Crowned by Fate Chapter 147

Skye’s POV

"You need a plastic surgeon for what?" Xavier looked me up and down, then added with characteristic flair, "You're already beautiful."

Before I could answer, Xavier seemed to piece it together himself.

"It's for Lydia, isn't it?" His voice turned serious.

I nodded, relief flooding through me that I didn't have to explain.

"Can you help me find one? Especially someone who specializes in nose reconstruction."

"Consider it done." Xavier waved his hand dismissively, as if arranging world-class medical care was as simple as ordering coffee. "Leave this to me."

I glanced between Adrian and Xavier, choosing my words carefully.

"Please keep this between us for now. Until we're one hundred percent certain a surgeon can restore her nose, I don't want to say anything. This is my idea—I haven't even asked her yet. And I..." My voice caught slightly.

"I don't want to give her hope only to disappoint her."

Both men nodded solemnly. Adrian's amber eyes held understanding, while Xavier made a zipping motion across his lips.

"Not a word," Adrian promised.

"My lips are sealed," Xavier agreed.

"Thank you. Both of you."

I bid them goodnight and headed toward my room, my heart feeling lighter than it had in days.

Behind me, I heard Xavier's voice drop to a teasing whisper. "So, still in the doghouse?"

Adrian's growled response was too low to catch, but I didn't need to hear it. I kept walking, a small smile tugging at my lips despite everything.

The thought of doing something meaningful for Lydia lifted the dark cloud that had hung over me since my fight with Adrian.

Maybe I couldn't fix my own complicated mess, but I could try to help heal someone else's wounds.

***

The third trial arrived with all the pomp and ceremony the Council could muster.

The competing packs had dwindled significantly, but the audience seats remained packed to capacity. Even eliminated Alphas lingered with their teams, studying every detail for future reference. Pride and strategy kept them watching—already planning for the next election cycle.

Our pack stood nearest the stage in matching team uniforms, the fabric bearing the Oasisborn emblem across our backs. The unity felt good, solid. Like we belonged together.

"I heard there's a fifty-year-old Alpha who's competing for the fourth time," Ryder murmured beside me, "He was eliminated in the previous round."

"There's nothing shameful about that." I kept my eyes forward, watching for Elder Selene's arrival. "I think maintaining that fighting spirit at his age is admirable."

"Skye's right," Adrian said from my other side. "I wonder if any of us will have that kind of fire when we're fifty."

"I just hope when I'm fifty, I'm still with all of you!" Ryder grinned at Adrian, his youth shining through despite the tension in the air.

Lydia stood to my left, her chin raised high, defiance radiating from every line of her body. Following her gaze, I found Alpha Rodrigo staring directly at us from across the field.

The bastard!

I met his eyes and let a slow, contemptuous smile curve my lips. Let him see we weren't afraid. Let him know Lydia had pack now—people who would stand between her and anyone who tried to hurt her again.

As I turned my attention back to the stage, my gaze collided with another pair of ice-blue eyes.

Leon stood with his team, looking energized and ready.

Our eyes met briefly.

His gaze was as cold as ever. Looking at him now, you'd never imagine that three nights ago he'd kissed me with desperate hunger. I supposed it really was just the alcohol. The thought brought me relief.

I looked away first, focusing on the stage as Elder Selene began her ascent.

Elder Selene swept onto the platform, flanked by the other Council elders. Unlike her usual stern demeanor from the previous trials, today she seemed unusually enthusiastic.

"Congratulations on reaching the third trial—the Trial of Will!" Her voice carried easily across the gathered wolves. "Last year's theme was the Purple Mist. This year, we present the Butterfly Dream Maze."

She paused dramatically, clearly savoring the moment.

"Doesn't it sound romantic? Poetic, even? The elders and I designed every element ourselves." Pride dripped from every word, her eyes practically glowing with delight.

"I think Elder Selene is like one of those anime villains," Ryder whispered. "What's romantic about a death trap?"

Adrian shot him a sharp look. Ryder immediately fell silent, though I caught the ghost of agreement in Adrian's eyes.

Elder Selene continued, oblivious to or uncaring of the murmurs rippling through the crowd. "The rules are simple. Each team will enter through one of twelve different entrances into the maze. You have one hour to find your way out. Those who succeed advance to the next round."

Her smile turned sharp, predatory.

"But the Butterfly Dream Maze is special. To escape, you must rely on your heart, not your mind."

She paused briefly before continuing.

"Unlike the previous trials, you cannot forfeit once inside. Or rather, I should say—you won't have the ability to forfeit."

My father's words echoed in my mind:

The third trial tests mental fortitude above all else. If someone's mind shattered inside that maze, if they lost themselves to madness or despair, they wouldn't even remember how to quit.

"Since this is a team trial, pack members may help each other," Elder Selene continued. "Of course, opposing teams may also... interact." The pause before 'interact' sent another wave of unease through the crowd. "Use whatever methods you deem necessary."

She surveyed the assembled wolves like a general reviewing troops before battle.

"Now then—let the third trial begin!"

The crowd erupted in a mixture of cheers and anxious murmurs. Teams began moving toward their assigned entrances, and I felt my wolf stir uneasily beneath my skin.

Something about this trial felt different. Darker.