The Cursed King's Luna

"Tonight, your life changes forever. You will officially be the next Alpha's fianceé." 

My uncle, Sullivan, the Beta of the pack handed me a velvet box after saying that. My fingers trembled a bit as I lifted the lid and a beautiful pink dress rested inside. The intricate design and the sparkles intensified my excitement. It would be perfect beneath tonight's moonlight. 

Tonight is my 18th birthday. Once the full moon reveals itself, I am expected to finally transform into a werewolf for the first time. And it will also be the night that I will be Caelum's fiancee. He's the son of the alpha, the next Duke of this region, the Howling Coast. 

Sullivan's daughter, Fiona, stared at me lovingly. She touched my long golden hair with adoration then she sighed softly. 

"I am so excited for you. I just know, your wolf will be beautiful, Isla! And I can't wait for you to finally marry Caelum and be our Luna!" Her lips curved with a sweet smile but it didn't reach her eyes.

I smiled at my cousin. She's like a sister to me and one year older. Last year was her coming of an age. We already met her wolf and until now, she's still waiting for the man destined to claim her. 

"Thank you, Fiona!" I hugged her tightly. 

I went home carrying the box containing the dress they gifted me. On the way, people greeted me enthusiastically in which I responded. I immediately went to Mama's room and found her on her bed. She slowly opened her eyes and I showed her the dress that was gifted to me. 

"Sullivan really gifted me a dress to wear for tonight, Mama!" I happily said. 

A weak smile curved on her lips. I sat on the side of the bed and held her hand. She had been sick for a week but I think she's getting better. That would be the greatest birthday gift for me if ever. 

Her thumb caressed the back of my hand. "You'll be the most beautiful..." Mama croaked. "But make sure not to remove your necklace. It's your protection, do you understand?"

I nodded at her and touched my necklace. Its pendant served as my amulet, I have been wearing this since I was a child. Never did I remove this from me. It's Mama's strict reminder that I make sure to follow. 

Gifts from the ducal palace filled our living room. I watched the duke's men carry the gifts inside our home and felt like it took them forever to finish. Fiona stood beside me as I received it. 

"These are the gifts from Lord Caelum."

One of them also handed me a small envelope. I eagerly opened it and pulled the card from inside. 

My love, Isla,

It's a beautiful day, I can't wait for your coming of age tonight. As you transform for the first time, it will also mark that you're officially my fiancee. We will then just wait for a few months for our wedding and I'll finally claim you as my mate. I've been looking forward to this day. You make me excited to be the Alpha, as I know you'll be my Luna. Happy birthday. 

Sincerely yours, Caelum.

"Isn't he sweet?" Fiona asked since she also read the letter. 

A smile curved on my lips as I brought the card over my chest. I remember the first time I saw him which was two years ago. His family visited our town and when he saw me, Caelum immediately approached me and asked for my hand. He claimed he felt something with me, that I am his fated mate. But with the tradition, it was necessary for him to wait for my 18th birthday before he could marry me. And now, the long wait is over. 

I nodded at her. "He's been really sweet and thoughtful. I can't wait to get close to him." A dreamy sigh escaped my lips. 

Fiona smiled at me but I thought something flickered in her eyes before she looked away. 

When the darkness dominated the sky, the preparation for my birthday started. As I am Lord Caelum's fated mate, it was necessary for my coming of age to be viewed by the public. 

I took a glance in the mirror before I left our home. The full moon was about to come out when Fiona and Sullivan came to pick me up. They then brought me to the venue, where the moon will be most visible. There was a made up grand stage where the seats of the Duke and his family were situated. A long table for the banquet was also prepared. 

Sullivan scanned the surrounding ensuring that everything was safe and perfect. The children looked up to me in awe. 

"Are you our future Luna?" one kid asked innocently.

I smiled at her and touched her head. "I hope so..." I whispered. 

It's been my dream to be Luna, not for myself but for Mama and this pack. I have a lot of dreams for them. 

A few minutes before the full moon, the program started. There were cultural performances to entertain the Duke, Duchess, and his family members. While I was watching from the side, I caught Caelum staring at me. His gaze never left mine as if assuring me that whatever happens tonight, I will not be alone. 

Then, the most awaited time came. Sullivan brought me in the middle, everyone's gaze was on me. As I stood in the middle alone, excitement and nervousness rushed in my chest. I glanced at the crowd and I couldn't see Mama. Even Fiona was nowhere to be found. I turned my back to face the stage and bowed as my courtesy to the ducal family. 

I slowly looked up, waiting for the seconds to pass by. Then slowly, from the dark thick clouds, the bright full moon emerged, it shone directly to me. I heard howlings of the werewolves in the background. A chill ran down my spine and I closed my eyes to accept its blessing. 

As the moon shone brightly, I waited for my wolf to come out. The silence was deafening, it felt like no one dared to breathe as they waited for my transformation. My heart echoed in my ears. 

I searched for the familiar warmth that every werewolf described.

But after a while... nothing. 

"W-what's happening? Why is she not transforming?" One can't stop himself to ask anymore. 

I couldn't help but open my eyes and look at myself. The light of the moon reflected on the sparkles and gemstones on my dress. And nothing... changed in me. 

Everyone looked confused as I am. Questions erupted among the audience. The deafening silence earlier vanished as confusion took over.

Then from afar, I heard a loud cry of helplessness. It was a familiar voice. Then she came in front of me, Fiona stood beside me and faced the Duke and his family.

"Isla is a human! She's a fraud and her plan is to infiltrate the ducal family so she could destroy our pack!"