Chapter 19
Lila
1 clenched the small slip of paper in my hands, scanning the name printed there. It wasn’t the Lycan King’s Insignia.
Relief flooded through me, but only for a second.
My opponent was a girl I barely knew, Cassidy, quiet and unassuming. One of the few who had stayed out of the constant scheming and backstabbing among the other candidates.
That didn’t mean she was weak. If anything, those who hid in the background often had the most to prove. Or hide.
Well, Ruby murmured, that’s something, at least. We’ve got a chance to win.
A chance. But what did winning even mean anymore?
Before I could respond, a commotion broke out a few feet away. A cluster of girls had gathered around Vanessa, who was dabbing at her eyes with a handkerchief, sniffling softly.
I tilted my head, catching snippets of conversation.
“She’s so cruel.”
“Let that bitch go.”
“She doesn’t deserve to be here.”
Their voices dropped into hushed whispers as I stepped closer. As if sensing my presence, one of the girls turned, her eyes narrowing The others followed suit, their gazes dark with silent accusation.
Vanessa’s sniffling ceased instantly. She straightened, her eyes gleaming with malicious satisfaction.
I sighed and turned away
Let them talk. Let them scheme. None of it mattered.
I had bigger things to worry about
The training grounds were a buzz of activity and anticipation when I arrived. I had expected to have time to stretch and focus before the others trickled in to train before matches were scheduled.
Instead, my pulse stuttered when I saw him.
Damon stood on a raised platform, overlooking the field of mats. His posture was relaxed but commanding with his hands folded behind his back. The early morning light cast sharp shadows across his face, making his already intimidating expression even
more sinister
I looked away immediately, forcing my steps to remain steady, but I could fast b. ……..
+15 Bonus
Chooter |
Will he come down and talk to us? Ruby was still hopeful he would recognize me as his mate.
I shook my head to dislodge both the sensation of him watching me, and her hopeful question. Don’t think too much. I’m sure he’ll leave once he’s finished inspecting things.
It was my turn to hope.
I stretched, trying to ignore the other around me. My fingers tightened into fists; I had to focus. My limbs felt stiff, my heart racing with an unsteady beat in my chest.
I shifted my stance, rolling my shoulders back. If he was watching, fine. I’d give him something to watch.
I launched into practice, my movements sharper, more precise than ever before. My body responded instinctively, muscles coiling and releasing in perfect rhythm. The repetitive motions steadied me, grounding me in a way nothing else could.
I blocked out the world, the whispers, the tension. I fought against invisible opponents, my fists striking air with controlled force.
The pressure of his gaze never left. But instead of unraveling me, it fueled me.
By the time everyone had arrived, my breath was steady, my body loose and warm. I wiped the sweat from my brow, surprised by the approving glances from some of the women, and a few of the guards.
“Not bad,” one of the candidates murmured, a hint of respect in her tone. The other women, however, were far less interested in training.
They strolled across the grounds, chatting and giggling, their hair carefully styled, their clothes pristine. Some halfheartedly attempted drills, but most avoided exerting themselves altogether.
I rolled my eyes. What was the point of being here if they weren’t going to fight seriously?
Frustrated, I made my way towards the water station for a drink and neared a group of warriors standing off to the side. They were watching the scene with thinly veiled amusement, arms crossed over their chests.
As I approached, their conversation faltered. A few exchanged glances before subtly shifting away.
I frowned. “I’m sorry, did I do something to offend you?” I asked bluntly.
One of them, a tall, broad–shouldered male, exhaled through his nose. “Not you specifically,” he admitted. “Some of the females mocked us earlier. Called us ‘servants‘ who should know our place.”
My stomach twisted. I had seen the way some of the contenders treated the palace staff, the warriors included. Like accessories rather than people. It disgusted me.
And I understood far too well what that was like. “I’m not like that,” I said firmly.
The warrior studied me for a long moment before nodding. “No, you’re not.
A small, unexpected warmth bloomed in my chest.
+15 Bonus
“I like you, you’re more down to earth that most of these bitches. Shit, please don’t tell anyone I said that.”
“Actually,” another warrior added, saving his friend more embarrassment, “you remind me more of… well, him.”
I stiffened. “Him?”
The man nodded toward the platform where Damon stood. I swallowed, uncertain how to respond.
“He’s not what people think,” the warrior continued. “He rules with strength, as he should, but he’s not without honor. He can be kind too.”
I didn’t know what to say to th
that.
Did Damon have a kind side? It seemed impossible. I glanced toward where he had stood, but he was gone.
I took that as my cue to leave since training was wrapping up; I made my way to the showers to wash up. The hot water eased the tension in my body from working hard.
I took my time, relishing the brief moment of calm solitude. I should have known it wouldn’t last. Stepping out of the shower and into the common change room, I turned to grab my clothes… and they were gone.
Panic prickled at my spine. I spun around, scanning the room. The only sound was the distant echo of footsteps down the hall. My stomach clenched with irritation. I wasn’t stupid; the girls who had been whispering and giggling my way earlier must have
taken them.
I exhaled sharply, wrapping my arms around myself to ward off the chill. The palace had rules, strict ones. Non–pack members weren’t allowed to shift freely. I couldn’t simply turn into my wolf and run back to my room.
Which meant I was trapped a literal field away with no way to get a change of clothing. I couldn’t just streak naked across the Royal grounds
The cool air raised goosebumps along my skin. I swallowed, shifting from foot to foot, listening for any sign of movement.
But the silence stretched. I exhaled and squared my shoulders. “Is anyone there?”
No answer. I tried again, louder. “Hello? Can someone help a girl out here please?”
Nothing Frustration bubbled in my chest. I wasn’t about to stand here and shiver like some helpless damsel in distress waiting to be rescued.
“Ugh, I can figure this out myself. Streaking is not an option, neither is staying here all night. Think.”
I started pacing in an effort to get my mind to come up with a plan when a shadow flickered in the doorway.
A familiar voice low enough to send chills down my spine replied. “Who’s there?”
froze
