Chapter 31: A New Rank, A New Enemy

Redwater's war chamber was extremely tense.   Trotter light cast shadows on the warriors lining the walls, their eyes darting between Derek and me with unabashed curiosity.   The air was heavy with the stench of battle, a reminder of the ambush we had just escaped.    I became aware of how serious the situation was as I stood by Derek's side, my heart pounding.  

Derek's amber eyes scanned the room before settling on me.    His voice had been quiet since the interrogation, but now it was firm and commanding.  

"Last night, Claire proved her worth," he said.   "Without her, we would have fallen into Jared's trap."  

The members of the pack began to murmur.   While some remained stiff, with unreadable expressions, others nodded in agreement.   Redwater was a traditional and powerful pack, and I was an outsider.   A former Midnight Moon Omega.   My presence was already causing controversy in their eyes.  

I refused to droop under their scrutiny and kept my chin up.  

Derek continued on, unaffected.   "I have decided on something.   Claire will take on leadership responsibilities at Redwater.  

Like a hammer, silence fell.   Then there was mayhem.  

The warriors let out protesting shouts.  

"We haven't got her!"  

"She's an asset!"  

"Is an outsider in charge of us?   That's insane!  

I balled my fists up.   Although I had expected opposition, the outright hostility made my chest ache.  

Cassius took a step forward, maintaining a composed but firm expression.   Claire has already demonstrated her abilities.   She saved your lives.  

"She's still new here," exclaimed Garrick, one of Redwater's senior fighters.   His dark eyes blazed with distrust.   "She hasn't trained or bled with us.   What if Jared is pulling a ruse?  

I tensed up.   "Do you believe I am a spy?"  

Garrick crossed his arms.   You must have travelled from the Midnight Moon.   And that alone should make you wary.  

Derek's voice was stern.   "She's not a spy."  

A broad-shouldered woman named Sienna, another warrior, narrowed her eyes.   "Then allow her to demonstrate it."  

There was a ripple of agreement in the audience.  

Derek's expression was unreadable as he faced me.   "Claire?"  

I swallowed as my heart pounded in my ears.   They sought evidence.   Alright.   I would offer it to them.  

"What are you thinking about?"   I looked into Sienna's eyes and asked.  

She grinned.   "A trial in combat."  

Naturally.   Redwater valued strength above all else.   Words would not persuade them.  

Derek did not protest, despite his jaw tightening.   He examined my face as he looked at me.   "This is unnecessary for you to do."  

However, I did.   They would never accept my surrender now.  

I lifted my chin.   "I agree."  

A thunderclap of approval rang out from among the warriors.  

Sienna smiled.   "Okay, tomorrow morning."  

Derek nodded sharply, but his expression darkened.   "All right.   However, no fatalities occurred.  

Her eyes shone brightly as she cocked her head.   "No assurances."  

---  

At dawn, the training grounds were crowded.   The entire pack had gathered to watch the challenge.   The smell of damp earth and pine permeated the crisp morning air, but beneath it was something sharper—the expectation of a fight.  

I rolled my shoulders as I stood in the centre of the sparring ring, attempting to relieve tension.   Sienna stood across from me, clenching her knuckles.  

Derek crossed his arms and observed from the ring's edge.   Despite his deliberately neutral expression, I could feel the weight of his stare.   Standing next to him, Cassius murmured something to himself.  

One of the pack elders stepped forward.   It is a test of both skill and strength.   There were no lethal strikes.   The first to give up loses.  

Sienna grinned.   "Outsider, try to stay more than a minute."  

I didn't respond.   I simply looked her in the eyes and let my inner wolf come out.  

The older man raised his hand.   "Start."  

Sienna sprang forward.  

She was quicker than I expected.   I swerved to the side and narrowly missed her initial blow.   Her foot swung towards my ribs as she spun.   The impact sent a shockwave through my arm, but I managed to block it in time.  

She possessed strength.  

I barely had time to catch my breath before she struck me again, her fists flying in a ferocious barrage.   I ducked and weaved, parrying whenever I could, but she persisted.  

The audience applauded her.  

I clenched my jaw, becoming irritated.   I wasn't just fighting Sienna; I was also fighting their distrust and suspicion.   If I lost, I'd be an outsider forever.  

This needed to be over.  

Sienna attempted to hit me in the face, but I was prepared.   I grabbed her wrist with a sharp twist.   I pulled her arm behind her back, causing her to gasp.   I swept her legs out from under her and slammed her to the ground before she had time to react.  

She growled and shifted slightly, but I'd already begun to move.   I pinned her by pressing my forearm against her throat.  

"Give in!" I snarled.  

She swore.   I briefly thought she would say no.   She let out a sharp breath.  

"I give in."  

Quiet.  

Then there were murmurs of approval.  

I let her go and stood up.  

Derek took a step forward, meeting my gaze with his golden eyes.   He then examined the pack.  

He declared, "She has earned her place."   "Speak up immediately if you're still unsure."  

Nobody did.  

---  

I sensed a shift that evening as the group gathered in the main hall for a feast.   There were fewer stares and whispers.   Some of the warriors even gave me a sideways nod.  

I sat next to Derek, still hurting from the fight but triumphant.  

His voice was low as he leaned in closer.   "Today you caught them off guard."  

I grinned.   "I wasn't expecting that."  

His mouth quirked, but Cassius turned a gloomy expression before he could respond.  

He whispered, "We have a problem."  

Derek stood up.   "What is this?"  

Cassius finally confronted me after some hesitation.   "A messenger has just arrived from Midnight Moon."  

The room's atmosphere appeared to be still.  

I tensed up.   "What do they seek?"  

Cassius' face became serious.   "They insist on turning you over."  

I felt sick to my stomach.  

Derek spoke with an uncomfortably low tone.   "What happens if we say no?"  

Cassius paused.   "They claim they are going to burn Redwater to the ground."  

I felt a shiver creep down my spine.  

Today, I had won.