The Challenge Day
The first day Rina stepped onto the training grounds, a hush fell over the female warriors. They had expected her to falter, to struggle like any Luna unaccustomed to the rigors of combat. Instead, what they witnessed left them wide-eyed.
Her movements were sharp and fluid, her strikes precise, her defense nearly flawless. Every punch, every counter, every evasive step carried the weight of experience. She didn’t just fight—she dominated with a grace that could only come from years of hard training.
When the session ended, murmurs rippled across the grounds.
“She really was an elite warrior,” one whispered.
“I thought it was just boasting, but she fights like someone who’s lived on the battlefield,” another added.
Respect replaced doubt. By the time the warriors dispersed, many looked at Rina not just as a Luna-to-be, but as someone they wanted to learn from.
Word of her display spread quickly through the pack. The chosen challenger, Menar—a fierce, broad-shouldered warrior—heard about it from her friends.
“She’s impressive, Menar,” one of them said cautiously. “You should be careful.”
But Menar scoffed, tossing her braid over her shoulder. “Don’t be ridiculous. It’s just a show. She’s trying to intimidate me before the fight. When the real challenge comes, I’ll crush her easily.”
Her friends exchanged uneasy glances but said no more.
When Theo heard the reports, pride warmed his chest. He had always known Rina was strong, but to see her earning the warriors’ respect so quickly—it made his heart swell. Still, he refused to let his guard down. If anything, the brighter she shone, the more he feared someone would try to dim her light.
The next day, anticipation filled the air. The warriors gathered eagerly, waiting for Rina. When she finally arrived, something unexpected happened. Instead of a joint training, the session transformed into something else
The warriors begged her to demonstrate, to correct their stances, to teach them the small tricks she used. And so, Rina found herself guiding them, showing them how to strengthen their balance, how to read an opponent’s movements, how to strike with precision rather than just force.
By the end of the day, laughter and cheers rang across the training field. Bonds had been forged. Rina was no longer just a Luna-to-be—she was becoming a sister-in-arms.
But in the shadows, bitterness simmered.
Earlier that week, Samantha had gone to the healer, her eyes brimming with fake tears. She spun a tale about a cruel kitchen maid who had insulted her, whispering that she wanted a way to teach the girl a lesson. The healer, fooled by her pitiful act, gave her a small pouch of herbs.
“A mild dose will only cause diarrhea,” he explained kindly. “But use too much, and the body will weaken dangerously. Be careful—it’s not meant for long use.”
Samantha had thanked him sweetly, masking the malice in her heart.
That very evening, she began slipping the herb into Rina’s meals, smiling to herself as she imagined the Luna clutching her stomach, humiliated in front of everyone. But days passed, and nothing happened.
Rina remained strong, her body showing no hint of weakness. In fact, she grew more radiant with each training session.
Samantha’s smile began to falter. She doubled the dose. Still nothing.
And then came the news—the entire pack buzzing with admiration for Rina’s tactics, her strength, her leadership.
Alone in her room, Samantha’s hands trembled as she gripped the pouch of herbs. “Why isn’t it working?!” she hissed through clenched teeth.
What she didn’t know was that Theo, ever cautious, had instructed Rina not to eat meals prepared outside his watch. From the very start of her training, Rina had been taking only small portions, often leaving her plate untouched when no one noticed.
Samantha’s carefully laid trap had fallen flat before it even began.
But rage burned hotter in her chest. If poison couldn’t break Rina, she would just have to find another way.
\---
The day of the challenge dawned bright and restless. The air inside the pack was heavy with anticipation, warriors and servants alike rushing through the grounds with hurried steps. The arena, a vast circle of stone and earth, was being prepared under Jihoo’s sharp eye. Chosen warriors moved with discipline, driving wooden posts into the soil, tightening ropes, clearing the grounds of debris. The banners of the pack were raised high, fluttering against the morning breeze.
Theo stood apart from the bustle, though his restless hands betrayed him as they clenched and unclenched at his sides. Beside him, Beta Matt was giving orders to the guards stationed near the pack gates, ensuring everything was secure for their expected guest.
Today was not just Rina’s challenge. It was also the day of Luna Ella’s arrival.
Theo hated that timing had entwined the two events, but tradition and fate had offered him no choice even as his own heart threatened to split with the thought of Rina stepping into the arena.
Meanwhile…
Inside her chamber, Rina sat quietly before the mirror, her dark hair being woven into a braid by Samantha. The other woman’s movements were steady, gentle, almost too kind.
“You will look perfect,” Samantha said softly, adjusting the silver clasp on the braid. Her tone was honeyed, but her eyes flickered with something sharp, something poisonous, as she leaned closer.
When she finished, Samantha excused herself to fetch the prepared meal from the kitchen. She returned moments later, balancing a tray of warm bread, stew, and tea.
Rina’s gaze lingered on the food, but she shook her head slowly. “I don’t feel hungry.”
“Not even a little?” Samantha pressed, her smile tight.
“No.”
Samantha’s nails dug into the tray’s edges, hidden beneath her composed façade. So that was why. She had noticed before, but now it was certain—Rina never ate when it mattered most. Someone must have warned her. And when Theo slipped into the chamber only minutes later, the truth became undeniable.
The door creaked as he entered, his tall frame casting a shadow across the floor. He shut it quickly behind him, his jaw set tight.
“They told me not to see you,” he muttered, his voice low, almost strained, “but I couldn’t—” He broke off, shaking his head. His eyes searched her face with desperate longing, as if trying to memorize every detail. “Are you well?”
Rina’s lips curved into the faintest smile. “I am.”
The silence stretched between them, full of everything they wanted to say but couldn’t. At last, Theo reached out, brushing his fingers lightly against her braid. Then, with a sharp inhale, he stepped back and forced himself to leave.
Samantha stood frozen near the table, her heart thundering. She had seen. She had seen the reason her herbs failed—the Alpha himself had shielded Rina all along.
Her anger twisted deep in her gut, but she smothered it quickly. Turning back to Rina with a sweet smile, she said, “Don’t worry. Everything will be fine. You are strong. Stronger than all of them.”
Rina gave her a grateful nod, unaware of the venom burning behind Samantha’s calm expression.
\---
At that moment, the heavy footsteps of border patrol warriors echoed against the stone path leading to the arena. Two of them, breathless from their hurried ride, pushed through the crowd and straight to Theo’s side.
“Alpha,” one panted, bowing low. “Luna Ella has arrived at the border. Beta Lucian is with her.”
Theo’s heart gave a jolt. He turned to face the waiting crowd in the arena. His voice rang out, strong and commanding.
“Luna Ella, mate of Alpha Damian, has reached the pack!”
The announcement struck like thunder. Excitement surged through the pack, cheers breaking out, whispers racing through the crowd about the rare white-silver wolf, the she-wolf of legend who now stood among them.
Immediately, Theo, Jihoo, Matt, and the elders gathered, their expressions solemn yet eager. Together, they set out from the arena to the borders, ready to greet Damian’s mate with the honor and reverence her name demanded.
And in the arena, the drums began to pound, calling the wolves to gather for the fight.