6. Bloody Challenge!

~Zella~

I was preoccupied, running for my only chance to enter the palace and at that very moment I collided with a hard body. The impact was so strong that it knocked my breath away.

Instead of falling flat onto the floor, a strong hand wrapped around my waist and prevented me from falling. His grasp was hard and protective.

I looked into his eyes. It was him! My heart leaps with joy. But our closeness stirred something strong and intoxicating inside me. I quickly distanced myself from him.

“Why are you running like your life depends on it?” he asked with a raised brow.

“I’m sorry for my clumsiness, your highness,” I said, bowing my head in shame. “I want to go with you to the capital, please take me with you. Please don’t leave me,” I begged desperately, then I lowered my gaze. The desire to find out what happened to my sister consumes my entire being. I’m ready to face any danger waiting for me as long as I can find her.

He didn't say anything.

Why is he so quiet?

I raised my head and met his penetrating gaze.

He has been studying me. What is he thinking in his head right now? I wish I was a mind reader.

“Alright, you can come with me but on one condition,” he said, his eyes glinting with malicious intent.

What does he want this time? My body? I’m willing to give it to him as long as he brings me to the palace with him.

“What condition, your highness?” My heart beat wildly in my rib cage.

“My envoy has already reached the last pack, but instead of surrendering just like what your pack did, they are not willing to surrender. They are ready to defend their pack to death. There’s going to be a bloody war between them and my men. You might get killed in the process…” he said, his voice carrying foreboding, a warning to me that if I still insist on coming with them, I might meet my end.

“You are worried that I might die? That I might be injured during the battle?” I asked in a murmur.

"Exactly," he replied.

“I’m going to be extra careful, your highness,” I responded bravely.

“Honestly, my men are already tired of killing and fighting. If a peaceful surrender can be achieved, I’ll take it. Since you are so capable…if you can convince the last pack to surrender peacefully then I will take you to the capital with me. How about that?” he said, his eyes gleaming.

My breath faltered.

He locked yes with me, sending me a dangerous challenge meant to intimidate me. But I already made up my mind, I will accept the challenge despite the risk involved.

“You are going to feed me to the wolves?” I asked, already imagining the danger I will be facing later on.

Then he revealed his true motive behind the challenge which was intimidation. “Yeah, that’s more like it. Going there might cost you your life. But if you stay here with your pack, you are guaranteed to live a comfortable and pampered life. Choose wisely. Once you arrive at the Blood Canine Pack, they might kill you instantly."

I fell into deep silence for a few minutes, trying to evaluate my chances of survival. The worst thing could happen. I might die on the way to the capital. But it's better to do something foolish once in a while than wait endlessly. I will never know what happened to my sister if I don't leave my comfort zone and venture into the unknown.

“Alright, challenge accepted,” I said, not backing down from his challenge. I only need one chance. I must persevere no matter what.

He looked me hard in the eyes. “Are you sure?”

“Yes, your highness,” I responded in a determined voice with no sign of fear in my eyes.

He smirked. “A woman like you should choose safety and comfort. Why go through the hassle of sending yourself to death?"

“I have my reasons…”

“What's the reason?” he asked curiously.

“I don't want people to die for something that can be avoided. We only have one life. Why waste our lives fighting and engaging in violence when we can co-exist peacefully with each other? If I can convince the pack’s leader to surrender peacefully, no one will die. Many lives will be spared if I succeed in my mission.” I said with a serious face. I hope he believes my honest intentions.

He nodded his head. “I see…you are being consistent with your reasoning. You don't want anyone to die in a bloody war that can be avoided. Good reasoning. But…it will only work if the pack leaders share your sentiments. Then our invasion would be peaceful and another bloody war could be avoided. But bear in mind that people don’t think and act like you do. They have their own principles in life…”

“Yes I know that. I know the danger involved, your highness. Thank you for worrying about my safety.” I sighed inwardly. Does he really care about my safety at all or is he just testing me? He was still trying to uncover the real reason why I was so desperate to go to the palace with him.

“I will remind you again…the last pack are known to be fierce fighters. Surrendering is not in their blood. How are you going to defend yourself when you enter the pack’s territory with no weapons to protect you and you don't even have a wolf to transform with?" he stated the obvious, studying my face closely, trying to see the fear manifesting in my face.

I stand my ground, my face is serious, no visible signs of fear and hesitation. “I’m good at convincing people. I can make them surrender. I’m confident that I will survive the challenge,” I said in a determined tone.

He chuckled in amusement. He probably thought I was just pretending to be brave, then he said, “I admire your bravery, but you are still so foolish and stupid. You can’t convince everyone. So… what are you going to do if they don’t want to surrender peacefully? Remember, you have no weapons. Are you going to poison them again just like you did to your husband?”

I lowered my gaze. “If I have access to their kitchen I might do the same, but using poison to get rid of an enemy might not work this time. I will try my best to preserve people's lives. I’m a healer. I will heal people, but I don’t necessarily kill people if there are other ways to accomplish my goal.”

“What are your hidden talents? Your hidden weapons?” he asked me directly.

I sighed and responded, “Nothing. I have no hidden weapons or talents.”

“I will not send you any of my men. You are going there alone unprotected as my envoy for a peaceful surrender. Do you still want to take the challenge?” he asked, observing my face closely.

I could see in his eyes that he was getting tired of our conversation. He failed to convince me to stay and back out of the challenge he had cunningly created. “Yes, I accept the challenge, your highness. Please don’t worry about my safety. I will return to your side alive and well,” I assured him.

He smirked. “You are so foolish…but stupidly brave." He paused for a minute, then finally said, “Alright, get ready. We will leave in one hour.” He turned around and walked away.

I released the breath that I'd been holding inside. If I can pass the challenge with flying colors, I’m on my way to the palace.

Now the next question is…how to convince the Blood Canine Pack to surrender peacefully?

I really need to formulate a plan carefully and meticulously.

One false move...

One simple mistake is all it takes and I will surely die without accomplishing anything.