Dark Academia (Wrathful Alpha Consorts #1)

Lesson 1: It is essential for internal thoughts to be in accordance with the principles of reverence and humility. Compliance will be verified through the implementation of periodic psychological evaluations.

Coronation Day: Capital Square, Capital of Lancoria

I feel a throbbing pain from the scar on my stomach. 

In an attempt to suppress the urge to vomit, I sink my teeth into the flesh of my cheeks. 

Today is Coronation Day.

Long tables brimming with food and drinks were set up by the Kingdom of Lancoria at the back of the square. In the middle, a row of commoners with sunken eyes stared at us, their bony figures coated in filth. The mingling smells of food and the commoners formed an overpowering, repulsive scent that no perfume could mask, intensified by my heightened senses.

While some view Coronation Day as a joyous celebration, I’ve always regarded it as an inconvenience. As we stand in front of the crowd of Lancoria, I can’t help but feel that this time is being wasted and serves no purpose. 

I look to my side and see the other girls, their eyes vacant and expressionless.

Much like mine.

We are all wearing matching white dresses, their silky texture brushing against our skin. Every so often, our necklaces flash a vibrant red, catching everyone’s attention. Each of us took pride in our hair, showcasing a colorful array of styles and hues to ensure it stood out from the rest. Here, the only distinguishing factors among us are the diverse shades of our hair, skin, and eyes.

In other ways, we are all identical. 

We are the Royal Alpha Consorts, a select group of young women who are considered to be the rarest breed of werewolves. Since our earliest days, we have been meticulously trained to embody the qualities of a deserving Luna.

If luck was on our side, we could potentially receive recommendations as suitable marriage partners to purebred Alphas.

But today, it’s not just any Alpha, but to a Belkovani. 

It feels like just yesterday when I saw him for the last time, blowing out the candles on his 6th birthday cake. In my memory from years ago, the future Alpha’s hair was untamed and tousled, a vibrant shade of blonde. And try as I might, his features remain elusive in my memory, except for that one detail. His birthday was celebrated at here, at Capital Square, too, with colorful decorations and the aroma of delicious food filling the air.

With this, everyone, even the commoners, a chance to enjoy carefully seasoned meals that were perfectly portioned.

Being a Royal Alpha Consort, I had the freedom to indulge in any food I desired, as long as I meticulously recorded my consumption. Every calorie consumed translates into a sweat-inducing exercise that I must complete to burn it off.

The majority of the wolves at Lancoria are not as fortunate as me, as they only have the opportunity to eat a mere two or three times throughout their entire lives. Some meals prepared with exquisite flavors and vibrant colors, they only catch a glimpse of in newspapers discarded as recyclables. 

The only flavor they’re accustomed to is the bitter taste of poverty. 

I struggle to remember what my life was like before I became a consort, as if it belongs to someone else. When I think back on the past few years, my memories are hazy and indistinct. All of them were replaced by studies focused on literature, politics, mathematics, and science. Most of my actions are instinctual, a result of the rigorous training in manners and proper etiquette. 

“What a magnificent view, wouldn’t you agree? Our Royal Alpha Consorts surpass even the beauty of the weather!”

Shifting my attention away from the sea of people, my eyes land on Elijah, standing with poise and confidence by the podium. In his sleek black suit, a pin adorns his chest, displaying the vibrant colors of Lancoria - green and silver.

“Nonetheless, I acknowledge that not everyone in attendance is here to hear me talk throughout the day. On this day, we commemorate the grand occasion of Coronation Day. The day where the Kingdom of Lancoria will declare the six esteemed Royal Alpha Consorts selected to be with the future Alpha!”

Although Elijah’s statement is partially incorrect, I won’t condemn him for it. It is true that commoners, who have not been educated, are often perceived as less knowledgeable. While Royal Alpha Consorts are commonly associated with Alphas, they are actually intended to be the spouses of any male possessing Alpha lineage.

There is no question in my mind that today, I will be chosen.

I was always receiving praise from my professors for both my academic achievements and exemplary conduct. Given my inclination to always comply with instructions, I have consistently strived for success in everything I do. The knowledge that my name has been passed on for consideration as Luna fills me with overwhelming joy.

How could they not consider me when I was the one who would burn the midnight oil, trying to grasp the lessons that eluded me? Furthermore, I was part of the small group that would willingly sacrifice precious sleep to devote extra hours before breakfast to honing my walking skills and maintaining flawless posture.

They would be foolish not to even acknowledge my presence. 

I snap out of my thoughts as the blaring sound of trumpets and the thunderous thudding of paws reverberate through the square.

Among the crowd, a commoner in front muttered, “I can’t believe he actually came.” 

“Being banished must have really spooked him.”

I exert all my energy to disregard their existence. It is against the rules to partake in gossip. Despite my reluctance, I must admit that this gossip is unsettlingly close to the truth.

In Lancoria, the future Alpha was known for his lack of seriousness towards his responsibilities, creating doubt about his suitability for the role. Rarely does he make an appearance at meetings organized by his father. I couldn’t help but feel disappointed that he would be the future Alpha, it was hard to imagine Lancoria thriving with him at the helm.

It’s unexpected that he didn’t just randomly pick one consort to bring this to a swift conclusion.

My eyes are immediately drawn to him as he enters, as if magnetically pulled towards his presence. 

As he walks in, there’s a predatory aura about him, making everyone at the square feel like potential prey. It was effortless for me to recognize him as even in his wolf form, even though the palace guards beside him were almost identical in appearance. While all inhabitants of the palace possess Alpha blood, it is only a purebred Alpha that can grow to the size of a carriage. His silver fur shimmered in the light, with a striking streak of black adorning the tip of his right ear.

In a matter of minutes, he seamlessly transitioned into his human self. 

My intuition didn’t fail me - his hair was unmistakably blonde and disheveled.

However, the passage of time had left its mark on him, and he was no longer the small and lanky boy I remembered years ago. With each passing second, I can sense the overwhelming power that seems to radiate from him, as if it’s an intrinsic part of his being. 

I always assumed men with Alpha blood looked like they could easily overpower anyone, with their strong, muscular build. 

The future Alpha shattered every single assumption I had. With his tall and slender frame, he exuded an aura of sophistication. Yet, when his eyes met the crowd, a sinister grin played upon his lips, exposing his true wickedness. 

His eyelashes, thick and luxurious, were the most striking feature that held my gaze - they were so dense that I struggled to determine the color of his eyes, despite my sharp vision 

A suit made of emerald velvet hugged his frame, its opulence enhanced by the embroidered seal of the royal palace, placed prominently over his heart.

In that moment, his name came rushing back to my memory.

Nikolai Belkovani.

Lesson 2: In order to prevent insubordination, the formation of personal bonds or friendships within the Belladonna Royal University of Theories Academia is actively discouraged. Loyalty should be placed exclusively towards those in positions of authority.

Coronation Day: Capital Square, Capital of Lancoria

Making his way up to the stage, Nikolai lifts his head, directing his attention towards the small group of Royal Alpha Consorts positioned before me. His eyes scan over each individual, taking in their distinct features. Each glance he took was quick and purposeful, never allowing his eyes to linger for too long. There was a noticeable absence of anyone who could capture his interest.

As he approached, our gazes locked, and suddenly, everything else ceased to exist. 

It was golden. The color of his eyes.

His eyes were slanted, gleaming, and golden - just like