**Hope's POV**The sun was high in the sky, and the heat seeped through the windows of the dormitory. After the morning's intense competition, the chief guard had granted the rest of the day off so that we could rest before the next stage. My muscles still ached, and the adrenaline from the test continued to pulse through my veins.The other boys and I returned to the room, all exhausted and eager for a well-deserved break. Peter, or rather, I, was met with curious glances and some expressions of distrust from Norman, but he didn't say anything. I decided to use the free time to retire and, perhaps, make some plans for the future.Upon entering the room, the atmosphere was calm. My roommates were lying on their beds, some napping, others talking quietly. I let myself fall onto my bed and took a deep breath. The scent in the room was a mixture of sweat and excitement, but it also carried a silent tension.Minutes dragged on, and the conversation among the other boys continued in hushed
Pov Hope.Upon arriving at the pack house, Jade found me drenched and curious. She mentioned that my father was calling for me and questioned why I was all wet. We headed to the room, where I took a quick shower and changed clothes before heading to my father's office.Upon opening the door, my father looked at me with a serious expression and asked where I had been. I opted for a half-truth, mentioning that I had gone for a walk in the forest and run with my wolf. His reaction was immediate."Hope, you know you can't leave the palace. No one can see you before the end of the competition. I'm trying to protect you from potential threats. Many people have come from afar, and we can't risk anything happening."Indignation grew within me, and I couldn't help but respond angrily. "If my mother were here, she would never allow you to keep me locked up like this!"My father sighed, trying to explain the reasons behind his actions. However, frustration persisted, creating tension between us.
Some hours laterHope's POVUpon waking up, I realized I had missed dinner, but the sense of revitalization was necessary. I changed clothes again, assuming the appearance of Peter, and headed back to the lodging.In the hallway, I crossed paths with Simon and Liam, who seemed intrigued by my absence. They asked where I had been, and inventing an excuse, I mentioned the infirmary and showed them my bandaged foot."You took your time, man. We thought you got lost or something," Simon commented, with a playful tone.Liam, with a smile on his lips, added, "The water was great. If it weren't for Simon, we would have dragged you there. You seem to be afraid of water."I let out a nervous laugh, trying to maintain the facade. "Oh, I just wasn't feeling very well. Next time, I'll definitely join you guys."They exchanged knowing glances, and I continued my way, internally thankful for having escaped that situation without raising suspicions."How's the injury on your leg?" Norman appeared be
Hope's POVThe Next DayThe blindfold lightly squeezed my eyes, and darkness was complete. The head of the guard guided me to a random point in the labyrinth, where he left me alone. As I sensed his steps fading away, a shiver ran down my spine. I was completely alone, just me and the unpredictability of the labyrinth."Hope, focus... you can do this," I repeated to myself, trying to dispel any doubts that might arise. The challenge began, and I needed to rely on my sharp wolf senses to overcome it.Closing my eyes, I immersed myself in the silence around me. The smell of damp earth, the subtle scent of wildflowers, the gentle breeze carrying the sounds of the labyrinth. My hearing became my guide, picking up the slightest sound, the slightest movement.Through smell, I distinguished the path ahead of me. The scent of flowers changed as I moved, creating a kind of olfactory map. I navigated through these subtle differences, relying on the sensitivity of my inner wolf.Every step was c
"that lack of respect for his future fiancée!" Simon joked."Well... they technically aren't engaged yet. The commitment hasn't been sealed, so Logan is single and can enjoy the night with Clark," Liam winked, already influenced by the drinks."Where's Norman? He's been missing for a while," Simon commented, concerned."He's probably out there with some girl, enjoying the night. Stop being so worried; let's have some fun!" Liam said, pulling Simon to meet Clark's friends.When I turned around, it didn't take long for Logan and Clark to start kissing intensely in front of the bar counter. He ran his hands over her body, while Clark left hickeys on his neck. Everyone always knew that Clark was promiscuous, but as she was the chief of the guard's daughter, we couldn't say that publicly, even though she didn't care about keeping up appearances.The atmosphere in the bar was engaging, and the alcohol was starting to take effect. My vision was slightly blurred when Liam called me, mentionin
Pov Supreme Alpha.Seated in my imposing office chair, my eyes reflected a mix of concern and fatigue. Beside me, the Beta stood firm in the face of the urgency that demanded imminent news."The disease is spreading beyond what we can contain. I'm having difficulties holding it back. The situation is critical, and I fear we have only a few days before..." I hesitated before concluding the sentence, "before I depart."A deep sigh escaped my lips, acknowledging the delicacy of my condition. "We need to expedite the stages of the competition. My daughter needs to get married as soon as possible."The Beta nodded seriously, indicating that he had already arranged for such acceleration. "Don't worry, Alpha. The candidates are already in the third stage, and after that, we'll have the final test."With effort to rise, I directed my gaze to the Beta, inquiring about the participants. "Who are the candidates?""Peter, a member of our pack. Logan, the son of the Alpha of the Crescent Moon. Sim
pov hopeThe room was steeped in a dense aura, marked by my muffled sobs, tears sliding down my cheeks. The pain was immense, but I tried to conceal my emotions when I heard a gentle knock on the door. Lily, my mother, entered silently, sensing my distress.I quickly wiped away the tears, though the sadness still shimmered in my eyes. Lily approached, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder. "I'm sorry, dear. I regret everything you're going through."My mother's voice overflowed with compassion, and she gently suggested, "If you want, I can help you escape. You don't need to face all of this here. We can find a place where you can be free."Surprised, I looked at my mother. "Would you do that for me? Defy the Alpha's orders for me?"Lily replied without hesitation, "I've done it once for you, when I was pregnant. And I would do it again, for sure."Now intrigued, I asked, "Why would you risk so much?"Lily sighed and confessed, "Since I lost Peter, I've felt an inconsolable pain. Yo
pov hopeThe sun had barely risen on the horizon when I was awakened by the guard chief's call for the third stage of the competition. A mixed feeling of anxiety and determination propelled me as I quickly got dressed. The third phase was crucial, and every move counted.Upon reaching the designated location, the guard chief distributed bracelets that would monitor our vitality during the challenge. The participants were strategically positioned at different points in the forest, ready to face the challenges that lay ahead.Norman, my partner, exchanged a serious look with me before we received our instructions. "Stay alert, Peter. We can't afford to lose points this time."The forest was filled with unknown challenges, and our senses were heightened as time began to run out. Thirty minutes passed, and tension hung in the air as a growl reverberated among the trees.Suddenly, emerging from the shadows of the trees, Logan appeared before us. His eyes sparkled with wild determination, a