Chapter 31(The Tournament)

Chapter 31(The Tournament)
Roman’s pov

It's been two weeks since the attack, and somehow it still terrifies me. It hangs over my mind like a heavy fog that would not lift. Joshua and I searched every path, asked every question, but the name Lone Wolf was strange to every ear. Whoever he was, he was smart, smart enough to send Gareth to his death. Smart enough to shoot a silver arrow in the middle of the hunt and then vanish like smoke.

Every morning I woke with the same thought. Who wants me dead? And every night I lay down with the same question. I know I had so many enemies so it is hard to pick the exact one

Joshua stood across the table in my chamber from his face was tight and dark. There was a paper filled of names and small trails of clues lying on the table.

“We are missing something,” Joshua said. His hand rubbed the back of his neck. “Nobody is that perfect, there has to be a slip up somewhere.”

I leaned back in my chair. My eyes narrowed. “I agree with you.” My fingers gripped the chair arm. “It is like he wants me to feel him. Like killing me is not enough. He wants me to fear first.”

Joshua let out a sharp breath. He said nothing more. There was nothing left to say. He finally cleared his throat and said. “It's time for the council meeting, Alpha.”

I took a deep breath, nodded and stood up. I straightened my jacket and walked into the hall with Joshua behind me. My steps echoed on the polished floor. The elders were already seated, murmuring with each other. But immediately they sensed my presence, they became silent.

I took my seat at the head of the table. The air grew tight, but no one spoke until I gave them the permission to speak.

Elder Othar cleared his throat and stood up. He bowed lower before he dared speak. “Alpha Roman,” he said, soft and careful. “Forgive me for bringing this now… but the Wolf Tournament is near. Only two days remain. The council asks for your word on how the pack should…prepare”

For a heartbeat I only stared. I had forgotten about the tournament. With everything happening my mind was already filled.

The Wolf Tournament was older than all of us. It was a day set aside, to show strength, a reminder to other packs of who ruled these lands. Alphas, warriors, young wolves, all came to fight, to show skill, to honor the old laws. The day we come bare as who we truly are. And as Alpha, I must host, lead, dominate.

“Yes,” I said at last. My voice hid my distraction. “It will happen as always…you may proceed with the usual planning, nothing new.”

My jaw tightened. Even with danger in the dark, I could not cancel it. To show fear would be worse than death.

“Make sure to double check everything ,” I said, sharp and steady. “Security will be doubled. No one enters without a check.”

“Yes, Alpha,” Othar answered fast, bowing lower. He did not lift his head.

The other elders nodded, and agreed with everything I said. I didn't have the time and energy for a long meeting, so I dismissed them.

When the hall finally emptied, I stayed back, seated and lost in thoughts. A tournament means outsiders. Outsiders mean danger. But to cancel would bring questions. Questions bring weakness. I cannot afford weakness. Not with a ghost already aiming for me.

Later in my chamber the weight of the day pressed down hard. I paced the floor. The name Lone Wolf scratched at my mind. How do I figure out who this person is? How am I even sure he is the main culprit, what if he is working under someone.

Joshua, who was standing by my side, gave me a long look. “If I may Alpha…Are you sure this tournament is a good idea?” he said. His voice was low. “An event like this will be filled with crowds, and strangers…it’s the perfect cover for whoever is trying to kill you.”

“I know,” I said. My wolf stirred under my skin, restless and hungry for a fight. “Let him come. If he is bold enough to show himself at the tournament, I will be ready.”

But even as I spoke, my heart was still worried.

“You may leave Joshua,” I need to be by myself.

“Yes Alpha,” he bowed and walked away.

As I laid on my bed, something struck my mind. Kaelenya. I remember she told me she was wolfless, when I first questioned her. Shit! My hand punched the bed as I stood up.

She would be expected to stand beside me during the tournament. That is how it has always been. We need to show strength and unity.

What do I do now? I wanted to marry someone weak, someone I could easily control, someone with nobody to fight for, and I got that in her, but she is more trouble than I bargained for. A Luna without a wolf is a weakness. Shame. A stain on my rule. The other Alphas would see it. The visiting packs would whisper. And weakness, in our world, is a weapon for others to use.

The thought settled like ice in my chest. I could not let her disgrace me before the council, the warriors, the rival Alphas. I need to act really fast.

I rose from my chair and turned to Joshua, and left my chamber and walked through the long halls of the pack house. The night air smelled of pine and cold stone. My boots echoed on the floor as I neared her quarters.

I entered without knocking, I didn't have such time. Kaelenya sat by the window. The fading light made her face pale. She turned at the sound of the door. Surprise flickered in her eyes. There was always that softness in her gaze…quiet, gentle…but it only stoked my anger.

She quickly stood up and bowed her head. “Good…Good evening,” she greeted.

My eyes swept over her…a complete waste of space, and resources. “The Wolf Tournament is in two days,” I cut in. My voice was cold and hard. “You will not attend.”

She blinked, confusion crossed her face. “Okay Alpha.”

I stepped closer. I let the weight of my presence fill the room. “Good.” My eyes stayed on her. “And one more thing.” I continued. “You are to act sick…very sick, that you can't even walk. Nobody…I repeat nobody must know you are wolfless. I will not have the other packs see my Luna as weak. Do you understand?”

Her lips parted. A small tremor ran through her. “But… I…”

“Do you understand?” I said again. Each word sharp and commanding.

Her shoulders sank. “Yes,” she whispered, nodding her head.

For a moment I stared at her, everything about her irritated me. “You will not shame me,” I barked. “Not in front of the council. Not in front of the visiting Alphas, so you must act well…Everyone must believe you, if you make any mistake…you will wish you didn't exist.

Her eyes glistened but she stayed silent.

My eyes roamed round her room, and then I slowly walked out. The door shut behind me with a heavy thud. As I walked back to my chambers, my wolf prowled under my skin. I hated her weakness. I hated how it made me look. But what choice did I have, I can't have it all. Better a wolfless girl, than a girl who can fight back or a girl from any family of this pack.