Crowned by Ente
Chapter 113
Dawn broke over Silvendres Juntain with a golden light that seemed almost mocking in fta cheerfulnén.
The est tell of the Alpha King election would begin tades, and my stomach chored with anslary. Last night’s revelation about me mate will weighed hruvdy on my mind, but I forced marli to focus on the more immediate challenge ahead.
Adrian and I solved in silence found the lakeside where the Trial of Strength would take place. His hand occasionally brisked mine, our shipshen ngerement with Leen preventing any meer intimate inntact.
I don’t like how these Stormhoud wolves are eyring us,” Ryder muttered, falling into step hende in. His gue dated from group to group and prised. “Everyone’s sizing each other up before the trial even begins.”
Focus on nur missions, not theirs,” I reminded him.
ווה
Lydia walked a few paces behind, her masked face revealing nothing of her thoughts, though I noticed how she carefully chierved meryone we pried. The omate pouch at her hip likely contained various herbal preparations–remedies for whatever injoies might neear during today’s trint.
“Are you ready?” I asked, breaking the silence as we approached the gathering crowd of candidates and spectators,
Adrian’s eyes met mine, filled with determination. “As ready as I’ll ever be. Whatever they throw at us, I can handle it.”
“We’ve got
your back, Alpha,” Ryder added with quiet confidence, standing taller than I remembered.
We arrived at the ceremonial arena erected beside Silvercrest Lake, a massive body of water that stretched toward the horizon like a sheet of polished silver.
Forty–t
y–two candidates stood in ordered rows, each we and gold favored by most traditional parks
As we
their pack’s colon. Adrian’s midnight blue and deep green stood out among the sea of reds, blacks,
moved toward our designated area, I spotted Leon with his Frostshadow Pack delegation. He stood tall in a sleek deep green wetsuit that accentuated his athletic build, surrounded by admirers and park members. His blue eyes caught mine across the crowd, and for a brief moment, I felt that strange pull in my chest again–the unwanted reminder of our mate bond.
He excused himself from his group and approached us. The crowd seemed to part instinctively for him.
“Adrian,” he acknowledged with a curt nod before turning to me. I trust you slept well, Skye? No… discomfort?” His subtle emphasis made his meaning clear. He was checking if we had violated our agreement.
“Perfectly fine, thank you,” I replied coldly. “How generous of you to concern yourself with my wellbeing after all these years.”
A hint of a smile touched his lips. “Just ensuring fair competition. I would I want any… distractions affecting Adrian’s performance today.” His gaze traveled to the lake. “The water is quite cold. I hope coastal swimming has prepared him adequately”
“I’ll manage, Adrian said, his voice level despite the obvious provocation. “Perhaps worry about your own chances, Leon.”
He turned to Loun’s smille widened. ‘Oh, I’m not worried. Frostshadow wolves are raised in frigid Alaskan waters. This will feel like a warm bath to leave, then paused. “A word of advice, Adrian. There’s an old saying among northern packs: In cold water, even the strongest wolf can become prey.” Remember that when you’re down there.”
With that ominous warning, he returned to his delegation, leaving a wake of tension behind him.
“Ignore him,” I whispered to Adrian. “He’s trying to get in your head
Elder Selene stepped onto the raised platform her white robes billowing in the morning breeze. Silence fell over the crowd as she raised her hands.
“Alphas of North America,” she called, her yoire carrying surprising strength for ones aged. Today begin your journey toward the crown. The Trial of Strength has tested the might of candidates for centuries, revealing those truly worthy of leadership.”
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Chapter 113
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