The Beta's Rejected Daughter (Fiona) novel Chapter 43

Chapter 43

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Carl turned slightly toward Shaun. “We are using your program,” he said. “But I modified it.”

Shaun stiffened. “You… modified it? To be harder?”

“Yes.”

A chill ran through the room. Shaun’s challenge alone was legendary and almost impossible to win. If this man had altered it, then whatever awaited us wouldn’t be merciful.

Shaun nodded, stepping in to explain, clearly more comfortable with familiar ground. “As most of you already know, I’ve had a tradition at Orica University for many years.”

A murmur spread instantly.

“If a student can beat this challenge,” Shaun continued, “they’ll never go through this beginner level and immediately enter the top level. I’ll simply give them a perfect score to become a senior.”

The room exploded with gasps, everyone mumbling.

I felt Raina’s grip tighten on my sleeve.

“But in all my years of teaching,” Shaun added, his tone sharpening, “only one student has ever managed to complete it at this beginner level.”

The hall stilled again.

“That was Damon,” someone whispered behind me.

Shaun confirmed it. “Damon Jenson. Now a senior and next Beta of this pack. He is one of the most famous students this university has produced, and in strength, only the Prince can stand him.”

My chest tightened despite trying to shove the thought of him aside.

Damon, my brother. I could remember when he showed me that award, telling me it was a record no one in this pack could ever break.

“Every year, during sophomore year, this challenge is offered,” Shaun said. “You only get one shot.”

His gaze swept the room.

“So,” he finished, “who’s brave enough to try?”

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Chapter 43

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Raina leaned close instantly, her voice barely above a whisper. “Oh my God… Did you hear that? Fiona, are you thinking of trying?”

“Yes.”

The word left my mouth before I had time to second–guess it.

No hesitation.

“If you’re in, then I’m in too,” Raina said with a grin. “I’ll probably fail in five minutes, but who cares? It’s the fun that counts.”

I couldn’t help a faint smile.

When it came to my skills, Raina had always believed in me more than anyone else.

“Damon was the first one who ever passed this,” she added excitedly. “Fifty–four minutes! Fiona, you have to beat him. Crush him!”

“This has nothing to do with Damon,” I muttered, though his name still weighed on me. “I just don’t want to win, and you know this strange man had modified it. It may be trickier and more difficult.”

“Everyone can participate?” someone asked shakily.

Carl’s gaze swept the room again. “Anyone who believes they’re worth testing.”

There was silence, and no one else moved. It wasn’t about not winning; most times, it’s about coming out alive because it had always been something dangerous and deadly, enough to put your life to a real test.

Yet, I didn’t hesitate and stood.

The scrape of my chair sounded far louder than it should have.

“I’ll take it,” I said, and my voice didn’t shake.

The room erupted into whispers while Carl turned slowly to face me fully.

For the first time, his expression shifted–not much, but enough for me to notice. Interest. Sharp and assessing.

“Fiona,” he said, clearly.

“Yes,” I replied. “I’ll take your challenge.”

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Raina jumped up beside me immediately. “Me too!”

Carl glanced at her briefly, then back at me.

“This trial won’t be kind,” he said. “Once it starts, I won’t interfere.”

“I don’t need kindness,” I said. “Just the rules.”

Something unreadable flickered through his eyes.

“Very well.”

He turned back to the class. “Only these two will participate.”

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