Chapter 21

Freya's POV

The silver stings in my side burned with each step, reminding me of the trap that had nearly claimed my life. Though Noah's antidote and Ethan's healing had stopped the poison, the wounds still felt like hot coals pressed against my flesh. I gritted my teeth, pushing forward through the moonlit forest. The memory of Ethan's touch lingered on my skin, both comforting and distracting.

"Focus, Freya," I whispered to myself, crouching low to examine tracks in the soft earth.

While other participants relied purely on their wolf instincts, I drew on my human side too. My mother had taught me to read nature's signs—broken twigs, disturbed leaves, and the slight depression of hooves in mud. I'd already caught six deer before the trap. Four more and I'd complete the trial.

I spotted fresh droppings and a tuft of fur caught on a thorny bush—signs of the silver-ringed deer I sought. Following the trail, I caught the scent on the breeze and moved quietly through the underbrush. My muscles screamed in protest, but I pushed the pain away, focusing on Ember's instincts merged with my human knowledge.

Two hours later, I dragged my ninth deer toward the forest edge, blood and sweat mingling on my skin. The sky had lightened from midnight blue to the soft gray of approaching dawn. One more. Just one more deer to prove myself.

The final hunt nearly broke me. The deer was clever, doubling back and crossing streams to mask its scent. My wounded leg threatened to give out with each step. Twice I stumbled, my vision blurring as pain shot through my side.

"For our pup," I whispered, resting my hand on my abdomen. Ember whined in agreement, lending me her strength. "For our future."

With renewed determination, I tracked the deer to a small clearing, its silver-ringed antlers gleaming in the early morning light. One perfect leap—ignoring the fire in my muscles—and I made the clean kill.

By the time I dragged the final deer from the forest, the sun had risen fully above the trees. Sweat plastered my hair to my forehead, and dried blood caked my clothes. I was the last competitor to emerge, but looking at the tally board, I saw that many had returned with fewer than ten deer. Some had given up entirely, their names crossed off the list.

At the forest edge, several elders stood on a raised platform. Victor's eyes glinted with approval when he saw me, though others whispered behind their hands. I caught fragments of their disapproval—"half-breed," "should have failed," "doesn't belong."

In the crowd, Riley stood rigid, her face transitioning from shock to hatred as she realized I'd completed the task. Clearly, she hadn't expected me to survive her trap, much less finish the hunt.

Ethan stood beside the elders, immaculate in a crisp button-down shirt and dark jeans, as though the wild man who'd made love to me in the forest had been just another dream. No hint of our encounter showed on his impassive face. I lowered my gaze, suddenly conscious of my filthy appearance and the wounds still visible through my torn clothing.

"The first trial, the Moonlit Forest Chase, is complete," Ethan announced, his voice carrying across the clearing.

"Second trial participants will advance to the Mind's Reflection Trial," Ethan continued, "which will take place five days from now." His eyes swept over the crowd, lingering momentarily on me. "This challenge will test not your physical strength, but your mental fortitude. You will face your innermost fears, resist hallucinations, and maintain your sense of self against powerful illusions."

A ripple of unease passed through the competitors. Mind trials were notoriously difficult, especially for wolves who relied more on physical prowess than mental discipline.

"For the convenience of participants, especially those from other packs," Ethan added, "temporary accommodations have been arranged at the forest edge. James will assign your quarters."

As the crowd dispersed, I noticed James, Ethan's Beta, directing participants to a cluster of tents. When my turn came, he handed me a key with a polite smile.

"Last tent on the right," he said. "Furthest from the others."

I actually liked this arrangement—far from the other competitors, away from potential conflicts. It was exactly what I needed for the next few days. My eyes drifted briefly to Ethan. Had he arranged this deliberately? The thought lingered as I turned toward my assigned quarters.

The accommodation was basic but comfortable—a bed, a small table with chairs, and basic amenities. I inspected my wounds, noting with relief that the worst had begun to heal.

Using a basin of water and a cloth, I cleaned away the forest grime, changing into fresh clothes from the pack provided in the tent. As I finished, a light tap sounded at the entrance.

"Come in," I called, instantly recognizing Ivy's scent.

My friend slipped inside, arms laden with food and supplies. Her eyes widened at the sight of my healing wounds.

"Holy goddess," she breathed, setting down her packages to embrace me carefully. "When my pendant activated, I nearly had a heart attack. I knew you were in serious danger."

"Someone set a trap," I said, keeping my voice low despite the isolation of my tent. "Silver spikes coated with wolfsbane and nightshade."

Ivy's hands trembled as she examined the marks on my side. "This was deliberate. Professional. Who would—"

"Riley," I interrupted. "I caught her scent near the pit."

Ivy's eyes flashed with fury. "We should report this to the elders. This goes beyond competition—it was attempted murder!"

I shook my head. "The forest was heavily patrolled before the hunt. She couldn't have set this up alone." Lowering my voice further, I continued, "Someone with authority must have helped her—an elder or high-ranking pack member."

"So what's your plan?" Ivy asked, her expression shifting from anger to concern.

"I'll gather evidence first," I replied. "When the time is right, I'll take it to Victor. He seems the only elder I might trust."

Ivy nodded, then asked hesitantly, "How did you survive? The pendant can buy time, but those injuries..."

"Noah saved me," I explained. "Ethan brought him into the forest to treat me."

Ivy's eyebrows shot up. "Ethan chose Noah? Not a pack healer?"

The question made me pause. Why had Ethan sought out Noah specifically? "I don't know," I admitted. "But I'm grateful he did. I need to thank Noah properly when I see him."

"Speaking of which," Ivy said, her expression lightening slightly, "you should rest before the next trial. I was thinking we could take a short forest trip—away from all this competition. Get your mind centered."

She smiled mischievously. "Maybe invite Noah along? To thank him properly, of course. And having a doctor around couldn't hurt."

I considered her suggestion, feeling a smile tug at my lips. "That's actually not a bad idea. I'll contact him tomorrow."