Hidden agendas

Mia's POV 

The moment, Sylvia slammed the door shut, I sat on the cold, lifeless bed. My fingers clenched into fists, my nails digging into my palms as I tried to calm myself down. I had expected hostility, but hearing it directly, seeing the hatred in Sylvia's eyes still stung.

I turned to the empty walls, the large windows overlooking the Pack's training ground, but everything filled me with hollow emptiness. Somewhere out there, Jasper was living his life. Did he even regret letting me go? Was he even looking for me? Or I had become his past already?

I tightened my jaw, forcing the thoughts out of my mind. I didn't have the time to dwell on the past. Right now, I had to focus on how to survive the present. But can I? Can I ever forget my mate? Can I ever forget the man who showed me so much love in this cruel world?

*******

The next morning 

A sharp knock on my door made me shiver in fear. I forced myself to open the door only to find a guard standing at the door. 

"The Alpha has summoned you," a guard announced gruffly.

Without saying anything, I followed him through the long hallways , the murmurs of passing pack members lingering in the air.

"Look at her. I don't like her."

"She's a disgrace. Other Packs would mock us."

"Sylvia is far prettier and stronger than her."

The words stung and for a moment, I wanted to turn towards them and shout "I know' but it was useless. It would rather complicate things further.

The grand hall was filled up when I arrived. And I begin wondering, how the hell do this people make a source of living? Or maybe their moon goddess would throw them crisp dollar notes from the moon. 

Alpha Ezra stood at the center, surrounded by the elders and the highest ranking warriors of the pack. Sylvia stood to his right, dressed in a fitted combat attire, her hair gleaming under the chandeliers.

Silence. Then, the murmurs began again. I literally forced myself not to roll my eyes, because I keep wondering why people would gather like this all because of me.

Sylvia stepped forward, a graceful smirk on her lips. "Father," she said, her voice dripping with fake sweetness, "we all respect your wise decision. But wouldn't it be better if Mia proved herself? After all, leadership isn't just about blood or rights—it's about strength."

I narrowed my eyes. So this was her game? To embarrass me in front of everyone and prove herself.

"I agreed," Elder Seraphina added, her gaze cutting through me. I think she hated me more than everyone else. "A test of strength and skill would prove if she's worthy to even became a member of this pack." 

With that, I knew that this place was totally different from the outside world where money controls everything. Here, strength does determine alot. And whatever, they needed that for, I don't know. But ...I hope I won't be going to fight in some battles, right?

All eyes turned to me, waiting for my response.

I had two choices. I could refuse and appear weak, justifying their arguement that I don't belong here. Or I could fight, knowing fully well that I won't win against Sylvia and she would take the chance to humiliate me.

Ezra stared at me, his expression unreadable but I knew he wouldn't want to intervene. He may be the king but from what I saw yesterday, the elders too held a certain amount of power and they couldn't just be cast aside. And again, this was my fight, my battle, my chance to prove that I might not have grown up here but I had a place here just like everyone else.

I inhaled deeply, straightened my spine, and nodded. “I accept.”

******

Dressed in a combat suit, I and Sylvia stood opposite eachother in the sparring ring. The air buzzed with anticipation as the spectators watched closely.

"You should've have stayed where you belonged," Sylvia murmured, stretching her arms. "Now I get to prove yo everyone that you don't belong here."

I said nothing, focusing on calming my pounding heart.  The moment, the whistle was blown, she struck first.

Her speed was incredible. Fast and furious. She moved like lightning, and before I knew it she was already by my side, aiming a punch at my ribs. I barely dodged, thanks to Jasper's basic techniques that he had insisted I learnt some months back. I stumbled backwards, my ass hitting the floor sharply, but I quickly stood up. Laughter rippled through the crowd.

I gritted my teeth. She lunged again, faster but I wasn't completely useless. I sidestepped, using her technique against her. She stumbled forward slightly, her eyes filled with irritation.

"Oh, I see. "You're not completely useless," she sneered.

I didn't reply. The fight dragged on, she fought with years of rigorous training and precision, while I fought with raw instinct and desperation. But even though she was better, I refused to go down easily. 

Though, I was getting weaker, my body aching with every strike I blocked. My breath came in ragged gasps, but I forced myself to keep going anyways.

Then, Sylvia struck a hard kick to my stomach, sending me crashing to the ground. I clutched my stomach in pain while the crowd erupted in cheers for her.

But I quickly recovered, and stood up again. Sylvia frowned, clearly irritated by my tenacity.

Then as she stepped closer wanting to strike again, Ezra finally raised a hand. "Enough." His voice was sharp.

Sylvia stepped back, smiling to her victory. But I caught something in the crowd. Some of the warriors nodding in silent approval. I might not have won, but i didn't totally lose either because I had earned something.

Respect.

*****

That night as Lyra nursed my bruises for me, a knock came on the door.

It was Ezra.

"You did well today," he said.

"Did I?" I muttered through the pain as Lyra pressed ice against my ribs.

"You did," he admitted firmly. "But it's not enough. There are those who will still try to remove you, Mia. You need to get stronger—quickly.”

My throat tightened. "How do I get stronger."

A voice from the shadows answered. "I can help you."

I turned sharply. A figure emerged from the darkness. A tall man with dark eyes and a scar across his jaw. He carried an air of danger and power.

"This is Zane," Ezra said. "One of our strongest warriors. He will train you."

Zane stepped forward, his eyes scanning me before bowing slightly. "You have potential, my Lady," he said. "But right now? You're weak. If you want to survive in this pack, then you do exactly as I say."

I swallowed hard.

This was only the beginning.