Chapter 71

ELARA

Two Days Later.

It was the most important day in our world.

The first of the three trials.

I stood before the mirror, staring at my bleak reflection. My hair and makeup looked perfect. Ronan had hired professionals to attend to me and ensure I looked my best.

Of course, it was important I looked my best. I'd be seated next to him as his Luna for everyone to see. He cared much for his reputation.

Despite the anticipation in the air, I couldn't help the feeling of unease that gnawed at my stomach. Just a while ago, while I bathed, I did that stupid uncomfortable thing again. I touched myself until I came, all to the memory of that weird dream.

I'd never been able to make myself cum before. But this...it was beyond anything I could explain. Beyond the memory.

Each time the dream came to mind, it always felt real. It was as if I could feel him on me. Feel his kisses, his stimulating touch, his passion.

It was too real to ignore. To real not to cum.

And it bothered me.

Yesterday, I even opened up to Rowan about it. Told him I'd been having this disturbing dream and didn't know what it meant.

He wasn't of much help and simply teased me about being obsessed with Ronan who didn't like me.

I felt stuck. Confused.

Someone knocked, followed by my door opening. Only one person would knock and enter without waiting for my permission. "See who's looking like a doll!" Rowan chuckled as he walked up to me.

He was outfitted in a hand some suit, his hair freshly-shaved.

I flashed him a small smile before looking away." Hi, Rowan."

"Hm. Someone does not look happy. Tell me, cutie. What's making that pretty face sad?"

I rolled my eyes, then turned around so my back was against the dresser.

"You look good," I mumbled.

"Yeah," he frowned as he looked down at the suit." I actually didn't want to come to this, but that dickhead, Finn insisted I do or I risk being kicked out of Ironcrest. You know, that man might really go missing one day."

I laughed-genuinely this time. "You two are crazy."

He picked us the glass of wine I'd been drinking and emptied it down his throat. "You know, you'd also become quite powerful when Ronan wins this thing. You'd become the Luna to every other Luna." He chuckled, obviously liking how it tasted on his tongue.

"Then, you'd have more people wanting to kiss your ass. You'd be respected everywhere you go. Hm. My little friend."

Unlike him who seemed pleased, my smile faded. The painful reality jabbed me in the chest, making me feel nothing but pain.

"You seem to be forgetting it's only for a year," the words were acrid on my tongue.

I cleared my throat and looked toward the window.

Dawning on Rowan, his countenance dropped as he ran his hand through his face. "Fuck. Elara, I'm... I'm sorry. I honestly don't know why I forgot."

Vivienne was going to be my replacement. Ronan only wanted me for a year before Vivienne took over. But why would he even want me for just a year? It didn't make much sense.

"It's fine." I forced a smile at Rowan. "We should get going."

Reaching downstairs, one of the guards was there to lead me to Ronan who had been waiting in his Stretch SUV.

The air seemed to shift as soon as I settled beside him. i took a deep breath, forcing the oxygen to remain in my lungs.

"Greetings, Alpha." My voice lacked its usual warmth.

It was difficult to sound normal when I was hurting because of this very man.

We were both in the backseat, yet felt so far due to the distance between us.

Ronan looked stunning. I could tell from the brief glance I took at him. He also smelt good, of rich cologne. It was the very one I smelt in my dream. And that, on its own, was a torment.

"Hi, Elara," he murmured without looking at me.

In a minute, we hit the road.

The trial was taking place in a much bigger hall. It was packed to the brim as the pack members of each participating Alpha were present.

Not everyone, though. Otherwise, there wouldn't be enough space for people to breathe.

Ronan and I were led in through the back entrance and onto the main stage where the participating Alphas and their Lunas sat. I did not miss the dissatisfied look that filled the faces of the other Alphas as soon as they saw Ronan.

They must be intimidated by his participation. Well, even I would've felt the same way.

Ronan's expression was as hard as rock as we were led to take our seats. I found myself being a little nervous.

Ronan and I might have our differences. He might be an ass and hurt my feelings most of the times, but I still wanted him to win.

The hall was a little noisy as guests made their way in and tried to settle in. I used the distraction to stare at Ronan.

Man was undoubtedly hand some. Charming. He was the cutest male I'd ever seen, despite how rude he was.

My mind drifted to five years ago, on that magical night when he called me a name I'd never been called before.

'Your wish is my command, Princess.'

'Until tonight, I don't think I've ever met a lady as stunning as you, Princess.'

My breath froze in my throat. Those were the cutest things anyone had ever said to me. Even after so long, they sounded so clear in my head like they'd only been said yesterday.

'Do you think we could adjust our deal? I'd love to spend another day with you.'

More of his magical words.

I sniffled, dragging my eyes to my nails. I really needed to stop thinking about him if I didn't want to risk ruining my makeup and gaining people's attention.

I felt better when the chairman-Rowan's father-came up and addressed the people. It was a welcomed distraction.

The hall became quiet. Some peace, finally.

He welcomed everyone, including the Alphas and their Lunas.

Then, he spoke about the first trial which he said was termed 'A King's Wisdom.

A large screen on the wall came on. There, we could see various rooms sliding past.

The Chairman explained what the rooms meant. The participating Alphas would be in it, each at a time. They were to escape the rooms within a given time. And we, the viewers, would be able to see all the decisions they make and the actions they take.

I've heard a lot about how tricky the trails could be. It was the first time I'd be getting to watch it. I considered it a privilege.

The participating Alphas were summoned. My eyes caught onto Darius, only because he'd been staring at me. I hadn't even noticed he was present as I had been too busy stealing glances at Ronan.

Of course, Darius Vane wouldn't miss this opportunity for anything in the world. Someone that thrived on power.

Alpha Garrick was there as well. That familiar feeling of unease wrapped around me. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't help the feeling that he was hiding something from me.

The Chairman addressed the Alphas, giving them the simple rules of the trial. Firstly, they were forbidden from using their powers in any form.

He told them, "this is a trail for the wisest minds. It is to see how right you think."

Finally, he conveyed, "At this moment, you're to see yourselves as the Alpha King. Think as one. Act like one."

He wished them luck, and off they were. They were led away by some guards who took them through a narrow path.

I sucked in a deep breath as I rubbed my palms together. Some of them would fail this trial. I knew it. Not all could pass.

Deep down, I hoped Ronan would be among the winners.

On the stage now were the Lunas of the Alphas. We sat back and waited for the first Alphas to perform.