new identity

Chapter 3: A New Identity

The morning sunlight streamed into Lunette's room, and before she could stir fully awake, a knock on the door startled her. Before she could respond, the door creaked open, and a team of maids entered with swift precision.

"Time to get ready, my lady," one of them said with a polite bow.

"Wait, wha—?" Lunette barely had time to register their presence before she was whisked out of bed. The maids worked like clockwork, ushering her into a marble-tiled bath that smelled of lavender. They scrubbed her clean, combed out her long white hair until it gleamed like fresh snow, and dressed her in a new outfit.

When they were done, she glanced at her reflection in the mirror. She was clad in a set of training clothes—a dark navy tunic with silver accents and black boots that fit snugly around her small feet. The material felt soft but sturdy, perfect for someone about to learn combat.

"Wow," she muttered, turning to get a better look. She barely recognized herself.

"You're expected in the tutoring hall," one of the maids reminded her. "The Duke awaits."

Lunette scowled. "That shady man again," she mumbled under her breath, though she followed the maid out of the room.

The tutoring hall was just as grand as the rest of the estate. Towering bookshelves lined the walls, filled with ancient tomes, maps, and scrolls. A massive mahogany desk sat at the center, surrounded by cushioned chairs. The room smelled faintly of parchment and polished wood.

Kieran stood by the desk, his tall figure as imposing as ever. His black hair was still as striking as she remembered, falling messily yet perfectly into place.

"Ah, you're here," he said, motioning for her to sit in one of the chairs across from him.

Lunette climbed into the chair but crossed her arms in defiance. "What do you want now?"

Kieran smirked, producing a rolled-up scroll from his desk and laying it out before her. "First, I'd like you to sign a contract."

Her jaw dropped. "Who makes a little girl sign a contract?!"

"I do," Kieran replied smoothly, leaning back in his chair. "Because I don't know if you'll follow my orders without it."

She glared at him, her tiny fists clenching. "Cruel man!"

He chuckled at her indignation. "Call it what you want, but this contract is essential. It's not just about you obeying me—it's about setting things in motion for your new life." He tapped the parchment. "By signing this, you will become my legal child."

Lunette's eyes widened. "Wait, what?!"

"And," he continued as if it were no big deal, "you'll have to pretend to be a boy."

Her jaw nearly hit the table. "WHAT?! Why do I have to do that?!"

Kieran rested his chin on his hand, his tone calm but commanding. "It's quite simple. I'm rumored to be cursed—incapable of having a daughter."

"A curse? What kind of curse?"

He sighed. "Years ago, a dragon blessed me with a taming contract. But gossip being what it is, people misunderstood and assumed the dragon cursed me to never have a daughter. This rumor has persisted for years, and it's convenient for keeping certain people out of my business. If you suddenly appear as my biological daughter, the rumors will collapse—and I don't want unnecessary attention."

Lunette tilted her head, processing the information. "Huh… I do look like you. You're saying I'm beautiful too? Are you sure you're not my real father?"

Kieran's expression twitched, caught between annoyance and amusement. "Absolutely not. I've been single and… untouched… my entire life."

"What does that mean?" she asked, blinking up at him innocently.

"Nothing," he said quickly, clearing his throat.

Lunette raised an eyebrow, clearly not convinced but deciding to let it slide. "So, why do I have to be a boy, though? Can't I just be a girl and let people believe whatever they want?"

Kieran's expression turned serious, his playful demeanor fading. "When you turn sixteen, you'll need to enroll in an academy. Not just any academy—an all-boys military academy. It's the best place for you to learn combat, strategy, and everything you'll need to take revenge on those who wronged you."

She froze, her mind racing. "An all-boys academy?! You're kidding, right?"

"I'm not," Kieran said firmly. "You'll need to learn to blend in, to act the part. It's non-negotiable."

"But… but…" she stammered, trying to find a way to argue. "That's so far away! Why do I have to pretend now?"

Kieran leaned forward, his piercing eyes locking onto hers. "Because this world is unforgiving, Lunette. People will question everything. If we don't start building your cover now, it'll crumble when it matters most. And trust me—you won't survive without it."

His words hit her like a hammer. As much as she hated to admit it, he was probably right.

"You don't have to decide immediately," he said, sitting back. "But if you don't sign this contract, you're free to leave. Take your chances out there, powerless and alone."

Her hands clenched the edge of the chair. She could feel the weight of his ultimatum. Could she really trust him? Could she really go along with such a crazy plan?

Kieran seemed to sense her hesitation. "Think of it this way: you'll have a family name again, a home, and the chance to train in a way that will make you unstoppable. Or you can walk out that door and face the world alone. The choice is yours."

Lunette's gaze flickered to the contract. Her mind spun with doubts, but one thing was clear: she couldn't go back to being powerless. She needed to survive, and for that, she needed him.

She reached for the quill, her fingers trembling slightly.

"Before I sign… one last question," she said, looking up at him.

Kieran raised an eyebrow. "Go on."

"If you're going to be my… um, dad," she said hesitantly, "will you protect me? For real?"

For a moment, Kieran's expression softened, and his voice lost its usual edge. "Yes, Lunette. I will protect you. That's a promise."

His sincerity caught her off guard, and for the first time, she felt a glimmer of trust.

With a deep breath, she signed her name—or rather, the new name he had given her.

"Lunette Everhart," she murmured, testing the words.

Kieran's smirk returned. "Welcome to the family, Lunette. Now, your training begins."