After the Great War, the Vampire Kingdom retreated into obscurity. It had taken a toll on the other supernatural races, most of which vanished into extinction, leaving Werewolves as the sole rulers. Four thousand years of peace is suddenly shattered...
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(Levi in wolf form)
~Aeryn P.O.V~
The moon was nearly at its peak in the sky, sending streams of silver light onto the grass and trees and shimmering against our fur. None of us knew why Zira refused to attend the trial, and I got the sense that she had become far weaker than she was letting on. I never realized how much secrecy and mystery shrouded this place and the wolves here. I vowed that if I won the match, I would discover the truth.
As an Alpha, I had learned that it was best to know everything that went on. I wanted to have everything right under my nose. The title of Queen would make me both the Alpha of the Royal Pack and ruler of all werewolves. It was an extraordinary amount of power, and that was something I never desired, but there was always a longing within me where I knew I was meant for something greater.
When we arrived, I saw that a much larger crowd had gathered for the event. Although most wolves had been evacuated, there were still many warriors and those of higher rankings who had stayed. This final Trial was more formal than any of the others and the bystanders were all in their animal form.
I saw Sebastian's white cougar disappear and join a group of werecats and Selene followed. He stood next to a tiger, who I assumed was Gage, since there was a small lynx sitting on his back. There were at least forty werecats present, which was much more than I expected. I didn't think there were even that many.
As I walked to the center of the field, I could feel my wolf violently stirring inside me. I didn't know what she was doing, and I was unable to communicate with her. My mate eventually left to stand with the crowd, and I made my way to the center of the field so I was positioned across from Alpha Wilson.
My golden eyes met his icy blue orbs as we stood motionlessly with our ears perked forward, sizing up our adversary. His pure black wolf was about a head taller than I, but I learned long ago that size was not always the key to success in battle.
One of the Lords howled to the moon, signifying the start of the Trial and acknowledging that the victor was chosen by the goddess herself. The Alpha and I began to circle each other slowly, seeking out weaknesses and trying to anticipate who would make the first move.
After a few cautious circles, he flashed his teeth at me as he began growling. I responded by flattening my ears and biting the air as I barked once. I could feel the hairs on my back stand up as I sensed his intention to charge.
Suddenly, he broke our dance of intimidation and lunged at my throat. I moved to the side and latched on to the side of his neck, quickly jerking my head to the right. He turned his head and bit me in the ear, causing me to release my grip on his neck. I swiped my paw across his face in retaliation, making him growl furiously. He jumped toward me again gnashing is teeth repeatedly, trying to bite my throat. The force of his attack was enough to push my back to the ground, but I pressed my front legs against his chest, preventing his canines from sinking into my flesh.
