The challenge to the throne
Celine’s POV :
‘There are no secrets that time does not reveal… “~
Belinay’s heart broke at the very moment he said those words. She was howling and roaring at the disrespect which she was made to face.
‘What the fu*k did he say? Can he read my thoughts too? ‘ She screamed at the top of her lungs.
I didn’t want to utter a single word even in my head in fear of what if he listened to me again. But my crazy wolf was tearing up my mind and it had began to hurt.
“Can you listen to my wolf too? ” I asked once he had wrapped a towel around me and was wiping the water off his chest.
“No, she’s out of my reach. I was surprised when I started to listen some of your thoughts in my mind. ”
Some of my thoughts? That was a little good because at least he couldn’t hear all the conversations in my head.
‘Then tell him that we’re not going to let him use us like this whenever he wants. If he wants that bitch Ava, then he should cry for her to return back. ‘Belinay was forcing me to deliver her thoughts to Alpha Tyrion but I knew this would only create more misunderstanding.
And I was happy that at least he wasn’t angry with me anymore.
‘Don’t make things difficult again. Remember, it was us who asked for a child. ‘ I answered.
‘Not us, just you! ‘
I jumped when he touched my shoulder and looked at me with confusion. I saw the gown in his hand and immediately took it from him to get dressed. Out of curiosity, I peeked in his direction and saw his naked body shining brightly in the sun.
Something which caught my eye was the huge mark which looked like some sort of a symbol on his back. It was in the form of a giant wolf surrounded by flames. A cryptic language written around it just added to the mystery.
I was late to look away and he caught me staring at him. The realisation hit him and he quickly wore his shirt. I could sense from the way he was reacting that he didn’t want me to know more about it.
“Are you dressed now? ” He asked, without looking at me as I fixed my gown.
“Yes.”
We were in the living room when he took out a notebook and wrote something on it. I patiently waited for him to finish writing and when he did he sat closer to me.
“This is ‘The Race to the Crown’ challenge. ” He said pointing at the sequence of events which he had written in short.Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.
He flipped through the pages and ran his pen on a pattern which he had already made. Finally, Belinay was at peace again after she got to know about the challenge. She was excited and ready to show herself to the world. All of this made no sense to me though.
“The Challenge of the Moon and Sun. ” He said.
“But why is it conducted? ” I asked. Alpha put the notebook on the table and took a deep breath.
“The twenty kingdoms of the land were ruled by powerful werewolves, each with their own Alpha and Luna. But every hundred years, a great challenge is held to determine who among them will be the supreme rulers of all werewolves: the Alpha king and the Luna queen.” He looked into my eyes and my wolf roared at the sound of Luna Queen.
“It’s difficult then. I am really sorry I put you through the mess. ” I was scared to know that there would be so many powerful Alphas.
He shrugged, ” I had prepared my whole life for this challenge and so did Ava. ” He stopped and looked at me, ” I know you’re not strong enough to be in the finals but I am glad that you are ready to be a part of it. ”
‘Is he fucking talking about himself? Because I am stronger than his stupid Ava! ‘Belinay would put everything on fire one day because of her anger.
“I will do my best… ” I said.
“I know. Because there is no other way. ” He stared into my soul as if he wanted to say something else but then stopped himself from saying anything further,
“The challenge consists of two parts: the Moon Trial and the Sun Trial. The Moon Trial is a test of strength, speed, and endurance, where the Alphas and Lunas have to race across the land under the full moon, facing various obstacles and enemies along the way. The first ten Alphas to reach the finish line will qualify for the second part of the challenge. ” He said.
” And The Sun Trial is a test of wisdom, courage, and loyalty, where the Lunas have to solve a series of riddles and puzzles under the scorching sun, while protecting their mates from harm. The Lunas have to work together with their Alphas, using their bond and their abilities to overcome the challenges. The first pair to complete the Sun Trial will be crowned as the Alpha king and the Luna queen, and will rule over the twenty kingdoms for the next hundred years.”
I could feel myself trembling under that heavy gown as he closed the notebook and sat down with me again.
“Any questions? I know everything is a big question for you at this moment. ” He gave a small smile.
“What are the challenges and obstacles? Are they life threatening? ” I asked.
“There are lots of obstacles which are changed every time. But the most common ones are that we have to cross the Rivers and lakes that are either frozen or infested with dangerous creatures, crossing Mountains and cliffs that are steep and slippery, have hidden caves and tunnels that lead to traps or dead ends. And other shifters who are either rivals or allies, who may try to sabotage, attack, or help us along the way.” He took a minute before finishing, And yes some of these lead to deaths for the weak ones. ”
As I closed my eyes, I could see my death uncovering before my vision.
I would die. And that was the end of it.
“No, you won’t. You can always leave the challenge and tell me. You are not forced to win it when we both know there’s no chance for that. ” Alpha Tyrion must have read my thoughts again and he answered quickly to my doubt.
I nodded, ” And is there a ruling Alpha king and his Luna Queen? ”
“Yes, The last Lycan Calle and his Queen Emerald. But they don’t have a heir or heiress so it’s just the 19 kingdoms this time. ”
The Last Lycan Calle… I had heard my father speak about him so many times but never knew he ruled us.
“Will we meet them? ” I asked.
“Yes, they are the ones who will welcome each couple in the challenge. ” He glanced outside when the sound of a carriage was heard.
And before we could know who it was, the person barged in, crying and hugging me.
“Oh, Celine. My little girl. ” My fake father cried, gripping my arm tightly.