The news had spread throughout the pack by the next morning, of course. Every woman in Ashw–no, the entire territories–was likely gushing about their chance to be the next Luna of Ashw. The Luna Queen, standing proud and tall beside the oh–so–illustrious and handsome Luna King Alexander.

The very thought made me want to gag, but I ignored the sensation as best I could and focused on my tasks.

I woke up bright and early and put on my gray Omega uniform. Oddly, I found that I wasn’t missing thevish dresses and silk sets of my previous status; my uniform was practical andfortable, and it allowed me to blend into the background when I didn’t want to be seen or heard.

That was a luxury that I didn’t have in my previous life. I was always the center of attention everywhere I went, and usually not in a good way.

Now… I was just the Omega nanny. A nobody. And I could focus on my job and my son.

After waking up Lucien, changing his diaper and dressing him in a cute little pair of corduroy overalls, I made my way downstairs to the kitchen to feed him. The kitchen was already buzzing as I approached, filled with voices all talking at once.

Normally, I didn’t pay much mind to the conversations and gossip of the household staff. I had made a couple of friends in passing, but I hadn’t gotten close with anyone and mostly kept to myself. It was easier that way because if I got too entrenched in conversation, I might identally say something that would give me away.

And I could not have a repeat of what happened to that poor old farmer.

“Anyone can enter,” one of the maids was saying as I walked into the kitchen with Lucien perched on my hip. “ Not just pack leaders‘ daughters. Any unmarked female between the ages of eighteen and thirty can apply.”

“That’s not how it usually works,” another maid replied with a furrowed brow. “Luna Trials are usually restricted to nobility.”

“Well, this one isn’t. The Alpha King wants to give everyone a fair chance.”

Resisting the urge to roll my eyes, I tuned out their chatter as I prepared Lucien’s morning bottle. The Luna Trial. Alexander’s grand n to rece me with some stranger who would raise my son and sleep in my bed.

My wolf stirred restlessly, angry and bitter that another woman might have a chance at being with our mate, but I ignored her. Alexander had made it clear that he was ready to move on. He’d barely grieved me for a week before announcing he was looking for my recement. fn6b9e Discover more novels at find{n}ovel/fn6b9e

Besides, even if I could enter the trial without revealing who I was, what would be the point? Alexander had never loved me. He’d thought I was a spy up until the very end. He had locked me in my room like a prisoner. Why would I lower myself topete for a man like that?

“Ste!” One of the maids called out to me. “You should enter.”

I looked up to find Anya, the young eighteen–year–old maid with curly red hair who had been bullied by my former bunkmate. Anya was one of the few people I’d be quasi–friends withtely; she was a nice girl and

didn’t ask too many questions. She was grinning at me over her cup of tea.

“I don’t think so,” I said coolly as I tested the temperature of Lucien’s milk on my wrist.

Anya tilted her head, sending a cascade of tiny red curls across her forehead, “Why not? You’re beautiful, and you’re good with the heir. The Alpha clearly trusts you.”

I almostughed out loud at that. If Alexander trusted me, it was only because he didn’t know who I really was.

“Are you nning to enter?” I asked, deflecting the attention from me.

Anya’s cheeks turned pink. “Well, I… I’m thinking about it,” she admitted. “I mean, I know it’s a long shot, but…” She shrugged. “What if it’s not that long of a shot after all?”