Chapter 9: The Trials of Luna (Ariana’s POV) STRATEGY, STRENGTH, WOLF
I reacted quickly, throwing a punch aimed at his side. But he was faster, sidestepping and grabbing my arm, twisting it behind my back. The pain shot through me, but I gritted my teeth, refusing to give up. My vision blurred with frustration. This wasn‘ t how I had imagined it. I was supposed to be able to hold my own, to show them I had what it took to be Luna.
“Your strength is not just in your body, Ariana,” Gabriel said, his grip tightening.
“It’s in your resolve. Do not underestimate yourself.”
I pushed against his hold with everything I had, using my foot to sweep his legs out from under him. Gabriel crashed to the
ground, and for a moment, I thought I had won. But he was up again in an instant, grinning.
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Chapter 9: The Trials of Luna (Ariana’s POV) STRATEGY, STRE
“Good. But you’ll need more than just strength,” he said, nodding. “Your real test is yet to come.”
The second trial was the Trial of Strategy. It was to test my intellect and leadership abilities, to prove that I could guide the pack in more ways than one. This trial was different from the first, but it was no less. daunting.
A group of pack warriors stood before me, their eyes sharp, waiting for my orders. Gabriel had arranged a mock battle where I had to command our warriors, ensuring we outsmarted and defeated an enemy pack in a tactical simulation.
I stood in the center of the field, scanning the mock battlefield laid out before me. I had seen Scott command the pack countless times, the ease with which he ordered them into action, the confidence
he exuded. I wasn’t sure I could do the
same. But there was no room for doubt
now.
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Chapter 9: The Trials of Luna (Ariana’s POV) STRATEGY, STRE
“Move left flank to the west side,” I ordered, trying to steady my voice. “Make a diversion. The main force will head
toward the east. We’ll encircle them and
I was cut off by a loud explosion that sent dirt flying into the air. My heart leapt into my throat. This wasn‘ t just a simulation- it was real.
One of the warriors signaled that a scout. had been injured in the mock assault. I looked over my shoulder, assessing the situation with a tight breath. I had to make a decision fast. “Send two healers to the scout immediately,” I called out, then turned to the rest. “All units, flank them from both sides. We strike as one.”
The pack moved in synchrony, and for a moment, I felt the weight of command settling in, like a mantle I had never wanted but now had no choice but to accept. The mock enemy pack fell into disarray, their warriors retreating in
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Chapter 9 The Trials of Luna (Ariana’s POVI STRATEGY, STRI
confusion. I had done it. We had won.
But the victory felt hollow, a temporary relief. The truth was, I didn‘ feel like I belonged here–not fully. I could command them, I could fight beside them, but without my wolf, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I wasn’t truly one of them. I was just pretending.
After the trial was over, I walked back to the council, my body sore but my mind sharp. I was getting closer, but the last trial was the one that would truly define me.
The Trial of the Wolf was the final test. It would prove whether I had the strength to connect with my wolf, to truly bond with the pack. It was the trial I feared most.
As I stood at the entrance to the sacred ritual grounds, I could hear the howls of the wolves in the distance. My breath caught in my throat. I had never been able to shift, never been able to feel the power of the wolf coursing through me. How could I possibly pass this trial?
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Chapter 9: The Trials of Luna (Ariana’s POV) STRATEGY, STRE
Elder Gabriel stood beside me, his gaze unwavering. “You must call to your wolf, Ariana. You must find the bond that ties you to this pack. You cannot lead them if you cannot connect with your own power.”
I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, focusing all my energy on the bond I shared with Scott, with the pack. But nothing happened. The connection I desperately sought was still out of reach. I could hear the wolves around me, the deep, primal howls, and I tried to match their rhythm, but I felt no change.
My frustration built, my heart pounding in my chest. Why couldn‘ t I shift? Why couldn’t I be like everyone else?
“You are not just a wolf, Ariana,” Gabriel said softly. “You are something more. You must believe in that. Only then will you find your true strength.”
But the words were hollow. I had tried for
so long, and I was failing.
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Chapter 9: The Trials of Luna (Ariana’s POV) STRATEGY, STRE
I sank to my knees, my hands shaking, my chest tight with defeat. The council
watched in silence.
“I can’t do it,” I whispered. “I’m not like them. I’m not a Luna.”
A painful silence hung in the air, and for the first time, I doubted whether I could truly be what they needed me to be.
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