Olivia’s POV

“No need for a dress. I’m going to the combat ground,” I said to Nora and Lolita, who were already laying out gowns across the bed for me to wear. I hated those heavily beaded dresses, but I often had no choice. As Luna, I was expected to appear in them, no matter how uncomfortable they were. The triplets were lucky—they could wear whatever they wanted when attending official meetings.

“I’ll need long pants and a shirt. I’m going to the combat ground,” I repeated to my personal maids, the closest people I had to friends. They treated me like a Luna should be treated, unlike the other staff who still struggled to accept me as their Luna.

“Alright,” Nora said as she made her way to the closet, which held a wide variety of clothes. Being the Luna of one of the largest packs in the world came with its privileges. I had shoes, clothes, bags—you name it. I didn’t request them, nor could I afford them. It was all Lady Fiona’s doing, the triplets’ mother. She’d told me that every month, wardrobe management would bring in new sets of clothes and bags, and the old ones I could either keep or give away. I found it all a bit too extravagant, but she insisted it was part of my privileges as Luna. She even told me that starting this week, I would receive a weekly allowance—and I couldn’t wait. As soon as I got it, I planned to hire a private investigator to reopen my father’s case. I already knew it was Anita’s father who had set him up. All I needed now was the evidence to expose that bastard—and I couldn’t wait.

“Here you have it, Luna.” Nora returned with a pair of fitted black combat pants and a crisp white shirt. She handed them to me, and I slid them on. I packed my now-blond hair into a ponytail. I had dyed my hair two days ago. Lolita handed me a pair of black boots, which I slid on before nodding to them.

“No need to follow me. Go rest. I’ll send for you if I need assistance,” I told them before leaving my room.

I made my way down the hallway, the sound of my boots echoing against the marble tiles. Guards stationed at various points bowed their heads in respect, something I still wasn’t used to. I nodded stiffly in return, putting on a forced smile. These days, I’d nearly forgotten how to smile.

Crisp morning air kissed my skin. The sun was just beginning to rise, casting golden streaks across the training field. The scent of sweat, earth, and fur was thick in the air. My eyes scanned the massive open area, and I couldn’t help the small smile tugging at my lips. I used to come here with my father when I was as young as seven. I’d sit proudly and watch him train the other warriors. He was so good—arguably the best. It was here that I first met the triplets. I frowned, pushing thoughts of them from my mind.

I scanned the field. There were more than a hundred warriors already gathered, males and females alike. Some were mid-shift, the cracking of bones and the stretching of limbs echoing around the field. Others stood in their human forms, either fully dressed or naked, readying themselves for training. Nudity was never taboo among us; we were werewolves, and shifting was a part of who we were. We undressed and stayed naked before each other without shame or hesitation. Some were sparring in their wolf forms, growling and snarling, rolling through the dirt in fierce mock battles. Others trained in their human forms, fists meeting flesh, sweat glistening on their toned bodies.

Warriors paused briefly when they noticed my presence, offering respectful bows or nods before resuming their training. It seemed Lennox had already passed a message about what he did to Logan.

I crossed my arms and walked along the edge of the field, observing everything. My mind was alert, catching techniques, evaluating strengths and weaknesses.

“Luna Olivia!” a voice called out, pulling me from my thoughts. I turned to see Captain Maddison, the head of the warrior unit, jogging toward me with a clipboard in hand. His dark hair was damp with sweat, and there was a slight cut on his brow that he hadn’t bothered to wipe off.

“You came,” he said with a surprised grin. “Wasn’t expecting to see you out here this early.” Maddison and I had known each other since way back. His father had been a warrior, just like mine, and like me, he used to accompany him to training.

“I said I’d be involved, and I meant it,” I replied calmly. “What’s the training schedule for today?” Maddison’s grin widened. “Combat rotations, pack formation tactics, and endurance drills. I could assign you a partner if you want to join in.”

I arched a brow, smirking slightly. “Give me your best.”

He chuckled but didn’t argue. “Alright, Luna. Let’s see what you’ve got.”

Just as Maddison disappeared to fetch a partner for me, a strange sensation pricked at the back of my neck, and my wolf stirred. I caught a whiff through the musky scent of sweat and wolf musk—a familiar smell laced with earthy spice. My heart gave a traitorous thump.

Louis’s smell. I knew his scent like I knew my own. I didn’t expect him—or any of the triplets—to be here this early. I turned my head slightly, and sure enough, there he was near the far edge of the training ground. His tall, muscular frame towered over most of the warriors. He was shirtless, his body glistening with sweat, black sweatpants riding low on his hips as he moved with the grace of a true Alpha.

But beside him stood Anita.

The air left my lungs for a second. She was laughing, light and carefree, her hands gesturing animatedly as she spoke. Louis was correcting her stance, his hand gently brushing her waist to reposition her. My stomach twisted.

That used to be me… years ago. I bit the inside of my cheek.

She threw a punch, and he caught it mid-air, giving her a slow nod of approval. She beamed, and his lips curled into the faintest smile—the same smile that once made my heart melt.

I took a step back, the ache in my chest building. It was foolish to feel anything. After all, they’d made their choice, hadn’t they? I was the Luna in name, nothing more. The bond meant nothing to them.

Before I could look away, his head snapped toward me, our eyes locked; though he sensed my presence. For a split second, neither of us moved. His expression shifted—just barely—but I caught it.

I straightened my shoulders and tore my gaze away, pretending I hadn’t noticed. I wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of knowing he still affected me.

“Luna Olivia,” Maddison called out as he returned, a tall, broad-shouldered warrior at his side. “This is Jarek. He’ll be your sparring partner.”

Jarek gave a respectful bow, but I could feel Louis’s eyes still on me. My heart pounded harder than it should have, but I forced my attention to Jarek.

“Let’s begin,” I said simply, slipping into a fighting stance.

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