Chapter 13
After a week of preparation. I was finally on my way to the Lycan King’s castle, excitement and nerves were aliviously all over me as the carriage rolled over the bumpy road. I couldn’t slike the awareness that Collins would be at the party tonight. My heart sank at the thought of him–kim and Poppy, his new Luna. The both of them would definitely be there.
“Why does he have to be there?” I muttered, staring in the window as the landscape turned from trees to pathways leading to the castle. “It’s infuriating!”
“Who are we talking about the driver, Marcus, glanced back at me with curiosity.
|_ “Collins” | spat, images of him laughing with Poppy filling my mind. “That jerk who rejected mel”
“Oh, right. The wolves from the Collins pack.” He chuckled lightly. “Sounds like you really don’t like him. Do you want something done about maam! No one will ever find out.”
Tempting offer and like him! I can’t stand him?” I crossed my arms tightly, ferling my frustration bubble over. “Why does he get to be happy with some new Luna while I fight for my place? It’s so unfair! The bastard ended everything we had
Hoanne.” Marcus said, keeping his tone light. “Just try to ignore them. This is your moment. Don’t let anyone spoil it for your
“Easier said than done. I mumbled, but his words reminded me of my goal. I was here to prove myself, to show everyone what I could do. No one could take that from me–not even Collins
As we approached the castle, the grandeur took my breath away. Tall towers reached into the sky, and the lights twinkled like stars against the darkening evening. “Wow” I whispered under my breath. “It’s incredible”
A few moments later, we arrived. The castle doors stood wide open, welcoming guests dressed in beautiful gowns and sharp suits. My heart raced as anticipation filled me. I stepped out of the carriage and took a deep breath, steeling myself for what lay ahead
Remember, you’re an Alpha’s daughter,” I murmured, adjusting my posture. They don’t know who you are yet.”
As I walked through the entrance, my senses heightened. The sounds of laughter mixed with music floated through the air, but all I could focus on was finding Collins. I scanned the crowd, finally catching sight of him across the room. There he was, looking as handsome as ever,
“Great.” I whispered, my stomach churning.
focus on yourself,” I reminded myself, but it didn’t help to quell my anger. “He chose someone else. He doesn’t get to hurt me anymore
Justi
But Poppy was right beside him, her laughter ringing through the air, and the sight twisted my heart. Did he even remember how he crush my feelings‘ Did he know the pain he caused me!
“Time to calm down.” I whispered, closing my eyes for a brief moment. “Stay composed. You’re strong, you’re going to fight in the tournament. Show them your value”
Taking a deep breath, I grabbed a glass of punch from a passing tray and sipped it to steady myself. The sweet flavor filled my mouth, but it didn’t quite ease the bitterness creeping in from inside.
“Hey, look over there!” someone exclaimed nearby. “Collins and Poppy are the perfect couple, aren’t they?
“Yeah, totally! So in love!” another voice chimed in, their words sharp. “Just shows how lucky some people are.
1 clenched my jaw, fighting the urge to lash out. “They don’t know anything” 1 grumbled under my breath, reminding myself that I came here for a purpose. I was going to rise ups, and Collins wouldn’t have the satisfaction of seeing me crumble.
“Joanne“” A familiar voice broke through my thoughts. I tumed, surprised to see Silver, one of my friends, making her way through the crowd Boward me. She always had a way of lighting up a room. “You made it!”
“Yeah, I did. I replied, forcing a smile despite the chaids in my heart. “I’m here for the tournament”
“Of course! You’re going to crash jur she said, her enthusiaını catching on “Did you see Collins and Poppy thought They’re really rubbing i
g”
“Don’t remind me,” I groaned, rolling my eyes. “I didn’t come here to drown in jealousy”
“Right! You came to show everyone your skills! Not to sulk over the past, she encouraged, her eyes sparkling. “So, what’s the ganse plan for the
“I’m going to train hard and beat everyone in sight.” I said. feeling a flicker of determination ignite inside me. “I want to prove myself!”
1/3
Chapter 13
That’s the spint Silver cheered, giving me a playful nudge. “Show them what you’re made of! And just remember to enjoy yourself tonight ion?”
As we chatted, I felt a little of the tension melt away. Maybe this party wouldn’t be so intimidating after all. I could laugh and enjoy time with friends while preparing for the tournament. But then I caught another glance at Collins and Poppy, their smiles growing brighter as they chameit
ath other pack members
“Hey, let’s grab more punch!” Silver said, pulling me back to the moment. “You need the energy for the tournament!
I let her lead me through the crowdd. With every step, I tried to shake off the heaviness. “Right Punch first, tournament later!” I said, my valce more cheerful
“Exaply!” Silver laughed as we reached the refreshment table and filled our glasses. “Here’s to you being the best soldier they’ve ever seen!”
She raised her glass, and I clinked mine against hers, feeling a spark of excitement. “To new beginnings I declared, the warmth of the punch casing the tension in my shoulders.
As we drank, I heard whispers nearby. “What do you think she’s doing here?” I caught a girl say, pointing in our direction. “I heard she’s a nobody. Poppy told me she even tried to seduce her husband Disgusting”
“Yeah, probably just here to watch another voice sneered “She can’t stand against real fighters or even be a decent woman.”
That was it. I felt a surge of anger return. “Who do they think they are?” I muttered, my grip tightening around my glass,
“Don’t let them get to you, Silver warned, noticing the shift in my mood. “You’re stronger than this. Just ignore the babbling fools.”
CHAPTER &
The party buzzed around me, but all I could think about was the tournament. Then I spotted my friend Silver, her face lit with excitement. “Joanne!” she called, rushing over. “I’ve been looking for you!”
“Silver, you’ve been drinking a little bit too much. You were with me four minutes ago!” I said, feeling relief wash over me. “I need help. Did you g around! Any info? What can I expect from the tournament?
“Oh, there’s so much!” sil
Silver said, her eyes shining. “They have different events, like etiquette, swordplay, archery, and even a dance–off”
“A dance–off?” I raised my eyebrows. “Why do we need to dance in a tournament that has a lot of other things to do in it. That’s like.. Stupid?”
“It shows that we can do more than just fight and be all uptight and bothersome!” She laughed. “The Lycan King wants to see well–rounded folks. If you want to impress him, you need to be good at everything. That was what I heard anyway.
“Great,” I sighed, trying to shake off the idea. “I have to practice dancing now, too.
“Don’t worry! Just be confident, and girl, you know how to dance already duh. I’ve seen your moves!” she said, patting my arm.
“Don’t flatter me, they aren’t that good”
“Now, now. Don’t go about doing that false pretense thing. Doesn’t look Good on you at all. Sol What’s your plan! I know you want to outshine everyone.
“I thought about starting with etiquette,” I replied, thinking out loud. “Tact like the perfect daughter–calm and elegant. I want to surprise everyone. After all, I am a “nobody”
“Smart move“” Silver nodded. “If you set the bar high at the start, you’ll have the crowd behind you for the rest of the events.”
“That’s my plan!” I said, feeling excited again. “Then comes swordplay. I’ll show them I can fight”
“Yes! You’ve trained hard for this Silver said, her smile broadening. “If you wow them in the swordplay event, they’ll want you in the army right away!”
“Exactly! I don’t want to waste my chance,” I added, feeling a surge of determination. “And I can’t let Collins and Poppy distract me.
“Too right!” Silver agreed. “Ignore them! You’re here to shine!”
“It’s hard to ignore them when they’re right there,” I said, glancing at the crowd. Collins stood with Poppy, both looking all too happy. “But I will not let them have power over me anymore?”
“Good! You’ve got this!” Silver cheered. “So what’s after the swordplay!”
“Archery,” I replied, crossing my arms. “Tye always been decent at it, but I need to stay focused”
“just remember to breathe and aim well. You’ll do great!” Silver encouraged.
Chapter la
“Thanks! Then there’s the dance–off.” I said, chuckling. “Just gotta smile and pretend I know what I’m doing?
“Exactly! It’s all about having fun!” Silver grinned. “If you can handle all those events, you’ll be just ok and stop bitching about your dance moves, you’re perfect”
“I’m all in” I said firmly. “I have to prove that I’m more than just the Alpha’s daughter. I need to show them who I really am.”
“Right but they didn’t know you were even an alpha’s daughter and our first step is to practice etiquette,” Silver suggested. “You should act like a true lasty in front of the judges.
“That’s a good idea! I’ll show them I can be polite and strong!” I said, feeling eager
“And right after that, we can practice our swordplay. With your skills, you’re going to shine in the tournament. Silver said, full of excitement.
I nodded confidently. “Yeah! I can’t wait to knock them all out of the park!”
“Let’s schedule a practice session tomorrow. We’ll gather a few friends and train together!” Silver suggested
“Great! The more, the merrier!” I clapped my hands happily. “We’ll help each other get ready!”
“Definitely!” Silver agreed, her face lighting up. “You’re going to show them what you’re made of”
I’m ready to fight for my place!” I said, feeling the support of my friends strengthening my resolve.
“Let’s go have more punch before anything else happens!” Silver said mischievously, dragging me toward the refreshment table.
“Okay! And no dance moves just yet!” I laughed, relieved to lighten the mood as we reached the table.
After filling our classes. Silver looked around. “You need to enjoy yourself tonight. This is a big event!”
“I know! I just can’t shake the feeling of wanting to get started already. The tournament is like a chance to change everything.” I said.
“Just think about how amazing it will be! You’ll impress everyone, especially the King Silver replied excitedly.
“I’ll show everyone that I deserve to be seen,” I said, feeling the fire build inside me. “No more hiding!”
“That’s the spirit!” Silver cheered. “Together, we’ll prepare and get ready to shine! You’re going to knock them dead”
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