Chapter 1: The Kingdom

Aurora's POV

"What is taking you so long to get my bags? We still have a two hour trip to the Kingdom. Chop, chop. I don't want to be late", Trent clapped his hands at me, rather than help me load his bags. 

Trent is the future Alpha of Silver Ridge pack. Today starts the beginning of an extremely special ceremony, for all the soon-to-be Alphas in the country. 

The Worthy Wars. 

A long series of tests orchestrated to test your speed, agility, stealth, strength, even your mental abilities such as compassion, instinct, stragety planning and executions. All designed to determine if the 'future' Alpha is worthy enough to take the Alpha title. 

So, here we are. Trent and his father, Terry, the current Alpha. Then my father, who is the Beta, and me, a low-quality witch. My parents were an unusual pairing, him being a Beta, and my mother an Earth witch. My mother died when I was young, leaving me with a father who was absolutely sure he would be passing his legacy down to me. 

He was training me since I could walk to fight. I hid the fact that I could tell I had witch tendicies. Like hearing the trees and animals whisper amoung one another. You can imagine how disappointed he was when I turned 16 and never shifted. 

That was four years ago. He changed that day, turning from a mourning, yet optimistic man to a cold-hearted hateful monster. 

"Let's go!", Alpha Terry commanded. I jumped in my skin before sliding into the back seat with Trent. The thing about Trent? He absolutely hates me, however, he has not found a mate yet. Because he is 22, and 'soon-to-be' Alpha, he has to have a mate to take the Alpha title. 

I'm the back-up plan. My father thought it would be a great idea since I can't offer my servies as a Beta for the pack. 

Alpha Terry and my father spoke amoung each other about what The Worthy Wars was like when Alpha Terry went through them. Trent chimed in every once in a while to ask a question or make a comment. 

I knew not to talk unless spoken to. So I just remained quiet in my own little world. At some point, I fell asleep. 

"The bags to our rooms", I heard my father's voice. My eyes shot open, knowing he was talking to me. My jaw fell open. I've never personally been to the kingdom before, let alone the castle itself. With 14th century gray brick, the castle is at least 200 feet in height and a mile in length. 

Fifteen foot windows littered the front, counting ten high. Fruit trees, wild flowers, jazmine, and gardenas were planted amongst the front yard. 

"Dammit, Aurora. Do you ever fucking listen?", my father growled. "I'm sorry, father?", I asked bravely. "Grab our bags and get them to our rooms", his tone was low, seeping with anger and impatience. "Yes sir", I bowed , stacking my shoulders with bags. 

"Everyone's rooms are in alphabetical order based on pack name", a greeter at the enterance announced to the crowd of people piling in the doors. Even though only four people per pack are allowed to attend, hundreds of people pour in the gates. 

Four people per pack, fifty packs, and the the kingdom spectators who come to get a glimpse at the furture Alphas. The heavy dominant auras that were competing around me brought a sense of oppression, making it hard for me to breathe. 

I followed the signs that led me to the 'S' floor. Each oak door had a plaque, labeled with the attendee's name. Once finding everyone's room and putting their bags inside, I decided to change.