ROSALIND’S POV
I don’t know exactly how much time passed since River left. I just stood there trying to make sense of the whole thing
‘You chose the wrong side, I hope you enjoy the show’
What the hell was that supposed to mean? Enjoy the show.
A cold shiver ran through my spine the more I thought about it.
A threat. Something was going to happen.
I turned to leave and saw the stream again. The reflection of the moon was dancing softly on its surface. I tried to make sense of what had happened. The things I saw in the water, the encounter with River, this ominous feeling in my chest like something just wasn’t right.
I took a deep breath and reminded myself of the kind of security that was active in the pack tonight. Nothing was going to happen. He was probably bluffing, I convinced myself.
After that, I went back to where I was seated to continue the festivities. A bluff won’t not ruin my night.
The grand finale fight was still ongoing. The fighters looked drained already. As I took my seat, Timber did a dummy and landed a heavy blow on Storm. The smaller man tried to keep his footing but couldn’t. He fell and stayed down. Timber had won the tournament.
An electric roar erupted from the crowd and I was reminded just how many people were present at the Moon festival. They cheered the big man on. I glanced at Killian and caught him smiling. The man he put his money on had delivered the winning blow. Cillian on the other hand had a little smirk on his face like he didn’t really care who won, but was just enjoying the show.
It was only a matter of time before the crowd started chanting “Timber, Timber, Timber…”
The champion punched the air with pride and was greeted by a roar from his new fans.
As all this was going on, someone walked up to the stage with their face covered. Everywhere slowly went silent as everyone wondered what was going on.
“I can’t let you be crowned champion.” The masked man said in a gruff voice, pointing the staff in his hand at Timber
“You want to fight me?”
The other guy said nothing but just kept his position.
All eyes turned to the high table, looking for a word from the princes. Killian turned to the Councilman Steve beside him and raised an eyebrow.
“Well um…” The aged man fumbled with his spectacles, obviously nervous from the pressure. It was as though the whole pack held their breath to hear him speak.
The councilman continued, “From the books, fighters outside the tournament can challenge the champion. A fight only becomes valid once the champion accepts the challenge.
Now all eyes turned to the two men at the center of the arena. Timber had a look on his face like he wanted to show this fool who he was messing with but at the same time being cautious because he had never seen him fight before. He hesitated.
The masked man put down his weapon. He took off one of his gloves and threw them to the feet of Timber.
“I, Steel of The North, challenge you to a duel for the crown of champion.”
His voice was raspy and cold, articulated with firm resolve. His mind was made up.
“Do you accept this challenge, Sir Timber?” The councilman asked. People were already growing restless. They needed to see some action.
“Accept and show that you are truly a champion. Reject my challenge and you will be forever remembered as a cowardly champion.” Said Steel.
Timber flared up at this and picked up the black glove at his feet. This was greeted by a loud cheer from the crowd.
“I, Timber of Southern Paw, accept your challenge.”
“Then let the fight begin!” Killian clapped.
Timber made the first move, he went straight for the chest. Steel narrowly escaped being crushed by the big man.
He picked up his staff and pointed it fiercely at Timber.
The large man laughed.
“I don’t need a weapon to defeat you.”
And in a flash, he grabbed and landed a heavy punch in his midsection.
This was punctuated by an ‘ooh’ from the crowd.
Steel wriggled away from his grip and spat out blood. His eyes grew dark. This time it was he who attacked. He made it look like he was going for the head but then feinted and caught Timber on the knee. This sent the big man down.
The crowd roared wildly at this. Who was this guy?
Timber staggered bag to his feet and howled angrily at the moon. He charged at Steel who remained composed.
Steel dodged the first two attacks but couldn’t dodge the third. Timber scratched him deeply on the arm and soon his sleeve was soaked in blood.
Loud cheer.
Steel dropped his staff, took a position and beckoned the big man to charge. Timber happily obliged.
Steel dodged what would have been a lethal hit and at the same time landed a jaw breaking punch on Timber. The whole arena must have heard the crack. This made Timber freeze in what might have been either shock or pain or both. Steel grabbed his staff and smacked Timber hard on the neck. There was a loud snap and Timber was on the ground. He didn’t get up.
The entire pack was silent for a split second. And then the echoes of their cheers filled the arena. The masked man, Steel, had just defeated the Champion. The sound of applause filled the arena
Timber’s body was carried away by some people and soon the Champion crown was brought forward.
“Fine moves there, soldier.” Killian complimented. He looked impressed.
“Maybe you should consider recruiting this one, My Prince.”Councilman Steve whispered to Killian.
Killiam shrugged.
“It is now time to crown the new champion.” Councilman Steve announced.
“Come forward, Sir Steel.”
Steel came forward and dropped to one knee.
“Take off your mask and wear your crown with pride, soldier.” Cillian ordered.
Steel hesitated. He looked at Cillian, then to Killian, then he looked at me and smiled. I had a very bad feeling about this. It was tugging in my neck like an insect.
Steel slowly lifted the mask and revealed black hair, dark eyes and a stone cold countenance.
River.
My heart jumped. I was so surprised, I nearly screamed. It took everything in me to stop myself from raising alarm.
What the actual fuck was going on?
The man put the crown of olives on his head and he smiled and walked back into the dugout.
“What is the problem?” Killian asked.
I shook my head. More like trying to shake out what I just saw.
“Just so much violence.” I lied.
He laughed.
Before I could dwell more on my thoughts, the high priestess made her entrance with sounds of drum beats.
She walked slowly to the stage, followed by the drums and her followers. When she got to the center stage, she stomped her cane on the ground and the beating came to a stop.
“The goddess bless the night.”
“The goddess bless the night.” Everyone responded promptly.
“Every year we come together and celebrate the full moon festival as one under the rays of the moon. And we are reminded of our maker. The goddess cares for us all…”
My mind drifted away from what was being said and I started to look for River in the crowd. What was he planning? What did he mean when he said enjoy the show?
I gasped sharply when I saw him staring at me through the crowd. He still had a smile at the end of his lips.
Both Killian and Cillian heard my gasp and turned their heads toward simultaneously. I wasn’t supposed to, but I couldn’t help but blush at this.
They both had the same look, with a cocked eyebrow that said “Everything good?”
I gave my most genuine smile and nodded back at them. They both squinted suspiciously and turned again to listen to the high priestess’ message.
Immediately their eyes were off me, I looked back into the crowd but then River had already vanished.
“Killian.”
“Yes?”
“I need to talk to you about…”
I was interrupted by a loud bullhorn.
“It’s time for the spirit dance!” The high priestess announced and everyone quickly got to their feet.
Killian quickly picked me up and held me close to himself.
I was not expecting that. The scent of him so close to me and our bodies touching made my legs weak.
“What were you saying?” He whispered.
“I… uh, I.” His scent was driving me nuts.
He grabbed my waist and my body shivered.
“Let’s dance, Rosalind.” He smiled, and we swayed in sync with everyone else.
The moon dance was a tradition everywhere. Even the slave wolves knew the steps by heart.
Cillian and Aunt Celia swirled past us, lost in the full moon spirit. Killian gave me a twirl and we followed suit. It was so wonderful that I forgot about everything else. I just wanted to keep dancing till daybreak.
As I twirled for what seemed to be the fifth time, I made eye contact with River again that night. It was as though I saw it in slow motion.
He was just standing there watching me and when I saw him, he smiled and revealed what he had in his hand. It looked like black glass. He threw it on the floor and vanished and everything was disrupted.
“Earthquake!” Someone screamed and all hell broke loose.