His Dark Obsession by Moonlight Muse

47. An Unexpected Trial
EVANGELINE.

One minute I was looking down at Zedkiel at the table and the next we were being whisked away. Apparently, our first round was meant to start simultaneously, or so we thought.

“What is this?” Maryka asks holding up the envelope in her hand.

We were each given one; they are identical aside from the name on it. Mine reads ‘Zedkiel’ in gorgeous gold embossed writing.

“Well, this is part of your first test.” Jean says. “Let’s say you are the queen and this city is under attack, and you are most likely going to be kidnapped or killed. Now, to save your people, you have the chance to leave your Alpha a message. Where will you put it, knowing that time is short, and he must find it before anyone else?”

“Is this part of our test?” Celia asks, frowning. 4

“Yes, it is. It’s a good chance to display how in touch with your Alpha you are.” Jean replies in a clipped

tone. 2

Celia looks down. “Then that’s surely unfair. Some of us have been married for far longer-”

“There is no place for protests.” Jean says calmly, yet her eyes are hard as she glares at Celia. “You have five minutes to think of a place and then you have a further five minutes to tell one of our messengers who will place the envelope exactly where you ask them to. It can be anywhere, in your Packs even and the rest… well, that depends on if your Alpha can find it.”

“So, it’s a combined examination…” Kayla murmurs worriedly.

I’m no longer listening, focusing on what Jean just said and staring down at the letter in my hand. Think Evangeline think!

Where should I put this so that Zedkiel will find it? Celia wasn’t wrong to panic. Zedkiel and I don’t really have a place we’ve spent much time together, aside from our bedroom. That is the first place that comes to mind, but where could I put this in our quarters?

I close my eyes, trying to think where Zedkiel would look.

A sudden thought comes to my mind, and my eyes fly open. When Zedkiel is angry, he bangs doors! I can use that!

If I have it placed above our bedroom door on the ledge, I’m uncertain it’ll be considered a valid place, but it is worth asking… if not, I should think of a backup…

“It seems that we at least have two Lunas already trying to think of a solution. The clock is already ticking.” Jean says, giving us all a hard stare.

H*ok up to see Poppy. The Luna of the Moonshine Pack is also silent as she thinks deeply.

“I’ve decided.” I say suddenly. Jean raises an eyebrow.

“Take her to the adjoining room, take note and then place her in the allotted area…” There’s something about that sentence that makes me uneasy, but I don’t think much of it as I follow one of the men to the adjoining room.

to our quarters. “What if he doesn’t find it? Are you certain this is your final

to yours and

“Yes please.”

it doesn’t fall, at least after he goes to

I nod and I’m passed onto

me, Zedkiel finding that letter

sure hope I made the

when one of the men stops. “There are some warmer clothes for you to change into inside the washroom and please do

and grateful for the consideration, but at the same time, I’m

nods and motions for

and find I’m not the only

change into these clothes Luna.” The dark-haired woman says, holding out a

and an oversized hoodie that I slip on. Once I exit the toilet, I wash my

luck Luna!” She

guards down the hall, I walk towards them and they continue to

hoping but praying that Zed kiel finds that letter as I’m led through to the back of the castle and down into the lower grounds of the castle.

alarmed, Luna.” One of the two smiles. “Please come

dirty steps into the empty pool and into the middle of it, where they gesture

escape. This test is for prince Zedkiel. If you break the rules, you will immediately fail this

wrath is something everyone should be

going to do to me?” I say as I look at the dirty empty pool I’m standing in. It isn’t the largest, but it’s big and dirty. This place hasn’t been

are just to wait until the prince comes, and depending on how fast he finds the letter, he’ll be

as I’m tied to something in the empty pool, but because my ankles are bound, I can’t

but is it necessary

with a smile, as he then ties a cloth around

stare at the huge rock

my wrists are

that too soon because the next thing they do is tie my hands behind my

of the contest… I tell myself, taking a deep shuddering breath. They won’t hurt me. I’m trying not to panic when they tie my hands painfully

before

who stand at the top looking down into the pool. Only then do I realise how deep it is. They are standing a good foot above my head… if this pool fills

take time…

one last sentence of encouragement from the two guards, I watch

deep breaths to calm myself when I hear the door shut and the old rusty padlock reapplied to the door, leaving me