The Luna Trials by Marissa Gilbert

Chapter 43

Savannah clenched her lips, preparing to fight. This conversation was going from bad to worse.

“What kind of reaction do you expect to get for a claim like this?” She crossed her hands over her chest. The defensive movement came naturally to her, and Darius frowned, seeing this.

“I want you to go with me,” he said without breaking eye contact. Bjorn wasn’t lacking confidence.

“Now.”

“Go where exactly?” Savannah was slightly startled by his bluntness,

“To the real North.” He lifted his chin higher and took a step forward. Savannah decided not to budge and stayed in her place. Showing weakness now would have been a mistake,

“And this is… where again?” The woman looked at him questioningly.

“My castle,” he replied calmly. “The White Bear Clan territory. This is from where I am planning to rule the North and other kingdoms in the future.”

“Other kingdoms?” She shot her brow up. Now, this was getting interesting. “Are you even

serious?”

“I am deadly serious.” Not a muscle flinched on his face, and he took another step. “My family have been working for this for years. And we have never been closer.”

“You family?” Savvy decided to try and fish for more information while he was offering it so easily. “And here you gave me an orphan vibe.”

“I guess you can say that about me now.” The man chuckled. “I am one of the last ones left. But I will do anything to keep the family’s legacy.”

“How very noble of you,” she scoffed, still thinking of the best course of action. “I didn’t take you for a family man.”

“Family is of crucial importance to me.” Now Darius was almost next to her. “You will learn this over

time as you are going to be a part of it.”

Savannah was unimpressed with the statement. “Have you ever thought about maybe asking for my opinion first?”

“I am asking you to go with me now. Leave this place; forget about Kai and the stupid humiliating Luna Trials.” His jaw tensed as he took another step. The last one. Now she was finally within his reach, and they both knew that. “This is a one-time offer, Princess.”

“And if I say no?” She swallowed the lump that formed in her dry throat. Close, he was too close. What would you do then?”

“I would still make you mine,” he promised while his healthy eye darkened. “But it would be a less pleasant process for you. This is why I want you to think carefully now. It’s rare for me to give anyone a choice, but I would prefer us to have a good start even if the finale doesn’t change.”

a choice!” Her fists clenched. “It’s a

whole world at your feet. I will give you your mate’s head on a

head? Isn’t he your best buddy? The last time we spoke, he

his fingers over her arms gently as if

reaction. For the first time, Sawy stepped

to do this to her

I had no interest in you just until recently. Everything changed after

an honour?” Savvy taunted, quirking her brow

knew how to be stubborn; at this point, it was a

made her choice a while ago, and nothing could change her mind. She was in

bears decided to kill her here and now after her words, she knew she wouldn’t humiliate her chosen mate by lying. She would die fighting if she

push the man in front of her off that ridiculously high

glowered suspiciously, but then his gaze landed on something else, and Savannah felt him grasping her neck painfully and yanking her towards himself. The airflow was restricted now, but it wasn’t her main problem. The main problem was the power she felt vibrating from him. If he tightened his grip

her.

to her chest, but then she saw him hooking the North Star necklace with his finger. “When did he give this to

answer?” she sald, breathing rasp in her throat as he squeezed it tighter. Her vision started to darken, and she thought this was the end when he threw

quickly. “Doesn’t matter!” Darius grunted as he circled her, looking down on her, yet stretching his hand

is your answer? Come with

voice hoarse,

his expression. Deep inside, he knew that this

I

and gathering her strength, she managed to

I will never go with you! I will never be with you! I will never-” He charged at her, trying to capture her again, but this time she was ready and dodged in time, recoiling with her own attack

going to regret!” He promised, baring his teeth. “I thought one lesson was enough for you, but it looks

letting him out of her sight. Then she tried to kick him again, but he caught her foot and threw her towards the giant fire pit. She hit the heavy hot cast iron wall that burned her exposed skin. It didn’t matter much. Scars wouldn’t kill her,

to get up. However, the creaking of the opening shrine doors distracted them both as they turned and saw Astrid walking in, followed closely by Naya and Petra. All three women were shocked by the picture that unfolded before

Bjorn, not

work.

you only can. The guards

the contenders.”

then nodded and turned on her heels, almost bumping into Brigit’s chest. Now there were two white bears in the room, and Savannah wasn’t sure how it

Bridgit’s eyes glowed as she assessed the space around her, and she firmly stepped on

bridge

the rules of the competition anymore. She ran at Bjorn and tried going for his neck, however, he managed to dodge the blow and recoiled by throwing her at Savannah, who was trying to attack him too, knocking her off her feet. Both women grunted as they tried to get up, but Naya and Astrid were next. The white bear leader laughed as he blocked their attacks. This didn’t

probably the best opportunity they would

people, or she would have to use her third form. Just the thought

bad at. Every royal lycan had a problem controlling the beast inside of them. They were primal creatures, full of power and strength. They were sleeping inside of them, hibernating, One could go his whole life without awakening