusted around your training. The infirmary can be visited earlier, the rations distributed at midday instead of afternoon. But you must do them. No one else can take your place."
I looked down at the paper again, it suddenly feels heavy in my hand. "Okay," I said quietly. "I will try to make it work"
Cara nodded once. "Good. I will be giving you tomorrow's tasks so you can prepare after your training. For now, go. The Alpha will not tolerate lateness."
She turned to leave, but paused at the door. "And Aria?"
I looked up.
"You are doing better than you think," she said softly. "The pack is already noticing."
Then she was gone, the door clicking shut behind her.
I exhaled, folding the list and tucking it into my pocket.
Luna.
The word still felt foreign, like a garment that didn't quite fit. But I would wear it. I had to.
I stepped out into the corridor again, hurrying towards the training grounds. The manor was still quiet, the halls dim and cool. My boots echoed firmly against the stone.
I rounded a corner—and nearly ran into a tall, broad figure.
I stumbled back, startled. "Oh—I'm sorry—"
The man laughed, a warm, easy sound that caught me off guard.
"No harm done," he said, steadying me with a gentle hand on my elbow. "You must be Aria."
I looked up—and met warm brown eyes and a crooked smile.
He was tall, almost as tall as Raine, but where Raine was all sharp edges and dark storm clouds, this man was softer; warm like sunlight with steady strength. Dark blond hair tied back loosely, a faint scar across one cheek, and a build that spoke of years of training. He wore simple training clothes, sleeves rolled up to reveal muscled forearms.
"I'm Ivan," he said, releasing my arm and offering a hand instead. "Your new trainer. And I'm guessing you're the reason I'm up at this ungoldly hour."
I took his hand. "Yes. That's me."
His smile widened. "Good. I was hoping you'd show up. Come on—the grounds are this way."
He turned and started walking, and I hurried to keep up.
"You're not what I expected." I admitted as we stepped outside into the cool morning air.
He glanced over his shoulder. "Oh? What were you expecting?"
"I don't know. Someone… grimmer."
Ivan chuckled. "I save the grim for when we're actually fighting. For now, let's just see what you've got."
We reached the training grounds—a wide, open clearing ringed by ancient pines. The grass was still damp with dew, and the first rays of sunlight were just beginning to streak across the sky.
Ivan stopped in the center and turned to face me, hands on his hips. "So. First things first. We're going to start slow. No sparring yet. Just movement. I want to see how your body moves, how your wolf responds. We'll build from there."
I nodded, swallowing. "I'm ready."
He studied me for a moment, then gave a small, encouraging nod. "All right. Let's begin."