Test of Loyalty
The morning air was heavy with anticipation as Isla stood at the edge of the forest, her breath visible in the chill. Her muscles still ached from the fight with Rada, and her bruises were a vivid reminder of the strength she lacked compared to the others. But she wasn’t here to outmuscle anyone today. The third trial wasn’t about strength—it was about loyalty.
Susan, ever composed and sharp, stood before the gathered contenders, her voice carrying over the murmuring crowd. “Today’s trial will test your dedication to the pack. A Luna must make choices that will define the lives of others. You’ll each face a situation where your loyalty, judgment, and heart will be tested.”
Isla’s stomach twisted as Susan continued, her words a mix of encouragement and warning. “In the forest before you, there are two paths. One leads to a captured pack member—a warrior taken by rogues. The other leads to an artifact vital to the pack’s survival. You can only save one. Choose wisely.”
The crowd stirred, whispers rippling through them. Isla felt their eyes on her, some curious, others skeptical. She didn’t have time to focus on their judgment. The task ahead demanded her full attention.
Draven’s voice cut through the murmurs, low and firm. “A Luna must weigh the needs of the individual against the needs of the pack. There’s no right or wrong answer—only consequences.”
His words lingered in her mind as the contenders were sent off one by one. Isla’s heart raced as her turn came. She stepped forward, her eyes locking briefly with Draven’s. His expression was unreadable, but she thought she saw a flicker of something there—encouragement, perhaps, or curiosity.
Susan handed her a map, the parchment rough against her fingers. “Good luck,” she said, though her tone gave little comfort.
Isla nodded, clutching the map tightly as she entered the forest. The dense trees swallowed her immediately, the cool shadows stretching long across the ground. The air was quiet except for the crunch of leaves underfoot and the occasional distant rustle of movement.
She stopped at a crossroads, her pulse quickening. The map showed two clear paths: one to the captured warrior, and the other to the artifact. The artifact’s path was longer and fraught with hazards, while the other was shorter but filled with traps.
What do I do? Isla thought, her mind racing.
Save the warriorThe pack can replace an artifact. They can’t replace him.
But what if they see it as weakness? Isla argued silently. What if they think I can’t prioritize the bigger picture?
Trust your instinctsYou’ll regret it if you don’t.
Taking a deep breath, Isla made her choice. She turned down the path to the captured warrior, her feet moving faster as adrenaline surged through her. The forest seemed alive with danger, every shadow and sound a potential threat. She narrowly avoided a snare, the sharp teeth of the trap snapping shut inches from her boot. Her heart pounded as she pressed on, determination fueling her steps.
There she found Jamie, he was tied to a tree, his face pale and streaked with dirt. His head lifted as she approached, a weak smirk tugging at his lips. “Took you long enough.”
“Shut up,” Isla muttered, cutting through the ropes with a sharp rock she’d picked up along the way. “You’re lucky I didn’t leave you here.”
Jamie chuckled weakly, wincing as he stood. “You would’ve missed my charming company.”
She rolled her eyes, slipping an arm under his to help him walk. “Let’s just get out of here.”
The journey back was grueling. Jamie’s weight slowed her down, and every step felt like a battle against her own exhaustion. She could feel the judgment of the forest itself, as though it knew she had left the artifact behind.
When they finally emerged from the trees, the crowd’s murmurs hit her like a wave. The other contenders were already back, their hands holding gleaming artifacts. Isla stood apart from them, Jamie leaning heavily on her shoulder, both of them covered in dirt and sweat.
One of the elders stepped forward, his expression stern. “You abandoned the artifact,” he said, his voice heavy with disapproval. “What does that say about your priorities?”
Isla’s throat tightened, but before she could answer, Draven stepped into the ring. His presence silenced the crowd, his dark eyes scanning the gathered wolves before settling on Isla. There was a quiet intensity in his gaze, one that made her breath catch.
“She saved a member of this pack,” Draven said, his voice low but commanding. “That’s what matters.”
The elder hesitated, his lips pressing into a thin line before he nodded and stepped back. Isla’s shoulders sagged with relief, though she kept her head high. Draven’s gaze lingered on her for a moment longer before he turned away, his expression unreadable once again.
Jamie gave her a lopsided grin. “Guess you’re stuck with me now, huh?”
“Don’t push your luck,” Isla muttered, though a faint smile tugged at her lips.
As the crowd dispersed, Isla felt the weight of the trial lift slightly. She had made her choice, and while it hadn’t been perfect, it had been hers. For the first time, she felt a spark of something unfamiliar—a quiet confidence that maybe, just maybe, she belonged here.
