Crowned by Fate Chapter 113

Skye's POV

Dawn broke over Silvercrest Mountain with a golden light that seemed almost mocking in its cheerfulness.

The first trial of the Alpha King election would begin today, and my stomach churned with anxiety. Last night's revelation about my mate bond with Leon still weighed heavily on my mind, but I forced myself to focus on the more immediate challenge ahead.

Adrian and I walked in silence toward the lakeside where the Trial of Strength would take place. His hand occasionally brushed mine, our unspoken agreement with Leon preventing any more intimate contact.

"I don't like how those Stormhowl wolves are eyeing us," Ryder muttered, falling into step beside us. His gaze darted from group to group as we passed. "Everyone's sizing each other up before the trial even begins."

"Focus on our mission, not theirs," I reminded him.

Lydia walked a few paces behind, her masked face revealing nothing of her thoughts, though I noticed how she carefully observed everyone we passed. The ornate pouch at her hip likely contained various herbal preparations—remedies for whatever injuries might occur during today's trial.

"Are you ready?" I asked, breaking the silence as we approached the gathering crowd of candidates and spectators.

Adrian's eyes met mine, filled with determination. "As ready as I'll ever be. Whatever they throw at us, I can handle it."

"We've got your back, Alpha," Ryder added with quiet confidence, standing taller than I remembered.

We arrived at the ceremonial arena erected beside Silvercrest Lake, a massive body of water that stretched toward the horizon like a sheet of polished silver.

Forty-two candidates stood in ordered rows, each wearing their pack's colors. Adrian's midnight blue and deep green stood out among the sea of reds, blacks, and golds favored by most traditional packs.

As we moved toward our designated area, I spotted Leon with his Frostshadow Pack delegation. He stood tall in a sleek deep green wetsuit that accentuated his athletic build, surrounded by admirers and pack members. His blue eyes caught mine across the crowd, and for a brief moment, I felt that strange pull in my chest again—the unwanted reminder of our mate bond.

He excused himself from his group and approached us. The crowd seemed to part instinctively for him.

"Adrian," he acknowledged with a curt nod before turning to me. "I trust you slept well, Skye? No... discomfort?" His subtle emphasis made his meaning clear. He was checking if we had violated our agreement.

"Perfectly fine, thank you," I replied coldly. "How generous of you to concern yourself with my wellbeing after all these years."

A hint of a smile touched his lips. "Just ensuring fair competition. I wouldn't want any... distractions affecting Adrian's performance today." His gaze traveled to the lake. "The water is quite cold. I hope coastal swimming has prepared him adequately."

"I'll manage," Adrian said, his voice level despite the obvious provocation. "Perhaps worry about your own chances, Leon."

Leon's smile widened. "Oh, I'm not worried. Frostshadow wolves are raised in frigid Alaskan waters. This will feel like a warm bath to me." He turned to leave, then paused. "A word of advice, Adrian. There's an old saying among northern packs: 'In cold water, even the strongest wolf can become prey.' Remember that when you're down there."

With that ominous warning, he returned to his delegation, leaving a wake of tension behind him.

"Ignore him," I whispered to Adrian. "He's trying to get in your head."

Elder Selene stepped onto the raised platform, her white robes billowing in the morning breeze. Silence fell over the crowd as she raised her hands.

"Alphas of North America," she called, her voice carrying surprising strength for one so aged. "Today begins your journey toward the crown. The Trial of Strength has tested the might of candidates for centuries, revealing those truly worthy of leadership."

She gestured toward the lake behind her. "But this year's trial offers a unique challenge."

Murmurs rippled through the crowd as massive screens flickered to life, displaying underwater footage of what appeared to be ancient ruins.

"Beneath these waters lies the submerged fortress of Alpha King Alaric, built four centuries ago and claimed by flood during the Great Deluge. Within its walls rests a chamber containing forty-two gold coins—one for each candidate."

The screens shifted to show a central chamber filled with gleaming gold coins. But my breath caught as the camera panned to reveal what guarded them.

"The Abyssal Direwolf," Elder Selene announced as gasps echoed around us. "A creature of ancient legend, awakened for this trial."

The beast was unlike anything I'd ever seen. It was a massive wolf-like creature with scales instead of fur. Its body was at least three times the size of a normal werewolf. Webbed paws ended in claws that looked capable of shredding metal. Rows of shark-like teeth filled its elongated snout. Most terrifying were its eyes—milky white and sightless, evolved for the darkness of the deep.

"Your task is simple," Elder Selene continued. "Each candidate will be provided wetsuit equipment with one hour of oxygen supply. You must navigate the submerged fortress, retrieve a single gold coin from the chamber, and return to the surface—all while evading the Abyssal Direwolf."

She paused, her gaze sweeping across the candidates. "Three rules must be observed.

First, shifting is forbidden.

Second, while combat between candidates is permitted, killing is not—any candidate responsible for another's death will be immediately disqualified. Candidates may steal coins from each other during the trial. A coin in your possession is not secure until you reach the surface with it.

Third, the Council bears no responsibility for those who ignore our warnings. If you find yourself in mortal danger, signal for rescue and withdraw from the trial. There is no honor in pointless death."

My heart raced as I processed the challenge.

"Adrian," I whispered, gripping his arm. "Please be careful. Winning isn't worth your life."

He covered my hand with his, eyes still fixed on the screens displaying the underwater beast. "I'll be fine, Skye. I grew up swimming and diving along the coast. Water is practically my second home."

"This isn't just about swimming," I insisted. "That thing down there—"

"I know," he said softly. "But I can handle it. Trust me."

We were interrupted as assistants began distributing the specialized wetsuits to each candidate. The suits were clearly customized, featuring each pack's colors and symbols while incorporating advanced diving technology.

I helped Adrian check his equipment, my fingers trembling slightly as I verified the oxygen tank and regulators. The suit's material was unlike any wetsuit I'd seen before—almost metallic in texture, yet flexible as silk.

"It's reinforced with some kind of protective fiber," Adrian noted, examining the material. "Should provide some defense against both the cold and the Direwolf's claws."

"That's not exactly reassuring," I muttered.

All too soon, Elder Selene was calling the candidates to line up along the lake's edge. I walked with Adrian to his position, my chest tight with anxiety.

"Remember, you don't need to be the first one out," I reminded him. "Just make it back safely."

Adrian squeezed my hand one last time before pulling on his diving mask. "I'll see you in an hour," he promised, his voice muffled behind the equipment.

Ryder moved beside me as Adrian took his position at the lake's edge. "Don't worry," he said quietly. "I'll be watching the entire time. If anything goes wrong, I'll dive in immediately to rescue him. I won't let anything happen to our Alpha."

Elder Selene raised her hand, and silence fell over the gathered crowd. "Candidates, on my signal, the Trial of Strength begins."

I held my breath as her hand dropped. "Begin!"