The Alpha Weredragon's Favorite
CHAPTER 80

Lyra

I spent the rest of the weekend in my room, except for training with Killian. What Whitney had said played on repeat in my mind, making me question everything.

When Sally came in late Sunday evening, our eyes locked. She looked like she was about to say something, but stopped when she saw my expression. I just couldn't bring myself to talk to her or ask her about what I'd overheard. It hurt too much. Instead, I focused on my schoolwork, trying to keep my mind off it all. Sally mumbled that she was getting ready for bed and went into the bathroom. I crawled under the covers and fell asleep to the sound of the shower starting. Over the following days, Sally and I seemed to dodge each other, whether by accident or intent. Ryan no longer taught our training class, which was okay because I was off the hook from it due to my participation in the Luna Trials. The only other class I shared with Sally, she had switched seats ages ago to be with her group assigned by our professor.

As for her duties as my Second, I sure wished I had asked Whitney instead. I had half a mind to approach the Council and ask, but I knew they would turn me down flat. Killian and Ryan had worked their magic, but it would only go so far, and I wasn't going to push it over something so trivial-not when I might need it again for something more important.

Before I could catch my breath, the day of the trial had arrived. With my stomach doing flips, I headed to the training grounds for the first challenge. Brittany and her friends were already there, giving me those smug looks. I ignored them and concentrated on stretching, getting myself warmed up despite the whispers and the doubt on everyone's faces as they looked at me. I knew they were all wondering the same thing: why was I even bothering?

Minutes later, the strict woman from the examination stood on the platform, her gaze sweeping over us. I had learned that her name was Sheila Timber, since she hadn't bothered to introduce herself. Maybe she felt it was beneath her? In any case, she called for silence and everyone gave it.

"This next trial will test you both physically and mentally. The Moonshadow pack needs a Luna who can defend her us with strength, courage and dignity. She looked at me, sneered, then looked over the crowd once more. "You have each been given a jersey with a number. Shortly, you will be instructed on how to line up."

As she took her seat, the chatter from the participants subsided as the trial assistants started to direct:

"Numbers 1 through 25, over here."

"Numbers 26 through 50, over here."

I looked down at my jersey. I was number 47, plenty of time to get limber... and for my stomach to stop rolling around like a ball down a hill.

What I needed to focus on was the obstacle course in front of me. It was a grueling test of strength, agility, and endurance, designed to push us to our limits. I took a deep breath, steeling myself for the challenge ahead.

I did so until I overheard some of the other she-wolves talking. "Why is she even here?" one of them sneered. "She doesn't stand a chance."

I gritted my teeth, fighting back the urge to defend myself. I knew they were just trying to get under my skin, to throw me off my game. I couldn't let them.

Finally, it was my turn.

"Are you ready contestants? Line up and when I blow the whistle-give it all you've got," said an olive-skinned she-wolf with kind eyes.

I stepped up to the starting line, my eyes scanning the crowd. Ryan watched me from his place on the stage. His presence gave me a boost of confidence. I knew he was rooting for me, even if he couldn't show it openly. Whitney gave me an encouraging nod, and I felt a surge of gratitude for her unwavering support. I glanced over at Sally, but she avoided my gaze.

I took a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves. This was it - the moment I'd been both dreading and anticipating. I couldn't afford to let the negativity get to me now. I had to focus on the trial ahead and prove to everyone, including myself, that I was Luna material.

The whistle blew, and I took off running. The first obstacle was a series of flaming hoops. I leaped through them, feeling the heat lick at my skin. I landed on the other side, my legs burning from the exertion.

Next, I came to a field of boulders. I dodged and weaved around them, using my agility to my advantage. A few of the other contestants weren't so lucky, and I heard them cry out as they stumbled and fell.

Finally, I reached the lake. I dove in, the cold water shocking my system. I swam with all my might, my muscles screaming in protest. I could see the other side getting closer and closer.

I hauled myself out of the water, my clothes dripping and my hair plastered to my face. I was sweaty and messy, but I felt alive. The adrenaline pumped through my veins, urging me forward.

I pushed myself harder than I ever had before, sprinting through the trees and leaping over fallen logs. I could hear the other wolves behind me, their paws pounding against the ground as they gained on me. But I refused to give up.

As I rounded a corner, two figures in hoods stood, blocking my path. Too late to avoid them I barreled through, knocking one of them over, but the other stuck a foot out.

I managed to catch myself before I fell, and stumble forward until I rightened myself. When I looked back, the figures had gone. I clenched my fists, anger surging through me. I wouldn't let them win. I wouldn't let them break me. I pushed on, seeing the finish line up ahead...

I crossed, legs pumping, heart jumping. My time flashed across the screen as well as my trial ranking of 42nd place.

I fell to my knees in relief.

That score coupled with my #1 ranking from the previous trial would allow me through to the next round. All I had to do was keep- "What a sorry performance."

I looked up to see Brittany and her friends snickering at me. I glared at them, but before I could say anything, Killian stepped in.

"Is there a problem, Brittany?" he asked, his voice stern.

"No, Professor Harbringer," she said, shaking her head. "We were just leaving."

He nodded, but his eyes lingered on them while I raised myself to my feet.

When he turned back to me, he asked, "You okay, Lyra? Did anything happen?"

In the brief seconds we had after the Council allowed me to leave their office, Ryan cautioned me to be careful. He was about to say more when Councilwoman Peterson rushed out to grab a hold of both Killian and Ryan to invite them to her house for dinner.

Either way, I would no longer involve Ryan or Killian in my little skirmishes. The White Wolf told me I had to prove myself. I took her words to mean that I had to stand up for myself, by myself.

***

Later that night, I was in my room when I noticed a black piece of fabric sticking out from underneath Sally's bed. I pulled it out.

It was a dark robe. The kind my attackers had worn in the woods.

My heart sank as I realized what this meant. Sally had been working with Brittany all along.

I confronted her as soon as she walked in the door. "What is this, Sally?" I demanded, holding up the robe.

She looked at me, her eyes wide with surprise. "I don't know what you're talking about, Lyra."

"Don't lie to me!" I shouted. "I found this under your bed. You've been working with Brittany, haven't you?"

Sally's expression hardened. "I don't have to explain myself to you, Lyra. You're not my Alpha."

"No, but I thought you were my friend," I said, my voice trembling.

"Friends don't keep secrets from each other," she retorted. "You've been keeping secrets from me, too. I know you've been talking to Whitney about me behind my back."

"That's not true!" I protested. "Whitney has been there for me when you haven't. She's the only one I can trust."

Sally snorted. "Is that what you think?"

"Yes... I do."

A flash of hurt registered in Sally's eyes as she stormed out of the room, leaving me feeling more alone than ever.

The next day, I came back from class to find that Sally had moved out all of her belongings. The only thing she had left was a note that read: "You are on your own as that is how you want it."