Chapter 21

The kitchens were a little bit quieter now that most of our number had been sent home, but there were still pack members and servants bustling around. I collapsed into a seat and lay my head into my hands and breathe. 

"She lives!" Jules exclaims taking a seat right next to me, "I'll go grab you some food, sit tight." I mumble a thanks. The cool wood of the table feels solid and refreshing against my cheek. She's right, I should celebrate being alive, but something was holding me back. What do you call it when you have survivors guilt except you were the one who killed the person who didn't survive? Regular guilt? 

Jules slammed a bowl of stew in front of me.

"Eat up!" 

"yum." I reply, not matching her enthusiasm. 

"I can't believe the three of us all made to the last seven." 

I thought for a moment of poor Dani, but she wanted to go home since day one. We were all getting what we wanted, I guess.

I took a bite of meat and potatoes and chewed. I was hungry, but my stomach hadn't quite worked off the feeling of the pain meds. 

"If it isn't the murderer" said an unwelcome voice. Oakley took the seat across from me and I could tell from her face that she had something the gloat about.

"It's not murder," I manage to say, "Man slaughter at the worst. We all knew the risks."

"Perhaps I shouldn't have gone so easy on your little breakable roommate. Since life means so little to you." 

I roll my eyes. 

"As if you could. Dani can take care of herself just fine." I replied. 

"So much for loyalty among roommates. That's what the next challenge is about, you know. Loyalty," she said really trying to get the word to sink in. My family's history of disloyalty doesn't discolor my own character. After all my family has no history of man slaughter and look at me, truly breaking away. 

"While you were knocked out they told us that during the next several days they would be taking us aside privately to discuss the next challenge." Jules piped up. 

"Fabulous." I said taking my last spoonful and standing up, "I should go rest up then."

"See you later pure of heart. Oh wait, maybe soiled of heart would be more accurate." Oakley called out behind me. I threw up one hand behind me in a half-hearted wave and made my way back to my cabin. 

It was weird not having a roommate anymore. Too still, too quiet. A note lay on my quilt.

********

Elma,

Congratulations on becoming one of the final seven choices for Luna. Due to the smaller number of remaining suitors accommodations have been made for all of you to move into private rooms within the Alpha's mansion. Please pack up whenever you can and the Alpha's doorman will show you to your new quarters. We are so delighted and honored to still have you with us.

Best of Luck.

********

I smiled and placed the note on my bedside table before collapsing onto my bed. Fortunately I didn't have too much to pack, but I had to get some rest before I could begin on that. I felt like my head had no sooner touched the pillow when I heard a loud knock on the door. I groaned and rubbed my bandaged neck before rolling out of bed to answer the door. The luna mother stood there.

"Ma'am" I said bowing my head as far as it would go considering the restraints of my injuries.

"Elma, I am pleased to see you are back on your feet. It seemed touch and go for a minute there." the luna mother replied.

"A Luna never gives up. I wish to prove that I could serve your pack well," I said.

"Indeed. Among other things as well. Care to chat?"

To be completely honest this wasn't a great time for me, but when royalty asks you must answer with,

"Yes, ma'am." 

The sun was now setting behind the tops of the pines filling the world with a brief orange glow. Crickets were beginning to chirp behind buildings and fences where the shadows had grown long and deep. The shrubbery that lines the stone path from my cabin had retreated to bundles of twigs in preparation for winters dormancy. All of the world seemed to be getting ready for something I could not yet see. 

"How have you been enjoying your stay with us so far?" the luna mother asked as we walked. 

"I've been very comfortable and your pack has been very hospitable to me." 

"I am pleased. I hope that in the coming week you will have time to get to know them even better. I wish to plan an outing to ensure all our guests get a tour through town."

"Delightful."

"And your fellow competitors? Have they been kind?"

I thought for a moment of Oakley and her constant threats and insults.

"We have become very close. I'd be sorry to see any of them go."

"Wonderful. I hope you will still be comfortable in your new room. You have been a fierce competitor, Elma."

"Thank you. Your praise means the most luna mother. I apologize for what occurred on the combat field."

"I know you wouldn't have done it if you had any other option. A Luna needs to be ready to do what has to be done at any cost. Do you understand what I'm saying, Elma?"

I was not quite sure I did understand what she was saying, but I nodded in affirmation.

"Yes ma'am"

"Your loyalty is very important to this pack. Anything you require please ask it and let us earn your loyalty."

Anything I require? Was there anything I could ask for now. All I require is her son. We reached the Alpha's mansion and she lead me inside the huge wooden double doors.