AriThe following day, I went about my usual tasks, knowing that the results of the omega exam under the scholarly department would be announced at night.I made a conscious effort to avoid dwelling on it. I focused on my household chores, but the fear of not passing the exam lingered in the back of my mind. Sharing my negative feelings with anyone, especially Jackie, might cause them anxiety. I no longer wanted to be a burden to them, especially during these moments.In my mind, lacking confidence in my performance and worrying about the exam's outcome could cause my people distress. I didn't want that, so I kept the negative thoughts to myself.I tried to stay composed, but the negative thoughts and anxiety took over, affecting my housework.Suddenly, Ingrid called out to me from her office."Bring me a glass of water, bread, and some grapes."Ingrid looked tired and busy with paperwork. I went out and brought the items she asked for. But when I got there..."What are you doing? Did
AriMy heart felt like it was about to burst out of my ribcage. Nervously, I observed the bald guy in front of me, clutching a piece of paper tightly. The list of passers had finally arrived. The atmosphere among the omegas turned silent as we all waited for the bald guy to speak. He cleared his throat."Good evening, omegas. As we announced, after 24 hours, we’ll have the list of the omegas who managed to overcome the first obstacle for the scholarly department. Before I announce it, I want to give my greetings personally. Congratulations."Applause erupted in the main hall, and my fellow omegas who participated in the tough exam looked just as nervous and anxious as I felt. Jackie and Igor noticed my behavior and kindly offered their support.“This is it, Lady Ari. You’ve done well, so be at peace,” Igor reassured me, tapping my shoulder. He smiled and whispered, “Even if you didn’t pass the exam, it’s not the end for you, Lady Ari. It’s an annual exam held every year. We will keep
AriThe next day, Aslaug gathered us, the omegas who had passed the 2500-question assessment, in a room. As the 21 passers exchanged glances, tension permeated the air. We all understood that everyone in that room was a competitor standing in the way of our dream of becoming a pack official. I recognized that these omegas were not going to be easy to deal with.Contemplating what kind of final test awaited us, my mind was flooded with various possibilities. I pondered whether the tests would involve riddles, mind games, or solving challenging problems, a measure of our capabilities as wolves destined for scholarly roles.My mind went back to reality as Aslaug spoke.“Please step forward.”I and the others lined up, taking our steps forward.“Once again, congratulations for making it this far. But I must say it is too early to celebrate. It is not the end. If you want to succeed and change your fate, you have to pass 2 more tests.”Shock and murmurs spread through the air, but not for
AriIgor and Jackie huddled near me, whispering."I'm sure that witch has something sneaky up her sleeves."Jackie agreed with her mate's assumption. "Don't be fooled, Lady Ari. Igor's right. She was probably trying to mess with your chance on the scholarly exam. Be careful."I turned to Jackie. She was determined not to let Seraphina come near me."What do you want? Are you here to hurt Lady Ari?" Jackie snapped at Seraphina.Seraphina just smirked in response to Jackie's accusations, her eyes gleaming with mischief. There seemed to be more to her than met the eye. As tension filled the air, I braced myself for whatever secrets or schemes she might reveal."I'm not dumb enough to harm your lady. She's still a contender for the scholarly division. Harming her would only tarnish my reputation with the Ironwolf," Seraphina explained, rolling her eyes. She then surveyed Jackie from head to toe. "Besides, it's not you I'm after. So, zip it. Joining a conversation that doesn't concern you
KristoffI was restless, sitting alone in my room, staring blankly at the window and thinking about my beloved Ari. I had been observing her from a distance, unable to touch or talk to her. I missed her warm embrace.Our current situation only fueled the deep longing that I felt for her. I was devastated, realizing that she was near me yet too far for me to grasp. My love was within reach, yet I never had a chance to be with her. I punched the wall near me, unable to understand the complicated things about our love."Why does it have to be this way?" I asked the wind, but, as expected, I got no answer.Despite the divine connection we had for each other being severed, Ari was still inside my heart. I realized something after she was taken away from me. Love and the divine connection as wolves are two different things. I dwelled in my sweet memories with Ari. Seeing her again, even from a distance, made me feel delighted. I was thankful I could attend the annual slave exam for being th
AriJenna burst into the bustling slave quarters one early morning, abruptly disrupting the ongoing activities. She demanded everyone's attention and delivered surprising news."Listen, everyone," she declared, her tone firm. "I need a group of omegas to assist in the alpha kitchen. No mistakes are allowed. This is a very important occasion, and this is not our usual space, so it's crucial to perform the tasks correctly."As Jenna carefully selected seven omegas for the task, the room fell into hushed anticipation. To my surprise, I was among those called. Fortunately, Jackie was chosen too. Her exceptional skills had earned her a good reputation, even among other groups, who occasionally sought her help. I believed she should have applied for the omega leader exam alongside Jenna.Jackie and I, along with the rest of the former Moonshadow pack, didn't expect that Jenna would pick us for this vital task. We were well aware of Jenna's disdain for our group. Despite my personal feelings
Ulric"Lord Ulric, it is time to get ready."I grunted in annoyance as the order reached my ears. I tossed my weapon aside, its metallic clatter echoing my displeasure."Why do we need to attend some stupid parties? We are warriors, not clowns," I complained, shooting a defiant look at Ruther, my armsbearer, who had reminded me of the impending social gathering. He just smirked in response. Reluctantly, I complied, my steps heavy as I made my way out of the training ground in a bad mood.Parties never suited my image. I'd rather stay dirty inside the training ground than associate myself with pretentious people who had nothing in mind but gaining favor from the Ironwolf Pack. And yet, I still found myself attending quite a few events as long as it was the Ironwolf himself who would request my presence. I held immense respect for him, and anything he asked of me, regardless of how much I hated it, I would be happy to do.However, his fascination with extravagant parties grated on my ne
AriIn the midst of Ironflame's packhouse, there was an air of excitement, and the torches flickered with anticipation. Tonight's celebration held great importance for the whole pack, as my father would announce Maddie and my union. The entire packhouse bustled with the hurried movements of servants preparing for the event. However, I found myself sitting alone in my room, seemingly drowning in my own sadness amid the festive atmosphere.My room reflected the inner conflict I was facing. Torn between duty and personal feelings, I grappled with the upcoming celebration that would determine my fate. Thoughts of the woman I loved and the heavy burden I carried for our future consumed me. The room echoed with unspoken concerns, the weight of which hung heavily in the air.The door creaked open, breaking the stillness, as Rolf entered with seriousness."Get ready, Jarl Kristoff. The party is about to start," he announced, his words cutting through the silence. I glanced at him, not moving