Three Weeks Later
The Advanced Showdown was here at last. I sat on the cold metal bench, awaiting my turn, with a calm that surprised me. No nervous jitters, no second-guessing. Just the solid assurance of my training and a steady focus. I’d pushed myself relentlessly, preparing for this moment-my first step toward becoming a warrior in Carlo’s pack. I’d trained my body and mind to their limits, ready for the ceremony that would bind me to his pack once I proved myself today.
The air was thick with a somber energy, the crowd more subdued than in previous years. Normally, the Showdown was a celebration, but the rogue attack had changed everything. Over the past month, the pack had shifted; more people joined the ranks, determined to protect their home. The Beginner’s Showdown had stretched out for hours with all the new recruits.
Finally, my name was called. I stepped into the fighting ring, locking eyes with my opponent, Giuliano. Tall and heavily muscled, he looked built for power, with a deep brown complexion and strength radiating from every move. I’d been training for this, practicing ways to leverage my surroundings and keep an edge. This wasn’t a moment for nerves-it was the first step in a plan that depended on me winning.
Carlo’s signal echoed through the arena, and Giuliano lunged forward. I moved instinctively, ducking low and twisting to deliver a sharp kick to the back of his leg. He stumbled but quickly recovered, launching a series of blows that could end the fight if they connected.
As he swung, I caught his arm and vaulted onto his back, pressing my forearm into his windpipe. He struggled, clawing to break free, but I twisted away just as he attempted to slam me to the ground. Rolling to my feet, I scooped up a handful of dirt, throwing it at his face and following up with a quick kick to the back of his knee. He snarled, the crowd’s cheers fading from my ears as I focused solely on him. I reached deep into my reserves, pulling up the simmering anger within, letting it fuel me.
The world around us seemed to blur. The only thing that existed in that moment was Giuliano. With each of his attacks, I countered, feeling the ebb of his strength as my own resolve grew sharper. Everything around us faded until, in a flash, the match was over. The sounds and colors of the park reappeared; tents and tables with food, the bustling crowd, all rushing back into view. I looked down to see blood on my hands and Giuliano, unconscious at my feet.
As I caught my breath, a new sense of euphoria surged through me, sharper than any I’d known. The fear of being weak had haunted me my entire life, but now, I knew I could protect myself-and those I cared about. I was made for this, born to fight and hone myself into a weapon. Fighting had become a fierce and graceful dance: learning my opponent, adapting, and using their strength against them.
Before I could fully absorb the moment, Sofia and Enrico rushed to my side, pulling me into a celebratory hug, their faces beaming with pride. They’d watched me struggle and grow over the past month, knowing I was ready for this day.
The ceremony after the Showdown was brief. Carlo’s father, the current Alpha, led it with a few solemn words before Carlo and I pricked our fingers, pressing them together to complete the connection. I felt the old link to my previous pack snap as a new one took its place. Just for a moment, I wondered if Leonardo could feel it too-the break, the finality of our bond severing.
I found Carlo afterward, chatting with Enrico and Laura. I’d spoken with Laura a few times since she’d returned to her true self. Her complexion had gained a healthy bronze glow, her spirit brightening as she healed. Despite the awkwardness, I accepted her presence, recognizing her kind heart and Carlo’s protective love toward her.
“Hey, can I talk to you for a minute?” I asked, offering Laura a polite smile.
Carlo pulled me into a hug, his grin wide. “Ella, you were incredible out there! I think you’re better than me now-though I’ll need to spar with you myself to be sure.”
“Oh, she has you beat,” Enrico laughed. “She took down a guy three times her size.”
I managed a smile, but I hadn’t come for praise. “Actually, I need to talk to you about something.”
“What’s up?” Carlo asked, his brow creasing in curiosity.
“Remember how you said once my training was done, you’d send me anywhere I wanted?” I reminded him.
“Yeah…” His face showed his confusion, his nod reluctant.
“I want you to send me back to my old pack.”
The words hung in the air, surprising Carlo and Enrico. Laura’s gaze was steady, curious. Two weeks ago, we’d had a meeting discussing rogue attacks across the country. The attacks were growing, possibly in search of a Fae artifact capable of creating a stable portal between worlds. My old pack had been attacked recently, and while Leonardo’s warriors had defended it, they needed better training-more experienced fighters. And that was where my plan began.
“Why would you want to go back to him?” Carlo’s voice was pained.
“They need trained warriors to protect them. You saw it yourself-I’m good at this. I can help them,” I replied, keeping my voice steady.
“You’d be more valuable here, Ella. And if he tries to hurt you again…?”
“He can’t hurt me unless I let him,” I replied firmly. “Besides, his pack is his concern now.”
Enrico stepped in, surprising both of us. “I’ll go with her. I’ll help train them too.”
I saw Carlo’s conflict, his instinct to shield me from all harm. But I was done hiding from risks, done relying on protection when I could stand on my own. I mind-linked him, my voice low and steady.
“I need to go so I can accept his rejection, Carlo. This is my choice. I won’t let anyone take it from me.”