The Coronation

Chapter 1

Those who have lived a good life do not fear death, but meet it calmly, and even long for it in the face of great suffering. But those who do not have a peaceful conscience, dread death as though life means nothing but physical torment. The challenge is to live our life so that we will be prepared for death when it comes.

My world has been nothing but hell. After the huge war there has been a new regime. It is said that the world would be a better place, but everyone who lives upon the surface is nothing more than a peasant. The exception of the royal and superior live a lavish life.

I live to survive.

By doing what I do day by day will I really be prepared for death? I don't think I would make it through this cruel world.

"Ophelia may you please take out the bread from the oven," mother tells me. My mother and I live in a shabby brick house. We make and sell bread in the community. That's how we survive.

I walk over to the brick oven and pull out the bread. I smell the fresh wheat and I hear the crispness as I place it in a basket. "Ophelia please deliver this to the Richardson family," my mother walks in the kitchen and starts to make more bread. I finish placing all the bread in the basket and walk out to deliver it.

There is one word that describes what everyone lives in "filth". No one ever asked to live this way, but the kingdom of werewolves and the council have never done anything to help the community. What a better place to ever be in.

As I walk up the steps of the Richardson home I hear screaming that comes from inside. A woman shouts, "Please stop I beg of you, she doesn't deserve this! Please Philip! Stop!"

I open the door and I see Mr. Richardson with a long block of wood in his right hand. Mrs. Richardson and her two daughters are hunched over on the ground and crying. "Daddy stop!" One of the daughters plead. As Mr. Richardson is about to swing at them I drop the basket of bread on the ground and I jump in front of the hit.

There was a pain that shot throughout my back. I held in my scream and I just let out a groan.

"What the hell? Who the fuck are you to stop me from hitting these fucken ungrateful pieces of shit?" Mr. Richardson drops the block of wood and is now holding a bottle of whiskey.

I stand up.

"What are you gonna do?" He chugs the rest of the whiskey and drops the glass bottle.

As the glass shatters on the ground I sternly say, "Leave them alone." He yells, "You can't tell me what to do!" He tries to punch me, but I dodge it and I elbow him in the face. He stumbles, "You bitch!" He comes running at me again, but I punch him in his jaw. He grabs ahold of my arm.

I grab his hand and I twist it. I could hear a crack, I grasp his shirt with my other hand and I flip him on his back. As he lands on the ground with a loud thud and he is knocked out cold.

I went to pick up the bread and the basket until I felt a hand on my shoulder. I turn around to see Mrs. Richardson and her two daughters smiling at me with tears in their eyes. "Thank you," she says and hugs me. As she releases me from the hug she spots something red on her hand. My back was bleeding. "Oh my I am so sorry please let me-" "No it's fine, it will heal soon." I give them the basket and wave goodbye to them.

This world is cruel.

As I came back home my mother ran up to me. Out of breath she says, "Honey this came in the mail." She hands me an envelope that looks so pristine that when I hold it there are brown marks on the white paper from my fingers that have dirt on it.

I open the envelope to find a letter in it

To Ophelia Thompson of the Lycan pack,

As the council ages, there are always a new one. Sons that are glorified, honored, and have received an education will be suitable for their roles. You have been cordially invited to take part in the selection as the sons of the fellow alphas will be taking over the position of their fathers. This will include the coronation of the new king prince Maximus West who will succeed King Aspen and a feast to celebrate his entitlement to the throne. The ceremony shall take place on the 1st of the next month. You are required to participate in the choosing ceremony and all of the following will come after the battle in the arena.
It is forever in our favor that only one shall make it through.

Sincerely,
Malik

I have never in my life wanted to die so much. My mother looked at me and she started to cry. I dreaded that this day would come.

Every girl knew that they would have to take part in this, but I wish I never knew about it. Some were lucky and some were not. During the choosing ceremony 50 girls who got the letter will come forth to the town square of their community. 10 girls will be chosen. The rest will go back to their homes, but will be assigned in an arranged marriage with another male. For the 10 girls, they will fight for survival in the kingdom's arena. Only one will survive from each pack and from there the alphas and new king will choose their mate.

My mother walks up to me and places both of her hands on my face, "Ophelia, as your mother I am honored to have had a daughter like you. Whatever happens I just want you to always remember that I love you and that I raised you." She kisses my forehead and hugs me. I hug her back, but I am not grieving of what is to happen to me.