Chapter 132
Skye’s Pow
lydia’s cool lingits worked methodically mer my burned skin.
These burns are deeper than I’d like,” Lydia murmured. “I’m not sure if they II leave permanent scars.
I wired as the medicine stung my taw flesh. “It’s just a little
more worried about whether well advance to the next round.”
My well paced restlessly beneath my skin, related by both the pain and the uncertainty. She had been siminually quiet during the trial, but now her anxiety matched my ow
“That over most have been tampered with. How else would the emergency hatton feil? And if your code was correct….
“It was,” I insisted.
The speakers in the corner of the room crackled to life, interrupting our conversation. Elder Selene’s authoritative nice filled the small space.
“The following eleven Alphas have successfully completed the Wisdom Trial and will advance to the next stage of the Alpha
a King Election.”
I held my breath as she listed name after name. Alpha Morgan. Alpha Xavier. Alpha Leon. Alpha Rodrigo. More names followed, each one increasing the pressure in my chest.
was called and Adrian’s wasn’t among them, something snapped inside me.
When the eleventh name was
“No“” I leapt from the examination table, ignoring the sharp
pain that s
shot through my arm. “This is wrong! We solved the puzzle!”
“Skye, wait!” Lydia called, reaching for my half–bandaged arm. “Let me finish wrapping your burns at least
Grudgingly, I allowed her to complete the bandaging, my foot tapping impatiently against the floor as she wrapped both arms in clean white gauze until they resembled plaster casts.
The moment she secured the last bandage, I bolted from the room.
I could hear Elder Sele’s voice growing louder as I approached. “We congratulate our finalists and remind all participants that the third trial will
This trial was rigged! I shouted, bursting through the double doors
Every head in the auditorium swiveled toward me.
Elder Selenes ancient disdain
eyes narrowed as she took in my disheveled appearance. Wolves from every pack stared, some with shock, others with amusement or
I caught sight of Adrian standing near the front, his face a mixture of surprise and concern. He moved toward me, but I stepped forward before he could reach me.
“Alpha Adrian solved the puzzle correctly,” I continued, my voice carrying through the stunned silence. The emergency button failed to work. Something was deliberately tampered with!!!
Elder Selene’s voice cut through the murmurs that had begun to rise. “Who are you to interrupt these proceedings?”
I straightened my spine. “Im Beta Skye of the Oasistom Pack, and I demand justice for
for my Alpha.”
The murmurs grew louder. From the corner of my eye, I saw Leon leaning forward in his seat, watching me with an unreadable expression,
“Oasisbor Pack?” someone neered from the back even heard of int
Another voice joined in: “Losing is losing. Don’t blame the equipment when you fail.”
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Chapter 192
more it with the Council
Adrian reached me then, bls hand waim against my lower back, “kkyr,” he whispered, “ymi should be resting ”
“No, I hime! back. “This isn’t tight, and you know ||
Elder Selene stadjest os for a long moment before addressing the audience. “This session is adjonened. Finalists, please review your Information packett
As the crowd began to disperer, many throwing curious glances out way, Elder Selene hickoned us forward Youn, come with me.
She led us to a private office adorned with ancient wolf artife and genealogy charts. Three other Elders sulted inside, their expressions gre
For the next twenty minutes, we explained everything–the delayed message delivery, the correct code confirmed by Ryder, the malfunctioning forfeit button, the oven activating despite reaching zern.
“Do you have any witnesses besides your men pack members? Elder Selene asked, her fingers steepled beneath her chin.
“Alpha Leon,” I said without hesitation, he was there when Ryder confirmed the code was correct. And you can exantine the oven–it clearly malfunctioned”
The Elders exchanged glances before Elder Selene spoke again. “You must understand that we take the integrity of the Alpha King Election very seriously. We will investigate your claims thoroughly and provide a response within three days. However, we’ll need a detailed written account from both of you by
As we left the office, my mind raced with frustration and determination. “We need to find Leon,” I said. “His testimony could make all the difference.
Adrian’s jaw lightened. “Having you anywhere near Leon is the last thing I want right now,” His eyes softened as they swept over my bandaged arms. “But you’re right. We need him.”
We found Leon at the hotel bar, lounging in a corner booth with a beer in hand. “How amusing,” he drawled as we approached. “Why would I help you?”
I slid into
into the seat across from him, ignoring Adrian’s protective stance beside me. “You should be thrilled, right? One less competitor to worry about.”
Lean’s eyes flashed. “You think I need Adrian eliminated to win? You’re more naive than I thought.”
Then prove it,” 1 challenged. “Tell the truth about what happened today”
Leon took a slow sip of his beer, studying me over the rim. “You know, if I truly didn’t want Adrian competing, he wouldn’t have made it past the application
process.
Adrian stiffened beside me. “What are you saying?”
The North American Council rejected your application initially,” Leon said casually. “Something about illegitimately claiming Cravestone Pack resources. I simply suggested they look more closely at your qualifications.”
“It was you?” Adrian’s voice had dropped dangerously low. “We thought Maxwell was behind that.”
Leon’s hand slammed down on the table, beer sloshing over the rim of his glass. “I was protecting the integrity of the election! I didn competing!
want a
rule–breaker
I laughed bitterly. “You’re still afraid of losing, just like four years ago.”
His eyes burned into mine for a long moment before he stood, towering over our table. Tine. I’ll give you your statement tonight. But when you advance, I’ll make sure you lose fair and squate in the arena.”
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Crowned by Fate
Chapter 133
