Chapter 15

Freya's POV

If I didn't win, my fate of being exiled was inevitable. Although Ethan proposed delaying the termination of our agreement until after the ceremony, claiming it was to protect me, I know very well that it’s just a temporary stalling tactic. I can’t pin my hopes on his fickleness. I stood at the entrance of the hunting ritual grounds, recalling Ethan's reply. Winning the championship now is not about honor or fame for me, but a necessary act to save my life.

The grounds buzzed with activity. Pack members from various families were already gathering, preparing for the upcoming autumn hunting ritual. Before the trials begin, the Moonshadow Pack, as the host, will entertain participants from our own pack and neighboring packs during the ceremony. After the ceremony concludes, we will have the first trial today. There are a total of three trials, and the time for the next trial will only be announced after passing the previous one. All three trials will be completed within a month.

As the Alpha of the Moonshadow Pack, Ethan is making final preparations in the forest, checking the medical stations set up throughout the area. Werewolf participants can signal their withdrawal from the hunt at any time. The pack's warriors patrol the perimeter, and upon receiving a withdrawal signal, they will quickly transport the participating werewolf to the nearest medical station for treatment.

I hesitated at the entrance, taking in the scene. The specially constructed hunting pavilion, erected only for these sacred occasions within the heart of the territory, stood adorned with ancient tribal symbols and seasonal offerings to the Moon Goddess.

"Freya!" Victor's voice carried across the hall, his weathered face brightening as he spotted me. Despite being Ethan's grandfather and the former Alpha, he had always shown me unexpected kindness.

Ember stirred with satisfaction at the elder's approval. "He respects us, even if others don't."

"I was worried you wouldn't come," Victor said, placing a warm hand on my shoulder. "Come, sit by me. I had the kitchen prepare your favorites."

As he guided me through the crowd, I felt countless eyes tracking our movement. Some gazes held mere curiosity, but most conveyed scrutiny and disdain. I straightened my spine, refusing to shrink under their judgment.

Across the hall, Riley stood surrounded by pure-blooded wolves, animatedly describing European hunting techniques. She gestured gracefully with one hand while the other rested on her ornate cane, a constant reminder of her injury. Her audience hung on her every word, occasionally glancing my way with poorly disguised contempt.

"Impressive turnout this year," I remarked, trying to ignore Riley's theatrical performance.

Victor nodded, leading me to the main dining area where the elders and family representatives would gather. "The autumn hunt is our most sacred tradition. Everyone wants to witness the new wolves prove themselves."

As we took our seats, Victor studied my face. "Freya, you've lost weight since I last saw you. Feeling the pressure before the hunt?"

Before I could answer, Ethan's mother Sarah snorted. "With you around, who would dare pressure her? Besides, what difference does it make if a mixed-blood participates in the hunt or not?"

The table fell silent. Sarah's disdain for me as Ethan's non-pure-blooded mate had never been a secret, but she rarely expressed it so openly.

Victor's eyes flashed silver, his former Alpha power momentarily visible. "On my territory, I allow no one to question the Alpha mate's position, Sarah. Not even you."

Sarah lowered her gaze, but the hostility in her eyes remained undiminished.

"I've just been busy preparing my gear for the ritual, Grandfather," I offered, trying to ease the tension. "Probably working too hard."

Victor placed a chunk of tender meat on my plate. "The hunt demands strength. Eat." His eyes lingered meaningfully on my midsection.

"Victor, may I join you?" Riley appeared beside our table, her smile saccharine as she shot me a victorious glance.

Victor nodded, and Riley chose a seat close to mine. The proximity made my skin crawl, but I kept my expression neutral.

"I've decided to participate in this year's hunt, despite my leg not being fully healed," Riley announced to the elders. "My time in European territories taught me techniques unknown to North American packs."

Whispers rippled through the younger wolves gathered nearby, admiring Riley's apparent courage.

"Grandpa!" A loud voice interrupted the murmurs. "Why so serious every hunting ritual? Loosen up!"

Lydia, Ethan's younger sister, strode toward us dressed in hunter-style leather adorned with various wolf-tooth decorations. Because she is not yet of age this year, she doesn't need to participate in the trial; she only needs to attend the ceremony. Victor's expression darkened at her appearance.

"Look at yourself," he growled. "What kind of outfit is this? This is a sacred hunting ritual, not your personal fashion show."

Lydia rolled her eyes, fingering one of the decorative fangs on her collar. "Relax, Grandpa. These aren't even real wolf teeth—just plastic trinkets I picked up in the human market. You're always so dramatic about tradition." She twirled, showing off her outfit with defiant pride while several younger pack members watched with fascinated expressions.

Lydia pulled out the chair next to mine. "Hey, Freya! Are you joining this year's hunt? I heard you did well in the last minor hunting expedition."

I nodded cautiously, unsure of Lydia's intentions. When I first arrived at the Moonshadow Pack three years ago, she wasn't very friendly to me. But over the past few years, we've had almost no interaction, and I'm not sure if she has changed now.

"Are you sure you want to participate in the entire trials, Freya?" Riley asked, her voice dripping with false concern. "It can be quite dangerous for mixed-bloods." The challenge in her tone was unmistakable.

"Thank you for your concern, Riley," I replied steadily, meeting her gaze. "How's your leg healing, Riley? Will you be able to keep up during the hunt?"

Riley's smile remained fixed. "For the sake of the pack, I'll overcome any difficulty. I suppose that's the difference between pure-bloods and... others."

As the meal progressed and pack members began leaving to prepare for the first trial, I noticed Sarah had turned her cold shoulder to me in favor of animated conversation with Riley.

"This is a blessing charm from European packs," Riley explained, showing Sarah an ornate hunting amulet. "It's said to enhance a wolf's senses under moonlight, a tradition passed down for a thousand years."

"My dear Riley, you're truly the most exceptional young wolf I've ever met," Sarah gushed. "You'll surely shine in this year's ritual."

A group of young wolves gathered around Riley as she recounted European hunting tales, occasionally glancing my way with undisguised challenge. My enhanced hearing picked up nearby conversations:

"I heard Ethan's dissolving their union..."

"Riley's back, she's the true mate for an Alpha..."

Riley smoothly joined the gossip. "I respect every Alpha decision. If Ethan believes dissolving their union is better for the pack, then as loyal members, we should support him."

Her false sincerity made me sick, but I maintained my composure. My child deserved better than a mother who lost control at every provocation.

As I prepared to leave, Lydia suddenly grabbed my arm. "Are you really planning to participate in the entire trials? You know what that means for a mixed-blood, right?"

"What are you trying to say?" I asked, instinctively protecting my abdomen.

Lydia lowered her voice. "Some pure-bloods target mixed-bloods during hunts. Especially an Alpha mate like you."