Crowned by Fate Chapter 105

Skye’s POV

"Uncle," Adrian replied. His voice remained steady despite the tension evident in his jaw. "Mom."

Adrian's mother gave a slight nod. Her eyes briefly met her son's before dropping away. The conflict in her expression was clear. Love for her son warred with loyalty to her current husband.

Maxwell's gaze swept dismissively over our small group. His lip curled slightly.

"Is this all you brought? I expected at least a show of force, if not actual strength." His eyes settled on Ryder. "Don't tell me this boy is your Beta? Couldn't find a wolf whose voice has changed yet?"

"Actually," Adrian said smoothly, "Ryder is one of our finest warriors. This is my Beta, Skye."

Maxwell's eyebrows shot up as he turned to me. A bark of laughter escaped his lips.

"A female Beta? How progressive of you." He shook his head. Amusement danced in his cold eyes. "You truly believe you can win the Alpha King election with a woman as your second? This isn't a children's game, nephew. It's werewolf politics."

Four years ago, Maxwell and I met once—but it looks like neither of us recognizes the other now.

"Perhaps if more Alphas chose their Betas based on intelligence and loyalty rather than testosterone levels, the western territories wouldn't be in such disarray," I replied. "But I suppose thinking beyond brute strength requires more sophistication than some can manage."

Maxwell's face darkened with anger. His eyes flashed red at the edges.

Adrian's mother gasped softly. Her gaze darted nervously between us.

For a tense moment, I thought Maxwell might actually attack. His hands had partially shifted. Claws extended from his fingertips.

Before the situation could escalate further, trumpets blared from inside the ceremonial hall. They signaled the ceremony's imminent start.

"Come, Maxwell," Adrian's mother said hurriedly. She placed a restraining hand on her husband's arm. "We'll be late."

Maxwell's eyes remained locked with mine for another heartbeat. Then he allowed his wife to lead him away.

As they walked toward the entrance, I caught Adrian's mother glancing back. Her expression showed a complex mixture of fear, sadness, and something that might have been pride.

"Last time he worked behind the scenes to cancel your Alpha King candidacy," I said, my voice low with concern. "We need to be careful around him. Who knows what tricks he'll try to pull next."

"Well," Ryder murmured as we watched them disappear inside, "that was certainly an encouraging start to the proceedings."

Adrian's hand found mine. He squeezed gently.

"You didn't have to defend me," he said quietly.

"I wasn't defending you," I replied. "I was defending us—Oasisborn. We may be small, we may be new, but we're not weak. And I hate men who look down on women like that."

A smile tugged at his lips. "Then let's not keep them waiting. It's time they learned exactly what Oasisborn is capable of."

***

The Grand Ceremonial Hall of Silvercrest Mountain took my breath away.

Massive stone columns rose to a vaulted ceiling painted with ancient werewolf mythology—the Moon Goddess blessing the first Alpha King, packs hunting beneath full moons, and battles that had shaped our history.

Hundreds of candles flickered in iron chandeliers suspended above us.

The circular chamber was arranged like an amphitheater, with stone benches rising in concentric rings around a central platform. Each territory had its designated section marked by their pack colors and symbols.

The eastern territories occupied nearly half the chamber, their numbers a stark reminder of the power imbalance in werewolf politics.

"This way," Adrian murmured, guiding our small group toward the western section. I felt numerous eyes tracking our movements.

"Everyone's staring at us," I whispered to Lydia.

"Not at us," she corrected softly. "At our pack. We're strangers to them—the newest pack to enter these competitions in decades. They're curious about what threat we might pose."

Trumpets blared, echoing through the chamber. Conversations ceased as twelve elders entered from behind the central platform. Each wore ceremonial indigo robes embroidered with silver wolf silhouettes. They formed a circle around the raised dais.

The oldest among them—a white-haired woman with a deeply lined face—stepped forward. She raised her arms, and silence fell.

"I am Elder Selene, First Voice of the North American Werewolf Council," she announced. "For four centuries, we have gathered here to choose who shall lead. The Alpha King stands as guardian of our traditions, territories, and future."

"Forty-two Alphas have qualified for this election. By the next full moon, only one will wear the crown."

Four younger wolves approached carrying stone bowls containing earth, water, fire, and a single white feather. The elders began a melodic chant in an ancient language. The elements in the bowls glowed with ethereal light.

After the ceremonial rituals, Elder Selene explained the trials.

"Now, we shall explain the Four Trials. These trials test qualities essential to true leadership."

A broad-shouldered elder stepped forward. "The Trial of Strength tests physical power. Each candidate must face the Guardian Beast alone, armed only with courage and resolve."

I leaned toward Adrian. "Guardian Beast?"

"A werewolf of extraordinary size and strength," Adrian replied quietly. "Chosen every four years. No one knows who it is until they enter the arena."

The next elder moved to the center. "The Trial of Wisdom challenges not the candidate alone, but the pack they lead. Knowledge, strategy, and judgment will determine who advances."

A third elder took her place. "The Trial of Will tests endurance in its purest form. Many strong Alphas have fallen here, where mind and body must withstand what few could imagine."His gaze swept across the candidates, lingering momentarily on each face. "Pain is temporary. Failure is forever."

Finally, Elder Selene returned to center stage, her presence commanding despite her diminutive stature.

"The Trial of the Moon," she announced, "is the final and most sacred challenge. Its nature remains unknown to all but those who have faced it." Her eyes gleamed with an inner light that seemed almost supernatural. "Only those truly worthy can pass the Moon Goddess's judgment."

She addressed the assembly once more. "The trials will span four weeks. The Trial of Strength begins tomorrow at dawn. Tonight, celebrate. Tomorrow, the path to kingship begins."

As people filed out, I felt both anxious and excited. The trials sounded more dangerous than I had anticipated. Adrian's expression remained calm and determined.

"We should prepare for tomorrow," he said. "The Trial of Strength will eliminate many candidates immediately."

Ryder nodded. "I heard last election, the Guardian Beast broke three Alphas' ribs in the first minute. Only seven even landed a hit."

"Not particularly reassuring," I replied dryly, earning a grin from our young warrior.

We had almost reached the main doors when Ethan appeared, his face lighting up with enthusiasm as he spotted me.

"Skye!" he called out, hurrying over. "I've been looking for you. We need to talk properly—catch up on everything."