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.

“What if he doesn’t find it? Are you certain this is your final choice?” He asks me and I nod. “Very

the door, on the doorframe to yours and the prince’s quarters. That

“Yes please.”

it doesn’t fall, at least after he goes to the bedroom, maybe he’ll

well then, let’s take you to your destination.” I nod and I’m passed onto another man and

tells me, Zedkiel finding

I made the right

down the hall when one of the men stops. “There are some warmer clothes for you to change into inside the washroom and please do use it. The night

consideration, but at the same time, I’m concerned by what he means that the

wait for you.” The man nods and motions for me

and find I’m

clothes Luna.” The

taking the clothes and putting them on. There are sweatpants and an oversized hoodie that I slip on. Once I exit the toilet, I

Luna!”

you.” I say before I exit the bathroom. Spotting the guards down the hall, I walk towards them and they

later, I’m no longer 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

of the two

middle of it, where they gesture for me to stop. It’s dark and empty, without any light. One of them bends down and binds my ankles

to free yourself or try to escape. This test is for prince Zedkiel. If you break the rules, you

is something everyone should

you 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 used for

prince comes, and depending on how fast he finds the

nod as I’m tied to something in the empty pool, but because my ankles

it necessary to tie me?” I

with a smile, as he then ties a cloth around my

of the contest, good luck Luna.” The other says as I stare at the huge rock that the other side

my wrists are

next thing they do is tie

a deep shuddering breath. They won’t hurt me. I’m trying not to panic when they tie my hands painfully tight and then they turn and

gurgling sound before I hear water gushing.

at the edge of the pool, I see the two men who stand at the top looking down into the pool. Only then do I realise

time…

from the two guards, I watch them, but they don’t bother looking back at me,

myself when I hear the door shut and the old rusty padlock reapplied