Dawn of a Queen

Chapter 8: The First Trial

~Aeryn P.O.V~

I woke up early the next morning, thankful that I didn't have another one of those dreams. I was feeling anxious about the first trial and my mind wouldn't allow me to fall back to sleep, so I eventually gave up, got dressed, and went outside for a walk. It was a brisk morning, and I could see my breath in the air, but it reminded me of the cool days back home which was comforting in a way.

I was informed that the first trial was one of speed, endurance, and agility and would be entirely in wolf form. The trials were all based on physical capabilities rather than intelligence, which I questioned, but ultimately figured that the moon goddess always brought forth the rightful champion.

I came across a collection of houses that were very architecturally pleasing. Each was constructed in the same style and off-white color, but they were all unique. They were well spaced apart allowing for some privacy, but they surrounded a park with wide concrete pathways. In the center stood an enormous fountain with an image of a wolf adorning the top.

I turned away from the clearing back toward the forest to return to my cabin, but I stopped when I heard a voice. I turned around to see three wolves, specifically Alphas, approaching me.

"Can I help you?" I said, rather confused as to why they even wanted to speak with me, especially because I didn't recognize any of them.

"I bet you think you're some kind of hot shot, showing your face around here." Said one who looked to be no older than me.

"Excuse me? What are you talking about?"

They looked at each other and laughed.

"Wow. I guess she's just as stupid too!"

My wolf was starting to surface as my anger boiled and I growled menacingly at them.

"Look. I don't know who you are or what you want, but you need to go away and leave me alone."

They instantly stopped laughing and their expressions grew dark.

"I'm an Alpha! You cannot order me around." Said the one I assumed was acting as the leader of the group.

I took one step closer to him and squinted my eyes slightly.

"So am I. Now back off."

"Why don't you fight me and prove you're better!" he growled.

I looked between the three of them before returning my gaze to the challenger.

"That's what this is about? You want me to fight you? We will see who is the best during the trials. I don't need to prove anything to you now." I growled before turning in the opposite direction.

I felt a hand grab my wrist firmly, but I took my elbow and slammed it into the chest of my attacker, causing him to double over. I then took the opportunity to face him, lock my hands together, and slam them down on his back, forcing him to fall on the ground. He was grunting in pain.

I hardly had time to react when I saw the second Alpha lunge at me. I dodged his punch, grabbed his wrist, and twisted his arm so that it was behind his back. I kneed him where the sun doesn't shine, and he was immediately incapacitated. The final wolf also charged at me, but I landed a kick to his chest so hard that he flew straight into a tree trunk.

I casually stepped over the bodies and continued walking in the direction of my cabin. I heard a strange screech and looked up to see a white falcon approaching me. As it drew near to the ground, the bird suddenly changed into Sebastian.