Lahat ng Kabanata ng Luna's Calling: Marked Through Trials: Kabanata 21 - Kabanata 30

Ersa“Ersa! Warming up already?” Seraph said from behind me. When I turned to look, she was wearing some kind of peculiar cloth.“Yes. That’s… new,” I replied, commenting on her outfit.“Oh, you noticed? I bought it from the human world last year. It’s called a hoodie.” She stood beside me and fell into a loose, energetic stretch. "Did you know even bikinis came from them? They’re absolute geniuses. Honestly, their creativity is phenomenal—if only they weren't our prey.”“Ugh, speaking of the human world, I really wanted to go this year. Unfortunately, no one has a say in Alpha Ynovar’s decision,”I started jogging, circling the mansion, and Seraph fell easily into step beside me. “Alpha Ynovar?” I asked. That name is exactly like our Alpha’s.“Yeah. The strongest known living Alpha. He’s like a century old! I heard his mate is one of them—a Vampire. The Princess, even!” Seraph informed me, her eyes bright with the excitement of pure gossip.“The Vampire Princess?” I admitted, the inf

ErsaI admit to myself that I was often a pushover, easily swayed, but never to this shocking extent. Yet, standing here, I couldn't abandon this opportunity for immediate freedom.“I never thought Ersa wanted to be the Luna that badly,” I heard Everine comment from the sideline.“Eh? Isn’t it more like she wants to get eliminated?” Seraph clarified, her laughter carrying a tone that suggested she understood the true, cynical reason behind my acceptance.Now, standing in front of what Madame Koraline had called the Vertical Ascent, I desperately wanted to wave my white flag. But I didn't. I forced myself to stand my ground as one of the Alpha’s soldiers signaled, “Go!”“You should withdraw, Soltharic,” he said, his voice dropping just low enough that it sounded genuinely worried to my ears. Why was he acting all casual now? For the past few days, it was as if I didn't even exist. No, I'm not feeling bitter.“I won’t, but you better keep your word,” I shot back.I quickly took a deep b

ErsaI kept pacing back and forth, just a few anxious steps away from the Alpha’s study. I had decided to visit him the moment I felt recovered enough to walk; I had to talk to him.Where should I begin? Thanking him, of course, but then how was I supposed to open the subject of my elimination? I rehearsed the words in my head.I couldn't stay idle for long. With a deep breath, I took one last step toward the door when it suddenly burst open. A slightly furious-looking Alpha came barreling out.He immediately began massaging his temples, radiating palpable frustration. He glared at the precise spot where I was standing. “Just knock, Soltharic.”“Pardon?” I stammered, completely startled."How do you expect me to work when your frantic, nervous scent has been assaulting my study for two hours straight?"I froze. I couldn't speak for a moment. I had never felt so utterly embarrassed and stupid at the same time. Right. The scent.“R-right. I wanted to speak with you,” I managed, still re

SeraphineI looked up to see the Beta standing in front of me, a tray with tea in hand. Why…?“I thought you could use a warm drink after a swim,” he said, placing the tray on a nearby table. His sudden presence stopped me cold; I had been on the verge of crying, and of course, I couldn't break down now.“Why would you? You’re no butler or servant,” I challenged. He was, after all, a noble—unlike me.“I am still obligated, as Beta, to maintain oversight regarding the welfare of any candidate for Luna.” he stated simply.I couldn’t help but laugh at the way he spoke. “You speak so lifeless.”I rested my chin on the back of my hand and gave my head a slight tilt. “Well then, Beta, for the ‘welfare’ of this candidate, you wouldn’t mind accompanying me for a while, would you?”I saw how he averted his gaze and lightly touched his earlobe. “Not at all,” he replied.Oh. Was he feeling shy? I couldn't help but cover my mouth, completely overwhelmed and delighted by the sight of his crimson e

ErsaNothing of note happened for the past few weeks, a strange lull that only broke when the last special test was finally announced. By next week, we were scheduled to face the First Trial: Wolf’s Fang.We were all summoned and lined up outside a designated room.“A pleasant day to you, ladies. This will be the last time I will be handling your special test. A different Prefect will be assigned once the first Trial is finished,” Madame Koraline explained.With the Trial drawing near, I couldn’t help but be plagued by the memory of the Phantom Alpha’s words: to continue with the Trials.I felt a sudden chill run down my spine at the thought. If I do continue, will I actually find something by the end of it?“I will miss you, Madame Koraline!” Seraph declared with dramatic, teary eyes.“Oh, quit your acts, Seraphine. If those tears are real, I’d say they’re out of happiness now that I’m leaving,” Madame Koraline replied dryly.Seraph giggled at the Prefect’s comment.“Let us move on.”