Sera's Pov
The instructor didn't waste time.
"The warrior we dragged away weeks ago," he began, voice sharp and unwavering, "gave us valuable information before he met his fate."
A chilling silence settled over the trainees. No one asked what had happened to the traitor—we all knew. Lucian wasn't the type to show mercy.
"Turns out, he was part of a small rogue camp," the instructor continued. "Part of the faction plotting the coup."
A murmur rippled through the group, but no one dared to speak.
Lucian had been right.
When he stood before us weeks ago and said he didn't trust any of us, he meant it.
The problem now was that one traitor's actions had dire consequences for his entire pack. Even if his people had nothing to do with the betrayal, they would suffer for it. No mercy. No exceptions.
I clenched my fists.
This was the kind of world we lived in.
The instructor's eyes swept over us.
"Which brings us to the purpose of the competition." His gaze was sharp, scanning the crowd. "The Alpha King has personally chosen each of your opponents."
The air grew heavier. Lucian had chosen?
That meant this wasn't just about skill or fairness. It was about something else.
"You will fight using anything you want—except fatal strikes." The instructor let that sink in before continuing. "The winners will be placed at the back of the formation during the raid."
Murmurs spread. I already knew what was coming next, but hearing it aloud still sent a cold chill down my spine.
"The losers," the instructor said, his voice slow and unwavering, "will be sent to the frontline."
Silence.
The meaning was clear.
This wasn't about proving ourselves. This was about survival.
The winners would have the best chance of making it out alive. The losers? They'd be expendable shields.
A sick, inverted reward system.
I swallowed down the frustration burning in my chest. Lucian had designed this. He wanted the weak gone. He wanted me gone.
And I knew exactly how he planned to do it.
Names were being called. Trainees turned to size up their opponents, some looking relieved, others looking like they were barely holding back curses.
Then—
"Sera versus Enzo."
My blood ran cold.
Enzo.
One of the strongest and most ruthless fighters here.
I slowly turned my head, my eyes locking onto him. He stood tall, muscles carved from relentless training, scars marking his skin like trophies. Enzo wasn't just strong—he was brutal. He didn't just win fights; he crushed his opponents, leaving them battered, broken.
Lucian.
I could practically see his smirk in my mind.
This wasn't a coincidence. He had chosen Enzo for me on purpose. If I died, I'd be just another failed warrior, and he wouldn't even have to get his hands dirty.
I gritted my teeth. Bastard.
Kael, who had been lazily watching the pairings, turned to me and grinned. "Well," he said, voice dripping with amusement, "you certainly got the short end of the stick."
I shot him a glare. "Thanks. That helps."
He chuckled, completely unbothered. "Look on the bright side—you could've been against me."
I scoffed. "Right. That would've been so much better."
He placed a dramatic hand on his chest. "You wound me, Sera. Are you saying you wouldn't want the privilege of facing me in battle?"
I rolled my eyes.
Kael was many things—dangerous, cunning, and completely unreadable—but he was also infuriatingly relaxed about everything. It was like nothing ever truly concerned him.
I, on the other hand, was trying not to panic.
Enzo was no joke.
Kael must have noticed my tension because the teasing smirk on his lips softened. Without warning, he reached out and patted my head.
I blinked. "What are you—"
His other hand rubbed the side of my hair, like I was some sort of dog he was trying to cheer up.
"You'll be fine," he said casually. "Just don't die."
I smacked his hand away, scowling. "Wow. Amazing advice. I feel so much better."
Kael only chuckled.
Then, just as I was about to turn away, he said something that actually made me pause.
"Want some help?"
I hesitated. "Help?"
He leaned in slightly, his green eyes glinting in the sunlight. "I'll train you."
I frowned. "I'm already good."
He smirked. "You are. But Enzo is stronger."
I hated that he was right.
Kael's smirk widened, sensing my reluctant acceptance.
"A little preparation wouldn't hurt, right?" he murmured.
I sighed. Damn him.
"…Fine," I muttered.
Kael's grin was downright smug.
"Good."