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.

the difference between us!” The blonde spat out in contempt as she jumped to her feet, clenching her fists, her chest heaving up and down. “I

course not,” Savvy smirked, fixing the non-existent creases on her dress. “You can only cling

with him deep into the garden!” Celia joined her friend in the witch hunt. However, the only witch in the crowd watched the

arched

her forehead. “We don’t have to do this. I am sure that whatever Savannah and

firmly, meeting the woman’s gaze. “If you are using titles, don’t

course. Princess Savannah.” Penelope went pale but managed

composure.

moments, but Inga broke the awkward silence. “We still don’t

it’s none of your business?” Brigit chuckled. “Should the

to say something, but

to hear. “I was looking

her gaze and thanked her with a small smile.

speak. “We all know King Kai will only marry a northerner and a lycan at that. So, all of you don’t stand a

then?” Naya scoffed,

to follow her example. However, when she

think that this little advantage in points will stick. These were children’s games! The best is yet to come, and everyone here

had a point. Since she was in the lead for the Trials, she now had a target on her back. And when

that when he ventured to restore a balance in points. “He

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

don’t deny that!” her

me,” Savvy snorted, “and look how well that ended! I seem to be attracting

to give up. She was probably one of the most stubborn wolves

us.

one she now singularly used to and from the garden whereby taking advantage of the knowledge Kai provided to the fullest when she heard his

“Savvy, wait!”

***

to me!” Elene clenched his hand so

not beat around the bush. He spent all his life sheltering her from pretty much everything and wasn’t sure anymore that he

said that you will always be on my side! That we are a team! That you will protect me and

what I am doing now. I am saving you from you.” Kai stopped and turned her so that she could see his

“I am sorry sister, but you lost yourself. I don’t recognise you anymore….” “I was just trying to help you!” The girl blinked away her angry tears. “This wasn’t the

brother with wide eyes and an open mouth.

he could end this conversation quickly. But to

start! You don’t seriously think there is any

not reply because, deep inside, he

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 olden days, stole our lands, betrayed our trust! And not much

not wrong to reject you, El,” Kai interrupted her speech and received an appalled expression in return. “In the end, he wanted to wait for his mate, and he found her. Everything made sense. He is happy with her, and she is perfect for him. No offence.

you!” his sister reminded him. “But I will have to get

I would be the one explaining to you these things… However, I see that I have

scanned the area lazily, knowing he did not

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

big

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

wishes have limits….” He reminded her what was

covered her face with her hands. “You are right. It’s my mistake. I shouldn’t have arranged

used to do in their childhood. “We can still

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everything out.”

“But Savannah…”