His Dark Obsession by Moonlight Muse

41. Rules

Zedkiel has not said a word since then. He didn’t even spare me a glance and only when we sat down in the front row of seats, did he place his arm around the back of my seat protectively. I also know why.

The first two rows were the contestants and I see Octavius Huntington, Celia’s brother has chosen a woman too, Kara Irisian, the niece of the Alpha of the Night Dust Pack and to my surprise, the Alpha’s daughter and Kara’s cousin is sitting by Ragnar’s side.

The competition is made up of strong women… and all are of Alpha blood apart from me. Dear Goddess, give me the strength I need…

There are other people here to watch and listen as the tournament rules and rounds are explained. I can see Alpha Aeron too and I make sure not to even look at Sinclair, who is sitting right behind me. I can feel his gaze burning into me, but I refuse to give him any of my time, not after what he did last time. 1

“Thank you everyone for attending, I won’t waste much time and we will get right into this.” Alpha King Ambrose says as he stands at the podium, the huge 100” screen behind him lights up and the words ‘The Tournament for the Throne‘ appear.

“As everyone knows, in exactly three days, the tournament shall commence. The trials and tests will pitch. the contestants against one another to see who is most fitting for the title of our future rulers. We will have eight couples and there will be a mix of tests. Some, where the Alphas will be pitched against one another, others where the Lunas will face off against one another. Then there will be some whereby you will work together as a couple. Unity, understanding and complimenting one another’s personalities and strengths are vital and, of course, making up for your partner’s flaws. Working together to become better and stronger. A couple is one as a whole and I expect to see this among you all. Only a true couple will make it through this tournament.” 1

His last words hang in the air as he scans us all, before he turns to the screen where the text is replaced by the eight couples names, and I stare at mine and Zedkiel’s… Right above Sinclair’s who would have thought such a day would come? I always thought I wanted a life with Sinclair, but not anymore… I’m more than just being a woman for a man’s pleasure. 1

I turn, when Zedkiel’s hand rests on my shoulder and I realise subconsciously I have leaned into him. Our eyes meet before I slowly move back and give him a small smile. He’s still cold and emotionless, but his hand on my arm says differently.

It makes me wonder, what exactly he thinks of me? But I also know that if we are to get past this it’s going to have to be me reassuring him of what I’m ok with… because I’m the one giving him mixed signals … I mean I don’t even know what I’m ok with. He doesn’t remove his arm, his fingertips brushing my skin tantalisingly.

is just temporary and that in the end, I’ll be leaving, but

result will be based on the answers, the second round, which shall take

situation… I look up at Zedkiel, who is watching his father calculatingly, but he’s

cheating or foul play. This tournament is vital for our future, and I will hope that all contestants and of course the families of those participating remember that this is not a competition for selfish gains but for the betterment of this kingdom… So, let’s keep that in mind.” Alpha Ambrose’s voice is solemn and clear, holding the weight of his words. He looks around at all of us and his gaze stops on both Zedkiel and I. I

swordplay, hand–to–hand, survival, speed, strength, intellect and overall leadership skills. Although there will be rules, when it comes to winning, you must use everything you possess to make it to the finish line. May the best couple win. For our kind, our future,

surprise, he claps slowly, arrogantly even, but at

so bad. Everyone just needs to see

need to see that too?‘ That sing–song voice comes back, making my stomach

begins handing out a leather bound brochure to the eight

books.” He says, smiling politely as he hands them out and I wait patiently for

head and I thank him when he passes me the black leather booklet embossed with silver lettering. I

weapons are allowed unless given

the words on the page, my heart thudding, and

is it?” He asks, and I’m very aware of his

trail off when his eyes find

be consummated or will be