9 - Real Battle

The crowd screamed upon Trevor’s arrival. They were all excited to witness a bloody battle between two strong individuals. I saw happiness in their eyes, not a genuine but a cruel one.

They could no longer wait to watch a live battle between two, strong alphas. I didn’t feel right about this bloody challenge.

To make sure everything was under control, I walked toward my father’s spot and sat next to him. I wanted to know every detail that might help Trevor to win.

Yet, the crowd’s excitement grew bigger when Valor arrived at the open field. The crowd supported him knowing how popular and strong he was than Trevor.

My heart skipped a beat, hoping nothing terrible would happen. The twins were waiting for us, and I couldn’t imagine losing their father once again.

“Valor!”

“Trevor!”

“Valor!”

“Trevor!”

The entire field was surrounded by voices which made my father happy. He had been waiting for this moment of truth. To prove an alpha’s innate strengths and eagerness to lead the entire pack.

“Look at our subordinates, young lady. They were all waiting for this battle and I’m glad your soon-to-be mate came here with enough bravery.”

Father spoke.

“How can you assure me that this battle will not end tragically?” I asked out of fear.

My knees were trembling, waiting for his response. I didn’t want to trade Trevor’s life for anything in the world. He is worthy enough for me and he didn’t have to prove it anymore. If only I could decide for myself.

Father sighed, tilting his head. He then looked at me with a cunning smile on his lips.

“You are smart enough to know everything, my dearest Therese. One of them will get hurt and the other one might die in front of thousands of our people.”

There was no trace of mercy in his eyes. I knew he wanted Valor to win this battle no matter what. But if I have to interrupt, I will do everything to keep Trevor safe and alive.

“Don’t do anything stupid. I won’t hesitate to use my power to get rid of that man in front of your eyes. Do you understand?”

I had no choice but to agree. I knew Trevor was strong and smart enough to win against Valor.

As soon as father heard my response, he stood which made everyone stop screaming. They respected him from the bottom of their hearts as they knew father’s wrath and power.

“A warm, grateful day everyone! I am here standing in front of you to witness our tradition before my daughter’s wedding to Alpha Trevor! I am requesting everyone to watch this memorable moment of our lives.”

“To prove that he deserves to be my beloved daughter’s mate, may I give you the chance Trevor. This is your one and last chance to prove it in front of me and my people! Each one of you has two chances to win. Once one of you passes two challenges, then you will be the winner. But, if both of you get one point, then there will be a third challenge.”

Listening to my father made me anxious and afraid. There was a strange feeling within my chest. Whispering that he and Valor planned something against Trevor. I knew father and he wouldn’t make it easy for anyone to earn his trust.

From a distance, I looked at Trevor. He was serious and listening to my father. I didn’t feel anything, remembering what he told me earlier.

“You can do it, Trevor! Please, be safe for our twins.”

I whispered as the cold wind rubbed on my skin.

“And now, let the real battle begin!”

The crowd went wild as they screamed at the top of their lungs. They had different bet, mostly Valor.

“Valor!”

“Valor!”

At that moment, I couldn’t think straight. I kept on wondering what would happen to Trevor and Valor.

Before the first challenge started. Riger explained the rules and mechanics to make it fair.

“The first challenge called the king’s game. To win this challenge, you have to find the crown within five minutes. But, if there’s still time, the challenge isn’t over yet. You can either let the opponent win or steal it to be the winner. Understood?”

“Yes!”

Valor and Trevor replied in chorus.

Riger counted from one to three until the first challenge started.

My eyes couldn’t take away from Trevor. I watched how determined he was to find the crown at the wide field.

“Come on, Trevor! You can win this challenge against Valor!” I whispered.

“Four minutes left!”

Time was running too fast, making it more challenging and exciting. The crowd remained silent, waiting for Valor to find the crown.

“Go, Valor! Prove to that nobody that you deserve to be Therese’s mate!”

I rolled my eyes upon hearing it. I didn’t understand why they kept on insisting Valor to be my mate. I never liked him even in my dreams.

Because of Valor’s supporter, I’ve lost the game and didn’t know what was going on.

“One minute left!”

Riger was too strict with the time, but I noticed he pointed his lips at the right corner of the field. In a flash of lightning, Valor ran in the same direction and started looking for the crown.

After a few seconds, Valor found it and there was no time left for Trevor to steal it from him.

I wanted to talk to my father, but Trevor looked and smiled at me. His eyes were telling me to calm down and trust him.

“The winner of the first game is Valor Brooklyn!”

Riger announced the victor.

“Valor!”

“Valor!”

Through my peripheral vision, I noticed father smiling. He seemed happy, knowing Valor took the lead.

Riger explained the second challenge that would tell the winner. It was the crucial part of the battle and once Trevor failed to win; the bloody challenge would be over.

But I believed in Trevor. I knew he meant it when he told me to trust him.

“I trust you, Trevor. Please, win this challenge.” I closed my eyes for a second, hoping it would come true.

Right then, Riger explained the rules. This time, they had to use swords and ride a horse to win.

“The first man who takes the opponent’s flag will be the winner. Understood?”

Valor looked at Trevor before he responded.

“I understand and I can’t wait to put an end to this nonsense challenge.” Valor spoke, underestimating Trevor.

In response, Trevor remained silent and calm. He didn’t utter a single word that disappointed a few of his supporters.

Silence echoed around and lasted for a few seconds. Until Trevor raised his arms and showed what he was capable of.

“Let the real battle begin!”

Trevor spoke that caught the crowd’s attention, causing them to cheer on him.