Chapter 26: A Test of Strength

My last training session was over before Derek tackled his next one, and I had just enough time to recover. 

With his arms crossed over his chest, he stood in the main hall and asked if they wanted to stay in Redwater. 

It was mostly empty, with only a few warriors standing around and listening intently. “Prove that you belong here.”. 

My muscles were still bruised and stiff after yesterday's brutal sparring, leaving me in agony. I had anticipated hostility, but this unexpected occurrence. It was not expected. 

His stare caught my eye even-handedly. "How?". 

Although Derek's lips were twisted, it wasn’t a smile, almost like the teeth of a wolf. 

"You'll pass the Gauntlet," he declared. 

He spoke with such clarity that the warriors reverberated in response. 

I'd heard whispers about the Gauntlet before. » The Redwater tribe was put to the test by their toughness and loyalty.... It was only when they completed it that the group became true members of the pack. 

My swallow was hard. "And what would happen if I were to fail?". 

“You don't belong here.”. 

It was a straightforward term, but it conveyed ambiguity. Should I fail, I would be a complete loser once more, isolated and unwelcomely separated from my fellow hunter, Jared. 

My face lifted upwards. "When is the appropriate moment to begin?". 

I was in the presence of Derek's sharp eyes. "During the evening.". 

### 

The entire group gathered at the northern end of the Redwater region as the last light faded behind the mountains. The centre of the clearing was lit by a massive bonfire, which cast shadows over the warriors who had congregated to watch. 

Derek sat with me, his eyes imprecisely written. Although Ilara was present with arms crossed, she didn't seem happy. However, Cassius appeared too eager to please me. 

While I had doubts about the Gauntlet's nature, my gut instincts were unquestioningly certain. 

Eventually, Derek turned to face me. “Three trials are in store,” he said loudly enough to impress the others. 

Instead, I lowered my head and tried to remain calm. 

“You’ll fight one of our warriors for what it is,” said Derek. 

A surge of excitement swept through the crowd. 

Upon hearing the announcement, Cassius looked at his shoulder. "I'll take it.". 

Of course, he would. 

I exhaled, bracing myself. 

Nodding, Derek proceeded towards the clearing. "Get into the ring.". 

### 

Cassius didn't waste time. 

After he gave the signal, Derek lunged. 

I came close to quailing under his swing as my heart raced against my ribs during his first attack. His speed was unexpected, but I had faith in him to be quick. 

I was surprised by his strength. 

His next hit landed on my back, and I was left staggering. It was like falling over in shock. The audience erupted in applause, but I didn't share their joy in seeing me tumble. After digging into the dirt, I pushed my heels forward. 

Cassius smirked, clearly underestimating me. 

Good. 

Upon turning around, I spun to the left and then slammed my elbow into his ribs. He grunted but barely flinched. I was knocked down by an arm that he had just released. It was quite unexpected. 

My mouth was filled with filth as I gasped for air. 

“Had enough?” Cassius taunted. 

Not even close. 

Despite the pressure, I made another lunge and kept my distance. It was very low indeed. He wasn't expecting it. I pushed my shoulder against his stomach, knocking him off balance. His stumble allowed me to hit him once more, hitting the back of his knee. 

Cursed, he fell to one side. 

With my arm pressed against his throat, I made the first move and tackled him headfirst. 

Cassius smashed, but I stood up. 

“Enough,” Derek's voice rang out. 

I hesitated, but upon glancing back, Derek's gaze was approaching that of his own. 

I slowly set Cassius free and stood up. He put on a stronghold and looked towards me but didn't say anything. 

Derek nodded. “Strength: passed.”. 

### 

The second trial was endurance. 

Redwater hunting was a challenging experience as I had to navigate through dense forest steep cliffs and perilous terrain. Thank goodness. 

I had to act while being chased. 

Two warriors were pursuing me, and if they apprehended me before I reached the end, I would be defeated. 

When Derek sent me the signal, I immediately ran. 

While leaning over fallen logs and avoiding brush, I was met with the unrelenting of the forest. Those footsteps carried adrenaline through my veins. 

They were gaining on me. 

I didn't think—I just moved. 

There was a narrow ditch in front of him, with the ground falling into darkness. It wasn't enough time to stop. 

I leapt. 

For a brief moment, I felt uncomfortable. As my hands collided with the opposite ledge, I leapt up as the two warriors stopped moving in pursuit behind me. 

My attention was solely on determining if they would comply. I ran. 

Despite feeling like I was dying, my legs and lungs were burning, but I still made it. 

Arme,d Derek stood at the finish line. 

“Endurance: passed.”. 

The final trial was instinct. 

My task was to track a target through the woods with just my senses. 

Derek guided me to the starting point before presenting me with a fabric piece that was dark, damaged, and had hints of odor. 

The air was up to me, so I breathed in it. I couldn't put it down despite the familiar smell. 

Derek urged, "You have until the moon rises to find your target.". 

He disappeared into the trees, leaving me alone. 

I closed my eyes, focusing. 

The scent was faint, but I followed it closely. 

The forest was quiet except for the crunching of leaves beneath my feet. I moved with great care, tracking the aroma deeper into the woods.'". 

Then I heard it—breathing. 

I turned just in time to see a shadow between trees.? 

Not Derek. 

Someone else. 

I tried to hide and my pulse picked up as I slowly crouched low. But when I came forward, the figure swiveled. 

Not a Redwater warrior. 

A Midnight Moon spy. 

I only had a few seconds before he made an incurable run towards me. 

But I sprinted away, narrowly avoiding him.". As I contemplated the situation, my heart raced. 

The trial did not involve this matter. 

Jared's operatives had gained entry into the territory. 

The spy made another lunge, but I was moving faster this time. My fist dribbled down his throat as I dodged. He choked, staggering back. 

But I wasn't done. 

The knife was in his belt, and I pulled it off with my hand until it went into his shoulder. It took a while. He shouted and fell to his knees... 

I exhaled, my chest heaving. 

Then I smelled it—Derek. 

He was visible for a brief moment, his eyes fixed on the scene. The spy was once inspected by him and then again by me. 

I anticipated that he would be furious. Maybe even suspicious. 

Instead, he smirked. 

“Instinct: passed.”. 

I had survived. 

Upon seeing the spy, I felt a chill in my chest. 

I wasn't just being lied to by Jared. 

He was coming for me.