Luna of the Cursed Alpha King (Helga and Siegren)

STARING AT HER REFLECTION, Helga couldn't help but close her eyes for a moment and took a deep breath, releasing it as she opened them again. When she felt the tension leave her body, she quickly pulled her hair into a tighter ponytail. As she did, she heard a knock on the door, causing her to turn her head towards it. "Helga, may I come in!" Portia's voice seeped through the wooden door. Helga instinctively pursed her lips but ultimately allowed Portia to come in. The sun was shining outside, a reminder that it was almost time for Helga to leave the palace and make her way to Ardan "I'm sorry, I asked the Alpha King if he could provide you with more comfortable clothes as you requested, but he insisted on this dress for the official announcement after you pass the test, Portia explained, approaching Helga who stood before her in a vibrant red dress that hugged her torso tightly and flowed freely down to her feet. Helga looked stunning, but Portia couldn't help feeling sorry for her. After all, this wasn't a celebratory event or a banquet, yet sh dressed as if it were a joyous occasion.

Woods

"It's all right," Helga reassured Portia with a kind smile, noticing the concerns on her face. Knowing that she would be venturing into Ardan Woods, Helga had asked if she could wear a female royal guard uniform to ensure she would be able to move and fight comfortably once she encountered a ntered a rogue. However, she was given a dress instead, not only that but it was personally chosen by the Alpha King. Helga wasn't sure if he was intentionally trying to sabotage her or simply following tradition within the royal family. have any more requests bef before we leave? I can have my mate help me in speaking with the Alpha King to grant your request this time." Portia grasped her hand and gave it a soft squeeze, her expression filled with apology. e." Helga said, staring at the window for a moment before returning her attention to Portia, "Please tell the Alpha King to lend me a sword as my weapon." Portia questioned; confusion etched on her face. "Not a gun? I mean, with the invention of firearms, more warriors are using them nowadays. It was more convenient, especially since it was a lot easier to use."

"Do you

There is one,

thacrash sword

bows, and spears still held a place in Verdentia, they were no longer the primary weapons used for hunting and fighting. In this era of advancement, guns have taken over as the weapon of choice. Their compact size and ease of use made them ideal for both humans and werewolves who struggled to shift at will. During times of war, guns were favored over traditional weapons not only for their long-range capabilities but also because they required less physical training. They were in the early 20th century, and with lots of new weapon inventions, Portia was surprised that Helga would request a sword, a weapon that required constant training and skill to wield effectively. "I know it seems strange, but I feel most confident in battle when wielding a sword. It guarantees me one hundred percent success in taking down my enemy." Helga smiled slightly. "I'm not certain if I'll be able to shift into my wolf form later, so having a sword by my side is essential for self-protection. I need the best quality sword possible." "A-all right, I'll pass on your requests to David and have him speak with the Alpha King." Portia nodded in agreement, and Helga smiled, thanking her before watching her leave the room. Once she was alone again, she made her way towards the window and looked out at the pleasant weather, her mind consumed with thoughts of the upcoming test. "Do you

have a plan?" Stella asked at the back of her mind, "We have no way of knowing how many rogues we will encounter inside the Ardan Woods, so let me take over once we enter."

"You told me not to let you shift until it was time, are you sure you want to take over?" Helga questioned

It's s fine, as long as I won't be seen by other wolves." Stella answered, T'll kill all the rogues who would see me, and you can take over after."

All right, sounds like a good plan." Helga gave a nod and soon after, she was already on her way to the Ardan Woods. This time, she rode in a carriage with the Alpha King sitting across from her. They were the only ones inside, while the other high-ranking members of the royal pack were already waiting at the entrance of Ardan, along with the Madden Family and a group of curious werewolves eager to witness Helga's test firsthand.

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Siegren drummed his fingers on his arms, frustrated that Helga had been silent since they left the palace. He kept stealing glances at her, only to find her distantly gazing out the window bothered him that she wasn't speaking, and he couldn't understand why. "Do you not like the sword I lent you?" he inquired, startling Helga and snapping her out of her daze. She blinked twice, surprised that he was speaking to her.

"No, I do like it very much, Your Majesty, she answered, her voice held a genuine note of admiration and appreciation. The sword he had given her was of exquisite quality, evident in its perfectly balanced weight and razor-sharp edge. She glanced at the sword beside her and could feel the craftsmanship in every inch of its gleaming metal.

"Then why are you quiet?" His question hung in the air between them, leaving Helga feeling confused. Why was he suddenly interested in her silence? Just yesterday, they barely spoke despite being in the same space. Now, he seemed like a completely different person. She thought the question was really out of character.

"Because I don't have anything to say?" she answered, though deep down, she was struggling to komposure. As they approached Ardan Woods, memories of that fateful day flooded back into her mind. Her nerves were already on edge, and she couldn't afford to become mentally unstable. She had to focus on the test ahead and not let her past haunt her.

"Is that really the reason?" Siegren arched an eyebrow. "Or is it because you're afraid? I know what happened to you twelve years ago."

Helga's expression betrayed her discomfort as she studied him. She suspected he had finished conducting a thorough investigation into her background, and despite being aware of her past experiences, he was still going to put her through the test. It was a harsh decision on his part, but Helga knew he wouldn't be considerate enough to halt her participation. At that moment, she couldn't help but recall Ezra's words from the day before. "You can back out-

"No," Helga cut Siegren off before he could even finish his sentence, determined to stand her ground, "I refuse to back down. Your Majesty. I will pass the test and show you and everyone else that I am deserving of being your mate and Luna."

The declaration she had just made caused Siegren to hum appreciatively, the seriousness in her expression making it clear that she was completely committed to this decision. Though she may not want to admit it, she is afraid; yet she is willing to do whatever it takes for the sake of her future, happiness, and safety. Siegren couldn't help but be impressed by Helga's strength, he had underestimated her all along. With a smirk on his lips, he adjusted his mask and met her gaze firmly.

"Very well. Once you pass the test; aside from being the future Luna of the royal pack, I will grant you one wish for your bravery" Siegren declared firmly, his voice leaving no room for argument

As the carriage finally arrived at the grand gates of Ardan Woods, a hush fell over the waiting crowd. All those who had gathered to welcome their arrival bowed respectfully as the Alpha King stepped out, followed by Helga who was led down by Gamma Lucian. The sun shone brightly through the trees, casting dappled shadows onto the ground. A sense of awe and reverence filled the air as everyone anticipated what was going to happen next.

"Thank you," Helga's lips curled into a small smile, even though the Alpha King hadn't even bothered to help her down from the carriage. She could feel the eyes of everyone around them, especially those of the Madden family and Miranda, who couldn't contain their snickering at her expense. Helga took a deep breath and ignored them, following the Gamma who led her through the silver gate of the Ardan Woods. The crisp scent of pine filled her nostrils and cool breeze brushed against her skin. It was both eerie and enchanting at the same time. "You must remain inside for three hours. If you fail to exit after that time, we will enter and check if you are still alive." Lucian explained the rules once more, and Helga nodded in understanding, her gaze flickering towards the Alpha King who was now under a tent, comfortably seated in a chair with Beta David standing by his side. She knew it was an important test but couldn't help wondering why he was willing to wait there and do nothing for three hours, along with the others who were present "Throw her in," Siegren commanded, his voice cold and firm.

There's no need to," Helga's words surprised everyone as she confidently declared, "Just open the gate, I will walk there with

13:57 Chapter 16 my own feet.

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Lucian's eyes widened before shifting to the Alpha King, anticipating his next command. The tense silence hung in the air, only broken by the howling wind that added to the discomfort. Siegren remained fixated on Helga, unmoving from his spot as he tapped his fingers against the armrest of his chair before finally breaking the silence. "Open the gate."