Ruby's POV
As my father's speech concluded, the crowd's cheers filled the air, and I couldn't help but feel the intensity of the moment. The competition was about to begin, and the fates of our packs hung in the balance.
The senior pack member stepped forward, and I watched with curiosity as he walked up to Alpha Ralph and Alpha Gonzalo, who were standing shirtless. The atmosphere grew solemn, and I sensed the significance of this moment. The senior pack member, who was a trusted and experienced individual, was about to perform a ritual that would symbolize the start of the competition.
The senior pack member began the ritual by circling both Alpha Ralph and Alpha Gonzalo. He held a ceremonial knife, which gleamed under the sunlight. The knife had intricate carvings on its hilt, signifying tradition and power.
With precision and intent, the senior pack member made small incisions on their chests, drawing blood. The blood trickl
Ruby's POVAfter Alpha Ralph's confident departure, I returned to my seat on the elevated podium, deep in thought. The conversation with him had left me feeling a mix of emotions. The competition was far from decided, and there was still Alpha Gonzalo to consider. As I played with my fingers, contemplating the choices ahead, my thoughts were interrupted when I noticed Alpha Gonzalo making his way toward me.He approached me with a warm smile, his intentions seemingly kind and gentle. I couldn't help but appreciate his respectful demeanor. He extended his arms, clearly aiming for a hug. However, I hesitated and avoided his embrace, causing him to notice my apprehension."Ruby, is everything okay?" he asked, a look of genuine concern in his eyes. He couldn't hide the worry he felt when he saw the expression on my face.I decided to be honest with him. "Alpha Gonzalo, it's been a challenging day so far. Alpha Ralph h
Ruby's POVVincent's insinuations about my possible preference for Gonzalo were starting to wear on my patience. As we continued our conversation, his persistent probing stirred an unexpected frustration within me."Vincent, please stop," I finally said, unable to contain my irritation any longer. "I'm trying to keep my feelings and thoughts in check. The more you say it, the more it stirs up unnatural feelings, and I can't afford that right now."He sighed and ran a hand through his hair, realizing the impact of his words. "I'm sorry, Ruby. I didn't mean to upset you."I nodded, appreciating his apology. "It's okay, Vincent. I know you mean well, but this is already complicated."Seeing the exhaustion on my face, Vincent offered to leave me alone. "If you need some space, I understand. Just remember that I'm here for you."I managed a small smile. "Thank you, Vincent. I appreciate your support."
Ruby's POVMy mother's question hung in the air, waiting for a response. It was a question that everyone seemed eager to ask. After a moment of reflection, I decided to give her a partial answer, not revealing my true feelings yet."I think I do," I said with a hint of mystery, hoping to keep the conversation light.My mother's eyes sparkled with curiosity as she took my hand. "Which one?" she asked, leaning in, eager for the inside scoop.I smiled, but my reply was playful and evasive. "I can't tell you, Mom. It'll ruin the fun."Deep down, I was weary of the constant questioning about my preference. I had become tired of it. It was a complex matter, and I didn't want to give anyone the satisfaction of knowing my choice just yet. Additionally, I couldn't shake off the suspicion that lingered around my mother, despite my tentative desire to rebuild our relationship.My mother accepted my respon
Ruby's POVSitting alone in my room, the echoes of Elena's words and the overwhelming stress of the competition swirled around me. I was both physically and emotionally drained, and the weight of my responsibilities as a Luna had never been more apparent. My thoughts drifted back to a recent conversation I had with Gonzalo, a conversation that now held even more significance.It was just a few days ago when Gonzalo and I had a private moment to discuss the troubling situation with Teresa and my father, Drako. It was an unsettling conversation that had left us both on edge.Gonzalo's eyes bore the weight of the concern he felt as he spoke. "Ruby, Teresa and her father going missing is a grave concern. It leaves my packs exposed and unsafe. We know Drako's intentions aren't pure, but we can't be certain of how far he's willing to go, and how far Teresa will follow his orders."I nodded, my thoughts equally troubled
Ruby's POVElsa sighed, the weight of her past and the complex web of emotions settling upon her. She looked at me, searching for the right words. "Drako was a master of manipulation from the very beginning. He always loved power, Ruby. It was like an insatiable hunger that consumed him."As she spoke, I could sense the pain and regret in her voice. Elsa continued, her words laced with a hint of sorrow. "When I first met Drako, he was charming, charismatic, and incredibly persuasive. He had a way of making people believe in his vision and follow him blindly."She paused, collecting her thoughts, and I waited patiently, realizing that this conversation was as difficult for her as it was for me. "He claimed to have a noble cause, a desire to bring about change and unity among the packs. He seemed so convincing, and I was drawn to his charisma. It was only later that I began to see the true extent of his ambition."M
Ruby's POVElsa sighed, acknowledging the question. "Maybe I am, but I'm not going to mince words, Ruby. I genuinely think Gonzalo is the right one for you. I've seen him grow from a young, determined alpha into a man who shoulders the weight of his responsibilities with grace and strength."As Elsa spoke, she painted a vivid picture of Gonzalo's childhood and the challenges he faced. "He grew up without his mother, facing the prejudices against his lineage. Despite that, he developed into a compassionate and formidable alpha. Even before I returned to your father's pack, Gonzalo displayed leadership qualities that set him apart."I listened intently, absorbing the details of Gonzalo's past. However, there was something gnawing at me, a truth I needed to share. "Mother, are you aware that Gonzalo was manipulated into thinking that Teresa was his true mate? Drako, together with his father, deceived him into believing that
Gonzalo's POVThe moon hung high in the night sky, casting an ethereal glow over the dense woods. The scent of pine filled the air as I navigated through the shadows, sprinting silently through the underbrush. I could feel the weight of the task ahead pressing on my shoulders, the first assignment given to us by the mysterious forces that governed our existence.The task was simple yet challenging: retrieve a relic hidden deep within the heart of the woods. It was a test of our abilities, a measure of our determination to prove our worth. The forest, with its twisting paths and concealed secrets, became our battleground.As I raced through the woods, my senses heightened, and my instincts guided my every move. The first obstacle in my path was a thicket of thorns, their sharp edges glinting in the moonlight. Without hesitation, I leaped, twisting mid-air to avoid the prickly trap.My gaze focused ahead as I encountered the next
Gonzalo's POVDarkness enveloped me as I opened my eyes, a disoriented haze clouding my senses. The moon's glow had disappeared, leaving me in pitch-black surroundings. Confusion gripped me as I struggled to piece together what had transpired.Slowly getting up, I realized I had been bleeding, the metallic taste of blood lingering in my mouth. Hours had passed while I lay unconscious, and the forest held its secrets tight. I couldn't shake the feeling that someone had deliberately struck me.Focusing my mind, I replayed the events in slow motion, and it became clear—an impact, a sudden force. Someone had hit me, but the memory remained elusive, a shadow in the recesses of my mind. Determined, I cleaned myself up as best as I could, my senses on high alert.The destination, the relic, still beckoned. I pressed forward, the forest's mysteries unfolding with each step. When I finally reached