Chapter 4 – The Alpha’s Test
977 Words
The clang of blades, the shouts of warriors, the smell of blood and sweat,it was a living thing, brutal and loud. I was barely out of my quarters before the stares started again.
They whispered behind my back. I didn’t need to hear the words to know what they meant. Stranger. Outsider. Omega.
I kept walking.
“Remi.”
Atlas’s voice cut through the noise. I turned to see him standing by the training ring, arms crossed, dressed in black like always. Commanding. Detached. Dangerous.
“Yes, Alpha.”
He nodded toward the sparring ground. “You said you’re no ordinary stray. Let’s find out.”
My heart thudded. “You want me to fight?”
“You’re standing. You’re healed. Unless you lied.”
“I didn’t.”
“Then prove it.”
He stepped aside as two warriors entered the ring…both twice my size. Kieran was one of them. Of course.
I met his smirk with silence.
Atlas’s voice was calm. “No killing. Just a test of skill.”
“Understood,” Kieran said, his tone dripping mock respect. “Wouldn’t want to break your new pet.”
My fingers curled into fists, but I stayed still. Atlas gave the signal.
Kieran lunged first,too fast for a normal wolf, too careless for a real warrior. I ducked, swept his leg, and rolled away before he came in swinging. The crowd roared.
I didn’t fight to win. I fought to survive. Quick, efficient, controlled. But every move drew Atlas’s eyes closer, sharper.
When Kieran grabbed me from behind, I let instinct take over twisting his arm until it cracked and he dropped to his knees. My knee connected with his chest. He hit the ground hard, coughing blood.
The ring fell silent.
Atlas’s gaze locked on me. “You said you were an Omega.”
“I never said that,” I replied quietly. “Everyone just assumed.”
“Most Omegas can’t disarm a ranked warrior in ten seconds.”
“Maybe he’s not as good as he thinks.”
Kieran snarled from the dirt. “She’s lying, Alpha. I know her scent. She’s…”
“Enough,” Atlas cut him off. “Get out.”
Kieran looked stunned. “But…”
“Now.”
He limped away, shooting me a glare that promised trouble.
Atlas turned back to me, his expression unreadable. “You fight like someone trained for war.”
“Maybe I was.”
“Where?”
“Nowhere that matters.”
His jaw flexed. “Everything matters in my territory.”
He stepped closer, close enough for me to feel the heat of him. “You’re hiding something, Remi.”
“Everyone’s hiding something.”
“Not from me.”
I met his stare. “Maybe you’re not looking hard enough.”
For a moment, neither of us spoke. The air between us tightened, heavy and electric. Then he smiled…not kindly.
“Fine. You want to play games? Then you’ll train with my warriors. Every morning. Every night. Let’s see how long your secrets last.”
“I didn’t ask to stay.”
“You’re free to leave.”
We both knew that was a lie. The moment I crossed the border again, I’d be dead…or worse, hunted.
So I said nothing.
Hours later, Moon found me by the stream, scrubbing blood off my knuckles.
“He’s testing you,” she said softly. “Atlas doesn’t let strangers in. Not unless he thinks they’re useful or dangerous.”
“Which one am I?”
She gave a sad smile. “Maybe both.”
I looked at my reflection in the water. The bruises on my neck were fading, but the ones beneath my skin… those never would.
“Do you trust him?” I asked.
“Atlas?” Moon hesitated. “He’s not cruel. But he’s not kind either. He carries too many ghosts.”
I almost said so do I, but bit it back.
A twig snapped behind us. I turned fast, Atlas again, expression as dark as the shadows around him.
“Moon, leave us.”
She obeyed instantly.
He waited until she was gone. “You handled Kieran well.”
“I didn’t have a choice.”
“There’s always a choice.”
“Not for people like me.”
“People like you?”
“Ones who have nothing left to lose.”
His eyes flickered, just for a second, like the words hit too close. Then he folded his arms. “You should rest. Tomorrow, you’ll train under me.”
“With you?”
“You said you’re not weak. Prove it.”
I sighed. “You enjoy making people uncomfortable, don’t you?”
“Only when they lie to me.”
He started to leave, then stopped. “Kieran came to me tonight.”
My stomach dropped. “And?”
“He said he’s seen you before. Years ago.”
I forced a blank look. “He’s wrong.”
“Maybe.” Atlas stepped closer, his voice low. “But if he’s right,if you’re someone who can bring danger to my borders, I’ll find out.”
“I don’t doubt that.”
He studied me for a long, silent moment before walking away.
When he was gone, the night seemed to close in tighter.
I sat by the stream, heart pounding, replaying every move, every word. He was getting too close. Too perceptive.
But I couldn’t leave yet. Not until I was strong enough to face what waited beyond these woods. Not until I reclaimed what was taken from me.
For now, I’d endure his tests, his suspicion, his gaze that felt like it saw too
much.
Because Atlas Ironfang didn’t know the truth.
Not yet.
But if he kept pushing… he soon would.
And when that day came, the real war would begin.
- Writer
