2

The entire hall erupts in cheers.

"Alpha's the best! You guys don't know yet, do you? That rogue wolf attack that injured Aria was actually planned by the Alpha himself. The prize videos were also carefully prepared by the Alpha. They're absolutely explosive - you'll definitely be satisfied. To repay the Alpha's generosity, you better torture Aria properly in the upcoming duels."

Damien's most trusted beta announces this with a cruel grin.

"Really? We're battle-hardened warriors. Can't we handle one injured wolf? What's there to worry about? There are over a hundred of us - don't fight over turns, everyone gets a piece!"

"I can't wait to see how that ice queen looks in bed. I'm definitely taking her down!"

The surrounding werewolves begin their crude chatter again, spewing filthy words.

But I can't hear anything anymore.

I tremble with clenched fists, staring at Damien in disbelief.

"The attack that injured me... you arranged it?"

Damien just looks at me and smiles.

Tears slide down my cheeks. My voice is hoarse.

"Why... just because I defeated Celia a year ago?"

Damien ignores my anguish and takes the microphone.

"Time is limited, Miss Aria. If you don't dare get on the platform to duel, I'll just distribute the prizes to our warriors directly."

The men watch me with predatory amusement.

Every single person here is an elite warrior from Duskwalker Pack. And I only have one severely injured beta wolf.

They probably don't even consider me a threat.

How can I possibly compete with them?

"I need to use the restroom."

I quickly wipe my tears and turn to leave.

Otherwise I'm afraid I'll lose it completely right here. No matter what, I have to stay composed. I can't let them see me break down.

I silently swear to myself - I'm a warrior. This is a battle to defend my dignity. I will not lose.

Behind me, mocking laughter erupts.

"Is she scared? Too chicken to get on the platform? Just kneel down and beg for mercy. Since you're so pretty, I'll go easy on you. Hahaha!"

"Alpha, forget about her. Her wolf is practically dead. How can she duel with us? She's obviously too embarrassed to admit it, using the bathroom as an excuse to run away. Moonborn Pack's greatest female warrior is nothing but a coward."

"All of you, shut up."

Damien's voice cuts through the noise like ice.

He stares intensely at the entrance.

No one dares to speak another word.

I quickly compose myself because my wolf speaks to me: "Go fight. I can do this!"

Soon, I return to the arena.

Under everyone's watchful eyes, I take my seat. My eyes are still red.

"Let's begin."

Damien glances at me, slightly surprised.

To clearly display the prizes - meaning my intimate video screenshots - the host's screen behind him has been transformed into a panoramic surround display. Three hundred sixty degrees with no blind spots, continuously showing my humiliation.

So everyone from every angle can enjoy the view.

"These are the prize screenshots from the first competition. Anyone who wants them can step onto the platform."

The host smiles meaningfully. "Only the first two people on stage get to compete."

Finally, another beta warrior and I stand on the platform, ready to begin battle.

The host says nothing but smiles, then displays a text introduction.

I suddenly realize what it is.

It's a detailed description of the key moments from mine and Damien's wedding night. The night of our mating ceremony. Because we completed the werewolf bond that night, we were both wild with passion.