It’s a miracle the next day started beautifully.
But I know this will not end with beauty. Either for Hestia or for me, I don’t care. I’m just going to make sure that I am still smiling at the end of the day.
I strode purposefully through the grand entrance of the arena, my heart beating with excitement and anticipation. The familiar scent of sweat and adrenaline enveloped me, filling me with a heady mix of lightness and trepidation.
Luna Hestia walked beside me, her steps hesitant. Almost as if she were trying to hide something. But I knew better. I had seen her in action before, witnessed her power firsthand. She was far from weak, even if she chose to conceal it.
I am stronger than her. Better.
I glanced at Hestia, noting the subtle shift in her demeanor. Her eyes darted around nervously, but I knew the true reason behind her unease. Alpha Brandon, the imposing figure who commanded respect from everyone in his pack, had been watching her.
Even if I don’t manage to kill her, I’m sure Brandon will.
It wasn't just a casual glance; it was a gaze that held both intrigue and suspicion.
As we navigated through the bustling crowd, I couldn't help but marvel at the vibrant energy that coursed through the air: Wolf Warriors of all backgrounds and abilities gathered here, their eyes filled with determination and a hunger for victory. For a fight worthy to be witnessed even if they traveled so far.
This was the proving ground, where battles were waged and legends were born. And I will be born here—as the first Luna to ever graced the battlefield, defeating her enemy and gaining control over the Rogues.
Hestia's pale face flushed with utter anxiety. I grinned at her hair cascading down her back, framing her delicate features. She was a striking figure, yes. With an air of mystery that drew people in like moths to a flame.
The noise of the crowd intensified as we made our way to the center of the arena. The ones watching us are thirsty for bloodshed and spectacle, roaring and cheering in anticipation. I look like a freaking gladiator. The ground beneath our feet vibrated with their collective energy, electrifying every step Hestia and I took.
And at the heart of it all stood Alpha Brandon, his gaze unyielding as he surveyed the competitor—me, his previous and rejected mate.
I knew what Hestia desired—a chance to prove herself, to demonstrate her true power before the imposing Alpha. Her Alpha. She wanted Brandon to see beyond her fragile facade, to recognize the fierce warrior she truly was. The Queen—Luna—she deserved to be called.
The crowd hushed, the arena falling into a heavy silence that I can hear my own heart’s beating. The only sound that filled the air was the rhythmic beating of my own heart.
I inhaled, exhaling as I lifted my eyes to my opponent. The time had come. Hestia stepped forward, her gaze never wavering against me. The arena's silence wrapped around us, engulfing us in its pulsating quiet energy.
“I heard about your child,” I inhaled again. “I'm sorry,” I muttered to her, exhaling. It was supposed to throw her off, but my voice carried a sincerity that surprised even myself.
Hestia straightened her back, her eyes filled with anger and defiance. It took every ounce of self-control to resist the urge to strike her down right then and there. She was an accomplice to Brandon, the one responsible for killing my dear friend, slaying my Grandmama, and manipulating Zarion. But despite the burning desire for revenge, I couldn't bear to see her innocent baby suffer the consequences. An innocent life, the cause of her sinfulness.
“Don't be sorry. And don't give me that fucking look,” she spat near her feet, her voice laced with venom that I could die if I was touched by it. I heaved a deep sigh, realizing the futility of sentimentality in this battle. Emotions are no use here. There was no room for mercy or remorse. Not when so much was at stake. Our lives, our future, our ego.
“Give it your all. You know that I won't back down until one of us is down,” I growled, determination etching every word. Hestia scoffed as her gaze scanned the crowd gathered in the arena. The news had spread like wildfire about the impending clash between us. The awesome fight where she ran away and I was left bragging to Zarion and Caleb how she and her Rogue, Vereena, sprint like cats.
I could sense Chancellor Caesar’s eyes on me, studying my every move from his imposing throne as if he had placed a bet on my victory. I would not disappoint him. I’m making sure of that. I couldn't afford to. The weight of expectations bore down on my shoulders, fueling the fire within me as I stalked towards Hestia.
“You won't stand a chance against me, human girl,” Hestia proclaimed, her voice carrying spite across the arena. Confusion flickered through the crowd as Hestia's words hung in the air. I clenched my jaw, refusing to let her taunts melt me down.
She looked genuinely shocked. “Oh! Your pack didn't know? Come on, Cass. Your pack screams loyalty and shits, yet you're not telling them the truth about your true identity?”
“Shut up. You’re not even loyal to your pack nor to Brandon either.” I growled, anger burning through me like a wildfire where a single spark could burn a kingdom. “Does he even know that you’re bedding that Rogue of yours? How’s Vereena?”
If Hestia wants to warm this up by taunting, so do I. If she isn't finished mocking, neither do I.
“You—shut up! You should've remained in that little castle of yours, with your grandmother. You should've stayed human and not interfere in our world. You're a naive girl, Cassidy, and your stupidity has messed up a lot of people!” The anger in Hestia's voice doubled, dripping with contempt.
The crowd held its breath, waiting for my response. “If my stupidity messed up a lot of people, then your insecurity killed hundreds of them.” She opened her mouth to counter but I was faster. “Naive?” I whispered, my words laced with a sinister edge. I licked my lower lip, tasting the anticipation that electrified the air. This battle was about to begin, and I was ready to prove her wrong.
“Yes—and we-weak.” Her stutter made her words of disdain sound humorous. A wicked grin danced on her lips when I only held silence. After a few seconds, I met her gaze with unyielding determination, my eyes blazing with a mix of fury and purpose.
“Let's see who's weak then,” I shot back, my voice filled with quiet resolve. The moment had arrived. The battle was about to commence, and the weight of our pasts, our choices, and our powers hung heavy in the air.
The crowd in the arena roared with anticipation as Hestia and I stepped into the spotlight. The air crackled with rousing tension. I could feel the heaviness of all the eyes fixed upon us. This was the moment we had both been waiting for, the culmination of months of training and rivalry. Our paths had finally converged, and now there was no turning back.
Hestia might be doing this to prove something. But I…don’t need to prove anything. I’ve already proven myself. I am only doing this for three things: vengeance, control over the Rogues, and to let Hestia see how weak she is without Brandon.
I looked across the ring, her eyes flared with determination and hatred. She was not my equal in every sense of the word. Yes, she is born as a werewolf and is fierce, relentless, and fiercely competitive. I am already born with those, albeit the fact I am not a werewolf even when a full moon is shining in the sky at the time of my birth.
Only one of us could emerge victorious from this fight, and I intended for that person to be me.
I leaned, baring my fangs as my body slowly shifted into my wolf form. Smirking for the last time as I give off my final taunt. “For the record, I’m no longer human the moment you burn my Grandmother’s castle down.”
The bell rang, and I lunged for Hestia’s throat.