Emily’s POV
Curious pack members flocked to the stadium, all eager to see today’s duel.
“It seems like the word spread like wildfire about today,” muttered an irate Willow. “I wonder who they are going to support.”
“That is what you get, I suppose, when someone says they are the pack’s chosen future Luna,” I snapped back.
The crowd fell silent as the sound of a wolf’s cry reverberated throughout the boisterous stadium. Everyone turned to face Alex and the council, who were seated in the ranked area.
It hurt a little that Alex did not even try to visit me before the duel.
“Maybe he doesn’t want to distract you,” Willow said sadly.
I glanced over to where he was sitting; he appeared somewhat worn out. His eyes appeared dim, as though they had lost their glimmer, and his face was flushed.
“I don’t think it’s because of that,” I said. “He appears ill.”
Alpha Colt rose from his seat and made his way over to the podium.
Will he be doing the opening and announcements?
“Wolves, she-wolves, pups, ranks, and most of all, Alpha Alexander and Councilors,” Alpha Colt’s voice boomed over the PA system. “I am pleased to invite you all to witness the fight between Parker and Angelica for your Alpha’s hand.”
Whispers and gasps broke out among the pack members instead of applause. It appeared that the news had shocked them.
Was the purpose of this duel not communicated to the pack?
Was it kept a secret by Angelica?
“She couldn’t have announced the news,” Willow said. “She hasn’t been in pack territory. Alex made sure of that.”
I looked over at Luke, who was standing a few feet away from me, his arms folded across his chest and a sly smile playing on his lips.
“What did you do?” I linked him, and his smirk widened.
“Nothing was done on my part,” he responded casually.
“So what justification was given for the duel?” I asked.
“None,” he replied, arching his brows and looking in my direction.
When I saw Luke’s eyes, I gasped in shock, and Luke’s grin got bigger.
“His eyes look alive,” Willow muttered.
I whispered in amazement, “Like melted gold glowing and flowing around his irises.”
“It is kind of compelling to watch,” Willow commented.
“Yes,” I replied, sensing the intensity of his gaze piercing my own.
My heartbeat abruptly slowed, and I experienced a mental release of all tension and anxiety.
Luke was the first to break the connection, turning his eyes back to the podium.
“How did the news spread about the duel?” I asked curiously.
“You are up,” Luke said, ignoring my question.
“Up?” I asked, bewildered.
Did I miss the second wolf’s call?
As if reading my mind, Luke nodded and pointed to the arena.
Angelica was already standing in the center of the arena with someone by her side.
She had her blond hair pulled back into a ponytail and was wearing some sort of shockingly pink, hideous sports outfit. She was tapping her right foot impatiently on the ground and had this icy expression on her face.
My pulse had quickened and was now racing through my chest. My hands started to get damp and sweaty.
I am going to be the laughing stock of the pack once more if I lose to Angelica.
“Don’t look so worried, Luna,” Luke mused. “The entire pack is cheering just for you! They do not wish for Angelica to triumph and become their Luna. They hate her.”
Luke’s words didn’t surprise me.
I took a deep breath, nodded, and stepped forward.
This kind of pressure is unlike anything I have ever experienced. So much was on the line.
Luke followed me into the center, where he stopped at my side.
“Contestants.” I turned to face Alpha Colt as his voice reverberated around me. “You may fight in human or wolf form.”
Both of us gave a nod.
“To make sure the duel is equitable,” Alpha Colt went on. “The official for today’s match will be Alpha Zack from Growler Pack.”
A roughly 6’2 man with dark hair entered the arena. His arms were covered in tattoos, and he had broad shoulders, but more than anything, he exuded strength.
I knew who he was right away. He is an Alpha wolf who is fair and decent, and I have already met him during a pack visit.
“Here are the rules:” Alpha Colt declares.
The pack members began reading the rules of the stadium walls as a unit. Some were so familiar with the rules that they were not even looking at them.
“One: Keep the fight clean!”
I shivered at the intensity of their voices booming around me like one man.
“Two: No poison!”
“Three: No silver!”
“Four: No weapons!”
“Five: No magic spells!”
“Six: No outside assistance!”
In the end, the stadium erupted in cheers, and Angelica and I took our places.
Luke turned to face me and said, “Good luck, Luna. You got this!”
I nodded quickly to Luke and watched him walk out of the arena and take a stand outside.
“Good luck, my love,” Alex’s mind linked startled me, and my gaze snapped at where he sat, lifting his hand.
His voice warmed and quickened my heart. It was the first time I had ever heard his voice in my mind.
“I appreciate it,” I said, waving at him and turning to look at Angelica.
The look on Angelica’s face made me internally laugh. Her face was flustered and looked as if she was ready to storm me like a rabid dog.
“Contestants,” Alpha Colt’s voice commanded over the PA system. “Are you ready?”
“All set,” I replied, extending my arm and bending lower.
“Yes,” Angelica growled, nodding without even taking her eyes off of me.
“Fight!” Colt Alpha gave the order.
Angelica sprinted in my direction, transformed into her light brown wolf, and charged at me.
When she got close enough, I moved aside, and she fell hard, hitting the side of her head on the stadium wall.
The stadium erupted in excitement.
I kept my eyes fixed on the wolf. It appeared as though she had little to no experience in this area.
How come Angelica would still demand a duel?
The wolf jerked abruptly, shook her head, and attempted to stand again. She seemed disoriented and glanced up slowly to see where I was; her eyes briefly turned violet.
“Have you noticed that?” Willow asked, stumped.
“Yes, I did,” I replied.
My nose suddenly caught a sweet smell, which made me sneeze.
“Did you smell that?” I asked.
Willow’s eyes widened as she raised her muzzle in the air to get a good whiff of our surroundings.
“She’s some kind of hybrid,” Willow said, getting to her feet. She suddenly looked worried.
“And no ordinary one as well,” I added.
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