Page 8 of The Forbidden Alpha

I positioned myself and released an arrow.

Missed.

A part of me wants to scold myself for almost hitting the edge.

Damn, why am I so bad at this?

I shook my head and tried again. I lost count of how many times I tried to shoot the target until I finally hit the bullseye.

My eyes widened in disbelief. I felt like a pinch of hope sprung in my heart when I saw the arrow at the center of the board.

I did it!

I bit my lip hard as I tried to contain my smile and excitement.

Okay, I need to calm down. I took a deep breath before going to the board to get my arrows. Then I went back and started aiming arrows again.

I spend almost half of my morning practicing archery. Others were already out and preparing for later, but I didn’t bother joining them. I had at least five rounds of practice in archery before going to another training center for combat. Nobody wanted to be my sparring partner, so I had no choice but to do the stunts with a dummy punching bag. I tried to remember everything that I learned during the practice that we had before. I honestly don’t know if I would even win or have a chance for this round. But hell, I am still determined to win this. I am going to prove to them that I am not weak.

That afternoon was spent on my combat skills. When evening came, I decided to go to a nearby forest to try and channel my wolf. I took a deep breath and closed my eyes in deep concentration. I heightened my senses to feel my surrounding. I clenched my fist and took a deep breath again.

I felt the cold wind wrapping around my body. The sound of the rustling branches and leaves became louder and louder. My heart was rapidly beating as well. I focused on imagining my wolf face, channeling all my energy. I suddenly felt my body heating up, and my heart felt like it was about to burst. I opened my eyes and gasped for breath when I felt like something was about to go out of my body. I shouted in pain as I felt my body being sucked into the abyss of darkness.

***

I woke up with my face on the ground.

Shit. Where am I?

I groaned and immediately roamed my eyes around me. My forehead creased in confusion. The raging headache that I was feeling made me groan in pain. Memories of what happened in my training earlier came rushing through my mind while I massaged my temples.

I stared at what was in front of me and realized it was a river. I looked down only to find the reflection of myself through the clear water.

I made it. I made it here. I smiled to myself. The first round is usually a contest on how a she-wolf will control and command her wolf when she’s shifted. I tried to do that earlier and commanded my wolf to be here, and I succeeded.

A surge of happiness erupted in my chest, and I could not help the joy and excitement I was feeling. I haven’t shifted for years, and it felt so good to finally be able to do that again. I stood up and immediately looked for something that could cover my whole body before I ran back to the forest. The result of my training was pretty good, so I believe I will do well in this Luna Games, that’s for sure.

I couldn’t take the smile off my face as I went back to the pack. I didn’t mind the eyes that were scrutinizing me as I walked with only a dirty cloth wrapped around my body. I heard the murmurs around me, but I held my head high and didn’t even bother to look at them. I went straight to my house to bathe and prepare for later. Exhaustion washed over me the moment I took a shower. But I did not let the fatigue cloud my resolve. My determination was stronger than the tiredness that I was feeling. At exactly ten in the evening, the Luna Games will start. So I have to start preparing now.

It was around nine when I got out of the house. When I looked around, the place was empty. I bet the wolves are already gathered in front of the Alpha’s house. It is where the ceremony will be held.

When I got there, everybody was already cheering. Alpha Miguel was holding the hand of his son, and Michael was standing there proudly.

“The new Alpha of Crestmoon Pack, my son, Michael!”

The wolves cheered again. Michael smirked and raised his hands, signaling everyone to keep quiet. He then cleared his throat.

“My proclamation is not the only highlight of tonight’s event because this night, we will be witnessing another Luna Games between the pack’s she-wolves!” The wolves cheered once more. “And also, tonight, you will be meeting your new Luna as I have finally found my mate!”

My eyes widened as I heard the murmurs and gasps around. I thought he would say a name after that, but he smirked instead. “You will meet her after the Luna Games. Now, let the challenges begin!” Michael’s shout was followed by the sound of the wooden drums maneuvered by some of the werewolves. The cheers became louder as the players went to the center. I took a deep breath before walking with them as well.

I kept my face stiff as I stood beside Daria, who only raised a brow at me. “You have some nerve to join, huh. Get ready to lose, bitch.”

***

Mind-Blowing. That’s only one of the words that I could think of to describe the Luna Games. The boisterous sounds of the drums accompanied by the loud cheers of the audience created a symphony of deafening chaos. I was catching my breath as I held on to someone to maintain my balance. I heard the cheers become louder.

“Daria! Daria! Daria!” That name echoed in the whole arena. I felt my knees weakening. I tried my best to stand still, but my body collapsed, and I felt my world spinning already.

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