Crowned by Fate (Skye) novel Chapter 125

The day of the second trial had finally arrived. As we gathered at the ceremonial grounds, I found myself questioning the consteliami

Before entering the Alpha King election, im gol had been simple; win at any cost. The crown world af

gre to fight for all werewolves who suffered ininstler, I would create a world where packs like thatithorn wouldn’t have to endure the cruelty of Alphas, where instrasts could find belonging.

But as I stood in the precipice of the second trial, Skyes hand warm in mine, Ryder and Lydis flanking on with unservering patty, old help bert question myself. Would I truly pay an price for victory?

No. If winning meant sacrificing the people who mattered most, the ones who had believed in me when I had nothing, then such a victory would be hollow, meaningless. What was the point of being Alpha kme if I beat what made the title worth having?

Perhaps sensing me tension, Skye squrered my hand prasti

the remaining twenty teams.

bew thiength from her touch, Kering myself in focus as Elder Selene stepped forward to

The Trial of Wisdom,” Elder Selene announced, her voler carrying across the silent gathering, ‘consists of two phases. First, each park must overcome a unique challenge as a team. Those who succeed will progress to the second phase–direct.competition between packs.”

Her ancient eyes swept across the candidates, sharp despite her years. As with the first trial, if you find yourself in mortal danger, signal for rescue and withdraw. There is no shame in living to fight another day.”

A thin smile touched her lips. “After all, the Council is not an organization of assassins. Our purpose is to select a worthy Alpha King, not to collect

The attempt at humor fell flat among the tense competitors. I scanned the gathering, wondering which of these Alphas harbored murderous intentions toward me. Maya’s warning echoed in my mind–someone wanted me eliminated permanently.

My gaze settled briefly on Maxwell. My uncle’s expression revealed nothing, his face a mask of calm determination. If he was planning my demise, he hid it well

When Elder Selene concluded her speech, attendants guided each team to separate locations. Our group was led to a small wooden cabin set apart from the

“Your first challenge is called The Arrow Shower,” the attendant explained, gesturing toward the door. “Every ten minutes, arrows will fire from the walls. After thirty minutes, the door will unlock automatically.” With an upsettling smile, he added. “Good luck,” before walking away.

Inside, the cabin was sparsely furnished–just a large round wooden table in the center, nothing else. The walls were unremarkable, giving no indication of the deadly projectiles they would soon launch.

י

Skye immediately approached the table, rapping her knuckles against its surface. “Solid wood,” she observed, eyes calculating. “We could use this as a She glanced around at us. “Help me dismantle it.”

“Eve got this,” Ryder volunteered, his eyes gleaming with determination as his mails elongated into claws. With a few powerful swipes, he separated the tabletop from its base.

shield.”

Working quickly, he split the wooden disk into four roughly equal sections. “Seems simple enough,” he remarked, helling one of the makeshift shields, “We stand back–to–back, use these to block the arrows, and wait it out.”

ΠΠΕ

1 frowned, unease prickling at the back of my neck. “It feels too straightforward,”

“Perhaps were fortunate this year,” Lydia suggested, her melodic voice reassuring behind her mask. The night before we left Oasisbom, I performed a divination. The cards predicted good fortune for our journey.”

The sends had barely left her lips when the first arrows shot from the walls, whistling through the air with deadly precision.

“Defensive positions?” I shouted, raising my shield.

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Chapter 125

The formed i Ilent clitic, each curvering a section of the Ton

deeply in our thalekhin thick.

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