The Alpha Weredragon's Favorite
CHAPTER 86

Lyra

I raced between that tables in the auditorium, my pulse so high my veins itched. The timer had started, and I only had one minute to find my seat. I scanned the numbers on the chairs, my eyes darting back and forth. "Eleven, twenty, sixteen" I muttered under my breath, weaving through the rows. "Where's thirty? Come on, come on!"

Dread constricted my heart and tripped up my feet. My palms were slick with sweat, and I wiped them on my jeans. Again, I went down a familiar row.

"No, no, no!" I spun around, nearly colliding with another girl. She shot me a dirty look before hurrying to her own seat. "Calm down, Lyra," a voice whispered in my head. "You've got this."

I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. I closed my eyes for a brief moment, picturing the number thirty in my mind.

When I opened them, I spotted it immediately. Right there, in the front row, second from the left. I sprinted towards it, dodging the other contestants.

I practically dove into the chair, my chest heaving. I made it. With seconds to spare. The girl next to me, sat down with a loud sigh, looking as frazzled as I felt. She offered me a weak smile before turning her attention to the game in front of her.

I followed suit, my eyes scanning the familiar pieces of Ondek. I remembered the rules for this one. I could do this.

I looked up at my opponent, a dour looking she-wolf with braids and a round florid face. Built like a mountain, she stared at anything but me, her eyes darting around the room.

A test proctor approached our table, a stopwatch in her hand. "Anyone need to read the rules?" she asked between smacks of her gum.

I shook my head, and so did number ten. We both knew how to play Ondek.

After a moment, the tower clock began to chime, the sound echoing through the auditorium. I gripped the edge of the table, my knuckles turning white.

"Begin!" Shelia's voice rang out, sharp and clear

"Your move," I said, placing a piece on the board.

Number ten grunted in response, her eyes finally meeting mine. She studied the board intently before making her own move.

We played in silence for a while, the only sounds being the clack of the pieces, the click of the timer, and the proctor's gum smacking.

"Nice move," I said as number ten captured one of my pieces.

She shrugged. Her face impassive.

I tried again. "Have you played this game before?"

"Once or twice," she mumbled, not looking up from the board.

I nodded, feeling a bit frustrated by her lack of conversation. I focused on the game, determined to win.

As the minutes ticked by, I found myself losing ground. Number ten was good, really good.

"You're pretty skilled at this," I said, trying to keep my voice light.

She just grunted again, capturing another one of my pieces.

I took a deep breath and focused on the game board, studying the pieces carefully. My opponent had gained an early lead, but I wasn't ready to give up yet. "You can do this, Lyra," I whispered to myself, moving a piece forward. "Just concentrate."

I let go of my fears and doubts, pouring all my attention into the game. The purple and pink board blurred as I strategized, considering each remaining piece and how to best use them.

Slowly but surely, I started to gain ground. I captured one of her pieces, then another. Sweat broke out on the girl's upper lip as she furrowed her brow in concentration.

Her complexion became redder and darker the more pieces I managed to win back. The tide turned and I started to win hers as well. Number ten scowled as if I had stolen her lunch money.

I kept my focus laser-sharp on the game, refusing to let her mean-mug expressions throw me off. We went back and forth, capturing each other's pieces in a tense dance. My heart raced with each move, but I forced myself to stay calm and think strategically.

"Nice move," I said as she took one of my key pieces. I kept my voice level, not wanting to let on how much it stung.

I studied the layout, searching for a way to turn the tables. There - an opening. I slid my piece into position with a satisfying click. "Gotcha."

Her head snapped up, eyes flashing. For a second I thought she might deck me. Instead, she just clenched her jaw and made her next move.

We continued like that, tension mounting with every piece captured. Sweat trickled down my back. This girl was good, but I was determined to win.

Finally, I saw my chance. With a triumphant grin, I made my final move. "Ondek!" I cried a little too loudly.

She stared at the board in disbelief, her face flushing an even deeper red. I held my breath, waiting for her reaction.

"Fine. You win," she grumbled, crossing her large arms over her chest."

I stood up, offering my hand to the girl. "Good game," I said, smiling.

She glared at me. Her face twisted in anger. Instead of shaking my hand, she flipped the board, sending pieces flying everywhere.

"What the hell?" I exclaimed, jumping back.

The girl planted her big hands on the table, leaning forward to sneer in my face. "You may have won, but at least I have a wolf," she spat.

I recoiled as if she'd slapped me. Everyone in the room turned to stare at us, their eyes wide with shock and curiosity.

Suddenly, a loud laugh rang out from two rows in front of me. It was Brittany, her face filled with malicious glee.

"Ooh, burn!" she cackled, pointing at me. "Looks like the little wolfless wonder isn't so special after all!"

I felt my face flush with shame and embarrassment as everyone started whispering and giggling. I wanted to sink into the floor and disappear.

It seemed like no matter what I did, I would always be an outsider, forever defined by what I lacked rather than what I had achieved.