The Lycan Pack's Luna

Chapter 39

Cassandra’s POV

Winning the first trial should have felt like a victory.

But as I stood at the edge of the training grounds, staring at the dense forest ahead, I knew the real challenge was just beginning.

The Danger Hunt.

“The second trial,” the announcer’s voice boomed across the arena, “is a test of a Luna’s ability to protect her pack.”

The crowd murmured with anticipation. This wasn’t just about skill or leadership anymore. This was about instinct.

I clenched my fists. I won’t fail this.

“The rules are simple,” the announcer continued. “Each participant will enter the forest, where a group of unarmed ‘civilians’—played by younger warriors—have been scattered. The goal? Find them. Protect them. And bring them back safely.”

I scanned the competitors beside me.

Some were seasoned warriors, standing tall and confident. Others, like Elias, looked bored.

I smirked. He wasn’t taking this seriously. Big mistake.

But then, the announcer’s voice dropped lower. “One last thing—”

The crowd hushed.

“This trial comes with a twist. Some of the threats inside the forest are not staged.”

Silence.

Alec tensed beside the announcer. That was not part of the original plan.

I frowned. “What does that mean?”

The announcer hesitated. “Our scouts have reported rogue activity near the borders. While we have guards stationed, it is possible that not all of the ‘threats’ inside the forest will be actors.”

My stomach dropped.

This wasn’t just a trial anymore.

It was real.

Alec’s gaze snapped to me. Don’t go.

“Luna Cassandra,” the announcer called. “Are you ready to begin?”

I exhaled slowly, the weight of my mark burned against my skin, a reminder of what I was fighting for.

I turned toward the trees.

“Let’s begin.”

The forest was silent.

I moved quickly, my senses sharp. The ‘civilians’ were hiding somewhere—and so were the threats.

A twig snapped behind me.

I whirled, claws half-shifting—

Just a warrior in disguise, playing the role of a rogue.

I relaxed. Not yet.

Ten minutes passed.

I found the first ‘civilian’—a younger warrior named Leah, crouched beneath the roots of an old oak tree.

“Stay close,” I murmured, leading her toward the clearing.

Another five minutes—found two more.

So far, so good.

But then—

The scent changed.

The air turned sharp, thick with something feral.

Not staged.

Real.

My pulse quickened. I turned to my group. “Run. Get to the clearing. Now.”