The War God Alpha's Arranged Bride (Evelyn and Alexander) novel Chapter 388

**Steps Along Forgotten Roads**
**By Sophia Reed**
**Chapter 388: Winner**

**Judy’s POV**

As I lay on the cold, unforgiving ground, I felt the familiar rush of energy as I shifted back into my human form. My gaze was locked on Sherry, who lay motionless, her unconscious body a stark reminder of the brutal competition we’d just endured. My heart raced violently within my chest, each beat echoing my fears. Had I gone too far? In that moment of chaos, had I truly killed her? My intention had never been to strike her heart; I had merely sought to incapacitate her, to push her away and stop her relentless assault. But now, the weight of my actions bore down on me with a crushing force. I never meant for this to happen…

Suddenly, the frantic footsteps of medics broke through my spiraling thoughts as they hurried past me, their expressions serious and focused. I watched, breathless, as they surrounded Sherry’s still form, their hands moving with practiced precision. They carefully extracted the knife and arrow embedded in her body, their urgency palpable as they worked to staunch the flow of blood. I held my breath, anxiety coiling tightly in my stomach, until I saw her chest rise and fall with a shuddering breath. That small sign of life sent a wave of relief washing over me, but it was quickly overshadowed by the reality of the situation.

She was alive.

I hadn’t taken her life.

Yet, my mind was so consumed with my own racing heartbeat and shallow breaths that I failed to comprehend the medics’ murmurs as they spoke to her. Sherry still seemed lost, her eyes clouded with confusion, and the blood continued to seep from her wounds. Her wolf spirit, the one that could heal her, had yet to awaken.

The medics moved with urgency around her, striving to revive her strength, but she appeared so fragile, so defeated in that moment. I couldn’t tear my gaze away from her pale face, the tremor of her lip, and the vacant look in her eyes as she fought to control her breathing.

Then, another medic appeared, carrying supplies to hasten her recovery. They were pushing hard to get her back on her feet, desperate to prolong the fight, even if it meant risking her life. My stomach twisted at the thought. I glanced over at Levi, who sat with the other Lycans, his demeanor unfazed, as if he were watching a mere game unfold. There was no hint of sympathy in his eyes, only indifference. When our gazes met, a smile crept onto his lips, as if he were silently applauding my efforts, and it turned my stomach to knots.

I quickly diverted my eyes back to Sherry, who was being propped up by the medics, her face still ghostly pale, her gaze wavering.

“Are you able to continue?” one of the medics asked, his tone bold and almost incredulous.

The audacity of that man! Did he truly believe she could fight in her condition? Sherry met his gaze for a moment before her eyes flickered back to me, narrowing with a fierce determination that sparked something deep within me. My heart raced as I tried to decipher the emotions swirling in her eyes.

The entire stadium was silent, every spectator hanging onto the moment, their breaths collectively held.

I could sense the battle raging within her; she wanted to say yes, to rise up and fight me again. But then, almost imperceptibly, that fire dimmed, and she lowered her gaze to the ground, weighing her options.

Finally, with a heavy breath, she uttered the words that felt like a dagger to my heart, “I surrender.”

A sharp intake of breath rippled through the crowd at her barely audible admission. I felt my mouth drop open in disbelief as I released the bow and arrow, letting them clatter to the ground beside me.

The medics exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of surprise and concern.

“Final say, are you sure?” one of them pressed.

“Yes,” she whispered again, her voice barely above a breath. “I surrender.”

They nodded solemnly as they retrieved a stretcher, lifting her gently. She winced, a sharp cry escaping her lips as they maneuvered her onto the stretcher. I noticed a stitch pop open, blood trickling down her side, a clear indication that she was in no condition to fight. It was a wise decision, but I could see the pain it caused her, the internal battle she faced as she surrendered her pride.

She had fought valiantly, and I knew that scouts would soon be in contact with her.

As they began to carry her away, she suddenly stopped them, her eyes locking onto mine. A flicker of respect passed between us, and to my astonishment, she offered me a soft smile.

“I knew you’d be a fierce competitor,” she said, extending her hand towards me. “Congratulations. It was an honor to meet you, Judy Montague.”

I grasped her hand firmly, my body trembling with a mix of emotions, my eyes wide with astonishment.

Then, as quickly as it began, she released my hand, and they carried her away, leaving me standing alone in the center of the arena, still very much exposed and vulnerable.

The moment she was gone, it was as if someone had flipped a switch; the entire stadium erupted into raucous cheers, the sound reverberating through my body, pulling me back to reality.

“And we have a winner!!” the announcer’s voice boomed through the loudspeaker, while drones buzzed overhead, capturing every angle of the moment. “Congratulations, Judy Montague! You won the Gamma Competition!!!”

The crowd went wild, and I stood frozen in disbelief; I had won?

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