The Luna Trials by Marissa Gilbert novel Chapter 18

18. Our Spot

Shaken, Elene’s lips twitched uncontrollably as she looked at her brother. She couldn’t believe he was doing this to her, but she knew better than contradicting her King.

Very well,” she let on. A new fake smile appeared on her lips, and she sought to look as if his interruption did not bother her. “The next contender then. So, Brigit, how about …”

“No!” Kai thundered, and every head at the table turned in his direction. “Enough history. Allow the ladies to enjoy their brunch, sister.”

“But “She started, wanting to say so much more; however, upon meeting his stern gaze, she forced another smile on her lips. “You are so lucky that the Lycan King of The North is gracious. I had many more questions for all of you, but his wish is my command. As for the points, they will be summed up based on the ….”

“No need for that!” Kai stopped her again. Anger flashed in the princess’s eyes this time.

Savvy watched the show with interest, her hand stretching to get a succulent strawberry This was a new change of events..

“This is an official challenge, Kai,” Elene insisted, “Their points must be taken into consideration.”

“Oh, I am aware.” The King retorted and gestured for his Beta to come forward. Savannah hadn’t had the chance to meet the infamous Beta Lachlan in person yet. The Crimson Wolf got his nickname not thanks to the colour of his fur, which was, in fact, a cream colour on the verge of light golden. A beautiful colour which caused many enemies to underestimate him, thinking he was soft in nature. All of them ended up dead.

The nickname came from the battle where he almost single-handedly killed hundreds of rebellious werewolves. By the end of the fight, his fur had indeed become red from all the blood that gushed onto him from the wounds of his opponents.

So, when a friendly-looking guy in his late twenties with blonde hair and a beard walked to Kai with a grin plastered over his face, she raised her brow in surprise. Looks were indeed deceiving…

“Lachlan will be responsible for the points from now on,” Kai announced. Gasps of surprise rippled through the crowd next to them, drowning out the buzzing of drones flying above them.

“That’s great,” Elene fraudulently offered as she smiled, looking like she was about to break a neck or two. “I will give him the information…..”

“That will not be necessary,” Lachlan stopped her. “I had been counting and am ready to announce the results.”

“Begin,” Kai gestured, ignoring his sister glaring at him.

“Salome Gray, Autumn Bern, Mikaela Levarro, Naya Knight, Astrid Erling, Mavis Redfeather,” the Beta called out and then paused, looking around. Only when he had their full attention did he continue on. “Two correct questions and five points for each question.”

“Penelope Summerstern, Inga Finn, and Celia Morr,” Lachlan went on. “Two answered questions. Two and a half points each due to their level of complexity. Five points in total each.”

The satisfied smile on Penelope’s face faded. “Brigit Borg. One question answered correctly. Five points.” The werebear girl only lifted her chin higher, ignoring the murmurs behind her back.

“Petra Biernat.” Lachlan cleared his throat and sighed. “Mind link detected. Two questions answered. Five points each. Five points were deducted. Five points in total.”

“Savannah Stormhold. Three questions answered. Ten points each due to their complexity.” Lachlan announced, and even Savvy was shocked with such a decision.

“Please, announce the final points for the two tasks,” Kai nodded at his Beta.

“Of course,” Lachlan was clearly ready for everything. “In the lead is Princess Savannah with 20 points. Followed by Salome Gray, Autumn Bern, Mikaela Levarro, Naya Knight, Astrid Erling, and Mavis Redfeather, with 15 points each. Penelope Summerstern, Inga Finn, Celia Morr, Petra Biernat, Bridget Borg – ten points each.”

“Congratulations, ladies!” Kai gave them all his most brilliant smile. He seemed very happy with the results. “This wraps it up for today. Enjoy your brunch!”

The King stood up, trying to catch Savannah’s glance, but she was too busy watching the reactions of other contenders.

“Brother!” Elene, however, was already at his side. “Why don’t we speak for a minute?” “Of course,” he offered her his hand, and she accepted. Savannah turned to look at them, but they had turned their backs to her.

She watched as they walked away without saying a thing.

“Well,” Inga was the first to speak, throwing a hostile gaze at Savvy, “whatever services you provide for the king seems to be paying off.”

“I’d watch your mouth when you speak to me if I were you,” Savannah replied without emotion. Having low expectations with these girls was really the way to go.

“That’s the difference between us!” The blonde spat out in contempt as she jumped to her feet, clenching her fists, her chest heaving up and down. “I am not you! I don’t use a man’s protection!”

“Of course not,” Savvy smirked, fixing the non-existent creases on her dress. “You can only cling to your so-called friends.”

“We all saw you go away with him deep into the garden!” Celia joined her friend in the witch hunt. However, the only witch in the crowd watched the scene with amusement, sipping her mimosa

“So?” Savvy arched her brow.

“Ladies, please!” Penelope stood up, rubbing her forehead. “We don’t have to do this. I am sure that whatever Savannah and King Kai were doing there was innocent.”

“Princess Savannah,”Savvy corrected firmly, meeting the woman’s gaze. “If you are using titles, don’t forget about mine.”

“Of course. Princess Savannah.” Penelope went pale but managed to keep her

composure.

Everyone went quiet for a few moments, but Inga broke the awkward silence. “We still don’t know what you were doing there!” She hissed.

“Maybe it’s because it’s none of your business?” Brigit chuckled. “Should the Northern King seek your permission before being alone with someone?”

Celia opened her mouth to say something, but Petra had joined in the ‘discussion:

“They just talked,” she said calmly but loudly enough for everyone present to hear. “I was looking for King Kai and saw them together. They talked. Nothing else.”

Savvy caught her gaze and thanked her with a small smile. This was unexpected.

“Doesn’t matter,” Celia finally got her chance to speak. “We all know King Kai will only marry a northerner and a lycan at that. So, all of you don’t stand a chance.”

“Why are you so worked up then?” Naya scoffed, moving off the table.

After a speedy yet careful consideration, Savannah decided it was best to follow her example. However, when she had almost removed herself from her companions at the table, she heard Inga’s voice again.

“And don’t think that this little advantage in points will stick. These were children’s games! The best is yet to come, and everyone here will come for you!”

She disregarded her vicious comment simply because experience had taught her that arguing with ignorant people was useless. Nevertheless, she knew Inga had a point. Since she was in the lead for the Trials, she now had a target on her back. And when it came to the battle challenges that would come later, she would be at the top of everyone’s kill list.

Savvy wondered if Kai had known that when he ventured to restore a balance in points. “He wanted to help,” Athena hinted, deciding to share her point of view.

“Or he simply wanted the North to look good,” Savannah retorted, walking in the direction of the castle. “Elene wasn’t doing a good job, you know.”

“He likes you, don’t deny that!” her wolf insisted, purring inside.

“Zack also liked me,” Savvy snorted, “and look how well that ended! I seem to be attracting problems with the men who like me now.”

“His wolf also likes us.” Athena wasn’t one to give up. She was probably one of the most stubborn wolves ever.

“His wolf wants us. There is a difference.”

She reached the hidden entrance, one she now singularly used to and from the garden whereby taking advantage of the knowledge Kai provided to the fullest when she heard his voice.

“Savvy, wait!”

***