12. Selected

MAEVE'S POV

"What!"

"Did I just hear that right?"

I and Nyla said at the same time, I couldn't believe it. I stared at the prince hoping to get an answer if I searched enough but I ended up with nothing.

Around us, the ceremony grounds erupted into chaos. People were whispering furiously, some looking shocked, others outraged. I could feel dozens of eyes on me, some curious, most hostile.

"Why would that thing be invited?" Gretchen burst out as the rest of the pack murmured with agreement but still cautious enough not to be loud about it because they knew not to go against a prince.

I saw Caden across the crowd, his face a mask of fury and disbelief. His hands were clenched into fists at his sides, and for a moment I thought he might actually challenge the prince's decision right here in front of everyone.

"Maeve is the daughter of the leader of Grimwell's pack rank one warrior, why shouldn't she be there? And besides are you questioning me?" Riven said staring at her coldly as if daring her to go against him.

Gretchen visibly shrinked as fear flashed across her face, and her eyes met mine as she sent me a death glare.

I could see other pack members shifting uncomfortably. Some looked like they wanted to protest but didn't dare. Others seemed genuinely curious about what the prince saw in me. A few of the visiting pack members were whispering among themselves, probably wondering who this nobody was that the Crown Prince had specifically chosen.

Well, I didn't force the prince to choose me too. Hell, I didn't want to go. If I thought I had it hard here, I couldn't imagine how bad it would be at the academy. That's simply accepting an early death by bullying.

"Good for her, always butting in when she's not asked. But this is seriously crazy Maeve. I don't know if I should be happy for you or if I should be crying. You with all these snobby pack heirs and heiresses?" Nyla whispered to me as the crowd continued to buzz around us.

I sighed, I knew Nyla would immediately get my fears and also understand why I would never ask for this.

"Is it too late to start running?" I questioned no one in particular. Damn you Riven! My plan was way better, at least nobody would have questioned it but having me in the spotlight like this.

This method was certainly a choice.

Was he doing this to punish me for my insolence? It's not everyday a prince sees a slave trying to act smart.

"That's already out of question and we both know it. You need to stop letting them walk all over you Maeve." Nyla said clutching my hands tightly.

But letting them do that is the exact reason why I'm still here, and also why I'm not battered and bruised, but this Academy could change things.

"The Academy is ranked by ability, strength, and wit. Even if you're chosen you're still going to have to pass the test given. There are four ranks and these ranks would determine your place in the Academy. It is of high importance to understand that although you may be children of Alphas, betas, gammas, healers or any other high ranked official position, in the Academy you are nothing until you prove your worth." Riven said coldly from the elevated platform.

I could see the fear flash before the selected eyes. This was different than what they had expected. The Academy had basically leveled the playing field between everyone.

Caden looked like he was about to have a stroke. His face had gone from angry to pale to something close to panic. I could practically see him calculating how this would affect his chances of maintaining his superiority.

Gretchen was gripping her dress so tightly her knuckles were white. Kaiya, who usually kept to herself, looked genuinely intrigued by the challenge.

That means I could have the chance to change everything. All I need to do was not end up ranked low. Lyra we've got this don't we? I say to my wolf in my head, she purred in response.

"There are hierarchies for a reason, and does this mean my son would be on the same level as that slave?" The Luna of Firstfell pack sneered, sending me a disgusted look from her position near the front of the crowd.

The murmurs grew loud, but Riven seemed unfazed.

"Do you not believe in his abilities, that you're so afraid that a common slave could be on par with him or worse outrank him?" he said calmly.

Luna Dina looked murderous but she didn't reply further.

"As I was saying, the test would be held immediately we get to the Academy. There would be no rest before it begins. The details would be undisclosed for now to avoid cheaters. The ranks are 1. Crown, 2. Claw, 3. Snare, 4. Dust. Your position and living quality relies on your rank. Crown gets the best and well, do the math for the rest."

This is insane, could I really make this happen? This sounded more bloody than our regular school sessions here.

"One more thing, each member is allowed to invite one person to the Academy regardless of status. Think wisely about your chosen companion, think strategically, these would be your allies. Think of it as an Alpha x Beta relationship, but be warned just because they were invited by you doesn't mean they can't surpass you. So if I were you, I'd choose wisely." Riven finally said leaving everyone speechless.

Every name called looked at the crowd at the Selection ceremony, watching who could be the perfect puppet and pawn.

I watched as Caden's eyes immediately found Tyrion in the crowd, something dark and calculating flashing across his face. Gretchen was scanning the crowd like a predator looking for prey, probably trying to find someone desperate enough to be grateful for the opportunity.

The other selected members were doing the same, weighing their options carefully. This wasn't just about friendship or loyalty - this was about strategy and survival.

I was dazed, I needed to meet up with Riven and ask him why he chose me for this crazy Academy.

But then it occurred to me that I could choose too, who was going to be my pick. On the one hand my obvious choice would be Nyla, she was the only one that I trusted with my life and on the other hand Dalia wasn't invited and my aunt would want her here.

Before I could even look for a way out, a voice cried out

"You're taking me right?"