chapter one hundred and seventy-eight

Pov Hope

Five days later...

Five days had passed since warriors from other packs arrived for the competition. The buzz and excitement filled the air in the pack, but my anxiety was fueled by my mother's absence.

I was restless. The competition was about to begin, but my mother hadn't shown up yet. Uncertainty hung in the air, and Mia tried to calm my nerves.

"Mia, where is my mother? She should have arrived by now," I asked, my voice filled with concern.

Mia looked around, searching for any sign of Hope's mother. "I don't know, Hope. Maybe she faced some delay. Let's give it a bit more time. She will come."

News about the competition spread quickly. Mia continued, "All the competitors from other packs are here. The Alpha has already announced that the winner will marry you."

My expression hardened at the revelation. "This is unacceptable, Mia. I won't let my father decide my fate like this. I need to do something."

Mia sighed. "What can you do, Hope? You don't have a choice."

Determin