CHAPTER 21 – Grand Arena

Moira quickly went in and checked on her daughter. She saw that she was asleep, then noticed the empty glass of milk on the table, and felt relieved.

Guests had started to arrive at the mansion, with the grand arena gradually filling up with people.

It was already past 4 pm, and the council of elders had taken their seats.

The hall was gigantic and tall, with a row of seats in the front of the arena, strictly reserved for the council of elders. There were specifically designed chairs for alphas and their betas, in another row, next to the council of elders, and then the other seats were for wolves of lower status.

The Trial arena was a little bit lower down; those who sat looked down at the arena floor.

Luke stood by the hall’s entrance to receive guests, while Brynn discussed with people he had not seen for a long time because of uncontrolled circumstances.

“Master Graham,” Lucius bowed, “You are most welcome.”

“Same as always, Luke, kudos to your skincare routine,” Graham said in sarcasm and walked past him to meet Brynn with an expressionless face.

“Good to see you, Graham.” Brynn greeted him as Graham walked towards him.

“Likewise,” Graham said, “although I would have preferred it to be under different circumstances.” His face was cold.

“Mine isn’t any better,” Brynn said, “Except for the killings, that is.”

“May the worthy candidate win,” Graham said, with a stern look.

“Escort master Graham to his seat,” Brynn ordered a servant nearby.

“Master Phil,” Luke bowed, “Good to see you.”

“Looking good, Luke,” Phil said, “I hope the heir is ready for this, I bet a bank on him.” He grinned slightly, but Luke’s expression was unchanged.

“Loosen up, Luke, can’t even get a joke.” He said, “It’s good my sisters aren’t here, a face like that is bound to give them nightmares.”

“Phil.” Brynn’s voice called out from behind Luke.

“Master Brynn,” Phil walked towards Brynn, “good to be here.”

“Good to see you.”

“My father couldn’t make it; he took the ladies out tonight,” Phil said, “But he sent his good wishes.”

“I’m glad at least one of you made it.”

“Permit me, master Brynn,” He said, “Would Aurora be here tonight?”

“She can’t be here, the child has zero knowledge of our world,” Brynn said, “and I would love to keep it that way, and you should too.”

“I would have loved to meet her, though.” Phil said, “So you know, everyone is rooting for your son and believes that his opponent is up to good.”

“I hope they also know that rooting for him won’t earn him the title as a leader,” Brynn said, “He has to fight to earn it. I’ll let the servant escort you to your seat, Phil.” He smiled for a split second and turned away sharply.

“What a cold man,” Phil said, “I wish I could pull off a face like that.”

“Nope. Too young for that.” He added.

Theodore was in his room, looking out the window and seeing guests trooping in by the numbers. These people would soon witness either his downfall or victory. He wasn’t sure which one it was going to be; he didn’t even know who the contender was.

‘What if it’s a rogue, or a psychopath?’ He thought to himself. ‘Or what if I fail?’

His wolf had still not fully awakened, and now he had to fight for his father’s place as if being the son of his father alone wasn’t enough.

“It’s going to be alright, Theodore.” Ingrid put her hands across his waist from behind, disrupting his thought process.

“Are you sure you are ready for this, son?” Bianca, who was in the room with them all along, asked.

“You don’t have to do this, you know.” She added.

“Not like I have a choice, mum,” Theodore said, “Surrendering before the fight even starts, what does that make me?”

“He is going to be victorious.” Ingrid looked at Bianca, “I believe in him.”

“I’m scared, son,” Bianca said, “If anything happens to you, I won’t forgive myself, or your father.”

“This isn’t what I need right now, mum.” Theodore slightly turned his head to look at Ingrid, “Help me out here, please, take her to her husband.”

“We would meet again to celebrate your success, I know it.” She tapped his shoulder, “See you at the other end.”

She turned to Bianca, who looked visibly worried, “Let’s go, mother; he needs to be let alone.” She said, walking closer to her.

“Good luck, son.” Bianca said, “May the moon be with you.”

It was exactly midnight, and the door of the hall was shut.

The moon shone in full glory, and the guests were fully seated, each one rooting for their preferred candidate.

At the heart of the arena stood a colossal iron cauldron, darkened over time, carved with old runes that dimmed faintly under the red glow of the rising Blood Moon.

The outer edge had deep claw marks, some of which were hundreds of years old, a sign of the trials of past alphas, including Brynn.

And inside it, the Moon Flame burned without accelerant, with the smell of ash and something metallic, filling the air.

Brynn stepped forward, standing very close to the wall that surrounded the fighting arena in front of him.

“I welcome you all, distinguished Alphas, Lunas, Betas, and the council of elders.” His voice echoed within the hall; everywhere was silent that a pin drop would make a sound.

“I believe we all know the reason for this gathering,” He continued, “Now, without further delay, let the trial begin.”

The single sound of the drum was heard, so loud and heavy that it startled Bianca, who was deeply engrossed in her thoughts as she sat.

“Introducing my son, and heir to Foreclaws Pack, Theodore,” Brynn said.

Theodore came through an open door from the opposite direction, stood in front of the council of elders, and bowed his head in greetings.

Bianca’s lips twitched.

“Now, let’s meet the contender,” Brynn said, “Reveal yourself.”

This was the moment almost everyone had been waiting for; the hall, which was already silent, fell even quieter, and even their breathing couldn’t be heard.

Suddenly, steps began to echo from behind Theodore, and then he looked back to see who it was.

His eyes widened.

Bianca stood up in shock on seeing who it was.

Ingrid’s mouth dropped. To her, Theodore was done for.

“No, not him,” Bianca said, silently.