The Luna Trials by Marissa Gilbert

“No promises!” Savvy snorted, and her new self-proclaimed friend giggled as well.

“Seriously,” the blonde sighed, “I tried talking to everyone here and other than you, Petra is the least blood-thirsty one. Can we agree to be on the same side at least until the final trial?”

“Are you sure we are going to stay here that long?” a chuckle escaped the princess. “Do you even remember that we are the least desirable contenders here?”

“We are the most underestimated ones!” Astrid corrected her with a smirk. “Something tells me, you are getting far in this contest. And I am not a quitter either!”

“Feisty little southerner!” Savvy giggled. “Fine! I like the idea. Now, spill. What is the next challenge?”

“Interviews,” Astrid replied, looking around cautiously. “Emma just arrived and saw that the twin’s filming crew came right before her.”

“Maybe they are just going to film everything as usual,” Savannah suggested.

“Unlikely.” Astrid shook her head as the three of them climbed up the stairs. “She saw folders with our names, and they discussed questions as they waited for the security check. We don’t know any specifics.”

“Too bad!” Savvy chuckled.

“And what information do you have to thank Astrid’s kindness?” Emma grunted behind

them.

looked at Savvy apologetically. “I know who will be the twin’s main target,” the princess winked at her two companions. “Something we don’t

Astrid intervened. “If Savvy happened to know something, she would tell

are too kind!” Emma mumbled, but both of them heard that. “Don’t worry,”

was still on her, and she liked its scent. Besides, she was so exhausted she simply didn’t have the strength for anything anymore. So, she

gently surrounded her, making Athena purr in her mind as the two of them

*

*

*

What happened yesterday left her perplexed and puzzled. It was difficult figuring everything out in this strange place. She was used to political games; however, back in her kingdom, at least she knew who she could trust. She had her brother Gideon, who always had her best interest in mind. She had Reid, his Beta, who was also like an older brother to her and was always spoiling her more than anyone else. She also had her warrior friends. She knew that each of them was ready to die for their

didn’t have any of that here, and sometimes

been her best friend ever since she could remember, and she was happy that he volunteered to come

had to admit to herself that she enjoyed her date with Kai. She liked talking to him, kissing him, okay, probably more than just liked it. The way they parted yesterday was so promising. She

Bjorn bear was intimidating. It bothered her that he was physically stronger. Not

was a royal, after all. A simple bear wasn’t supposed to be able to tackle her this easily. Which could only mean

their encounters. Savvy saw a dark figure hanging over

his pearly whites at her, and she

she shouted as he escaped

last night, and we couldn’t find you in the morning! Do you know that it’s