The Alpha Weredragon's Favorite
CHAPTER 83

Lyra

Killian gestured to gleaming wooden boxes with carved lettering and intricate patterns on the outside.

"I recognize Buntae and Ondek. I've played those as a pup when I was at school." My mind flashed to a memory of me helping Blake set up the games. I felt a surge of anger at the thought of ever caring for him. The emotion drifted away as I said, "I was pretty good at those, won most of my matches. But what's that last one?" I pointed to the unfamiliar game.

"That's Lycaneer. It's a game that tests your ability to adapt and make decisions under pressure. I have it on good authority that one or more of these games will be used during the next Luna Trials. In what capacity... I don't know." "I know the others well."

'Enough', I added silently.

Killian set his empty mug on the table and rose to retrieve the game. "Then we'll focus on the one that you don't."

"How do you play Lycaneer?" I asked, leaning forward to examine the game pieces he shook out from the contents of the box.

Killian picked up a small figurine. "The objective is to outsmart your opponents and secure your victory. The Alpha favors the cunning and the bold."

I raised an eyebrow and sassed, "Alpha," I scoffed. "Well, isn't that misogynistic."

Killian blushed in way that would make his admirers swoon. "Well... I didn't design it you know."

I stayed silent grinning into my cup of tea.

My cousin cleared his throat and continued. "The Alpha, he's the central figure in the game. You'll need to manipulate the Deck and make smart moves and sacrifices to keep your Alpha safe," Killian explained. "Sacrifices? Like what?" I asked, feeling a bit uneasy.

Killian chuckled. "Not real sacrifices, just strategic moves in the game. You'll need to think ahead and anticipate your opponent's actions."

I nodded, starting to understand. "So, it's like chess, but with more elements?"

"Exactly," Killian said, smiling. "You'll have property you can buy and charge rent for, different types of pieces, each with their own abilities that can bring the enemy Alpha to his knees."

My thoughts went due south.

Ryan on his knees. Me, indecently bare beneath a short shirt that floated around his head as he—

"Lyra..." Killian snapped his fingers in front of my face.

To play off my mind-sleeze, I picked up one of the pieces. Examining it closely, I was determined to look like I was paying attention. "This looks like a wolf."

"Yes, that's one of the Pack Member pieces. They're your most basic units, but they can be very useful in the right situations," Killian explained.

"And what about this one?" I asked, holding up a piece with intricate designs.

"That's the Alpha piece. It's your most powerful unit, but also the most valuable. If you lose your Alpha, the game is over," Killian said seriously.

I nodded, setting the piece on the table. "Okay, I think I'm starting to get it. Can we play a practice round?"

Killian grinned. "I thought you'd never ask."

I watched as Killian picked up the pieces and unfolded the large board. With deft movements, he began setting up the game, speaking as he did so. "The objective is to navigate your piece through a series of challenges and obstacles, all the while trying to outwit your enemy." He doled out the miniature gold coins with a flourish. "But here's the catch: the board can change with each turn, forcing you to constantly reassess your strategy."

I watched as he placed the pieces on the board, my mind already racing trying to take everything in. "Okay, I'm in," I said, grinning.

Killian chuckled. "I thought you might be. But before we start, I want you to close your eyes and take a deep breath."

I did as Killian instructed, and as I breathed in and out, I tried to push away all the thoughts that were occupying space in my head. It was hard not to think about Sally and the Luna Trials, but I did my best to focus on letting go of my hurt, loneliness, and worry.

Little by little my body began to relax with each deep breath. The tension in my shoulders and jaw also melted away. It was like Killian's voice had some kind of magical power to make me feel calm and centered.

After a few more breaths, my mind felt clearer than it had in a long time. The worries and distractions that had been plaguing me had successfully faded into the background, leaving me feeling refreshed. "Open your eyes, Lyra."

I did so slowly, blinking a few times as I adjusted to the light. I looked over at him and saw that he was smiling at me encouragingly.

"Alright," I said, returning his smile with a determined grin of my own. "Let's do this."

A surge of excitement passed through me as I looked down at the game board in front of us. Even though I had never played Lycaneer before, I was eager to learn and ready to give it my all.

***

I trudged back to my dorm room after three brutal rounds of playing Lycaneer with Killian.

I was mentally drained beyond recognition and extremely mad at Killian.

In fact, I no longer wanted to claim him as family. He had slaughtered me by a huge margin each time, leaving me to eat his dust and making me question my strategic skills.

"Maybe we should have focused on physical training instead," I muttered to myself, rubbing my temples. "It would have been a hell of a lot easier."

Just as I thought I had the upper hand, the board changed and I was thrown into near poverty at the roll of the die. My pack members were destroyed before my very eyes, and when I'd lost my Alpha for the third time- mentally calling him Ryan in my head I nearly burst into tears.

I stumbled into my room and collapsed on the bed, not even bothering to change out of my clothes. Briefly I wondered what Ryan was up to and if he was thinking of me. More than Sally, I missed seeing him on a daily basis. The only thing that got me through the long days was the fact that I was fighting for us.

The Luna Trials started again tomorrow, bringing me one step closer to be forever by his side.

At least I hoped so.

"As long as I don't have to play Lycaneer, "I mumbled, my eyelids growing heavy. "I'll be okay."

With that final thought, I drifted off to sleep, still fully dressed, my mind filled with visions of an Alpha with blue eyes and brown curls, witches who looked like Wista and my hope that I'd make it through to the next round.