Chapter 33(The Tournament 2)
Chapter 33(The Tournament 2)
Roman’s pov
The morning came with a strange sky. Pale gold lines pushed through thick gray clouds. I stood on my balcony and listened. Down below the yard was alive already. I heard wood banging as men fixed the stands. I heard sharp calls from the warriors. Pups were laughing and running even though the sun was barely up. Today was the tournament. The whole pack buzzed like one big restless thing.
I leaned on the cold rail and looked over the courtyard. Wolves from other packs had started to arrive before dawn. I saw Alphas walking in their proud way, heads high, eyes cutting like knives. They wore their strength like armor. Banners of black, deep blue, and crimson flapped hard in the wind. The air smelled of many wolves. Strange scents mixed with the sharp smell of iron and excitement.
Before sunrise, Janet had come to me, her eyes was filled with worry. “The Luna is not well, Alpha,” she said in a soft frightened voice. “She can hardly stand. Please forgive her absence.”
Good. I smiled to myself, She is acting the part so well, at least she is useful in this part. All that is left is for everyone to be really convinced.
I quickly went back inside, to prepare my mind and soul for the task ahead. I didn't need any fancy clothes, because today, was all about our true form. When I was done, I walked down to the courtyard. The ground beat under my boots. Pack members bowed as I passed. Visiting wolves moved back from my shadow. Today was no day for weakness.
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The arena stood at the far end of the training grounds. It was a wide ring of hard dirt with pine trees all around. The smell of pine sap mixed with fresh soil. Rows of wooden seats went up in a circle, already packed with warriors, elders, and guests. Big drums boomed once, deep enough to shake the bones. The sound pulled every wolf to stillness.
I climbed the center platform where the other Alphas waited. Alpha Noah of Silver Hills gave a short nod, his pale eyes bright with challenge. Beside him stood Alpha Desmond of Greenwolf pack with a thin little smile. My Beta, Stephen, stood behind me, steady and calm.
Elder Othar stepped forward. His long robe carried the smell of incense, and his voice rolled strong over the crowd. “Today,” he said, “our packs gather to honor the strength of the wolf. This tournament is not only a sport, it is a test of power, of unity, of the bond we share with the wolf inside. Let the tournament begin.”
The crowd roared back. The drums answered with another thunder beat, and the earth felt alive beneath us.
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I pulled off my shirt and boots. Cold air hit my skin. My muscles tightened as I moved. Around me, the other Alphas did the same. Their bodies already shook with the first pull of the shift. The air thickened, and the whole environment felt the tension in the air.
I moved my head as the change tore through me like hot fire. My Bones cracked and stretched. My senses heightened. I could perceive every scent. My eyes slowly changed to deep red, and my wolf broke free.
He was black as midnight, bigger than any beast on the field. Gasps rippled through the crowd. I felt their awe like a wave against my fur. My wolf stood tall, the ground trembling under his paws, eyes burning cold.
The other Alphas shifted too…silver, gray, brown. The arena filled with deep growls and snapping air. Then the drums stopped. Only the sound of our breathing remained.
A single long howl cut through the sky. The signal we had all been waiting for. And with that, we moved as one.
The first challenge tested speed and heart. We raced around the ring while warriors threw up walls of fire and stone. I leapt over a pit of flames, claws tearing deep lines into the dirt. My heart beat in perfect rhythm with the pack. Dust rose high and carried the wild taste of freedom.
Next came combat trials. Wolves paired off and fought. Fur and teeth flashed everywhere. I met Alpha Desmond head on. The crash of our bodies shook the ground. His claws raked my shoulder, hot and sharp. I twisted, slammed him hard to the dirt, and the crowd howled in frenzy. Blood sang inside me. My wolf drank the fight, every strike a burst of pure power.
Round after round went by. Then came the final trial. A brutal free-for-all. Every wolf against all. We clashed and rolled in a storm of fur and teeth. I moved through the chaos like shadow and storm, my black coat flashing under the pale sun. No one matched my speed or strength. When the last drum boomed, I stood alone, with my chest heaving, and my fur streaked with dust and sweat. For years now, I have been the winner of the tournament, nobody comes close.
I shifted back to human form. The crowd exploded in cheers. Elders bowed. Visiting Alphas dipped their heads with grudging respect. But under the noise, my ears caught some whispers of the elders and other members of the pack.
“Why isn't the Luna here,” One said. “I heard she is sick,” another replied. “How sure are you…how come she is sick today of all days?”
The words pricked my ears like needles. I caught Elder Othar’s uneasy glance. My eyes scanned the crowd, and it felt like they were all staring at me, with the same thoughts.
A low growl built inside me. I forced my face to stay cold, and focus, like I couldn't hear their whispers and judgements. But inside, I was burning in anger, I felt like ripping their tongues out.
The drums still beat in the distance as I tried to put myself together. I can't show any sign of weakness or act like something is wrong. I had to be strong, and in control. Nobody must know my Luna is Wolfless.