Fake Heiress True Luna (Irina) novel Chapter 1

Irina’s POV 

“Are you ready, honey?” my mother asked softly as she adjusted the delicate silver tiara on my golden curls.

I looked at myself in the mirror and felt my heart flutter. This was it. My eighteenth birthday. My first shift. The day I would finally recognize my mate. The moment I had dreamed about since I was a little girl, running around pretending I was a princess.

“Yes, Mom,” I breathed, smiling so widely it almost hurt. I couldn’t wait for the Moon Goddess to give me my wolf. I couldn’t wait to meet him.

Because in my heart, I already knew who I wanted my mate to be.

Lancer.

The Beta’s son. The boy I had been secretly in love with for years. Tall, strong, broad-shouldered, with warm hazel eyes that glowed like sunlight. Tanned skin, a husky voice that made my knees weak, and a smile so sinful I was sure it was illegal somewhere. He was kind. Smart. Brave. Everything a woman could ever dream of.

Everything I dreamed of.

Mom grabbed my hand and guided me downstairs. “Your father is waiting.”

I felt like royalty. My dress shimmered with tiny diamonds that looked like stars. The skirt flowed behind me like drifting clouds. The tiara made me feel as if the Goddess herself were blessing me.

This was my night.

My whole life had been shaped by duty. By expectations. By training, tutors, etiquette, and endless pressure to be perfect. Flawlessness wasn’t a choice—it was required. Because in our world, your rank was everything.

“Look at you, sis. I might have to kill anyone who lays a finger on you tonight.” My brother Serim’s deep voice rumbled from the staircase behind me.

I rolled my eyes. “Please don’t start a bloodbath at my birthday party.”

He smirked and fixed my tiara. “No promises. Especially if your mate turns out to be some weakling.”

Mom gasped. “Serim! Don’t even joke about that. She’s an Alpha’s daughter—she’ll be mated to someone worthy. Maybe even Lancer.”

My heart jumped. My cheeks heated. But I forced myself to keep walking as we reached the grand ballroom.

The moment the doors opened, silence fell.

“My daughter has arrived,” my father announced, pride swelling in his voice.

I moved toward him, but my eyes searched the room on instinct.

And then… I saw him.

Lancer.

Standing tall, handsome, breathtaking. His hazel eyes locked with mine, his lips curving into that slow, devastating smile that always made my stomach flip. My breath hitched.

Please, Moon Goddess… let it be him.

Before I could think another thought, his voice—smooth and warm—cut through the noise. “You look beautiful, Irina.”

A blush crept up my neck. “Thank you.”

We danced—slow, close, perfect. His hand was warm against my back, his breath brushing my ear. His words were soft, teasing, and hopeful.

“I’ve waited three years for this,” he murmured.

My heart soared.

Maybe… maybe everything would be perfect.

But perfection never lasts.

After the waltz, my father called me outside for the shift. The pack circled around the clearing. Torches flickered. Lancer stood just beyond the ring of wolves, his gaze steady on me, his silent confidence wrapping around my trembling nerves.

I stepped forward.

Pain tore through me as bones cracked and shifted, but I stayed silent. I had trained for this. I had been raised for this.

When I finally stood on four paws, I looked down and saw a beautiful white and cream coat. A wolf fit for a Luna. For an Alpha’s daughter.

Gasps rippled through the pack.

Then—

I smelled it. 

Raspberries and lemon.

“Mate!” my wolf shouted, her voice bright and pure. 

Did I hear that right? 

“Yes, you did!” My wolf exclaimed, wagging her tail. 

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify