Chapter 7: What The Hell
920 Words
To survive–that’s my goal for the next three months.
“There can be no distractions” I whisper to myself as my eyes scan the arena for him.
His scent still clings to me like he's standing before me again, trying to choke the life out of me or am I the one holding on to it?
It should have faded by now–his scent–washed away by the rain as the sky wept for me. But it hasn't. I can't figure out why or why he saved me. His kind usually doesn't pay attention to mine–omega–much less going out of their way to save us.
“Get settled,” the instructor–Tavian– orders and the remaining cadets quickly fill the empty seats.
“Now that's done with,” he starts, “ we can begin this year's preparation for the Moonborn trials”
Applause and whistling rise from the crowd.
Of course, they're excited. To pass the trials is to be given a guaranteed chance at a good military career. And despite the dangers, the trials actually have a low death rate. You can't exactly kill off wolves the king needs for his wars.
From what I heard, last year there were only four casualties—betas. They died during the trial of fangs. Understandable; it's the most dangerous one and the one I should watch out for the most.
“I'm sure you all are eager to start the trials but this time, things will be different as I was informed last night,” he says
Different how?
“Different how, you must be wondering” he says, looking right at me.
What the hell.
“You,” he turns and points to a girl on the other side of the arena, a beta judging her aura, “remind me, what are the trials you'll be expected to complete in the Moonborn trials?”
“The Trial of Fangs, the Howl Run, Echo of the Moon, the Wall, and the Hunt,” she says.
“Perfect” he says, “you all will go through that but this time—in light of the coming war with the humans and those refusing to bow–His majesty in his wisdom, has made some changes to those trials and added a new trial”
Murmurs rise from the crowd at this announcement. Like me, they all trained and prepared with those specific trials in mind since they remained unchanged for years. I can only hope the changes aren't too drastic.
“Your parents and guardians have been informed of these changes,” he says, staring in my direction again “and also the new rewards”
The mention of a new reward silences the crowd as they all wait for his next words.
“You will still be granted your letter of excellence and given your pick of quadrants but now there's going to be a prize for the select few that volunteer for and survives this new trial”
Survive, not pass, and I'm sure I'm not the only one that caught that as I notice Celeste’s brows raise slightly. What's her deal anyways.
“What's the reward?” a boy asks.
“Power” Tavian replies “more power than you can even imagine”
“What does that mean?” Talia asks and my body shifts its weight in response.
“I'm glad you asked, miss Dane” he replies as he walks around the arena “like you all know; the hierarchy of power in our society is set. Alphas, Betas and Omegas in that order. And this class is decided for you before you are even born with no way of changing it.”
He pauses, and I can feel the crowd holding its breath.
“Until now,” he continues
A wave of emotions crashes through the crowd—disbelief, excitement, fear, and joy—each one stirring the air like a restless tide.
“That's impossible,” says a boy not far from me. “No one has that kind of power, not even the king”
"Not without risking the beast" I whisper to myself.
That's something we all no doubt agree on but no one is foolish enough to say it out loud. Except this young alpha of course.
The crowd quiets at the boy's accusation and Tavian just smiles.
“What's your name, boy?” he asks
“Dorian,” the boy replies.
“Well, Dorian. We have prepared a demonstration for you all of course, and you just volunteered to help us with it”
Dorian shrugs, but I see the ripples in his aura—he understands he shouldn't have said that.
Tavian gestures and one of the guards enters the arena. As he gets closer, murmurs rise from the crowd. An Omega and one most of us are familiar with.
“i’m sure most of you know Garron” he says, placing his arm on Garron’s shoulder.
“Garron, here, was made an example last month for stealing from an Alpha.
Made an example of, what a nice way to say beaten to death. At least, we thought he was dead. I certainly did as I saw his aura fading slowly and the guards took him away.
He should be dead. And yet, here he stands in the middle of the arena—with a soft smile on his face and an aura no Omega should have.
- Writer
