The Luna Trials by Marissa Gilbert

18. Our Spot

Shaken, Elene’s lips twitched uncontrollably as she looked at her brother. She couldn’t believe he was doing this to her, but she knew better than contradicting her King.

Very well,” she let on. A new fake smile appeared on her lips, and she sought to look as if his interruption did not bother her. “The next contender then. So, Brigit, how about …”

“No!” Kai thundered, and every head at the table turned in his direction. “Enough history. Allow the ladies to enjoy their brunch, sister.”

“But “She started, wanting to say so much more; however, upon meeting his stern gaze, she forced another smile on her lips. “You are so lucky that the Lycan King of The North is gracious. I had many more questions for all of you, but his wish is my command. As for the points, they will be summed up based on the ….”

“No need for that!” Kai stopped her again. Anger flashed in the princess’s eyes this time.

Savvy watched the show with interest, her hand stretching to get a succulent strawberry This was a new change of events..

“This is an official challenge, Kai,” Elene insisted, “Their points must be taken into consideration.”

“Oh, I am aware.” The King retorted and gestured for his Beta to come forward. Savannah hadn’t had the chance to meet the infamous Beta Lachlan in person yet. The Crimson Wolf got his nickname not thanks to the colour of his fur, which was, in fact, a cream colour on the verge of light golden. A beautiful colour which caused many enemies to underestimate him, thinking he was soft in nature. All of them ended up dead.

The nickname came from the battle where he almost single-handedly killed hundreds of rebellious werewolves. By the end of the fight, his fur had indeed become red from all the blood that gushed onto him from the wounds of his opponents.

So, when a friendly-looking guy in his late twenties with blonde hair and a beard walked to Kai with a grin plastered over his face, she raised her brow in surprise. Looks were indeed deceiving…

“Lachlan will be responsible for the points from now on,” Kai announced. Gasps of surprise rippled through the crowd next to them, drowning out the buzzing of drones flying above them.

“That’s great,” Elene fraudulently offered as she smiled, looking like she was about to break a neck or two. “I will give him the information…..”

“That will not be necessary,” Lachlan stopped her. “I had been counting and am ready to announce the results.”

“Begin,” Kai gestured, ignoring his sister glaring at him.

“Salome Gray, Autumn Bern, Mikaela Levarro, Naya Knight, Astrid Erling, Mavis Redfeather,” the Beta called out and then paused, looking around. Only when he had their full attention did he continue on. “Two correct questions and five points for each question.”

“Penelope Summerstern, Inga Finn, and Celia Morr,” Lachlan went on. “Two answered questions. Two and a half points each due to their level of complexity. Five points in total each.”

The satisfied smile on Penelope’s face faded. “Brigit Borg. One question answered correctly. Five points.” The werebear girl only lifted her chin higher, ignoring the murmurs behind her back.

“Petra Biernat.” Lachlan cleared his throat and sighed. “Mind link detected. Two questions answered. Five points each. Five points were deducted. Five points in total.”

“Savannah Stormhold. Three questions answered. Ten points each due to their complexity.” Lachlan announced, and even Savvy was shocked with such a decision.

“Please, announce the final points for the two tasks,” Kai nodded at his Beta.

“Of course,” Lachlan was clearly ready for everything. “In the lead is Princess Savannah with 20 points. Followed by Salome Gray, Autumn Bern, Mikaela Levarro, Naya Knight, Astrid Erling, and Mavis Redfeather, with 15 points each. Penelope Summerstern, Inga Finn, Celia Morr, Petra Biernat, Bridget Borg – ten points each.”

“Congratulations, ladies!” Kai gave them all his most brilliant smile. He seemed very happy with the results. “This wraps it up for today. Enjoy your brunch!”

The King stood up, trying to catch Savannah’s glance, but she was too busy watching the reactions of other contenders.

“Brother!” Elene, however, was already at his side. “Why don’t we speak for a minute?” “Of course,” he offered her his hand, and she accepted. Savannah turned to look at them, but they had turned their backs to her.

She watched as they walked away without saying a thing.

“Well,” Inga was the first to speak, throwing a hostile gaze at Savvy, “whatever services you provide for the king seems to be paying off.”

“I’d watch your mouth when you speak to me if I were you,” Savannah replied without emotion. Having low expectations with these girls was really the way to go.

her feet, clenching her fists, her chest heaving up and down. “I am not you! I don’t use a man’s

on her dress. “You can only cling to your

the witch

Savvy arched her

to do this. I am sure that whatever

gaze. “If you are

Penelope went pale

composure.

the awkward silence. “We still don’t know what you

none of your business?” Brigit chuckled. “Should the Northern King seek your permission before

say something, but Petra had joined in

to hear. “I was looking for King Kai and saw them together. They talked. Nothing

gaze and thanked her with a small

King Kai will only marry a northerner and a lycan

worked up then?” Naya scoffed,

best to follow her example. However, when she had almost removed herself from her companions

that this little advantage in points will stick. These were children’s

had taught her that arguing with ignorant people was useless. Nevertheless, she knew Inga had a point. Since she was in the lead for the Trials, she now had a target on her back. And when it came to the battle challenges that would come later, she would be at the top

he ventured to restore a balance in points. “He wanted to help,” Athena

simply wanted the North to look good,” Savannah retorted, walking in the direction of the castle.

that!” her wolf

liked me,” Savvy snorted, “and look how well that ended! I seem

Athena wasn’t one to give up. She was probably

wolf wants us.

used to and from the garden whereby taking advantage

“Savvy, wait!”

***

Elene clenched his hand so hard that even he could

me, little sister.” Kai decided to not beat around the bush. He spent all his life sheltering her from pretty much everything and wasn’t sure

one who disappointed me, Kai! You said that you will always be on my side! That we are a team! That you will

you from you.” Kai stopped and turned her so that she

was just trying to

her brother with wide eyes and an open mouth.

start!” He sighed heavily, wishing he could end this conversation quickly. But

she grabbed his hand desperately,” don’t you start! You don’t seriously think there is

reply because, deep inside,

the two of them. “Remember what you told me when Gideon humiliated me?! You said our kingdoms were at war for hundreds of years, and a simple truce was a miracle! They slaughtered our werewolf packs on the borders in the

to wait for his mate, and he found her. Everything made sense. He is happy with her, and she

“But I will have

one explaining to you these things… However, I see

not want

Trials. When she arrived, she hated the North and us. She didn’t want to marry you, and the Luna Trials only made

big

not. The surprise is that she stayed.” Elene pointed out the obvious. “Don’t you get it? She learned about the three wishes. She wins, and she can get anything from you! Honestly, I don’t think she

have limits….” He reminded her what was

to her advantage.” The Princess covered her face with her hands. “You are right. It’s my mistake. I shouldn’t

he used to do in their childhood. “We

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everything out.”

“But Savannah…”