The Lightning Wolf Chronicles (Evelyn and Nadia) novel Chapter 33

Chapter 33: There Are Several Promising Prospects

Evelyn’s POV

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When we got back to the pack house, the main hall was buzzing with activity. Alpha King Nathan and Alpha Adam sat on the couch deep

in conversation, their voices low and serious. Luna Queen Selena and Isabella were on the other side with their tea, chatting casually.

“Conrad showed up? Alpha King Nathan looked up when he spotted us.

“Yeah, he did,” Alistair answered. “Even gave everyone a little test at the training field.”

The Alpha King raised an eyebrow. “How’d that go?”

Alistair’s eyes swept over our group, landing on me again. “Pretty decent. There are several promising prospects.”

I ducked my head, pretending not to notice his stare. Being singled out like that made my skin crawl.

“Sentinels don’t waste time,” Alpha Adam said. “If Conrad’s here early, the others can’t be far behind.”

“Biggest selection we’ve had in years,” Nathan mused. “Most participants ever, probably.”

“That’s right,” Adam confirmed.

“Evie,” Luna Isabella’s gentle voice cut through my thoughts. “Come sit. You look beat.”

I walked over and dropped down beside her. Luna Queen Selena studied me with kind eyes. “I heard you’re trying out for the selection?’

“Yes, Luna Queen.”

“That takes guts,” she smiled. “But you’re still so young. Don’t put all that pressure on yourself.”

I nodded, but inside I was thinking differently. Young? So what? Dreams didn’t wait around for age.

The next few days flew by. More Sentinels kept arriving, some even joining our training sessions. Each one carried this aura that screamed danger the kind forged through countless life-or-death situations.

–

Participants from other packs started showing up too. The training field got packed, competition thick enough to cut with a knife. I tried not to let the pressure mess with my head, just focused on each session.

Finally, with only two days left until the real deal, tonight was the banquet. A formal one.

I stared at myself in the mirror, wearing the gown Nadia had picked out. Deep blue dress, classy but not over the top, with silver embroidery at the neckline and cuffs that looked like stars.

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Chapter 33: There Are Several Promising Prospects

“Perfect! Nadia clapped her hands.

a

“We’re going to eat dinner, not compete in Miss Universe,” I said, but let her mess with my hair anyway.

The banquet hall was already pretty crowded when we arrived. Besides Alpha Adam and Luna Isabella, all the pack higher ups were there Delta Griffin, Gamma Thomas. Sentinel Conrad stood near the back with another guy I hadn’t seen before. Based on his vibe, definitely

another Sentinel.

Dinner started off relaxed. Good food, decent wine, people actually having conversations instead of just business talk. If my brain wasn’t

stuck on the selection, this would’ve been a nice evening.

After we finished eating, Nadia was dragging me upstairs with the boys when Conrad called my name.

I looked at Nadia, and she squeezed my hand. “Good luck,” she said, then shoved the boys toward the stairs.

“Got a few questions for you,” Conrad said straight up.

I nodded, trying to look calm.

“Say you’re running a ten-person squad,” Conrad started. “Your job is guarding an important mountain pass. Enemy’s got three times your numbers, better gear, and there might be spies in your own team. How do you set up your defense?”

The question made me think hard. Ten against thirty, with possible traitors? This was basically a suicide mission. But Sentinels wouldn’t

ask impossible questions.

“First thing,” I said slowly, “I’d split the team into three groups. Three people as a mobile unit, ready to back up anyone who needs help. The other two groups would hold the high ground on both sides of the pass.”

“Why not bunch everyone together?” Conrad asked.

‘Concentrated defense looks solid, but against three-to-one odds, you’re just asking to get surrounded. Spread out, you can create crossfire, and…” I paused, “If there really are splies, you don’t lose everything in one hit.”

“Keep going,” Conrad and the other Sentinel exchanged a look.

“Second, I’d set traps and early warning systems around the pass. Not to kill just to know when they’re coming. I continued. Most important though, I’d have two escape routes ready. Holding the pass matters, but keeping the squad alive matters more.”

“What if your commanding officer ordered you to fight to the death?” Conrad pressed.

Harder question. I thought for a long time. “I’d follow orders, but I’d send someone to break through and get word back. Even if we all die, the pack needs to know what went down.”

Both Sentinels went quiet.

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Chapter 33: There Are Several Promising Prospects

“Last question, Conrad said. “If you found out the spy was one of your own team, what would you do?”

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“Id… I took a deep breath, “watch them quietly and confirm it first. Then handle the problem before things got critical, but I wouldn’t

announce it. No point wrecking everyone’s morale.”

“What if the spy was someone you trusted most?”

“Duty’s duty, I forced out the words. “Personal stuff can’t come before pack safety.”

Conrad finally cracked a smile. “Good answers. Smart, but you’ve still got heart. Your tactical thinking’s more mature than I expected. Who

taught you this stuff?”

“Books, and… experience,” I said vaguely.

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